Claudine Van Gonka is Director of Community Relations and Media at San Diego Blood Bank. Ms. Van Gonka helped coordinate and develop the Community Guardians Program, a collaboration between San Diego Blood Bank and many Live Well San Diego Recognized Partners to help protect our region’s blood supply. Their collective impact helped secure blood donations saving up to 189 lives in our community while amplifying the call for future support to over 500,000 residents.

Alex, whose pronouns are they/them, arrived at their first Urban Surf 4 Kids camp at 6 years old, afraid of the ocean, and was gently encouraged and supported to give surfing a try; Now, at 13 years old, they are sharing their love of surfing by mentoring other young foster kids, getting them out in the water, and showing them how surfing can help their mental health. Urban Surf 4 Kids has improved Alex’s surfing skills and self-esteem and given them the skills to support others. Urban Surf 4 Kids has impacted more than 6,480 foster youth through trauma informed surf therapy, mentorship, and life skills achievement programs, giving kids an outdoor space to learn and grow.

Hassan Abdirahman is Program Manager for Somali Family Services and Carol Lewis is Coordinator of the El Cajon Collaborative. Both serve on the Executive Team of the San Diego Refugee Forum, a community of service providers that seeks to collaborate proactively in  providing the highest quality and effective service to refugees, asylees, asylum seekers, and others displaced from their homes abroad by war, violence, or persecution and who are  seeking refuge and safety in San Diego County.

Kat Durant is Chief Program Officer for the Regional Taskforce on Homelessness and is the main planner and driver of the annual We All Count Point-in-Time Count. In 2022, the event engaged over 1,400 volunteers across San Diego County to take a one-day snapshot of the minimum number of San Diegans experiencing homelessness. The Taskforce brings together multiple member agencies, including UPLIFT, Father Joe’s Villages, SBCS, Serving Seniors, San Diego LGBT Community Center, and many others, to commit to ending and preventing homelessness by engaging stakeholders in all parts of the region.

Jessica Geiszler is Marketing and Public Outreach Manager for the County of San
Diego Parks and Recreation Department. Ms. Geiszler helped coordinate the Experience the Outdoors program, a collaboration between San Diego County Parks Society, San Diego Mountain Biking Association, REI San Diego, and others to boost park awareness and provide more inclusive, equitable, and accessible park experiences. The program works to remove barriers that have historically prevented park visitation by some groups.

Annamarie Montecina Till is the Director of Community Partnerships at RISE San Diego. Ms. Montecina Till leads programs and partnerships that advance urban leadership through dialogue-based civic engagement, dynamic nonprofit partnerships, and direct training and support to increase the capacity of urban residents to effect meaningful community change. The RISE Urban Leadership Fellows Program fosters critical dialogue and resident-led action around issues impacting urban communities throughout San Diego County and empowers leaders to tackle challenges in and with their communities focused on race, justice, and equity.

"As agents of change, we strive to help people turn their lives around. Everyone deserves to live in safety and in good health. We are proud to assist."

The Champion Probation Team is comprised of Raymund Juanengo, Supervising Probation Officer; Brandi Babcock, Senior Probation Officer; Jennifer Hart, Deputy Probation Officer; and Michael Via, Deputy Probation Officer.

What do you do at the County?

We protect community safety, reduce crime, and assist victims through offender accountability and rehabilitation.

What do you like most about your job?

We make an impact in the lives of probationers by encouraging them to be mentally and physically healthier and to exercise in order to relieve stress so they don’t fall back on drugs when they get overwhelmed. Just a small amount of positive reinforcement and words of support can help probationers realize that their lives can be dramatically different. This is why we are 'agents of change’; we are there to help facilitate the process where probationers take charge of their own lives, find some internal motivation, and gather up enough courage to start the process.

What's your favorite memory from your work?

• Juanengo: Winning second place in the most challenging level of the County’s Amazing Race competition last year.
• Hart: Training for and competing in the Baker to Vegas Law Enforcement Relay Race, building camaraderie and gaining support from the department.
• Babcock: Seeing the probationers turn their lives around and become productive members of society. Not only does it get the probationers on the right track, but it also creates safer communities for all San Diego residents.
• Via: Helping a female probationer who was in an abusive relationship. With our support, she has maintained her sobriety for an extended period of time, has become a sponsor for other substance abuse abusers, and now runs her own self-help meetings to help others with their addictions. She has also secured stable housing and employment and has made the necessary changes to lead a productive, law-abiding lifestyle - a story of success.

What does Live Well San Diego mean to you?

