LARNED — The Larned Correctional Mental Health Facility reports the following Employees of the Quarter for the second quarter of the year 2012 — Uniformed, Aaron Cobb, Corrections Officer II; Non-Uniformed, Carla Lile, Administrative Specialist I.; Contract, Valarie Browning, Discharge Planning Specialist.
Aaron Cobb, Corrections Officer II
Aaron Cobb, Uniformed Employee of the Quarter, began his career at Larned Correctional Mental Health Facility in July 2004, as a Corrections Officer I on the 10-6 shift.  He worked for two years on night shift before promoting to COII and moving to the 6-2 shift.
Aaron’s nomination reads, “COII Cobb is a great worker and has a great attitude.  His positive attitude makes everyone smile and just makes the day easier. He is always willing to help others when they need it and offer advice.  He is very professional in dealing with both inmates and staff.  COII Cobb is always ready and willing to do whatever it takes to get the job done.  
“He never complains about any job that he is required to do. He goes above and beyond to ensure the safety of officers as well as inmates.  He is great in time of crisis and he tends to de-escalate any potential security issues we have with upset inmates.  He supports his officers and is always there to offer help.”
Aaron was raised in Haviland and attended Pratt Community College where he majored in Graphic Design.  Some of Aaron’s hobbies and interests include being with family and working with his hands.  He enjoys building, fixing things and working on cars.  
Aaron’s favorite song is “Chicken Fried”, his favorite food is pizza and his favorite quote is “Work for a cause, not applause.”
Carla Lile, Administrative Specialist
Carla Lile, Non-uniformed Employee of the Quarter, began her career with Larned Correctional Mental Health Facility in August 2010 as the Administrative Specialist in the Human Resources Department.  Before coming to LCMHF, Carla worked five years with Dr. Copeland, one year as the Assistant Superintendent Secretary for USD 495 and for fourteen years served as a Deputy CO Clerk at the Pawnee County Clerks Office.
Carla’s nomination reads, “Carla Lile is a dependable, efficient, and capable HR professional, which makes her an invaluable member of Human Resources.  While awaiting final word on the dissolution of Human Resources Shared Services, Carla consistently maintained a professional demeanor.  She continued her duties and responsibilities to the other two agencies, even well beyond the actual physical separation.  
“Her attitude and willingness to help reflects her genuine desire to provide exceptional customer service.  Since moving to LCMHF, Carla has made a remarkable effort to learn and to provide the payroll function for LCMHF.  Her intelligence, skill and ability to make logical associations have facilitated this process with very positive results.  Furthermore, her easygoing manner and natural friendliness has enabled her to work effectively with the facility timekeepers.”
Carla was born in Hays and moved to Larned when she was six. She graduated from Larned High School and attended two years at Barton County Community College. Carla received her Optical Assistant Certificate in San Antonio, Texas then moved back to Kansas and continued her education classes with her previous job.  
Carla and her husband, Rick Lile have four children; twin boys, Jonnie and Billie and tow daughters, Brianna and Cheyenne.  Carla enjoys cooking, restoration, antiques, and redecorating.  Carla also currently helps cater with Sweet Traditions and at Reiderer Inn during her off time.  Carla’s favorite song is “My Wish” by Rascal Flats and her favorite foods are Mexican, hot tamales, chocolate and watermelon. Carla’s favorite quote is, “Don’t count your chickens before they hatch.”  Carla says she doesn’t have much free time, but when she does, she enjoys spending time with family, going antique shopping, walking and reading new recipes on Pinterest.  
Valarie Browning, Discharge Planning Specialist
Valarie Browning, Contract Employee of the Quarter, began her career at Larned Correctional Mental Health Facility in July 1998, as an Office Assistant in the Mental Health Department.  Valarie has worn several hats at LCMHF over the years, including being the Activities Secretary, Administrative Assistant in Maintenance and an Activity Therapist before becoming the Discharge Planning Specialist in 2005.
Valarie’s nomination reads, “Ms. Browning has proven to be an asset for CCS, LCMHF and the KDOC as the Discharge Planning Specialist.  She comes to work every day with a smile on her face, always professional, courteous and goes above and beyond the call of duty.  She consistently and effectively keeps everyone within the facility and community updated in the reentry process.  
“In addition, she has a great rapport and helps provide offenders with all the avenues available so he/she has every opportunity to be successful upon release.  Her support and collaboration within the reentry process is outstanding.   Her knowledge, years of experience and expertise concerning discharge planning are invaluable.  Her dedication and the hard work she does each and every day is very much appreciated by all.”
Valarie was born in Geneva, New York, was raised in Colorado until the fifth grade, and then moved to Kansas.  Valarie graduated from Larned High School in 1989 and has obtained a Bachelor’s of Art and Bachelor’s of Science as well as a Master’s of Liberal Studies from Fort Hays State University.  
Valarie’s family includes Steven, 17; Kaitlyn, 18, and her wonderful significant other, Dean Earegood, who supports her in everything she does.
Valarie enjoys listening to any music by Kenny Chesney, likes Mexican food and loves reading from her Kindle Fire.  When asked what Valarie likes to do in her free time, she said she doesn’t have a lot of free time because she works a lot, but she enjoys keeping up with her children’s activities and spending time with her pets.