Discover the latest updates and changes for APS policy, Power Automate, and new specialty courses coming to APS.
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Maintaining Wellness Through the Holiday Season
Submitted by Michelle Mitchell, Region 3 CIESM Program Manager
As we approach the holiday rush, it can be helpful to anticipate expectations of the season. A range of emotions can surface during this time of year, from joy to stress. A recent American Psychological Association poll found 41% of adults reported increased levels of stress during the holiday season.
The following considerations help prioritize wellness while navigating the next few weeks.
1. Acknowledge Needs and Feelings
The holiday season sparks memories, pressures, along with emotions. Rather than judging or suppressing these feelings, practice acknowledging and accepting them. It is okay to feel how you are feeling – happy, sad, both happy and sad. Give yourself compassion and time to sit with your experience. Journaling can be a useful tool to explore, process, and discover needs.
2. Maintain Healthy Habits
Daily routines are easily interrupted. Prioritizing habits like getting restful sleep, consuming nutritious food, staying hydrated, taking restorative breaks, and moving the body are essential to maintaining well-being. These healthy habits aid in boosting mood, energy, self-esteem, and cognitive functioning.
3. Set Realistic Expectations
You are invited to balance your generosity with limited time and resources. Participate in events that work within your capacity and decline the rest. When agreeing to attend, notice if it is for enjoyment or obligation. It can help to list all anticipated festivities, prioritize them, and elect to attend a certain number of events during the season. Enable options to modify plans as needed, i.e. skip, go late, leave early, travel separately.
4. Take Time to Connect
Meaningful connections contribute to overall well-being, helping to overcome stressors. These connections offer validation, insight, alternate perspectives, processing, and encouragement. Additional ways to connect include time with animals, nature, faith, and volunteering.
Click HERE for a helpful worksheet from The Mayo Clinic.
CELEBRATING WASHINGTON’S ROLE at the 2025 NAPSA Conference
Paula Hughes, M.Ed., CDE Deputy Director
WA State Adult Protective Services
This September, Washington State proudly welcomed Adult Protective Services (APS) professionals from across the nation as we co-hosted the 36th Annual National Adult Protective Services Association (NAPSA) Conference in Bellevue. It was an extraordinary opportunity to showcase the strength, creativity, and dedication of our workforce while learning from colleagues committed to the same mission: protecting and empowering older adults and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
From the opening plenary to the final sessions, Washington APS was at the heart of the conference’s success. Our staff presented workshops that reflected the innovation and professionalism of our program. Sarah Cox led a thoughtful session on how Washington approaches due process in APS substantiated
findings, ensuring fairness and integrity in every investigation. Kara Barnes shared strategies to improve organizational health, highlighting how strong systems support
Kathy Morgan delivers remarks during the NAPSA Awards Ceremony.
Washington APS CIESM Program Manager, Kara Barnes teaches a workshop.
Bellevue, WA
King County
staff wellness and retention. Erika Parmelee brought our state’s quality assurance work to the national stage, showing how Washington is building consistency, reliability, and datadriven practices across APS. These sessions not only highlighted the expertise of our staff but also demonstrated how Washington continues to set the standard in advancing practice nationwide. Washington hosted
many more workshops throughout the conference, each one showcasing the depth and diversity of our team’s knowledge and commitment. We wish we had the space to acknowledge every presenter and session, as each contributed meaningfully to the success of this year’s event.
We were also thrilled to celebrate one of Washington’s long-standing elder justice champions. Page Ulrey, Senior Deputy Prosecuting Attorney in King County, received the prestigious NAPSA Collaboration Award.
Page has spent decades prosecuting cases of abuse, neglect, and exploitation, while also serving as a trainer and national leader who has shaped how APS and the justice system work together. Her recognition reflects the deep partnerships and shared commitment to vulnerable adults that define our work here in Washington.
Hosting this year’s conference gave us the chance to highlight Washington’s leadership and vision while engaging in meaningful conversations with our peers from across the country. The ideas shared, the strategies learned, and the connections built will ripple back into our daily work and strengthen the services we provide in every community.
