Rosalinda Nalos (Housing and Community Development)

Rosalinda Nalos (Housing and Community Development) “is a living ambassador for the Housing Authority.”
    “I have a traumatic brain injury and I’ve been very ill and unable to collect and compile information to be recertified for my Section 8 rental assistance. Ms. Nalos helped me with everything; she is head and shoulders and beyond. Sorting and explaining everything that I needed to know, she was so kind to me and calmed me when I was so upset. She helped me to get all of my documents in order.
    “I wasn’t able to get help anywhere and Ms. Nalos told me “It’s okay Ms. R., I will help you. Calm down, it will be okay.” Her kind voice and her labor helping me, she’s just awesome. I am so grateful.”

Ana Diaz-Pina (Probation)

Ana Diaz-Pina (Probation) helped a probationer get his life back on track.

"I was previously under the care of a different County's Probation Department, and was having a bit of a difficult time. When I moved to San Diego under the probation custody of Deputy Diaz-Pina, I immediately felt and saw the difference. In the past year I have turned my life around, stabilized myself in a home and job, and re-established a great relationship with my family and children, which I was previously unable to do. The discipline emphasized in this Probation program really helped keep me on track alongside of the weekly check-ins. Diaz-Pina demonstrated something I had never seen before while being under probation, which was a genuine concern and care. She kept me motivated to do well and improve my situation, which made it easier for me to complete to programs that were required. I feel that the staff is genuinely there to assist feel that the programs we are placed in really do help rehabilitate and make us grow as people. I can’t thank you all enough for the extraordinary work, dedication, and care that is given to all those on probation. Thank you for helping me get my life back on track."

Alexis Villanueva and Melinda Eichenberg (HHSA Child Welfare Services)

Alexis Villanueva and Melinda Eichenberg (HHSA Child Welfare Services) were thanked by a mother for making her feel non-threatened in dealing with Child Protective Services.

"I had never had an experience with CPS before, but had heard horror stories. Both my husband and I felt that Melinda and Alexis were honest with us, unbiased and set clear expectations. They both explained things in a way that was easy to understand and made our young son feel comfortable when they interviewed him. It was not a good experience to go through obviously, but they made it as comfortable as they could and I appreciated the way my family was treated."

Mike Nguyen (Housing & Community Development)

Mike Nguyen (Housing & Community Development) “has gone that extra mile for me when I really needed help.”

                “I’m so lucky to have Mike as my Housing Specialist. Before I became disabled I was a successful businessman. Mike helped me when I was overwhelmed from my bi-polar condition. The little things he does really mean a lot for all of the recipients of your program. Mike is determined to always do his best and I mean this sincerely. I respectfully request that you put a ‘Gold Star’ in Mr. Nguyen’s personnel file along with a pat on the back for a job well done.”

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!!!"