TCDSS recognizes Employees of the Second Quarter Award

TIOGA COUNTY — On Aug. 6, Elaine Ellers, Office Specialist II in Children Services and Crystal Wagstaff, Office Specialist III in Employment & Transitional Supports were recognized as Employees of the Second Quarter by Tioga County Department of Social Services (DSS).
Wagstaff recognized as Employee of the Second Quarter

This award is given in recognition of Crystal Wagstaff’s outstanding work and contributions
to the Tioga County Department of Social Services. Wagstaff started working at Tioga County DSS in July of 2023 as an Office Specialist I in the FSMA unit. In April 2024, after reviewing the
work performed of the Office Specialist I, the Tioga County Legislature authorized a position upgrade to Office Specialist II. Wagstaff was promoted to Social Welfare Examiner in November of 2024, and then to her current position of Office Specialist III in February of 2026.

Wagstaff is an essential and valued member of the Employment & Transitional Supports team. She consistently recognizes the needs of the unit and takes proactive steps to resolve issues without requiring direct instruction. She demonstrates strong leadership in training new Office
Specialist in the FSMA unit, offering support that helps new team members become confident and effective in their roles. Wagstaff continually seeks opportunities to lighten the workload of both her coworkers and her supervisor, reflecting her initiative, teamwork, and commitment to the success of the department. Congratulations Crystal!

Eller recognized as Employee of the Second Quarter

This award is given in recognition of Elaine Eller’s outstanding work and contributions to the Tioga County Department of Social Services. Eller started working at Tioga County DSS in
June of 2023 as an Office Specialist I in the Preventive/Foster Care Unit. Eller was then
promoted to Office Specialist II in January of 2025. Eller’s dedication and commitment to do the best work possible has made her an invaluable member of Services. She is organized, creative and dependable. She never loses sight of a task and all its components. Whether she is fielding a phone call from an upset parent, helping a caseworker locate needed documentation, or creating a new form as the “Forms Guru” in Traverse, she can be counted on to ensure tasks are done thoroughly and on time.

Eller is proficient in multiple systems including Connections, WMS, BINTI, FACS, and Traverse. She created and manages the Foster Care Visitation calendar which has helped ensure families are visiting on a consistent basis. She also sits on the Local Implementation Team (LIT) where she provides thoughtful input on processes and procedures within Services. She is the scribe
for Permanency Committee Meetings and has a keen ability to organize a group’s ideas and thoughts into cohesive writings.

Eller shines when she can use her organizational skills and creativity to manage things like Christmas gifts for foster children or appreciation gifts for foster parents. She truly puts her all into her job and has proven to be really good at it. Despite all that is asked of her and the last-minute changes and challenges that exist in the work that we do, Eller maintains a kind and positive attitude every day. She is a pleasure to work with and highly deserving of this award. Congratulations Elaine!