2022 Volunteers of the Year

Mapuana Marlene Abel - District 2
Assessor/Recorder/County Clerk

Mapuana started volunteering at a time the department needed her most. As the Assessor/Recorder/County Clerk’s Office began to reopen, she provided immeasurable relief, volunteering 117 hours to the East County branch where she performed civil marriage ceremonies during the influx of customers. Colleagues and customers gravitate towards her welcoming demeanor, willingness to lend a helping hand, fun personality, and warm smile.

Keith Capello - District 1
Animal Services

Keith and his students volunteer twice a week in the dog enrichment and walking team at the south shelter in Bonita. Their work in this program trains dogs on manners, social skills and builds healthy relationships between humans and dogs. Keith’s 900 hours of service over the past six years has helped dogs at the shelter find their fur-ever homes.

Sona Parikh - District 2
County Library

Over the last four years, Sona has contributed over 1,100 hours volunteering at the 4S Ranch Library. She is currently the Treasurer for the Branch’s Friends of the Library. She was an integral part of the Friends of the Library Book Nook upgrade. Sona also researched other strategies for raising funds for the Friends, and during the COVID-19 pandemic closures, the Friends of the Library still managed to raise funds by pivoting to on-line sales. Sona also served on the Library Expansion committee and tirelessly advocated for the ongoing Library Expansion project within the community.

Bill Ring - District 3
General Services

Bill is a licensed surveyor, volunteering in the Asset Management Division. County Departments and members of the public benefit from Bill’s volunteer work as he can provide quick responses to questions and inquiries which allows the public and County departments to move forward with their project. Bill drafts responses to public inquiries, completes research on properties, prepares grant deeds, and answers questions about easements. He also maintains an inventory of properties that is used across Real Estate Services, ensuring that the property inventory includes essential data that enables matching with the Assessor/Recorder/County Clerk records. Bill has contributed 700 hours in volunteer work.

Sharon Rudin - District 2
Aging and Independence Services –Ombudsman

Sharon responds to complaints and concerns regarding resident rights, and care issues in long term care facilities. She investigates reports of neglect and abuse in skilled nursing facilities as well as assisted living facilities, or residential care for the elderly. Sharon is responsive to the needs of the residents in long term care and always provides documentation in a timely manner. She completes training requirements needed to maintain her ombudsman certification and was among the first to voluntarily return to her facilities to carry out her ombudsman duties during the COVID-19 pandemic. With almost 14 years of service, Sharon has volunteered close to 1300 hours.  

Sam Mandler - District 4
Behavioral Health Services - East County - Case Management

Sam and Kenzie have been student interns since the Fall of 2021. During this time with East County Case Management, Sam and Kenzie helped and supported clients with long-term mental health problems to maintain housing, obtain financial assistance, medical and psychiatric treatment, and assist clients to link with other community services such as education, support groups and social programs. Sam and Kenzie each contributed 420 hours in volunteer work.

McKenzie Sapleta - District 4
Behavioral Health Services - East County - Case Management

Sam and Kenzie have been student interns since the Fall of 2021. During this time with East County Case Management, Sam and Kenzie helped and supported clients with long-term mental health problems to maintain housing, obtain financial assistance, medical and psychiatric treatment, and assist clients to link with other community services such as education, support groups and social programs. Sam and Kenzie each contributed 420 hours in volunteer work.

Janet Rasco - District 2
Behavioral Health Services - Edgemoor Hospital

Janet is a huge asset to Edgemoor Hospital. Throughout this year, Janet continued her mission to provide excellent service for residents by providing donated items to be used for resident’s activities. Without skipping a beat during COVID-19 pandemic, Janet continued to assist the therapeutic recreation department with daily programs and offering her exemplary skills to all. It was because of Janet’s creative ways, many residents were able to feel connected to the community during the pandemic. For many years, Janet has been a pivotal person in coordinating the annual car show that connects residents with their local community. With her inviting personality, she has a natural ability to bring people together for a good cause. Janet has contributed a total of 1,440 hours of volunteer work.

Michelle SanFelippo - District 3
HHSA - Child Welfare Sevices

Michelle has volunteered for the Camp Connect program for the past year. Camp Connect is a public/private partnership between the County of San Diego, Child Welfare Services and Promises2Kids. Michelle has volunteered at nearly every Camp Connect event since becoming a Promises2Kids volunteer and has quickly become a role model to youth and fellow volunteers. Her consistent positive attitude brings a warmness to everyone she encounters, and the youth are drawn to her presence. Michelle is always willing to jump in and be flexible during events. In one year, Michelle contributed a total 138 hours of volunteer work.

