Judy Goans, a program analyst, has been named the Department's October 2015 Employee of the Month.
"I work with a great group of people, and being nominated by them is an honor," said Goans.
Goans works in the Office of Special Education, Early Intervention section, which operates a statewide program for children with disabilities called Missouri First Steps.
"As a parent, I know that we all want what is best for our own children. I enjoy hearing the stories from First Steps families whose lives have been improved by having their child in First Steps," said Goans.
"She is always courteous to parents or professionals who call the Department looking for information about First Steps," said her nominators. "Judy has great customer service skills that make her an outstanding state employee. She always offers to help others and keeps a positive attitude even when the going gets rough. Everyone in First Steps knows Judy by just her first name. She is the go-to person in our section."
"I enjoy being able to help people who call our office by getting them to the person that can help them or providing information myself," said Goans.
Goans has been with the Department for nine years. She lives in California, with her husband, Rick. They have three children and are expecting their first grandchild in November. When not serving the Department, Goans enjoys spending time with her family and friends, going to concerts, and rooting for the Kansas City Chiefs, St. Louis Cardinals and Missouri Tigers.