SWTCIE Illinois participant Gabby was chosen as Teammate of the Month in July 2025 by the customers at the Schnucks market in Waterloo, Illinois. Selected based on customer survey responses, Gabby was described as friendly, helpful, and very knowledgeable about her job. Since Schnucks also offers online grocery services, the survey responses were from both in-store customers and customers who ordered using their online delivery services.
Gabby has been employed at Schnucks for over a year as a bagger/courtesy clerk and it is her first job. She works between 20 to 30 hours a week, often volunteering to work for others. Gabby has become an important front-line team member. Her natural leadership skills are reflected by the way she offers to help solve problems and her willingness to assist with whatever needs to be done. We are all so proud of how she has grown and how well she has adjusted to working with the public, handling difficult situations, all while providing quality customer service.
Gabby graduated from Valmeyer High School in 2024. She is the eldest of two girls and has a younger sister named Jillian. Additionally, she has two dogs, collects unique pens and loves to draw. She completed the SWTCIE Illinois Competitive Integrated Employment program in June 2025.
SWTCIE Illinois Employment Specialist Michelle Crawford asked Gabby about her feelings upon receiving the Schnucks Teammate of the Month award. “I am honored,” says Gabby. She mentioned that she enjoys her job and that everything is going well. When asked what advice she would give to others in the SWTCIE Illinois program seeking employment, she says, “They should stay friendly and never give up.”
Check out Gabby’s success story
With the support of her family and the SWTCIE program, Gabby transitioned from working part-time to full-time, driving herself to work, and making independent decisions. Her story is a testament to the power of opportunity and the value of dedication and hard work in creating a fulfilling and successful career.
“Gabby is dependable, hard-working, and friendly to all of our customers. It is always a pleasure to see her wonderful smile in the morning. She consistently brings joy to our staff team and is a delight to work with.”
– Scott Pflueger, customer services manager, Schnucks Market, Inc., Waterloo, Illinois