LOCAL COUNSELOR HONORED BY STATE

Tonya Fambro, counselor with Missouri's Department of Elementary and Secondary Education's Division of Vocational Rehabilitation, has been selected the February Employee of the Month by the education department.

Fambro works in the Cape Girardeau district office and is the counselor for Scott County. As a counselor, she advises clients about vocational rehabilitation services available.

"The main goal is for individuals who have an impairment that limits them from doing specific job tasks to be placed in an environment where the limitation is no longer relevant," she said.

Fambro said her work is gratifying because she empathizes with the people she serves. "I know how good it makes me feel to work and give back to others," she said.

"Tonya Fambro has consistently conducted herself in a professional manner," said Joe Anders, district supervisor. "She is knowledgeable, shows good judgment, communicates well, has a great amount of energy and exhibits a genuine and positive attitude that makes a difference in the lives she touches."

In addition to her job, Fambro is involved in the Cape Girardeau Community Caring Council. She received the 1998 Kasten Award from the council for her work.

She and her husband, Rathael, have two sons and live in Cape Girardeau.