Learn how investigators are refining their tools and strategies to ensure justice and safeguard vulnerable adults. From Maui to Washington—Richard Tagorda’s journey of service.
Near Pasco, WA
Franklin County
Behind the facade of resilience, many carry the weight of suicidal thoughts in silence. Hope, support, and healing are possible.
In Adult Protective Services, every piece of evidence matters—learn how investigators are refining their tools and strategies to ensure justice and safeguard vulnerable adults.
Scammers are heating up their tactics this summer—learn the latest schemes targeting vulnerable adults before they strike.
Discover the latest updates and changes for TIVA2, and APS Training Academy.
Sharing staff achievements and excellence across Washington.
A spark still glows, brighter days lie ahead, and your story is far from over—take a moment to absorb the hope in these lines.
Learn how APS is helping people find human services to shape their own lives.
to Know One Another: Richard Tagorda
Through hard work, cultural empathy, and unwavering dedication, Richard makes a difference every day in APS—one intake at a time.
9:00 AM - 10:30 AM
Each day, APS staff bring dedication, ensuring the well-being of those we serve. Every action, big or small, creates a lasting impact on our division, agency, and communities.
Our upcoming awards ceremony is a time to celebrate these contributions and recognize excellence. It’s an opportunity to applaud one another, reflect on the values we uphold, and find inspiration in our shared mission.
Beyond this event, the legacy of service continues. As we grow professionally, whether in our current roles or new endeavors, the impact of these moments stay with us, enriching our journey.
Join us as we honor achievements, uplift one another, and continue building a foundation of excellence that lasts far beyond this moment. We look forward to sharing this special occasion with you to celebrate the extraordinary work we do and the profound difference we make!
Coffee Break with the APS Director
Grab a cup of coffee and call-in to chat with the APS Director!
This casual quarterly event to stay informed of APS Division’s current events and the opportunity to ask your questions.
The July Summer Quarterly Update has been canceled. Stay tuned for information on the upcoming APS Statewide All Staff Meetings to take place!
The next Quarterly Staff Update will be held on Tuesday, October 28.
Scam Season: Protecting Vulnerable Adults from Fraud
As temperatures rise across Washington, so do the reports of scams targeting vulnerable adults. Every summer, we see financial exploitation cases—many involving creative new tactics designed to catch people off guard, especially those who may be isolated, living with cognitive impairments, or unfamiliar with digital threats.
Summer scams often follow a familiar pattern: urgency, fear, or a promise too good to be true. Here are a few common scams we’re seeing across the state:
• Toll scam text messages: Individuals receive fake texts claiming they owe a small toll fee—typically under $10—and are asked to click a link to pay. These messages mimic real government notifications but are phishing attempts designed to steal payment information.
• Vacation or travel scams: Fraudsters advertise unbelievable vacation deals and request immediate payment or personal information. The trip never materializes, and the money is gone.
• Home repair fraud: Unlicensed workers show up unsolicited, offering roof repair or yard work services. They demand payment upfront and either disappear or perform unsafe work.
• Imposter threats: Scammers claim to be from government agencies or utility companies, warning of legal trouble or service shutoffs unless immediate payment is made—often through gift cards or peer-to-peer apps. These scams prey on trust and create confusion. They often target people who may not have regular access to reliable information or support. As APS professionals, we must stay informed and proactive, offering guidance to those we serve and their support networks.
Help protect vulnerable adults by encouraging these preventive steps:
• Pause and verify. Urgency is a tactic— encourage individuals to slow down and check the facts.
• Don’t click unfamiliar links. Direct individuals to official websites, especially with toll or utility scams, or help them verify legitimacy.
• Consult a trusted source. Encourage people to call APS, caseworkers, or family members before acting.
• Use reputable contractors. If someone needs home repairs, refer or share resources for licensed professionals.
Even short conversations during check-ins or home visits can be powerful. Take a moment to share a tip or example—it may prevent real financial harm.