We thank each of you for the passion, dedication, and heart you bring to this work. The conference was a powerful reminder that APS is not just a division—it is a community of professionals who stand together to honor the rights, independence, health, and safety of those we serve.
We look forward to continuing this momentum. Next year’s NAPSA Conference will take place in Austin, Texas, and Washington APS will be ready once again to share, learn, and lead.
Washington APS Training Program Manager, Paul Glassman teaches a workshop.
Page Ulrey, Senior Deputy Prosecuting Attorney in King County (center) poses with Jennifer Spoeri, NAPSA Executive Director (left), and Washington APS Director, Kathy Morgan (right) after receiving the NAPSA Collaboration Award.
Washington APS NAPSA volunteers Beth Templeton, Sajan Karki, and Michelle Hinkle (left to right) work the check-in desk.
Motivational speaker Kevin Carroll delivers the closing keynote.
UPDATES & INFORMATION
Policy Updates
submitted by Rebecca Mead
APS
Senior Policy Advisor
Community of Practice and APS Policy Unit
APS 2025-2026 Policy Community of Practice begins October 2025! The Policy Unit is very excited about this year’s cohort and continuing to collaborate with APS field staff from across the regions.
What is a Community of Practice?
A community of practice is a group of individuals who share a common interest in a particular topic and actively learn from one another; honing their abilities to further their individual development and development of the field of interest. In essence, a community of practice exists to further a group’s collective knowledge about a specific area. They serve to enhance the skills of its members and cultivate the development of intellectual curiosity as a habit.
History of APS Policy Community of Practice
The APS Policy Community of Practice began in September of 2023 as a response to feedback received through workshops, listening sessions, and the 2023 annual roadshows where staff expressed interest in opportunities to be involved in policy discussions and development to better understand the process and to include their field expertise. This collaborative process, which aligns with our agency’s mission, vision, and values, has supported the development of robust policies and consistent statewide understanding and application.
The 2023 Policy Community of Practice was instrumental in the enhancement of the decisionmaking screening policy; including the separation of policy and procedure into the new format.
The 2024 Policy Community of Practice analyzed current policy while assisting with format drafts of
separating policy and procedure. They was a key factor in the recommendation for policy changes regarding documentation timeframes.
We would like to take a moment to thank the members of the 2024 Policy Community of Practice for their time and bringing their positive energy, expertise, and thoughtful partnerships. Thank you to Rachel Ehle, Lacy Valencia, Monika Balmer, Stephanie Canterbury, Jennifer Crawford, Samuel Chapman, Amanda Green, Shawna Harper, Tami Ladoux, Zara Roy, and Kendel VanHoomissen.
We look forward to the continued collaborative work with the members of the 2025 Policy Community of Practice.
Power Automate Power Hour
submitted by Kristen Sinclair APS Management Analyst
The Program Integrity, Performance, and Advancement Unit has been hosting “Power Automate Power Hour” sessions monthly. In each session, we review the basics of Power Automate, a system that lets you automate basic Microsoft tasks. Then we build a workflow that you can use after the session is over.
A recent workflow example we built automatically creates case note due reminders in your Outlook tasks whenever you add an IFF or AP interview to your Outlook calendar. We also built a workflow, after confirming with you, deletes uploaded files from your computer 30 days after you upload them to TIVA2.
The PowerPoint slides presented at sessions are uploaded to the Applications and Technology Guides page on SharePoint. We are also building a library of workflows that you can download and use. Check out our slides from July for instructions on how to import a downloaded workflow into your account.
We hope you will join us at our next session! Future sessions will be emailed and posted to the APS
SharePoint home page. If you have ideas on how you might want to use Power Automate, but are unsure of how to build it, send an email to APS Hub SharePoint to possibly cover at a future session.
Specialty Courses are Coming!
submitted by Ruiqin Miao APS Training Unit Manager
The APS Training and Policy Teams are developing six specialty courses that will serve as an extension of the current introductory academy training. These courses will provide APS staff with a deeper understanding of how to work with clients in several specialty areas commonly encountered during APS investigations.
