Merrily Bowers Awarded 2026 Case Manager of the Year!

May 29, 2026

We are proud to announce our very own Merrily Bowers has been named 2026 Case Manager of the Year by Alliance Colorado!

“Merrily started with Foothills Gateway in 2022 and has excelled at this position from the beginning. Merrily displays a positive attitude through the many changes experienced regularly in case management. This has been very helpful with maintaining staff morale and she is always willing to jump in and try new things or work her way through a new process or job change. As an example, Merrily was quick to learn the new case management systems and eagerly assisted her fellow case managers with learning the ins and outs, spending extra time putting together processes that helped her colleagues find success. Merrily is a strong advocate for people on her caseload and has worked diligently with the court, school, and various other systems to advocate for and ensure her caseload is getting the services and supports they need to be successful in the community. Merrily consistently maintains a very high caseload and balances her time to ensure she meets all HCPF quality assurance expectations.

Merrily has worked with several challenging situations over the years and was able to maintain and build on professional relationships, even through very difficult circumstances. Providers and families report how much they appreciate having Merrily as a case manager and her clear communication and advocacy has been very helpful in numerous situations. One family shared that “Merrily is very effective and responsive with communication and is absolutely the best case manager we have ever had!” Merrily also brings experience from previous employment in the school system and is very valuable in helping navigate IEP meetings with families and providing guidance when needed. She is an excellent meeting facilitator and always has the team members prepared with an agenda and clear goals of what needs to be accomplished.

Merrily cares deeply about ensuring success across all of case management. When noticing inefficiencies, she has made several suggestions that have improved internal systems at Foothills Gateway, including updating service planning documentation to make processes clearer for providers, families, and her coworkers Merrily goes beyond what is expected in many ways and has been a big help with coverage when we experience staffing shortages and she is always willing to help to ensure Foothills Gateway has all needed case management work completed.

Merrily is an exemplary case manager and a great asset to Foothills Gateway and the Members we serve. Merrily Bowers represents all that a great Case Manager
should be” – Alex B. Nomination Letter

“I am incredibly honored to be in this position. The power of teamwork is undeniable and I am grateful to be part of the supportive Foothills Gateway team and to be able to work with such great agencies and wonderful individuals and their families.” -Merrily Bowers