Here at the Ohio Street Probation Office, we’re organizing a Live Well San Diego comprehensive fitness challenge program in order to change the culture of our building from within. We will be encouraging employees to take part in activities in order to promote a healthy lifestyle though exercise and diet.

"From physical health to emotional well-being, a public health nurse wears many hats. I am committed to promoting a healthy community."

What do you do at the County?

I currently wear many hats as a public health nurse. I am a Home Visitor for the Nurse Family Partnership Program, a program for first-time mom’s to achieve certain health outcomes. I work for the STD clinic once per month. I work as the SIDS Public Health Nurse, assigned to cases of parents whose infants died from SIDS to discuss their emotional support status. And lastly, I am part of the Disaster Rapid Assessment Team, and I was sent out to assess shelters in North County during the 2014 spring fires.

What do you like most about your job?

I feel that my life is connected to my work in most aspects. I enjoy teaching about health to others so that they have a chance to achieve self-actualization and learn that changes to our health habits are possible. As Public Health Nurses, we get the unique chance to touch the lives of our clients and their child before birth. Having hope in my life is what motivates me to wake up, a hope that today will be better than yesterday. Hope is another thing I try to pass on to my clients.

What's your favorite memory from your work?

All my memories revolve around my co-workers. Together, we participate in Thrive Across America, we have “funky Friday” 15 minute dance breaks, we celebrate each other’s birthdays and achievements, and we enjoy working together.

What does Live Well San Diego mean to you?

Live Well San Diego means that one day we will have the healthiest city in the nation. We will have created systems for our communities to have access to health care and health information so we can all live happier and healthier.

"Parks enhance a community's quality of life. I strengthen the connection between people and the outdoors."

Nicholas was promoted from Park Project Manager to Housing Program Analyst during campaign development.

What do you do at the County?

As a Park Project Manager I oversaw the design and construction of park improvements and worked with private developers to ensure new large residential developments included adequate park space to serve future residents. As a Housing Program Analyst, I am in charge of two federally funded programs that improve communities in need.

What do you like most about your job?

Having a stable home has so many personal, family and social benefits. In my current role, the programs we administer help people avoid or move out of homelessness, help low-income families buy their first home, and help private industry create affordable rental opportunities within our communities.

What's your favorite memory from your work?

Working with other people who truly believe in helping residents and know that what they do on a daily basis is affecting lives.

What does Live Well San Diego mean to you?

Live Well San Diego tells the story of why we do what we do as public servants.

"I love giving back to the community. I recruit volunteers to shape and support a community in which we can all live well."

What do you do at the County?

I’m kind of like the human resources person for volunteers. I recruit volunteers, both groups and individuals, for our volunteer opportunities and seek out options for those looking to serve.

What do you like most about your job?

It is very gratifying to engage citizens in caring for parks and open spaces in and around their communities. I love to play a part in getting kids out in our parks volunteering. And I get to meet the most amazing people who also love volunteering!

What's your favorite memory from your work?

On occasion I will organize community trails work parties and love getting “down and dirty” with the volunteers, working right alongside them. Another favorite moment was at the Ramona Grasslands Ribbon Cutting a few years ago. I was one of the first to ride through the gate on my horse. As a resident of Ramona and a long time trails advocate, this was such a great moment.

What does Live Well San Diego mean to you?

Live Well San Diego is giving back to your community in volunteering; it’s taking care of yourself by making healthy choices in food and exercise; it’s making sure we’re providing the very best in education and community support; it’s making better planning choices in how we use our precious resource - our land; it’s all of us doing what we can to help make San Diego County the best it can be!

"Libraries are the building blocks of communities. I improve lives through knowledge."

What do you do at the County?

I oversee programming, bookmobiles and the volunteer program for the Library.

What do you like most about your job?

My reward comes from the direct impact we have on our citizens. We are able to respond to needs in thoughtful and impactful ways. Our citizens have the ability to engage and empower themselves to lead the lives they envision for themselves through our services.

What's your favorite memory from your work?

Summer Meals at the Library. Seeing a room fill up with hungry kids at a time when schools are closed - it leaves an impression. I like to think we are feeding the child and the mind through the meal program and associated educational opportunities.

What does Live Well San Diego mean to you?

Live Well San Diego means leading and encouraging others to lead a healthy lifestyle physically, mentally, and financially.

"Everyone should have access to basic resources. I improve lives through social services."

What do you do at the County?

I am out stationed and work with San Diego Police Department. I ride along with a police officer and contact homeless individuals on the street. We offer them assistance and referrals to programs and agencies. The goal is to assist the homeless in removing barriers to basic needs.

What do you like most about your job?

Assisting an individual in getting services and basic needs meet.

What's your favorite memory from your work?

