May's Outstanding Employees

This month's honorees include a head custodian, senior benefits analyst, building manager, and elementary school principal

Four APS employees are recognized each month during the school year through the Employee Recognition Program. Anyone can nominate an outstanding employee. A committee made up of people from different employee groups reviews nominations, looking for those employees who go above and beyond to make a difference in their role. 

• Tobias Archuleta – Head Custodian, Mary Ann Binford Elementary School

• Ann Johnson – Senior Benefits Analyst
• Victor Quinones – Building Manager, APS Maintenance & Operations
• Casey Reid-Kadlec – Principal, Inez Elementary School

The honorees are being featured on the APS electronic billboards around town and will be recognized by the APS Board of Education, receiving a lasting memento of the honor.

Learn More about May's Honorees

Tobias Archuleta – Head Custodian, Mary Ann Binford Elementary School

Tobias has great energy and is super positive every day. He is a great supervisor and teacher of his craft to younger and newer custodians. He is extremely welcoming to students, staff, and families.

Tobias ensures the school's overall safety. And even though Mary Ann Binford is more than 40 years old, you would think the inside is brand new because it's so kempt and clean.

Tobias also plays a crucial role in executing the school's vision and mission for students. He talks to students about their studies, joins in on class projects, and presides as a judge each year for our Bilingual Seal presentations for 5th grade.

"He has been a fantastic ambassador for our school and ensures we stay connected with our outside partners and the positive relationship he has built with our Operations & Maintenance Department within APS," said Principal Natalie Martinez. "He is an asset to our school community, and we are lucky to be able to continue to work alongside Tobias Archuleta each day!"

Ann Johnson – Senior Benefits Analyst

Ann is consistently considerate, kind, and thoughtful in her responses to coworkers and employees. She has a wonderful way of listening and explaining hard-to-grasp benefits-related concepts so they understand and make informed decisions. She also brings a depth of wisdom to the benefits of medical and non-medical plans, contracting, retirement, compensation, and compliance that few in our industry have and manages to pull off witty, dry humor in response to what is otherwise a pretty difficult area of benefits.

Ann steps in as a department lead when needed. She never complains about long work hours, weekend time spent in the office, or the constantly changing benefits environment due to COVID, federal and local legislation that often lead to quick pivots and changes for structures in place. Ann consistently, year over year, goes above and beyond in her role.

"I think if you asked anyone what a Senior Benefits Analyst does, they'd shrug their shoulders. Because the fact is few can do what Ann does, and she does it with grace, kindness, and humility toward everyone," said Becky MacGregor, employee wellness coordinator.

Victor Quinones – Building Manager, Berna Facio

Victor Quinones is amazing at what he does. He is helpful, always ready to go above and beyond, and dependable. Victor cares about his job and the Berna Facio Professional Development Complex, the building he manages. His dedication is immeasurable. No matter how big or small the meeting or event is, he treats everyone the same. He is always in a great mood and very welcoming to anyone who enters the building.

“His ideas and effort to help everyone are valuable and help everything run smoother,” said Valerie Burch, Development Manager for the APS Education Foundation. The Foundation has used Berna Facio for many meetings and events. The fact that our experience there is consistently amazing says a lot about Victor. There is nothing that Victor would not do the help or make things better. He has a sense of pride and ownership in his work.”

Casey Reid-Kadlec – Principal, Inez Elementary School

Ms. Casey is the glue that has kept Inez together during some very trying times. She spends countless hours and energy making sure our school is a safe and effective learning environment for students and staff.

Ms. Casey is often at school long before her duty day starts and stays late into the night. If a student is in danger, she will not rest until they are safe. Her dedication to her students and staff is incredible. She goes above and beyond her job title.

“The way Ms. Casey shows she loves her students makes her stand out. Every student gets excited to see Ms. Casey in the hallways, in their classrooms, and on the playground. Everyone always waves Hi or acknowledges her in some way," said school nurse Danielle Steiner. "The staff all have such wonderful things to say about her. Her dedication to her craft is incredibly obvious.”

How to Nominate an Employee

You can nominate an employee by filling out an online application. The nomination must be completed by someone other than the nominee  (no self-nominations are eligible for consideration).

Award recipients will be selected monthly by a Peer Praise Task Force.