Polly Risner-Balancing Life
“I have always felt appreciated working here but to be publicly acknowledged it really gives you a sense of accomplishment for all the work you’ve put in.”
Polly was born and raised in Redding and has spent most of her adult life here. She attended Shasta College and graduated with Associates degree as well as a certificate in billing; while working here at Redding Rancheria she was able to further her career and earn coding certificate.
She has two amazing children, Liam (18) and Malia (14); She married her wonderful husband Frank in 2019. She enjoys hiking, off-roading, paddle boarding, and lake days in general.
Favorite sport?
All-time favorite Disney character?
Goofy.
One ability that you think everyone should possess?
Interpersonal skills.
Best book you have ever read?
I’ve never been big into reading but I tend to reach for the classics when in the mood.
What makes your day better?
Quality time with my family; after a long day a hug from one of the kids is my favorite.
What period would you travel to if you were given a time-machine?
I would love to have known my paternal grandpa so any time before his passing in the late 70’s.
One musical instrument you would like to master?
The piano or guitar would be my top picks.
What gets you motivated?
Friendly competition.
What are you proud of?
My children and myself.
Any advice for future award winners?
Be proud of yourself and your accomplishments.
Dakota Solada-Working Together
“I feel so grateful for even being considered for the award. With the profession we are in, we are here to provide care to our patients. We don’t expect to receive acknowledgement for it, so when we do receive it, it solidifies everything that you’ve put time and effort into.”
Dakota is from Cottonwood California, She has lived in the Cottonwood area since she was born. She attended Shasta College. She enjoys anything in the outdoors, baking, and painting.
Favorite sport?
Hunting
All-time favorite Disney character?
Officer Hopps from Zootopia
One ability that you think everyone should possess?
Positivity
Best book you have ever read?
The Great Lone by Kristin Hannah
What makes your day better?
Getting to see my kids at the end of each day.
What period would you travel to if you were given a time-machine?
I like old west movies. I think it would be fun to visit that time period, with Wyatt Earp and Doc Holliday.
One musical instrument you would like to master?
Guitar
What gets you motivated?
Having a goal in mind helps me to stay motivated.
What are you proud of?
I’m proud of learning new hobbies. I started making my own sourdough bread, I now bake bread for my family each week.
Any advice for future award winners?
It will be likely that your coworkers will request not to have your Guiding Value poster hung in the shared work area.
Kianna Benner-Embracing Change
I am embarrassed by winning guiding value award. I strongly believe I work with many generous, quality individuals who deserve it.
Kianna was born and raised in Redding. She is grateful to have grown up surrounded by her Tribal Community at Redding Rancheria, as she has been able to stay connected with her Native American culture.
She has an Associate’s Degree in Early Childhood Development; and she is working towards her Bachelor’s Degree at Southern Oregon University. When she is not doing homework she enjoys beading, gardening, and reading fantasy books!
Favorite Sport?
I am not much of a sports fan, but I participated in gymnastics for 10 years and would say that is my favorite.
All-time favorite Disney character?
I absolutely adore Stitch from Lilo & Stitch. I think he is a funny and good friend to Lilo!
One ability that you think everyone should possess?
I think everyone should have the ability to empathize with others. It makes the world a much better place when we can all try to understand one another’s point of view.
Best book you have ever read?
The Lunar Chronicles by Marissa Meyer. It is a 4-book series based on classic fairytales but in a reimagined, futuristic world full of spaceships, cyborgs, and intergalactic war. It’s perfect for anyone that is wanting to take a step into the fantasy world!
What makes your day better?
Talking with my best friend, Sierra.
What period would you travel to if you were given a time-machine?
I would travel to Ancient Greece. I have always been fascinated by Greek Mythology, and would love to listen to philosophers debate the “true meaning” of life. It would be interesting to see what we could learn from one another!
One musical instrument you would like to master?
I would love to play the saxophone like a professional! I find it soulful and beautiful.
What gets you motivated?
The people and projects that I care about. When someone needs me to do something, I’m always willing to step in and help however I can.
What are you proud of?
I’m proud of how much I care. While it can be a weakness, it is also my greatest strength. When I am invested in something, I don’t shy away from showing it!
Any advice for future winners?
Be willing to step out of your comfort zone! You will never grow as a person if you shy away from new opportunities and experiences.
Marion Reinhart-Doing What’s Right
“I am humbled that the Redding Rancheria considered me for one of their guiding values!”
Marion is from Southern California and moved to Anderson at the age of 3 and has lived here ever since. She completed High school in 1985. She enjoys gardening, painting and playing with the grandkids.
All-time favorite Disney character?
Peter Pan
One ability that you think everyone should possess?
Cooking and Canning
Best book you have ever read?
Any Harry Potter Book
What makes your day better?
Playing with babies and hearing them laugh.
What period would you travel to if you were given a time-machine?
1800’s
What gets you motivated?
Good Weather for gardening.
What are you proud of?
My Kids.
Any advice for future award winners?
Always stand by your values, and love what you do.
Sasha Seymore-Respecting Others
Sasha was born in Southern California and moved to Redding in the 3rd grade. She has been married for 25 years and has an amazing daughter Paige who works at Churn Creek Healthcare.
She attended Lake College where she received her medical assistant certificate and has been an MA for the past 22 years. She really enjoys watching Warriors play basketball, kayaking where ever she can and spending time with her family and fur babies Ella, Arya, and cannot forget about her cockatoo Elvie.
What makes your day better?
Laughing makes everything better!
One ability that you think everyone should possess?
I wish everyone had the ability to be compassionate.
All-time favorite Disney character?
Napoleon from the Aristocats.
Sara Hofferber-Serving Others
“I am both humbled and thankful to be a guiding value award recipient. My career goal, as well as my goal in life, has always been to serve others by providing a safe place to seek care and find unconditional support. To be presented with the guiding value award for serving others is one of the greatest honors of my career. My goal is to continue to exemplify this guiding value as well as the others in my career and everyday life. I am thankful to have a team that supports me and embraces this guiding value. “
Sara is a Physician Assistant who joined the team at Redding Rancheria Trinity Health Center in October 2020. She is from Oklahoma and is a proud citizen of the Chickasaw Nation.
Her education background includes a Masters in Physician Assistant studies from Oklahoma City University and a Master’s in Public Health from Oklahoma City University. She enjoys traveling, hiking, painting, and playing with her new puppy.
Favorite sport?
Tennis
All-time favorite Disney character?
Belle from Beauty and the Beast.
One ability that you think everyone should possess?
How to empathize with others.
Best book you have ever read?
When Breath Becomes Air but Paul Kalanithi.
What makes your day better?
Laughter
What period would you travel to if you were given a time-machine?
Probably 1942 to participate in the women’s right movements.
One musical instrument you would like to master?
Violin
What gets you motivated?
Conquering challenges.
What are you proud of?
My heritage.
Any advice for future award winners?
Use this award as a reminder of your goals, who you are, and what you stand for.