DSCC honors Zack Alumbaugh for his outstanding customer service, collaboration and dedication to serving Illinois children and families

Information Technology Support Associate Zack Alumbaugh is the 2025 recipient of the Award of Merit from the University of Illinois Chicago’s Division of Specialized Care for Children (DSCC).

The award recognizes exceptional DSCC employees for outstanding dedication and service to Illinois children with special healthcare needs and their families.

Zack joined the DSCC Information Technology (IT) team in 2020 and is based in our Central Administrative Office (CAO) in Springfield. His can-do attitude, dedication to resolving a wide range of IT challenges and kindness have made an impact in Springfield and beyond.

“Zack brings unwavering patience, creative problem-solving and genuine empathy to every interaction and challenge he faces,” DSCC Executive Director Thomas F. Jerkovitz said.

“His expertise and caring attitude have benefited every department at DSCC and given our team members the reliable support they need to best serve our participants. He understands the importance of DSCC’s mission and continually finds new opportunities to improve processes that, in turn, improve outcomes and services for families.”

Zack said he considers his role at DSCC to be much more than a job.

“What we do matters. We help participants and their families get access to assistance and care that makes a difference in their lives. DSCC is a shining example of the way a society can come together to care for each other and improve lives,” he said.

DSCC managers and colleagues nominated Zack for the award. They praise his outstanding contributions to the IT team, exceptional customer service and ability to resolve a wide range of technical issues with patience, professionalism and warmth.  

“Zack skillfully bridges the gap between technology and the people who rely on it, demonstrating an extraordinary ability to anticipate needs and deliver clear, effective solutions. His remarkable capacity for communication has established him as a trusted resource across multiple departments, making him a linchpin in our organization,” said Andrew Nichols, Director of Information Systems, Security, and Compliance.

Whether the project is public-facing or behind the scenes, Assistant Director of Operations for Information Technology Greg Mayes says Zack’s combination of technical ability and exemplary customer service shines through.

“Zack’s incredibly intelligent with a great sense of humor and has a calming presence that puts everyone at ease,” Greg said.

Lombard Core Assistant Regional Manager Celestine Gatson couldn’t agree more.

“Zack’s work always, always, always exemplifies our mission. He’s always willing to be helpful,” Celestine said.

IT Training and Development Specialist Lynda Miller appreciates the many ways Zack “pours his heart into his work.”

“He never gives up on tough issues. He always follows through, and staff tell me how much they appreciate his support and his kindness,” Lynda continued. “Zack exemplifies our mission by collaborating with others, offering dependable support and building strong, trusting relationships across the team.”

Zack also enjoys spreading awareness about DSCC’s programs. He has supported key community outreach events, including the annual Illinois Statewide Transition Conference and the Sensory Station at the Illinois State Fair.

“At events, like the transition conference or other in-person meetings, he is quick to help and understands the importance of the work we do at DSCC. He works hard to ensure that things run smoothly and is willing to help in any way possible to ensure that everyone has a great experience,” said Benefits Management and Data Analytics Manager Brittani Provost.

Springfield and St. Clair Assistant Regional Manager Kathy Thomas praises Zack’s ability to get to the root of an issue and see it through.

“I have also seen him help at the Illinois State Fair. He gets out and talks with the families, playing games with the kids. It is great to see him out there promoting DSCC,” she said.

Zack joined DSCC at the encouragement of his mother, Stephanie Alumbaugh. Stephanie has worked at DSCC for over 20 years and received the Award of Merit herself in 2011 through UIC.

Zack calls this honor a “full-circle moment” for his family. He says he couldn’t be more thankful for the opportunity to work at DSCC and “get to do stuff with tech every day.”

“I really enjoy getting to help people and maybe teaching them a little bit about how the computer works. It’s just really satisfying for me,” Zack added.

Zack also appreciates how DSCC supports his continued growth and professional development. He’s currently pursuing his master’s degree in Management Information Systems.

Zack says he’s proud to play a role in supporting DSCC participants and their families.

“Knowing what DSCC does…even if you’re having a rough day professionally, that really puts everything in perspective,” Zack said. “I don’t know what else somebody could ask for in a job. We get to help people every day.”

Learn more about Zack and his impact on DSCC in this short video:

DSCC staff nominated a total of 11 of their colleagues for this year’s Award of Merit. As the winner, Zack will receive a memento, a $2,500 award and recognition from the Executive Director.