My favorite memory is of a client that everybody gave up on, including himself. He was a chronic problem in the community with multiple ambulance runs to the ER monthly. He was extremely vulnerable and lacked the mental capacity to advocate for his own basic needs. He was unable to receive public assistance due to his lack of identification. I was tasked with trying to assist him. I created a plan and reached out to multiple agencies to assist me in trying to stabilize the client. It was a collaborative effort that involved multiple agencies from all levels. It was rewarding both personally and professionally to witness the willingness on everyone’s part to work together to help one man find his way back to dignity. He was been housed and stable now for going on two years.

"With a roof over your head, you can be productive in all aspects of life. I improve the quality of peoples' lives."

What do you do at the County?

As a Housing Specialist, I manage a caseload of rental assistance contracts and help families in need find safe and affordable housing.

What do you like most about your job?

I have the opportunity to work directly with the community I serve. The calls and thank you cards that I have received from tenants expressing their gratitude for the Rental Assistance Program brings so much joy to my day.

What's your favorite memory from your work?

The first time I had a participant call in to say, “Thank you for all that your program has done for me and my family. We are able to make it on our own now and longer need your help.”

What does Live Well San Diego mean to you?

Live Well San Diego is about enhancing the health and well-being of San Diego County residents. It is a community-wide effort that includes providing information and resources to encourage community involvement in creating an environment in which all San Diego County residents can thrive.

"I positively influence my staff and clients to live well every day. From team walks to creative client wellness events, I promote living life to the healthiest."

What do you do at the County?

I oversee delivery of physical and occupational therapy services to clients with neuromuscular and/or musculoskeletal impairments who range in age from birth to 21 years.

What do you like most about your job?

In my position, I positively influence staff and clients to “Live Well.” Each week, we begin our staff meeting with a vigorous team walk. For our clients, we have completed a year-long series of “Wellness Wednesdays.” This was a monthly presentation and educational series in which clients and their families participated in themed health and wellness activities. For example, last April clients and families joined the therapists for an outing to the Escondido Farmer’s Market where they learned about the health benefits of organic fruits and vegetables.

What's your favorite memory from your work?

I have two. The first was taking a staff that was disengaged and disgruntled and working with them to develop into a thriving, cohesive team. The second was working with staff to help a 20-year-old client in a group home (without parents) gain improved health care and advocacy.

What does Live Well San Diego mean to you?

Seeking to be the best version of myself while living and working alongside the best version of others in the greatest city in the nation!

"I am improving communities by making walking, biking and transit use safer and more appealing throughout the region."

What do you do at the County?

I provide technical assistance to neighborhood groups, SANDAG, city governments, developers, and non-profits seeking to increase opportunities for walking, bicycling, and transit use.

What do you like most about your job?

My work provides health and quality of life benefits to San Diegans, many of whom are eager to leave their car at home and walk, bike, or ride the bus to do errands, commute, or enjoy recreation. I can see the result of my work in the joy of residents out being physically active.

What's your favorite memory from your work?

About 12 years ago, a neighborhood organization requested my help getting a protected crosswalk installed so residents could take better advantage of a new neighborhood park that was separated from homes by a busy road. I faxed them a suggested design, and before I knew it, the City of San Diego had built it! It’s in my own neighborhood, so I see people using it every day.

What does Live Well San Diego mean to you?

Live Well San Diego is a 10-year commitment to make progress on health, safety and well-being, which is an amazing testament to the County’s long-term perspective. What other government does that?

"I coach patients and caregivers on taking control of their health care. I empower my clients with knowledge that enables them to successfully navigate the health care system."

What do you do at the County?

I coach patients and caregivers to take the lead in their health care and empower them to make informed decisions. I provide patients and their caregivers the tools to successfully navigate the health care system and equip them with knowledge of their diagnoses and medications so they can manage well on their own after the health intervention is completed.

What do you like most about your job?

Without a doubt, it is most rewarding when patients take action steps toward feeling empowered.

What's your favorite memory from your work?

I don’t have any one particular favorite memory in this position. I just truly enjoy being fully present for my patients and meeting them where they are. They feel listened to and respected. That’s the rewarding part.

What does Live Well San Diego mean to you?

Live Well San Diego means responsibility to ourselves and to the public we serve. I don’t take this responsibility lightly. I eat right, exercise, get regular check ups, and strive for a healthy balance between personal life and high quality work. It also means gently guiding my patients in helping them realize the impact taking charge of their health can have on their quality of life.

"I live my passion every day by guiding people through the social services process. By providing resources to live well, I am doing my part for a healthier community."

What do you do at the County?

I take warm hand-off calls from Covered California and support Supervising Human Services Specialists with implementing new protocols.