The idea of specialty courses originated during the Academy Enhancement Project. One of the proposals in the project plan was for APS Academy to provide staff with continuous training opportunities in addition to the introductory academy curriculum. The general vision is for staff to acquire foundational knowledge and skills to conduct investigations through the basic academy track, and further enhance, strengthen, and extend their skills through specialty training, such as courses exploring in-depth a specific type of allegation or subject area that interacts with APS work.
The courses currently being developed include: Mental Health, Substance Use Disorders, Pressure Injuries, Domestic Violence / Intimate Partner Violence, Intellectual & Developmental Disabilities, and Neurocognitive Disorders.
Main topics to be covered are:
• How do these specific conditions connect to APS work?
• What are the key factors to consider when working in these areas?
• What are the common challenges or barriers, and how to address them?
• How to effectively communicate with clients who experience these situations?
• How to conduct high-quality investigations in these areas with a person-directed approach?
The length of these courses may range from several hours to a full day. Curriculum development is in full swing and is expected to complete by the end of 2025, with initial launches anticipated end of this year and into early 2026.
• Photos?
• Content Ideas?
• Success stories?
If so, we would like to feature them in future editions of our quarterly newsletter!
Send your ideas to jesse.dixon@dshs.wa.gov
Employee Spotlight
Christine Maroscher
Social Service Specialist 3
Region 1, Colville
Christine Maroscher joined the Colville office in May 2023, which is a small office of investigators covering rural areas of Stevens County. As with many rural areas, resources are limited, and some locations are a challenge to safely arrive at. Christine’s investigations are thorough and complete, leaving the vulnerable adult in a better situation and more educated to available support. Christine has an open and cheerful demeanor, which helps her build rapport with vulnerable adults and makes them feel comfortable providing information of the investigation, and problem solves ways to obtain needed support and protective services.
Prior to joining APS, Christine worked for both the Colville Police Department and Ferry County Sherrif’s Office. She enjoys working and living in one of the most beautiful areas in Washington State. When she is away from work, Christine enjoys fishing, running, and spending time with her husband, Todd on their mini ranch tending to their many animals. We are so fortunate in Region 1 to have Christine on our APS team!
Darlene Smiley
Social Services Specialist 3 Region 2, Renton
Darlene Smiley joined APS in August 2024. Prior to joining APS, she worked as a caregiver and brought with her a strong background in compassionate care. Darlene started with just two weeks after moving here from San Diego. From day one, she has been making a lasting impression. What sets Darlene apart is her genuine care for every individual she meets. She takes the time to connect, listen, and ensure that each person feels valued. Her dedication and effort are unmistakable. Anyone who speaks with her can sense her authenticity and kindness. Whether it’s a colleague, client, or community member, Darlene has a gift for brightening people’s day.
Outside of work, you’ll likely find Darlene running alongside her dog, Luna. We are grateful for the heart, energy and joy she brings to APS every day. Thank you, Darlene, for being such an essential part of this team!
Nicole Nelson
APS Supervisor
Region 3, Vancouver
Nicole Nelson came to APS from New York in 2023 in the Vancouver office. Nicole dove headfirst into APS as a supervisor and has gone above and beyond. Nicole brings great knowledge and supervisory experience and is a strong leader within the region. Nicole embraces learning APS investigations and works diligently producing thorough investigations. Nicole’s colleagues genuinely enjoy working with her and have appreciated her leadership style. Nicole has had to address many challenging difficult situations and has handled each one with grace and a high level of professionalism.
Nicole enjoys spending time with her husband and daughter, traveling and exploring Washington and Oregon. As a newer Washingtonian she spends her free time discovering new places, often trekking out based on advice from her friends and coworkers. One of her favorite past times is walking and when the weather isn’t cooperating for walks, is competitive with board games with the family. Nicole is highly respected and appreciated and we are all very grateful she moved to WA and joined our APS team.
Hoh
APS Launches New Power BI Report
On July 25, 2025, APS officially deployed a new Power BI report titled “APS Summary of Pending Investigation” to promote greater transparency and accountability within APS. This report is part of a broader suite of Power BI tools designed to provide staff a comprehensive view of their individual caseloads, as well as a comparative analysis of statewide data from other APS regions.
The data pulled from the TIVA2 application reflects information on assigned cases and serves as a valuable tool for improving efficiency, effectiveness, and overall caseload management.
