Amy Applebaum (HHSA Public Health Services)

Amy Applebaum (HHSA Public Health Services) was thanked by a client in the HIV substance abuse program.

       "Amy is always humorous and willing to find solutions for those in our group. She is pulled in many (directions), listens very well and always gives constructive advice and sincere warnings. What I really like above everything is that she does her work like it's a joy and not work. She has really helped me throughout these months going out of her way and I am thankful. She is a saint."

Curtis Butts (Works Projects, Probation)

Officer Curtis Butts was thanked for “making the work project experience much better than anyone could have expected.”

            “Thank you so much for your kindness during my 40 hours of service in the work program. I learned my lesson and wanted to take the time to thank you for what you did each and every day at the crack of dawn. I got my full license back today and couldn’t be more pleased!”

Tim Ivers (Works Projects, Probation)

Officer Tim Ivers “went above and beyond.”

            “Tim and a crew of twelve people were clearing weeds along San Dieguito Park, an unfenced park along a busy street. My two small dogs got out of my yard and went down to the park where Tim and his crew were working. It would have been very difficult to find them in the brush but Tim caught both dogs and brought them to safety. He used his cell phone and called the number on their tags. I really appreciate what he did for me today.”

Christopher Lampert (Child Support Services)

Christopher Lampert (Child Support Services) received a thank you card:

             “Words will not express completely, the most sincere thanks possible, for what you’ve done for me. I find it nothing short of imperative to send you a heartfelt, thank you!!  Forever grateful!”

Lammone Khamsombat (Child Support Services)

Lammone Khamsombat (Child Support Services) received a voicemail from a non-custodial parent:

"I was just calling to thank you for your assistance that you gave me in the past. You were always very professional and a great help. Again thank you very much and I hope you have a great day.”

Julie Backholm (Child Support Services)

Julie Backholm (Child Support Services) was thanked by a client for her perseverance and dedication.

          "I am very impressed with her dedication to resolving my issues and her perseverance as this case has dragged on for a year now. Julie has been a great resource to me in answering my questions, and providing me with updates and forms to compile for the numerous hearings. I can't say "Thank You" enough to her for her patience and for her determination over the course of this case in fighting for the benefit of my child."

Mike Nguyen and Elisa D’Leal (Housing and Community Development)

Mike Nguyen and Elisa D’Leal (Housing and Community Development) “are a pleasure to work with.”

                “I have been working with Mike Nguyen to process housing requests for the apartments that I administer. I am new to the position of Assistant Manager with no prior experience processing housing assistance payments. Mr. Nguyen has shown patience and understanding during this transition time. He goes out of his way to answer any questions, assists in meeting deadlines and advises me on the general guidelines needed to comply with housing.

                I would also like to thank Elisa D’Leal from the Inspection Unit. She responds quickly to assist in meeting deadlines as well. Such dedication from your employees has alleviated payment delays which would be detrimental to our accounting. I look forward to working with them in the future to enhance the lives of our residents.”

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."