Resources for education and support:
• Washington State Attorney General –Consumer Protection
• WA Department of Financial Institutions –Fraud Alerts
• Washington State Department of Transportation – Toll Scam Information
• Federal Trade Commission – Scam Alerts
• AARP Fraud Watch Network
Let’s stay alert and committed to protecting vulnerable adults across Washington this summer—and all year.
Paula Hughes, M.Ed., CDE Interim Director
Suicide Prevention
Submitted by Kara Barnes, CIESM Program Manager
September is National Suicide Prevention Month. Each of us has varying degrees of closeness to suicide loss. For some, it has taken the lives of loved ones, for others, acquaintances. Many of us have been on the intervention side, supporting loved ones or community members grappling with debilitating ideations. A truth that is less acknowledged is that the impact extends to helping professionals, those who make it their lives’ missions to relieve suffering in their communities. Nearly 1/3 of us, the helpers, are managing our own suicidal ideations.
These burdens are often carried silently. The psychological and emotional pain is carefully hidden with the (incorrect) assumption that we are alone. The lurking stigma suggests that no one else understands what it’s like to be a “productive” and “functioning” community member and live
Crisis and Support Lines
with these persistent thoughts that hang like a dense fog obstructing our view of goodness and happiness around us.
Suicide Prevention Month is a yearly reminder of the great necessity to shine a light on the darkness of suicidality and stand together with openness, kindness and compassion. It is the reminder that you matter, your life matters, and with help, the clouds can part and the darkness will pass. You are not alone, there is hope, and your life is worth living.
If you or a loved one suffers from suicidal thoughts, please reach out to a mental health professional and spend time exploring the resources linked below. If you or those you love begin to make plans or take action toward suicide, immediately call 988 or go to the nearest emergency room.
Additional Resources
Action Steps
• Crisis Line: 988 or text “Talk” to 741-741
• Military Crisis Line: 988 opt. 1
• Washington Listens: 1-833-681-0211
• Trevor Project (LGBTQ+ youth): 1-866-488-7386 or text “Start” to 678-678
• Safer Homes Coalition from Forefront Suicide Prevention and 2nd Amendment Foundation
• 5 Action Steps from Be the 1 To…
• LEARN Skills from Forefront Suicide Prevention at the University of Washington
• Talk Away the Dark from American Foundation for Suicide Prevention
• How To Ask Someone if They Are Thinking About Suicide from The Jed Foundation
High Desert Landscape
Columbia River Gorge
UPDATES & INFORMATION
TIVA2 6.2 Release submitted by Dave Beacham
APS Operations Research Specialist
The APS Data and Operations Unit is always working to improve TIVA2 to make it easier to navigate, review, and accurately capture the work we do. TIVA2 release 6.3 will occur in the first weeks of July and will include the following system changes and improvements:
• Safety definitions slide out in the left-hand icons. Each of the safety selections will have a clear definition to help clarify for selection.
• Bringing in the pronoun selections from the CARE interface and updating the pronoun selection option in TIVA2 person management to match.
• Adding “Individual Provider” to the AP Relationship to AV dropdown selection options.
• Updating the PHI request letter text to reflect the changes to 45 CFR 164.052(a)(5)(iii).
• Adding functionality to search, sort, and select specific case notes for review and printing.
• Adding dashboard notifications, dashboard indicator, and emails to bring attention to
when an Initial Face to Face attempt, or next Face to Face attempt is past due.
• Adding an icon to case notes to indicate when there is an upload associated with the case note.
• Adding a feature to display uploads made from intake with the investigation uploads.
• Adding a feature to display in person management where the person is listed as an AP on an intake or investigation.
If you have suggestions for improvements, changes, or additions to TIVA2, please send them to your region’s TIVA2 point of contact.
SHPCs Return to Academy Training
submitted by Ruiqin Miao
APS Training Unit Manager
In March, the APS Social and Health Program Consultants (SHPCs) partnered back with the APS Training Unit to facilitate and deliver training for the APS Academy.