With this new visibility into APS statewide data, staff are reminded that data is an informational resource — not the full story. We encourage staff to use this newly released Power BI report as a starting point for understanding.
Please note that these operational reports are for internal, official use only. Do not share any data or visualizations outside of APS.
For those who need support or a demonstration of the report’s features contact the APS Data Team at apsdatasupport@dshs.wa.gov to schedule a meeting, or stop by during the APS Data Drop-In Hours on the fourth Wednesday of each month from 11 AM to 12 PM.
Submitted by the APS Data Unit
Flowing Through Change: Embracing Growth in Every Season
Submitted by Claire Knight, HCLA Strategic Alignment Administrator
Summer, gracefully or not, morphed into the cooler days of fall. We adjusted and donned the layers of the season; we cuddled in blankets and put aside the summer gear. We flowed with the change. Join me in a pause to consider how I am flowing with other changes in my life. Like many of you, I have been navigating change on my immediate team. Some of you may be in new roles or have new teammates. Maybe you think it’s time to rejuvenate in your role. Below are three areas we can choose to examine to shake up our everyday experience for the benefit of ourselves and others.
Inclusive Communication - Healthy communication is central to our service. We learn what we are doing well, what we can improve, and how we can best serve our evolving communities. We also respectfully deliver information on our boundaries and capabilities. Are you asking open-ended and clarifying questions? Are you incorporating other perspectives as you choose your next action?
Humble Listening - This is linked to inclusive communication. Humility can involve modesty, decentralizing our own opinions, and embracing that life is a journey of discovery. Are you staying open to those different perspectives? Are you listening to truly understand?
Work-Life Effectiveness - True balance can feel like a near impossibility for many of us. However, effectiveness may be more attainable through deliberate, realistic goals. What are the goals and expectations you have for yourself? Are they in alignment with current conditions and circumstances? What boundaries are you implementing to help you feel the work-life effectiveness you desire?
We can start by evaluating ourselves, then consider how our personal growth can benefit our workplace and impact our service delivery.
A challenge – I like it!
Coffee Break
with the APS Director
The October APS Quarterly All Staff Meeting – Coffee with Kathy has been cancelled.
In its place, we will be hosting virtual APS Roadshows for HQ and each region. Please see the schedule below. Staff should have an received a calendar invite for their perspective region. If you have not, please reach out to your local leadership to receive the invite.
HQ: Thursday, November 13 | 10:30 AM – 12:00 PM
Region 1: Tuesday, November 4 | 10:30 AM – 12:00 PM
Region 2: Wednesday, November 12 | 1:30 PM – 3:00 PM
Region 3: Wednesday, November 5 | 1:30 PM – 3:00 PM
We look forward to your participation in these engaging and informative sessions. Each of these meetings will provide division-wide updates, including highlights of APS’s current initiatives, system improvements, policy developments, workgroup progress, legislative activity, budget and staffing updates, and more. Staff will also have an opportunity to ask questions and engage in open discussion.
REGIONAL SUCCESS STORIES
A little compassion and professionalism can significantly impact the wellbeing of Washington’s vulnerable adults.
Region 1
APS was assigned to an investigation involving improper use of restraint. The investigator and their supervisor went out to complete the IFF involving an individual with vascular dementia and ambulation challenges and was greeted by a new caregiver upon arrival. The client was home alone and locked behind a 6-foot chain link gate that was fixed to the wall with a padlock without access to food, phone or the ability to exit the home. The client was holding onto the gate and shaking it. There was a note on the wall outside the gate with the code to open the padlock.
The client was admitted to the hospital for an evaluation and APS advocacy encouraged a safe discharge plan to be developed. This resulted in the hospital financially arranging for the client to be discharged to a memory care facility for two months while the family made arrangements to provide the client with a safe environment where they could receive 24-hour care.
Region 2
APS was involved in a case of financial exploitation by multiple individuals squatting on an individual’s property. The client’s home was found in terrible conditions due to the squatters who had taken advantage of the client while bedridden. The investigator worked with law enforcement to assist the client in filing multiple vulnerable adult protection orders (VAPO).
