Patricia Nordahl was interviewed for a video to be shown at the Jan. 20 presentation of the Department of Human Services Circle of Excellence Awards. The interview took place at one of Nordahl’s favorite places, the sunny playroom at the Cooperation Station.
Minnesota Department of Human Services Commissioner Lucinda Jesson honored professionals and organizations from across the state on January 20, citing their “outstanding contributions to human services program clients.” Eleven individuals and organizations were recipients of the DHS Commissioner’s Circle of Excellence Awards. Among them was Patricia Nordahl of Lutsen, who was honored for her work as executive director of Cooperation Station, a non-profit, parentowned and-operated family childcare program, established in 1999.
Nordahl, a longtime childcare provider not only served as director of this innovative childcare center, she also assisted with efforts to develop the Parent Aware childcare rating system. She advised DHS on its federal Child Care Development Fund Plan and serves on the Governor’s Early Learning Council.
Nordahl and 10 other award recipients were recognized at a ceremony at the Elmer L. Andersen Human Services Building in St. Paul.
Jesson said the Circle of Excellence Award winners “are outstanding examples of how, collectively, we foster healthy people, stable families and strong communities.
By shining a light on their work, we honor all our partners in human services.”
Nordahl, who now works as Birch Grove Foundation director, was surprised by her selection for the award, but said she was pleased because it brings positive attention to childcare services. “I am hoping that my getting this award will help open eyes to the importance of quality child care and early childhood education experiences, and the important work that child care providers do in our community.”
Leave a Reply