Correctional Officer Curtis Butts (Work Projects, Probation)

Correctional Officer Curtis Butts (Work Projects, Probation) “has a unique gift of motivating his crews to give their best.”

            “I think the underlying foundation to his success is that he respects the people working for him and they are willing to do anything he asks them to do. Officer Butts is always so enthusiastic and energetic that there is never a task or challenge that he is not willing to take on. Thanks to his sense of humor, it seems Saturdays are a little shorter. We wanted you to know just how much we appreciate his efforts. You should take pride in having him as a member of your department.”

Michael Wonsidler (DPW – Landfill Management Unit)

Michael Wonsidler (DPW – Landfill Management Unit) received rave reviews for the workshop that he led on sustainable waste management at the 2012 National Engineers for a Sustainable World Conference.

            “Without your support we could not have hosted such a successful conference. Your workshop informed, educated, and motivated the conference participants by teaching them methods of sustainably disposing of waste and how we can minimize our waste impact on the world. We are extremely grateful that you made this possible. Thank you again for dedicating your time and energy. We believe that the UC San Diego as well as many other schools across the nation have become more inspired and motivated than ever to reach the goal of a truly sustainable world.”

Tran Nguyen (HHSA, North Central FRC)

Tran Nguyen (HHSA North Central FRC) was thanked for her consistently excellent customer service.

          "Ms. Tran has helped me with my case several times before. She’s prompt and she’s on top of everything every time. She explains everything clear to me and made sure she gives me a receipt. She went above and beyond (for me) to help me out. She’s very understanding and caring person."

Ericka Rubi (HHSA, North Central FRC)

Ericka Rubi (HHSA North Central FRC) was thanked by a customer for keeping her calm in a stressful moment.

          "Ericka was very helpful. Very calm and collected as I was very upset. She went above and beyond. She is a jewel. Keep Her!!"

Kristina Glasgow - HHSA North Central FRC

Kristina Glasgow (HHSA North Central FRC) was thanked by a customer for her excellent service:

          "Kristina Glasgow was very, very courteous, patience, knows her job. You should be glad that you have a very well informed, caring, employee. I wish her the best."

Kelly Fischetti (HHSA Child Welfare Services)

Kelly Fischetti (HHSA Child Welfare Services) received a holiday card from a previous client that told how she helped get the mother get her life back on track.

          "Dear Kelly, I think of you often. Working with other women, I share with them how Child Protective Services helped change my life. I needed a wake up call.

          "Thank goodness because my children are so happy now! They are both the top of their class. I'm still sober and I'm attending Palomar College. Thanks for pushing me to get right. I love life today. Struggles and all, I will keep going."

Irma Betancourt (Probation)

Irma Betancourt (Probation) has been a "tremendous teacher and asset" to the San Diego Police Department's STAR/PAL diversion program for girls, according to San Diego Police Department officer Denise Mills.

           "Irma has a wonderful rapport with people of all ages, especially the "at-risk" girls we work with at the girls-only program run through STAR/PAL (Sports, Training, Academics, Recreation Police Athletic League).

           "Irma has successfully demonstrated leadership ability by counseling new and prospective students. Her advice and knowledge have been a great help to many of our students, many of whom have taken time to share their comments with me regarding her pleasant and encouraging attitude. She has been a huge assest to the program."

LeeAnn Anderson (HHSA, North Central FRC

LeeAnn Anderson (HHSA, North Central FRC) received multiple compliments.

           "LeAnn kept her smile during a very, very busy Friday. She was courteous and helpful and made me feel comfortable. Sometimes it isn't easy for a government aide, but she has a way of being so kind, it didn't seem so bad. Thank you for her!"

           "Once LeAnn determined I had been waiting for an extended period of time, she immediately began to put the wheels in motion to assure I was seen. She was courteous, apologetic and expressed genuine concern. She represented the agency well and exceeded expectations."

Karine Matevosova, LeeAnn Anderson, Suzanne Foster and Alter Howard (HHSA, North Central FRC)

Karine Matevosova, LeeAnn Anderson, Suzanne Foster and Alter Howard (HHSA, North Central FRC) all received praise from a customer:

         "Absolutely Phenomenal!!! Best service I have ever received. I came in today for the 1^st time ever and was so intimidated and nervous. The entire staff was quick in resolving my worries and was able to provide me with the information I needed during this difficult time. Thank you so much!!!"

Elizabeth Virgen-Santos (Vital Records Department)

Elizabeth Virgen-Santos (Vital Records Department) “is one of the most professional, courteous and problem-solving people I’ve ever worked with.”

            “A few weeks ago my wife and I lost our baby, John Paul, as a stillborn. It was a very unexpected and traumatic experience for us. We were both upset and confused about what to do with the baby. We knew that we wanted to bury or cremate him and not knowing the process caused a lot of confusion and heartache in a time when we already struggling. Thankfully, Sharp Mary Birch Hospital gave me the contact info for the Vital Records Department and specifically gave me Elizabeth Virgen-Santos’ name as someone that could help me. I left a message with her about my issue and she called me back within one hour and explained the process in a calming, helpful manner. She was so clear and calming when describing what I needed to do. She also worked directly with Sharp Mary Birch to handle the logistics and the necessary paperwork.”