The investigator secured VAPOs for all the individuals living on the property and were removed. The investigator continued to work with
the client on ensuring they have all the protective services needed in place and is able to focus more clearly on their own care needs. The client went as far as to say they were going to celebrate having their home back. Although the case was not complete, the safety of the client was a main priority.
Region 3
APS received a report concerning a client who appeared severely emaciated and had gone several days without food and seen walking the neighborhood in search of water. The individual’s residence lacked running water and electricity. The client was located at a local shelter and connected with community paramedics. Shortly thereafter, the client’s condition deteriorated, leading to hospitalization, where he was found to lack capacity and unable to identify any living relatives.
The investigator tracked down a close friend and the client’s sister who agreed to serve as power of attorney and assumed financial oversight. During the financial eligibility process, it was discovered the client was exploited while displaced. The client was placed in a skilled nursing facility, where their sister visits regularly. Investigations into financial exploitation are ongoing in collaboration with law enforcement. The investigator went above and beyond following the mission and purpose of APS along with her integrity and work ethic, the client is safe and protected.
Mount Shuksan North Cascades NP
Sajan Karki, MSBA Operations & Data Specialist (HQ)
Getting to Know One Another
Understanding how our unique experiences contribute to a stronger and more diverse workforce.
by Jesse Dixon, APS Marketing & Communications Manager
In every corner of Washington Adult Protective Services, the unique journeys of its workforce shape the strength of the whole. Among them is Sajan Karki, our very own Operations & Data Specialist at APS headquarters, whose path to APS bridges continents, careers, and communities.
Born in Nepal, Sajan’s early experiences gave him a global outlook that continues to influence his work and relationships. That perspective grew as his journey carried him into the U.S. Army, where he served as a Healthcare Non-Commissioned Officer, ensuring medical readiness for combat troops. He later transitioned into civilian roles, including positions at Amazon Web Services and the Washington State Health Care Authority, where he analyzed Medicaid rates and supported critical policy decisions.
Now, two and a half years into his APS role, Sajan combines that broad background with a commitment to protecting vulnerable adults through research and data-driven solutions. For him, the numbers are never just statistics. They are tools to strengthen services and expand opportunities for those who need them most. “Being part of the APS community has strengthened my sense of belonging by giving me the opportunity to serve with purpose,” he shared.
That sense of purpose has become the anchor of his work, linking technical expertise to human impact.
Looking back, Sajan points to his Army service as a turning point, one that challenged him to grow while teaching him discipline and adaptability. Later, pursuing a Master of Science in Business Analytics solidified his skills and gave him the confidence to merge technology with problem-solving. These experiences, across both military and civilian spheres, helped him appreciate the value of collaboration and the strength that comes
from different perspectives. At APS, he finds inspiration in his colleagues’ dedication. “Working with my team is inspiring. Everyone brings unique expertise and a genuine commitment to protecting vulnerable adults. Together, we create a culture of support, problem-solving, and shared purpose.”
Outside of work, Sajan enjoys traveling, gardening, and hiking, but most of all, time with his eight-year-old son. He also follows global issues closely, staying connected to questions of community and humanity that stretch beyond state lines. His inspirations are close to home as well, with both his parents and colleagues modeling dedication and perseverance that guide him forward.
Sajan believes APS’s impact is strongest when shaped by the variety of experiences
its workforce brings. His own path from Nepal to Washington, from combat readiness to data analysis, illustrates how diverse backgrounds enrich collective problem-solving and make services more responsive to the people they serve. As he reminds colleagues, “Stay committed to our mission and remember the difference we make every day in the lives of vulnerable adults. Even small efforts can have a huge impact.”
His story reflects the resilience and adaptability that define APS. It is also a reminder that strength lies in the range of voices, experiences, and commitments that make up the community, united by one mission: protecting adults and building a future of compassion and care.
The Science and Power of Hope
and its Future with APS
Submitted by Victoria Gawlik Morse, APS Office Chief, PIPA Unit
“Hope is the belief the future can be better and we have the power to make this future a reality.”
Developed from Snyder’s 2002 hope theory, Dr. Chan Hellman developed a framework for social service agencies both large and small to imbue hope into its practices. In this sense, hope acts as a workforce development tool that promotes positive psychological strengths and long-term wellbeing.
