Social Worker Shout Outs!

Update: Check out the video above to see who won the contest!!

​Check out some of the special shout outs to DBH social workers!

• Alexandra Cole, Social Worker II, TEST- “Alexandra Cole has been able to assist the community of Yucaipa with MH assistance that has been delivered with the compassion and respect that the people deserve. Alexandra Cole has also successfully completed both her Bachelor’s and Master’s in Social Work and has also been able to obtain ASW certification while working a full-time job with DBH. Great Job Alex Cole!!!” – Jorge Armendariz, Social Worker II
  
  
• Edward Gunnoe, Social Worker II, Homeless and Supportive Services - ​“Ed truly cares and puts clients and their needs first, he is making a noticeable difference in our community.” - Anonymous.
  
  "Ed is a great social worker who genuinely helps others. He is making a difference with the homeless population in our community." - Janet Montes De Oca, Office Assistant II.
  
  "Ed is making a positive impact by assisting our homeless population. His commitment to help others is inspiring.” - Grace Cleveland, Staff Analyst II
  
  
• Fabeola Lazaro, Social Worker, COAST Team- “Since Fabeola Lazaro started working with the Fontana Police Department’s Community Outreach and Support Team- COAST, our working relationship with The San Bernardino Department of Behavioral Health has grown. Fabeola is an essential team member in our ongoing efforts to improve the quality of life for our residents experiencing a mental health crisis.  Every person Fabeola meets feels like they are going to receive the best support and the resources they need.  She is welcoming, passionate and empathetic to their needs and her knowledge and understanding of what a person is possibly going through allows the people she meets feel comfortable as they struggle through their crisis.”
   – Mike Hall, Officer, Fontana Police Dept
  
  
• Fabiola Robles, LCSW, Clinical Therapist II, FSP Team, Mesa Counseling Services – “Fabiola has been going above and beyond to assist the clinic staff adjust to the new work environment and helps them provided the best care to the consumers." - Peggy Erwin, Clinical Therapist I
   
  “Fabiola is always willing to help our client's in any way she can and provide support to our treatment staff in any way necessary. She is genuine in the way she cares for her staff and provides continuously offers to provide assistance.” -Estefania Galvez, Pre-Licensed Clinical Therapist I
   
  “Fabiola is such a positive force in the office and always willing to help.” -Tomika Palmer, DBH
   
  “Fabiola has been a constant source of support for not only the FSP staff but for our clients and clinic as well. She has remained transparent, steadfast, informative and positive throughout the multitude of changes that we have endured as we all work to adjust to our new normal. She is the epitome of a CTII.” - Lonese Ramsey, Social Worker II
  
  
• Florence Jackson, Social Worker II- “Fierce advocate; passionate; compassionate; gets things DONE; fabulous connections with consumers/ providers; dedicated; uplifting attitude; great laugh”
  – Rose Versace, ACCP Clinic Supervisor
  
  
• Geralyn Morris, Social Worker II, Forensic Services – “I would like to nominate Geralyn Morris because she is exemplary of a Social Worker who goes past her job duties to help another soul.” - Jazmyne White, Probation Officer. 
  
  “Geralyn is an essential team member in our ongoing efforts to improve the quality of life for our residents experiencing a mental health crisis and homelessness.  Every time Geralyn meets someone she is always welcoming, passionate and empathetic to their needs. Her knowledge and understanding of what a person needs and is possibly going through allows the people she meets feel like they are going to be supported. With her help we have improved people’s perception of the mental health system in the county and those suffering from homelessness, which has led to a better quality of life and relationship with our residents.”
  – Mike Hall, Officer, Fontana Police Dept. 
  
  

• Jaclyn Puga, Social Worker II at CCRT (East Valley) - ​​​​“Jaclyn is a team player that goes above and beyond, submits timely quality documentation, is professional with a positive attitude.” – East Valley Leadership Team. 
  
  "Jaclyn goes above and beyond in providing support, compassion, referrals, resources and Spanish Interpretive Services to clients and their families.” – Michelle Garcia, Clinical Therapist I
  
  
• Karen Proctor, Social Worker II, Patients’ Rights – “Karen has been a great teacher/trainer.  Even more, I see the great job she does as an advocate to the patients we work with. She definitely sets a high standard/example for me to follow. ” - Jose Orrostieta, Social Worker II
  
  
• Kethura Solano, Social Worker II -  "The community can count on Kethura to provide excellent care, advocacy, and knowledge while also being kind, understanding, and trustworthy. She makes sure to create a safe environment for those she serves and is continuing her education in Social Work to better serve this community. She is passionate, knowledgeable, and embodies all that makes a great Social Worker" - Kelsey Conroy, Mental Health Specialist
  
  
• Maya Crim, Social Worker II, CHOICE program - “Maya just finished her Masters in Social Work at Cal State San Bernardino. I saw Maya juggle both work and school while maintaining a high-grade point average. Maya is great because she is great at what she does, is a team player (you can always go to Maya and ask a question.) Maya has a great vibe and everyone loves her, clients and her team mates. As if she already didn’t have enough on her plate, she became a new mom last July.” – Denise Ybarra, Mental Health Specialist
  
  
• Pamela Hudspeth, Social Worker II at CSTAR program- “Pamela is a highly dedicated social worker whose generous and empathic spirit, as well as her years of skill and talent in working with a challenging population is inspiring to see and witness firsthand.  Pamela is worth more than her weight in gold!" – Jennifer Quintana-Steinberg, Clinical Therapist I
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• Sally Mitchell, Social Worker II- “Sally has been a great teacher/trainer.  Even more, I see the great job she does as an advocate to the patients we work with. She definitely sets a high standard/example for me to follow." – Jose Orrostieta, Social Worker II
  
  
• Samantha Kilbourne, Social Worker II, Forensic Services – “I would like to nominate Samantha Kilbourne. I have worked side by side with many social workers during my time with the county, and Sam is one of the best social workers I have had the honor to work with.” – Tess McClellan, PFA III
  
  
• Tonya Hill, Social Worker II, One Stop TAY Center - She has been a team player since her first day at this clinic, always offering herself as support and as an advocate for the youth. She always puts her best foot forward, offering her help when staff or clients have questions regarding community resources, case management needs, or other clinical issues. She strives to always keep the treatment team updated on clients’ progress and needs. Furthermore, she is incredibly professional, always a model worker for the staff. I would highly recommend her as a superstar Social Worker and we are blessed and thankful to have her! – Dr. Cristina Miñana Pérez, CT-II Psychologist
  
  
• Vanessa Lopez, Social Worker II, One Stop TAY Center - . She has been an asset to this team. She is very vocal when advocating for clients’ needs and always strives to push her clients to progress towards their treatment goals. Vanessa also keeps the treatment team updated regarding any wins and hurdles her clients progress through and always enjoys celebrating their triumphs with the rest of the team. Without her, there would be a lot of youth unlinked to needed community resources. Thanks to Vanessa for the hope she carries for her clients and for the team. We are thankful and blessed to have her as part of this team. - Dr. Cristina Miñana Pérez, CT-II Psychologist

Know of an awesome DBH social worker that you think should be recognized for the work they do? Let the Public Relations and Outreach team know! Send us an email at DBH-PublicRelations@dbh.sbcounty.gov or text to (909)495-7299 and in 20 words or less by Monday, March 28 and tell us why you think your nominee should be recognized. Those who are nominated will have a chance to win a DBH swag bag!

Are you a social worker?  Send us an email at DBH-PublicRelations@dbh.sbcounty.gov  and tell us why you wanted to be a social worker/what you enjoy most about social work AND a photo of yourself. We may share it to our social media! :)​