PORT ST. Lucie — Jerra Wisecup and Chyna Degginger, both CCKids staff members, were two of only eight child-welfare professionals recognized nationally last month for their unwavering service to children and families during the pandemic.

The recognition is part of an interstate, ongoing celebration of support workers who embrace the tenants of the nation’s Quality Parenting Initiative:

That every child deserves quality parenting and that child-welfare professionals, caregivers and families must work together to reverse the trauma of abuse and neglect.

Nominations poured in from the eight states with a QPI presence. Wisecup, a caregiver support specialist, and Degginger, a dependency case-manager supervisor are among the first eight to receive national recognition.

“Chyna is knowledgeable, patient and kind,” said Pilar Harris, a child-protective services lawyer for the Department of Children and Families who nominated Degginger. “She has coordinated issues and people to ensure positive outcomes for children, their caregivers and families.”

Degginger attended college at Florida State University, where she studied psychology and social work and where she also trained in trio hand balancing, acrobatic jump rope and teeter board at FSU’s on-campus circus school.

A little further down the road, Wisecup studied family life science and leadership at the University of Florida. She has won numerous local and state awards for her care and skill and has a special affinity for crafting, coordinating events and brainstorming new ideas.

“They are both excellent, and we’re lucky to have them on our team,” said Carol Deloach, CCKids Chief Executive Officer. “I’m proud, but I’m not surprised.

“I am constantly impressed by the level of commitment displayed by our employees.”