What do you like most about your job?

My passion is to help customers get the resources they need. The way I feel when I fulfill a client’s request or fix a problem on the case is indescribable. I strive to make a difference each and every day and help each member on my team grow and find their inner strengths.

What's your favorite memory from your work?

My favorite memory in this position is establishing desk aides and training Temporary Office Assistants learning about the Affordable Care Act and how to apply/register in CalWIN. This process initiated the first step in customers getting Medi-Cal coverage assistance. The ability to assist and create training material and teach it was most challenging and definitely a memory that I will not forget.

What does Live Well San Diego mean to you?

Live Well San Diego means building a better San Diego by showing people the importance of staying healthy and living healthy, but most importantly, how to tie this in to your everyday activities. We set up group hikes and healthy cook off challenges that show our peers different alternatives for staying healthy and having fun in the process.

"I rely on generous volunteers from throughout San Diego County to make our election process seamless, regardless of location or language. Together we provide an important community service."

What do you do at the County?

I’m responsible for recruitment and training of volunteer poll workers and other election support services for the County’s Registrar of Voters. As the manager of volunteer poll workers, my primary responsibility is to ensure that our polling places are sufficiently staffed on Election Day.

What do you like most about your job?

I recruit poll workers that can cover an array of languages including Filipino, Spanish, Chinese, Vietnamese, Khmer, Korean, Hindi and Japanese, helping voters who may not have sufficient understanding of English feel comfortable and informed by voting in their primary language. Together we provide an important and valuable community service.

It's also great seeing high school and college students get involved in civic engagement and democracy at a young age by volunteering to work the polls.

What does Live Well San Diego mean to you?

Live Well San Diego is meaningful to me for the positive effects achieved from a healthy diet and physical activity. The County offers many opportunities for employees to get involved and stay healthy including the farmers market with local fruits and vegetables, gym access, Thrive Across America to get fit and stay fit, lunch and learn classes and even a team challenge with the Amazing Race.

"I practice what I preach at home and at work: responsible animal care. I strive to contribute far more than what is expected on behalf of the health of my animal friends."

What do you do at the County?

I am in charge of the Animal Care staff and responsible for the animals in our care.

What do you like most about your job?

I am very passionate about this job, I believe strongly in spay and neuter, reducing homeless pets and making the animals time with us as smooth and stress free as possible. I also believe in living what we “preach.” My pets are fully vaccinated, altered, licensed and leashed.

What's your favorite memory from your work?

There are so many happy adoption stories. I once posted on our Facebook page that July is so stressful for the staff and if you adopted from us please put a photo in the comments and give a “shout out” to the shelter you adopted from. We had 118 comments. I remembered so many of the dogs; it was amazing. I do this for the happy endings.

What does Live Well San Diego mean to you?

Giving back. The County pays me to do this job. I am able to support my family, I have medical benefits and I am so grateful for that but I hope that my contribution to this department and this community has been greater than what I am paid to do.

"Our county's veterans are my inspiration and my motivation. I work to achieve a respectful standard of living for all."

What do you do at the County?

I develop hiring initiatives for the veteran community, college, women’s and diversity groups.

What do you like most about your job?

As a disabled veteran, I enjoy developing hiring programs, career fairs and employer panels with the county’s veteran community. I have been working as a volunteer for the past 14 years with transitioning servicemen and women helping them develop the tools to actively seek employment.

What's your favorite memory from your work?

Going to monthly military networking functions.

What does Live Well San Diego mean to you?

Live Well San Diego means that the County of San Diego is intimately involved with our employees and community to put together such a great program for the safety and well-being of all citizens in our beautiful community.

"I am the liaison between the four-legged and two-legged beings in the shelter. I promote the perks of responsible pet ownership and the quest to find a loving home for every pet."

What do you do at the County?

I raise morale of staff and the shelter animals. I often “test” the shelter dogs' sociability to assist with adoption options.

What do you like most about your job?

I make staff smile and some of them walk me on their lunch breaks so I get them to get out of the office and exercise. Also, some dogs do not do well in a shelter environment but bringing them into the office with me sometimes helps. Sometimes we chill out, sometimes we play. Whatever they need. It helps the staff with adoption placement and identifying the right kind of family for the pet.

What's your favorite memory from your work?

I like working with the senior dogs. It makes me sad that they find themselves homeless. I let them know that the Animal Care staff will them find a new home and new life.

What does Live Well San Diego mean to you?

Being kind equally to everyone 4-legged or 2-legged. Also, I am kind of a big deal around here. I am neutered and wear my license - showing everyone that responsible ownership can look this good!