Mary Niez - District 4
Child Welfare Sevices - Foster Youth Mentor Program

Mary has been mentoring for over six years and has become a lifelong connection and support for three siblings. According to the youth's social worker, the mentees have expressed their appreciation for having someone like Mary in their lives. Mary not only has shown her commitment to the youth she mentors, but consistently collaborates with the mentor liaison, the Court Appointed Special Advocate, teachers, group home staff and the youth's social workers. In addition to being a significant figure in her mentees' lives, Mary has been supporting at­risk youth in the community. Mary has also been instrumental in assisting social workers with placement stability for foster youth. Mary has contributed 616 hours of volunteer work.

Zachary Hernandez - District 1
Homeless Soulutions and Equitable Communites

Zachary volunteered for the Health and Human Services Agency in 2020 and 2021. During his time with the Agency, he worked on several components of the Community Health Workers regional contracts, such as reaching potential contracting agencies, checking through all contracted social media channels to search for, highlight, and record the social media posts that were required by the contracts. His diligence and hard work helped ensure the community was receiving accurate information and thus contributed to a region that is engaged, living healthy, safely and thriving. His work impacted the contracts by providing the department with insight and input into each contracted organization’s deliverables. Zachary contributed a total of 150 hours in volunteer work.

Dr. Cynthia Robertson - District 2
HHSA, Medical Care Services Divison

Dr. Cynthia Robertson, Camille Fitzpatrick, Dr. Lillian Harvey, and Dr. Willa Fields, are Medical Reserve Corps volunteers with the Health Care Sector for Outreach and Education. They participated in the Academic Detailing by Zip Code program to educate healthcare professionals and the public. They contacted healthcare practices directly to inform them of the constantly changing guidelines throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, provided available resources, and gave information on testing and treatment. In addition, they provided consultation to healthcare professionals in practices which asked for additional support that required specific clinical expertise.

In addition, they responded to inquiries from the COVID-treatment inbox, providing the public with life-saving information about COVID-19 treatment and where to access pre- and post-exposure prophylaxis for immunocompromised individuals or individuals who have been exposed to COVID-19.

Together, they contributed over 1,000 hours of volunteer work, with Dr. Cynthia contributing 480 hours

Camille Fitzpatrick - District 3
HHSA, Medical Care Services Divison

Dr. Cynthia Robertson, Camille Fitzpatrick, Dr. Lillian Harvey, and Dr. Willa Fields, are Medical Reserve Corps volunteers with the Health Care Sector for Outreach and Education. They participated in the Academic Detailing by Zip Code program to educate healthcare professionals and the public. They contacted healthcare practices directly to inform them of the constantly changing guidelines throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, provided available resources, and gave information on testing and treatment. In addition, they provided consultation to healthcare professionals in practices which asked for additional support that required specific clinical expertise.

In addition, they responded to inquiries from the COVID-treatment inbox, providing the public with life-saving information about COVID-19 treatment and where to access pre- and post-exposure prophylaxis for immunocompromised individuals or individuals who have been exposed to COVID-19.

Together, they contributed over 1,000 hours of volunteer work, with Camille contributing 480 hours.

Dr. Lillian Harvey - District 3
HHSA, Medical Care Services Divison

Dr. Cynthia Robertson, Camille Fitzpatrick, Dr. Lillian Harvey, and Dr. Willa Fields, are Medical Reserve Corps volunteers with the Health Care Sector for Outreach and Education. They participated in the Academic Detailing by Zip Code program to educate healthcare professionals and the public. They contacted healthcare practices directly to inform them of the constantly changing guidelines throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, provided available resources, and gave information on testing and treatment. In addition, they provided consultation to healthcare professionals in practices which asked for additional support that required specific clinical expertise.

In addition, they responded to inquiries from the COVID-treatment inbox, providing the public with life-saving information about COVID-19 treatment and where to access pre- and post-exposure prophylaxis for immunocompromised individuals or individuals who have been exposed to COVID-19.

Together, they contributed over 1,000 hours of volunteer work, with Dr. Harvey contributing 339 hours.

Dr. Willa Fields - District 3
HHSA, Medical Care Services Divison

Dr. Cynthia Robertson, Camille Fitzpatrick, Dr. Lillian Harvey, and Dr. Willa Fields, are Medical Reserve Corps volunteers with the Health Care Sector for Outreach and Education. They participated in the Academic Detailing by Zip Code program to educate healthcare professionals and the public. They contacted healthcare practices directly to inform them of the constantly changing guidelines throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, provided available resources, and gave information on testing and treatment. In addition, they provided consultation to healthcare professionals in practices which asked for additional support that required specific clinical expertise.

In addition, they responded to inquiries from the COVID-treatment inbox, providing the public with life-saving information about COVID-19 treatment and where to access pre- and post-exposure prophylaxis for immunocompromised individuals or individuals who have been exposed to COVID-19.

Together, they contributed over 1,000 hours of volunteer work, with Dr. Fields contributing 110 hours.

