We would like to take the opportunity to congratulate all of the staff highlighted in this section. Great job and great accomplishment!
Rubidoux Residential Reentry Center— Arleth Sanchez, Case Manager
The Rubidoux RRC has chosen Arleth Sanchez as our Employee of the Year for 2022.
Arleth started working with BSS in January of 2022 as a Security Monitor and caught on very quickly. Arleth comes to work every day with a great attitude and is a pleasure to work with. In Security, Arleth was always willing to work overtime or assist in other departments. In October of 2022, Arleth was promoted to Case Manager. She caught on very quickly in that position, as well. Arleth treats all of our residents with respect and kindness, and our residents are very appreciative of her. Arleth has been such a great addition to our team at the Rubidoux RRC this year and is very deserving of the Employee of the Year.
Written by: Michael Valenzuela, Program Director and Jennifer Higley, Assistant Program Director
Jamar is a one-of-a-kind staff member. He is very consistent in his demeanor and attitude, and is always willing to roll his sleeves up to help. Jamar not only carries a high case load and assists in training new Case Managers, but he is usually the first to assist in Security or kitchen as needs come up. He will help in any other area if he sees his assistance is needed.
He does all of that with a smile and without any negativity. Jamar is a stellar employee, a great role model to all he encounters and is well deserving of being named Employee of the Year. We thank Jamar for his service to BSS Phoenix, the team and the residents.
Written by: Danielle Koger, Program Director
Ivanna started her employment with BSS as the State Administrative
Assistant in August 25, 2021. In her tenure Ivanna has demonstrated the ability to learn quickly and work efficiently to juggle all aspects of the Administrative Assistant position. Her enthusiasm for her work, her superb communication and writing skills make her an instant asset to the company. Ivanna embodies what it means to be a team player, and a role model to residents and staff. Ivanna goes above and beyond to help her coworkers and Management staff. She not only is very knowledgeable of our programs but also experienced. As the Administrative Assistant, Ivanna continues to assist the Case Services Department and Security Department. Ivanna has the passion, enthusiasm, and ability to motivate her co-workers in doing their best and contributes to Orion’s RRC/LTORR success in her own unique way. Ivanna’s subtle way of dealing with residents is truly appreciated. Management staff appreciates the effort Ivanna has put into her job while employed at BSS. Management staff thanks Ivanna for bringing a positive attitude to work day after day. GO MATADORS!
Written by: Ruben Aguilera, Program Director LTORR
Orion RRC—Leticia Gonzalez, Security Monitor
Leticia Gonzalez began her employment with BSS on June 1, 2020 as a
Security Monitor. When Leticia came to BSS, it was very clear to us that she was very driven. Leticia was a full-time student and worked primarily on the graveyard shift. Leticia never allowed one to interfere with the other and she was able to perform all of her tasks and duties as assigned without issue. Leticia continued to grow as a Security Monitor on graveyard and ultimately began working day shift, because she was eager to learn about day-to-day security duties. Over the years, Leticia has grown from being one of our most reserved staff to someone who is always prepared to face challenges, head on with confidence. Leticia has made great strides and progress during her tenure at Orion, and is constantly looking for opportunities to grow and hone her skills. Leticia has great boundary setting skills when working with the resident population and staff alike. She is polite and respectful to everyone she encounters and is a complete joy to work with. Orion RRC is proud and beyond fortunate to have her as part of our team.
Written by: Marissa Castro, Program Director
Emelin Carcano has been selected as 2022 Employee of the Year! Emelin started her employment with BSS as a Security Monitor on May 17, 2021, promoted to Administrative Assistant on 03/16/2022. Emelin has been an elemental part of the Hollywood LTORR team and a huge support to the Program Director. As Administrative Assistant, Emelin is amazing and can always be counted on to complete anything expected of her in a timely manner. Emelin can be asked about a resident, agent, etc. and will have an answer promptly. Emelin is instantly able to provide the correct information because of her attention to detail. Emelin has created smooth communication lines between Hollywood LTORR, Parole Agents, other facilities, etc. Emelin is always willing to help with security coverage. Emelin brings a smile and a cheerful attitude to work. Everything Emelin does, doesn’t go unnoticed and we are excited to be able to celebrate her as Employee of the Year.
Written by: Noemi Bernal, Program Director and Victor Mojica, Assistant Program Director
Florence Residential Reentry Center— Michelle “Brandy” McGarry, Security Monitor
BSS Florence would like to express how thankful we are for having Michelle “Brandy” McGarry as our Employee of the Year. Brandy began her career with BSS in April 2019. Brandy has been assigned to the early morning driver position. She arrives to work at 3 am to transport the residents to work. Brandy maintains the vehicle maintenance to ensure that the oil changes and tire rotations are up to date. Brandy will also pick up facility supplies when needed. Brandy will help in security when not on the road and she also has been working a split shift working 4 hours in the morning and 4 hours in the afternoon to cover the staffing shortage. Brandy has been a great asset to the facility. Brandy is always present at the staff meetings, giving suggestions and making recommendations for improvements. This year Brandy was involved in a vehicle accident with 10 residents in the van. She maintained a calm demeanor and assisted all residents aboard, calling the on call Director immediately to report the incident. Brandy made sure all residents were safe and attended to by medical personnel. Brandy arrives to work with a smile and ready to start the day. Brandy McGarry has done a great job this year and is very deserving of this Employee of the Year award.
Written by: Misty Damron, Program Director
It is my great pride to nominate Administrative Assistant, Estefani Soto Haywood, as our Employee of the Year 2022. Estefani has been with BSS-Vinewood family since 2014, that is 12 years of loyal service to the organization. Her dedication and excellent performance for BSS shows it all. She has shown maturity through years of experience and professional growth in herself. I am proud and blessed to have such an open-minded individual with a positive attitude and execute what she learns making operations a lot more manageable. She honed her skills in listening and paying attention to details.
Estefani goes the extra mile to assist all departments in operation. She also openly welcomes extra projects from EVP of BSS for other sister facilities. She shares her acquired knowledge and experiences to all staff needing assistance on understanding policies and protocols. This year, and all previous years, Estefani has always been one of the faces of BSS-Vinewood RRC. Estefani deserves the recognition for being Employee of the year.
Written by: Rommel Dumanil, Program Director
Valina Harper has been selected as Employee of the Year, 2022, for the Sunset DRC. Valina was rehired on 12/01/14 as a Caseworker and eventually promoted to Casework Supervisor. She is very hard-working, a team player, and very knowledgeable in her work. Valina is always helpful with clients and staff alike and we appreciate her professional feedback.
She goes way beyond her job description when dealing with any request at the DRC. There were many other worthy staff to be deserving of this award, however, it became clear during the brief time that I have been the Director at the DRC that without her leadership over the past year, having to wear multiple hats at the facility, in the absence of the previous Director, things would have been in a lot more disarray.
Valina is a no-nonsense employee who expects everyone to carry their fair share of responsibility at the DRC. Valina’s experience is invaluable.
One of her most glaring shortcomings is that she’s a Denver Broncos fan! A lot of prayers are needed for that alone! We appreciate Valina’s efforts at the DRC.
Written by Ryan Diaz, Program Director