Congratulations to all of our outstanding 2025 DSCC Award of Merit Nominees:

• Shanna Berg, Customer Service Specialist
• Deanna Deleshe, Core Regional Manager
• Cheryl Golliher, Core Care Coordinator
• Rebecca Grzeslo, Core Program Coordinator Assistant
• Andrea Hoskinson, Assistant Director of Operations Finance, Accounting, and Procurement
• Darlene Jones, Home Care Quality Improvement Specialist
• Beth Niemerg, Core Care Coordinator
• Haley Phelps, Interim Relief Program Manager
• Tiffany Riddle, Core Enrollment Specialist
• Rita Storck, HC Care Coordinator

See photos of the 2025 nominees in our 2025 Award of Merit luncheon photo album on Facebook.

DSCC honors Ned Kostur for outstanding service to Illinois children and youth with special healthcare needs and their families

Care Coordinator Ned Kostur is the 2023 recipient of the University of Illinois Chicago’s Division of Specialized Care for Children (DSCC) Merit Award.

The award recognizes exceptional employees for outstanding dedication and service to Illinois children and youth with special healthcare needs.

“Ned is an outstanding Care Coordinator. He is a trusted mentor to his teammates and a caring and dedicated partner to the families he serves, helping meet their needs and improve the quality of their lives,” DSCC Executive Director Thomas F. Jerkovitz said.

Ned is based in our Lombard Regional Office and works for DSCC’s Home Care Region 2. As a Care Coordinator in the Home Care Program, he helps families of children and youth who need in-home nursing to safely live at home.

Many of the DSCC participants Ned works with are on the Home and Community-Based Services Waiver for Those Who are Medically Fragile Technology Dependent (commonly called the MFTD waiver). These children and youth have more complex medical needs that require a higher level of care.

Ned helps educate their families about the services and benefits of the MFTD waiver and other state programs that can help meet their needs. He also guides families through the process of modifying their homes to support their child’s medical care and equipment.

“I meet with families, which I enjoy very much. It’s just a rewarding experience to get a piece of equipment or to finally find that right nursing fit for that family and just to see the smile on the family’s face as we’re aiding them in their journey in helping their child,” Ned said. “It’s just a great organization to work for.”

Ned began his journey with DSCC in 2003. Over the last two decades, he has worked in both the Core and Home Care programs.

Ned is a “go-to” for his colleagues who describe him as caring, compassionate, considerate, and hard-working. They also love how his passion for serving our participant families shines through in all his actions.

“Ned exemplifies what great care coordination looks like and its positive impact on the families we serve,” said Terri-lynn Jones Wood, Assistant Director of Home Care Operations for Regions 2, 4 and 6.

“He has a true desire to bring families a sense of relief and understanding that they have someone on their side, someone they can trust and rely on,” Home Care Region 2 Regional Manager Mariangely Spilotro-Marquez added.

“He takes great pride in his work and ensuring that families understand Home Care, the services provided, what his role is and how he can assist them.”

Ned draws on his experience in clinical psychology, biology, treatment and discharge planning, quality assurance, teaching and more to help others. His Lombard teammates appreciate his wealth of knowledge about DSCC processes and resources, sense of humor and willingness to help in any situation.

“He has shown me what it means to be dedicated, empathetic and professional,” Program Coordinator Assistant Kimberley Firkins said. “Ned’s the perfect example of what it means to partner, help, and connect, not only with our families and providers but also within the organization, with his teams, and his co-workers.”

Learn more about Ned and his exceptional service to families in this video below:

DSCC staff nominated a total of five of their colleagues for this year’s Merit Award. As the winner, Ned receives a Merit Award memento, a $2,500 award and recognition from the Executive Director.

The other 2023 nominees are:

• Elizabeth “Liz” Bailey, Home Care Enrollment Manager, Lombard Regional Office
• Lisa Garbe, Assistant Regional Manager. Marion and Olney Regional Offices
• Mayra Rubio, Bilingual Care Coordinator, Mokena Regional Office
• Amanda Simhauser, Communications Manager, Central Administrative Office in Springfield

A big congratulations to Ned and all the 2023 nominees! We are grateful for your service and commitment to Illinois families!