            “I want to commend Elizabeth Virgen-Santos. If there is a reward program or the ability to provide a bonus to Elizabeth for her professionalism please do so. Please let her know that her efforts are truly appreciated and please nominate her for any County employee of the year programs.”

Angel Wright (HHSA, North Central FRC)

Angel Wright (North Central Family Resource Center, HHSA)

         "The customer service was excellent. I received a friendly and pleasant greeting. All my questions were answered fully so that I could understand properly. I felt as if my concerns were really thought of and I wasn’t just being hurried off, which really makes me appreciate the time and effort that was put in to helping me."

LeeAnn Anderson (HHSA North Central FRC)

LeeAnn Anderson (North Central Family Resource Center, HHSA)

           "Not only did she answer our questions, but she did more. She behaved so wonderful that I felt more energy and her positive attitude was absolutely great."

Chris Loeffler (HHSA, North Central FRC)

Chris Loeffler (North Central Family Resource Center, HHSA)

          "May God bless Chris Loeffler for how kind, smart understanding he is. We need more employees like Chris.  He is one of the best I ever seen. Thanks for having him here. I am so thankful that he is the one that helped me today. I would go on and on and still be unable to tell how courteous and helpful he is."

Gordon Terry (Probation)

Gordon Terry (Probation) received praise from an older adult victim who was helped through a difficult time by Gordon.

"I can't tell you what a wonderful surprise this is for me and Mr. Terry taking the extra steps for this little old lady is a true blessing indeed. I'm sure he has many commendations in his personnel file but please add my little "gold star" for him. My expectations were to do what I could, try to run around for required signatures, etc and still no doubt be frustrated but your Gordon Terry has spared me still more grief."

Alba Marquez (HHSA, Child Welfare Services)

Alba Marquez (HHSA, Child Welfare Services) is a "caring, sincere and good listener."

"I just wanted to let you know about our experience with Alba.  I found her to be caring, sincere and a good listener.  When I walked away from our interview, I really felt I was listened to and that I had been given really good, in fact excellent, customer service by both her and the original worker I called.  When Alba was meeting with my daughter and her boyfriend, the boyfriend got lippy and tried to give Alba a rough time.  Alba handled the situation very well and was appropriately tough with him when necessary.  She did a great job and I just wanted you to know.  I was a supervisor myself for many years and  I just wanted to let you know that I received excellent customer service from your workers."

Thomas Lam (HHSA, Child Welfare Services)

Thomas Lam (HHSA, Child Welfare Services) received praise from the grandfather of a family he worked with.

"Thomas was my first contact with Child Welfare Services.  He is a fine gentleman. Sincere and caring.  A good man.  He listened to me and my concerns and then took care of making a report to the hotline."

Holly Nguyen (North Central Family Resource Center, HHSA)

Holly Nguyen (North Central Family Resource Center, HHSA) “treated me in a very kind professional manner.”

            “I would like to thank all of you for your kind and considerate help that I received during my last interview at the 5055 Ruffin Road Office. My case worker, Holly Nguyen, was very thorough and easy to talk to. I really appreciated her respectful and kind demeanor during this time of difficulty that I am going through in my life right now. Believe me, there’s nothing I want more than to get healthy again and back into the work force and contribute to society. Until I get through my problems I will be eternally grateful. Kudos to your whole staff; everyone working in the office was very polite and communicative as well. God bless you for all of your kind assistance.”

Saharina Orduna (Kearny Mesa Family Resource Center, HHSA)

Saharina Orduna (Kearny Mesa Family Resource Center, HHSA) “is the Best CMS Representative.”

          “She is extremely knowledgeable and professional and has a warm and positive attitude. She goes beyond her job description to provide the help and information required for a member to understand the program and the approval process. She promptly returns calls and resolves the issue quickly with a positive resolution. She is a pleasure to talk to and a five star asset to the CMS team!”

Elizabeth Castellanos (North Central Family Resource Center, HHSA)

Elizabeth Castellanos (North Central Family Resource Center, HHSA)

“I feel like Elizabeth Castellanos went above and beyond doing her job. She was polite and knowledgeable and she had a very positive attitude. She handled my request quickly and answered all my questions. She gave me referrals for additional help and support. She had empathy and showed genuine concern for my wellbeing.”

Susan Gengor (North Central Family Resource Center, HHSA)

Susan Gengor (North Central Family Resource Center, HHSA)

“Susan Gengor is an excellent employee! She was very informative and she took her time to explain every detail and concern that I had about my case. I enjoyed my time with her and I felt like someone actually cared about me and my family’s needs. Even though my outcome wasn’t what I was hoping for, I felt like I had options. I really appreciate her time and knowledge. She should be a trainer - Great Customer Service!”