Malmstrom woman receives annual Provider of the Year award

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Magen M. Reeves
  • 341st Missile Wing Public Affairs
MALMSTROM AIR FORCE BASE, MONT. --  Lisa Maas received the Provider of the Year award at her home on Dec. 11. Maas was surrounded by her 341st Missile Wing friends and family for the presentation of the annual award.

Those in attendance included the children that she cares for, their families, her family, key members in the Family Child Care program as well as several leadership figures from the 341st Mission Support Group and  the 341st Force Support Squadron, which the FCC falls under.

Each year, Air Force installations with a Family Child Care program nominate providers who exemplify high standards to be considered for the Air Force-wide award.

Nominations are voted by FCC providers and the parents who receive care through the FCC.

Maas's nomination was almost unanimous.

"Lisa makes the job seem very easy," said Cindy Berg, Family Child Care chief. "She wears many hats - she is a cook, business woman, nurse, teacher and so much more, and she does all of these well. She is organized, enthusiastic, compassionate, caring, loving and kind."   

Maas proved herself worthy of the Provider of the Year award by demonstrating high standards. Maas provided over 650 hours of child care in calendar year 2015, and created a pre-school curriculum for her children.

"We are so grateful for home dependent care providers in this mission critical force multiplier program," said Col. Denise Cooper, 341st MSG commander. "Home dependent care providers transform their homes into cheerful learning centers."

Maas has gone above and beyond the qualifications of being a provider. She has attended several programs to build her skill set and knowledge as a child care provider. She is currently working towards becoming an accredited provider through the National Association of Family Child Care.  
 
"She goes above FSS mandated requirements," said Berg. "She supports the parents to the end of the earth."

Along with the Provider of the Year title, Maas received a sign proclaiming her excellence and a flower bouquet gift from the children she cares for full-time. 

"I'm very lucky with the families that I have," said Maas. "It feels good knowing all the hard work paid off, to be recognized for what we are doing. Child care is very rewarding, rewarding for me to see the progress (the children) make."