Celebrating the Heartbeat of Our Mission: The People Who Make It Possible
At Eckerd Connects, we believe the most powerful force in changing lives isn’t a program or a policy—it’s a person. It’s the counselor who listens. The mentor who shows up. The finance leader who quietly makes it possible for services to reach a family in crisis. The staff member who reminds a young person, “You matter, and you belong here.”
As a legacy nonprofit with roots that stretch back more than 55 years, we’ve always placed people at the center—those we serve and those who serve alongside us. That’s why the quarterly Heart of the Wheel Award exists: to honor the individuals across our organization who are the steady, driving force behind our mission. Just as the center of a wheel keeps everything turning, these awardees represent the best of who we are and why we do what we do.
As Michael D. Smith, CEO of Eckerd Connects, noted, “The Heart of the Wheel Award reflects the very best of our culture and values. These recipients are not just employees—they are mission ambassadors. They go far beyond the job description to meet people with dignity, compassion, and purpose.”
This quarter, we are proud to recognize five team members—each from a different part of Eckerd Connects—whose leadership, compassion, and purpose-driven work embody the heart of the mission.
In Florida, Chelsea Shackelford, Program Director at Camp E-Nini-Hassee, has spent over 18 years helping girls find their voice, strength, and sense of self. Founded by Jack and Ruth Eckerd in 1969, Camp E-Nini-Hassee is a therapeutic outdoor program that empowers girls ages 12–18 to heal from trauma, build self-confidence, and develop life skills in a structured, supportive environment. In a program grounded in trust, Chelsea offers steady leadership and a calming presence—supporting her team through challenges and reassuring students as they work through trauma and begin to heal.
“My faith and belief in purpose motivate me,” Chelsea shared. “Some days are tough—but when we come out on the other side, it’s always worth it.”
In Philadelphia, Naqira Carter, Resource Coordinator at PA CareerLink® West, leads with urgency and empathy—connecting individuals to housing, food, legal aid, baby supplies, and more. PA CareerLink® is a one-stop workforce center that helps individuals access job training, career coaching, and critical wraparound services to support long-term employment and stability. Whether coordinating dozens of vendors for a resource fair or helping a participant secure shelter after hours, Naqira never loses sight of what’s at stake.
“While equipping individuals for the workforce, we are also transforming lives,” she said. “I feel passionate about our mission because it aligns with my belief that everyone deserves the opportunity to reach their full potential.”
A spirit of hope and healing lives in Antonio Hamilton, a Senior Counselor and Teacher at the Boys Residential Academy at Candor, North Carolina. The Academy is a therapeutic, staff-secure residential program that provides counseling, education, and behavior-focused services to justice-involved boys ages 13–17—many of whom are seeking a second chance to reset their lives. Antonio works closely with these young men, helping them shift their perspective, access support, and envision a future beyond the moment they’re in.
“If they’re having a bad day,” Antonio says, “I try to help them see things in a more positive light—that tomorrow can be better.” One colleague put it simply: “Antonio gets kids what they need, when they need it.”
At Paul Simon Job Corps in Chicago, Montrice McKnight, Jr. brings energy, hope, and mentorship to every corner of campus. Job Corps is the nation’s largest residential pre-apprenticeship job training program for young people ages 16–24, combining hands-on training, education, and life skills to prepare students for meaningful careers in high-demand industries. At the campus, Montrice coaches the men’s basketball team, leads a men’s leadership group, and teaches a monthly class in growth and accountability.
“Helping mold the students in the community I once grew up in gives me hope,” he said. “I’m proud to make a difference for the future.”
His lived experience and authentic leadership inspire students and staff alike.
Behind the scenes, Chris Silvey, Senior Director of Finance, ensures our mission is not only heartfelt—but financially sustainable. Chris supports programs like Early Head Start and Wraparound Services with clarity, care, and precision. Known for mentoring new staff and going the extra mile to ensure excellence, Chris shared:
“I like that Eckerd Connects is doing great work helping others, and I get to support that by making sure the Finance spoke is well-maintained. The numbers and the people motivate me.”
Tiffanie Francillon, Vice President of Human Resources, added, “Our people are the engine behind our impact. The Heart of the Wheel Award is about recognizing the quiet leaders who make a difference—one relationship, one breakthrough at a time.”
To Chelsea, Naqira, Antonio, Montrice, and Chris: thank you. Your work doesn’t just move the wheel forward—it moves hearts. You remind us that the legacy of this organization is not measured in years or outcomes alone—but in the lives we touch, the hope we restore, and the potential we empower every day.