What hope is: A science. A cognition. Transformative.
Hope is backed by over 15 years of evidencebased research. The research shows that anyone can be taught this framework and can reap the rewards of its impact. Hope transforms culture by focusing on the positive and moving toward achievement goal setting – or focusing on what’s right and doing more of whatever that is.
What hope isn’t: An emotion. A wish. A feeling. Hope is not a motivational book or a speech that will be given to us one-time. Hope is something
that we will need to commit to as a program. Something we will need to work on together. Something that will need to evolve as our program changes.
Hope is a framework for action that leads to positive outcomes for populations that programs like ours serve and employees who work for those programs. Hope is spreading across the country and already has a foothold in other programs and entities within Washington. APS will be the first program within HCLA to deploy hope and we are deeply excited for implementation. Our current plan is to begin in early 2026 and as we get closer to the official start date more information will be shared. Please be on the lookout for ways to get involved.
We look forward to seeing how hope will grow with us. We’d like to extend a special shout out to NaQueia Muse for bringing Hope to our attention and being its tireless advocate.
Check out Dr. Chan Hellman’s “The Science and Power of Hope” TEDx video for some insight.
Celebrating the 2025 APS Awards
The 2025 APS Awards Ceremony was a chance to come together and celebrate the people who make a real difference every day. More than 340 colleagues joined in to recognize this year’s winners, chosen from 71 nominations. These award recipients show what it means to live out the DSHS Values— putting people first, improving the way we work, and supporting their teammates. Their dedication and care remind us that excellence isn’t just about results, it’s about how we treat the people we serve and the coworkers we stand beside.
Shining Leaders Awards:
In recognition of their exceptional leadership and their remarkable ability to inspire, empower, and elevate those around them. Through integrity, innovation, and a steadfast commitment to positive change, their contributions have made a lasting impact, guiding teams toward success within the division.
• Justin Grieve, Region 1
• Scott Hinton, Region 1
• Aspen Garner, Region 2
• Erin Stewart, Region 2
• Jennifer Sweet, Region 3
• Jillian Munger, Region 3
• Janice VanFrederic, HQ
• Mary Maki, HQ
Excellence Awards:
In recognition of their exceptional dedication to protecting vulnerable adults, strengthening internal practices, and uplifting colleagues. Through outstanding service, innovative advocacy, and collaborative leadership, their contributions have made a lasting and meaningful impact within the division.
• Deanna Hays, Region 1
• Edith Sandoval, Region 1
• Craig Harris, Region 2
• Laceyjay Switzer, Region 2
• Aderonke Shaba, Region 3
• Tammara Maines, Region 3
• Steven Hauge, HQ
Taking time to recognize one another matters. Every nomination was a way of saying, “I see the impact you’re making.” By lifting up these achievements, we build a workplace where respect, collaboration, and innovation thrive. This year’s ceremony was special because of everyone who took part—whether by nominating, attending, or cheering on a colleague.
Congratulations to the 2025 APS Award winners, and thank you to all who continue to inspire us with your service and leadership.
Director’s Awards for NAPSA Presenters:
In recognition of their outstanding role as presenters at the 2025 National Adult Protective Services Association Conference. They went above and beyond to represent Washington APS with excellence. Their expertise, professionalism, and commitment to advancing our mission were showcased on a national stage, bringing distinction to Washington APS and inspiring others from around the globe.
• Beth Templeton
• Erika Parmelee
• Jackie Heinselman
• Kara Barnes
• Leslie DeMarco
• Michael Messinger
• NaQueia Muse
• Paul Glassman
• Rachel Ehle
• Rebecca Mead
• Sarah Cox
• Victoria Gawlik Morse
Director’s Awards:
In recognition of outstanding performance and significant contribution by exemplifying outstanding teamwork, commitment, and dedication. Their contributions have made a lasting impact and reflect the highest standards of our division.
• Paula Hughes
• Mary Pasion
Check out the APS Awards Sharepoint Page here
Thank you for everything you do to protect the people we serve. The work you do everyday truly makes a difference.