Values Ambassador Spotlight: Sariyah Lewis

Value: Leadership     |     Nominated by: G6 Staff

Sariyah started, like many of our employees do, as a direct support professional (DSP) in G2. Quiet and reserved at first, she focused on learning the work and building relationships. When an opportunity opened in G6, multiple colleagues encouraged her to apply for her first formal leadership role and a move into a home with older students and a different team dynamic.

She was nervous about the transition, but she didn’t let that stop her from stepping up to lead.

I come in every day with a purpose. Students and staff need someone to rely on, and I can be that someone.

– Sariyah Lewis

As a Home Assistant Supervisor, Sariyah operates at the intersection of care and coordination. She supports staff and students throughout the day, balancing direct care, communication, and problem‑solving in a constantly changing residential environment.“I don’t stop at my position,” she explained.

“I try to lift other people’s burdens to get insight and alleviate barriers where I can.”G6 is known across campus for its high expectations, and Sariyah stepped into that environment without hesitation.

“She hit the ground running,” her supervisor, Tanner Martinez, said. She makes my job easier, because I can trust and rely on her that things are going to get done the right way.”

Sariyah’s always cool, calm, and collected, and students and staff all benefit from her consistency. She approaches mistakes as learning opportunities and strives to serve with the utmost integrity and accountability.

“Being able to make mistakes, and make mistakes gracefully, is how you build rapport with your staff,” she said. “You build trust with everybody around you when you grow from the experience.”

Her direct and compassionate approach creates a home where people feel supported and empowered to grow.

Leadership at Heartspring means showing up with steadiness when situations are unpredictable or constantly evolving. It means setting clear expectations, building trust over time, and carrying responsibility with humility and care.

Sariyah Lewis embodies that kind of leadership through her calming presence, reliability, and integrity. Her Values Ambassador recognition reflects the culture we strive to build and the kind of leaders we are proud to grow at Heartspring.

At Heartspring, we value excellence, celebration, leadership, service, possibility, and integrity.

Our Values Ambassadors put Heartspring’s mission into action — going above and beyond to empower children to realize their full potential, support families, and help young people build skills for life beyond our campus.