James Lepanto - District 1
Public Health Services

James has been significantly involved in the Health Services Advisory Board (HSAB) over the past eight years. Additionally, he has spent five of those eight years as the Chair of the HSAB. James has used his leadership position to create an atmosphere of inclusion among Board members, County staff, and the public. This has led to positive working relationships and noteworthy results from the HSAB and its efforts with the County. James always seeks to identify partners to strengthen strategies for improving the health of citizens in San Diego County. Moreover, his understanding and appreciation of all people that support the HSAB and its success has led to further engagement and investment among members and partners. James has contributed over 500 hours of volunteer work.  

Calvin Cabading - District 1
Public Health Services - California Children's Services Branch

Calvin started his volunteer work with the Branch at the San Diego South Medical Therapy Unit (MTU) in January 2019. The Medical Therapy Unit provides physical and occupational therapy services to children with physical disabilities. His regular activities include organizing the therapy areas, laundry, and sanitizing all mats and therapy equipment. These activities are a critical aspect of daily operations at the Unit. His care and respect for clients is demonstrated by his friendly interactions and excellent customer service attitude to both internal and external customers. Calvin has contributed a total of 220 hours of volunteer work.

Mike Broome - District 5
Parks and Recreation

Mike is passionate about volunteering and being a Park Host at Rancho Guajome Adobe. He provides excellent customer service to everyone he meets. He has extensively studied the history of the park and is great at guiding tours and answering inquisitive questions from visitors. Mike has been instrumental in several extensive adobe repairs and whitewashing projects. When it comes to this type of work, he keeps history alive in the walls at Rancho Guajome Adobe by performing the work with historically accurate techniques and materials. During the Day of the Dead event and Christmas holiday events, Mike is instrumental in ensuring these events go smoothly. Mike has contributed 4,680 hours in volunteer work.

Ciara Torres - District 4
Public Defender

Ciara Torres, as an investigative intern, assisted with multiple tasks such as research, conducting court records checks, serve subpoenas, and obtain confidential records. These efforts have saved countless hours of investigative time. When the courts started reopening during the pandemic, Ciara joined the first cohort of interns to return to the offices. Ciara has assisted criminal investigators in various active homicide cases by supporting investigators in the field, reviewing, and organizing evidence; all with a smile. Ciara's efforts have assisted in seeking justice and favorable outcomes for the many clients represented by the office. Ciara has contributed a total of 700 hours of volunteer work. 

Grace McCall - District 4
Public Defender

Grace volunteers in the Collaborative Court and Fresh Start Unit. She works with the attorneys in the various Collaborative Courts. Grace is empathetic, compassionate, and is amazing at getting along with everyone she meets. She has a unique ability to relate with clients, make them feel special and seen. Grace also helps individuals clear their records through the Fresh Start Unit which allows those clients to move forward in their lives despite their past mistakes. Grace has volunteered 250 hours.

Linda Trinrud - District 3
PSG Child Support Services

Lauren Trinrud and Juliana Alksne [Ahk-snee] have assisted Department Attorneys in all aspects of the child support litigation process. These duties consist of preparing ex parte applications, case preparation for daily court calendars, and corresponding with parties and attorneys.

Lauren observed court hearings and settlement negotiations and corresponded with parties and attorneys on child support cases. Lauren contributed an abundant amount of time in researching and writing responses to pleadings with the Motions Response Team and researching relevant statutory case law for child support hearings. Lauren has contributed a total of 214 hours in volunteer work.

Juliana Alksne - District 4
PSG Child Support Services

Lauren Trinrud and Juliana Alksne [Ahk-snee] have assisted Department Attorneys in all aspects of the child support litigation process. These duties consist of preparing ex parte applications, case preparation for daily court calendars, and corresponding with parties and attorneys.

Juliana dedicated time in researching and writing motions and researching and preparing memorandums of law. Juliana completed multiple important research projects during her internship. She was also an integral part of the Motions Response Team and provided invaluable contributions to the Department during her internship. Juliana volunteered a total of 210 hours during her internship.

LaVonne Schuler - District 2
Sheriff

LaVonne serves as the Sheriff’s Senior Volunteer Patrol program administrator for both the Santee and Lakeside Stations. She is responsible for the administration, management, and training of 22 volunteers. Their station responses have included traffic control and support for the recent Santee and Lakeside aircraft crashes. LaVonne coordinates the daily Senior Volunteer Patrol deployments, vacation checks, and manages the station's “You Are Not Alone” program, providing daily phone calls and visits to home-bound seniors. She also assists the Sheriff’s Crime Lab with general administrative duties several times a month. Lavonne also coordinates a specialized team of volunteers trained to drive the mobile command post. Since 2015, Lavonne has contributed over 5,000 hours to the Department.

Devonna Hall - District 3
UCCE

Devonna Hall has done an exceptional job in managing the public outreach committee while navigating various obstacles throughout the pandemic. She provided the master gardeners with unwavering support, as well as keeping them engaged and energized so they can provide gardening outreach and education to the public in new and creative ways. Devonna has contributed a total of 2100 hours of volunteer work over the past 12 years.