Since 2020, the SHPCs have collaborated with the APS Training Unit on integrating regional ABC Training and APS Academy. However, their involvement in academy was temporarily paused
to support the APS Investigation Support Plan (ISP) in May 2024.
After ISP ended in October 2024, the Training Unit worked with regional leadership to transition the SHPCs back to academy training. The first stage focused on preparing the SHPCs to observe training sessions, allowing them to become familiar with the updated curriculum, new tech tools, and evolved delivery modality.
During the second stage, the SHPCs re-joined the Training Team to facilitate four of the seven academy modules: 101, 103, 104, and 107.
The third stage involves gradually adding the three remaining modules: 102, 105, and 106 for a joint training approach. While the APS Training Team will continue to primarily facilitate these modules, SHPCs will be prepared to train as needed.
Starting January 2026, the SHPCs will be able to facilitate all seven academy modules.
The SHPCs’ return to academy training brings unique benefits:
• Higher capacity of training: There are additional academy instructors available, which provides greater scheduling flexibility to meet APS organizational needs.
• Balanced knowledge and expertise: The SHPCs bring strong expertise in field work and close links to front-line investigators. Pairing them up with HQ facilitators helps set a good
balance between knowledge/skills in field practice (SHPCs) and expertise in curriculum and adult learning (APS Training Unit).
• Better support for learning transition from classroom to the field: The SHPCs’ involvement in training supports staff in completing post-module field activities and hence helps bridge learning from classroom to field work.
The Training Unit is thrilled to team up with the regional trainers to foster a productive learning experience for APS staff. We deeply appreciate the steadfast support of regional leadership. A heartfelt thank you to our SHPCs and their supervisors for their seamless partnership and unwavering dedication to academy training – Your contribution is invaluable!
Region 1:
SHPCs: Maggie Campbell, Steve LaPointe, Kim Densley, and Gina Rodriguez
Program Manager: Andrea Shanley-Ortiz
Region 2:
SHPCs: Monika Chancey, Sabrina Eldredge, and Joshua Glasgow
Program Manager: Sarah Berschinski
Region 3:
SHPCs: Josette Grasser, Samantha Hyder, and Lacy Valencia
Program Managers: Terry Bair, Armondo Galaviz, and Christina Hailey
• Photos?
you
• Content Ideas?
• Success stories?
If so, we would like to feature them in future editions of our quarterly newsletter!
Employee Spotlight
Alena Clark Legal Benefits Advisor Headquarters
Alena Clark recently joined APS from private practice. As an attorney, Alena’s practice focused on guardianship and conservatorship work in Clark County, Washington. Alena had the opportunity to represent petitioners, guardians/conservators, and even vulnerable adults in proceedings. Alena is passionate about providing dignity and support to vulnerable adults, particularly the elderly population and is grateful to have the opportunity to continue serving vulnerable adults as a Legal Benefits Advisor with APS.
In her free time, Alena enjoys spending time with her family and taking advantage of all that the Pacific Northwest has to offer including trips to the Oregon Coast, hiking and berry picking in the summer months.
Sergio Kolosov
Social Services Specialist 3
Region 2, Seattle
Sergio Kolosov started with APS in 2022 as an SSS1. He demonstrates a “leave no stone unturned” mentality, takes pride in conducting thorough investigations, and always willing to go the extra mile to make sure vulnerable adults are protected. Sergio does an excellent job navigating, especially challenging investigations or situations. He is always courteous, professional, and a strong advocate.
Sergio has lived in Seattle his entire life. He has a twin brother with two beautiful nieces who he adores. He lives with his Bengal cat Zeek. They enjoy going on daily walks together to chase birds, squirrels, and rabbits.
What he loves most about his job as an investigator with APS is advocating for the vulnerable and providing a layer of support for those in need. The work for Sergio is meaningful and impactful, increasing his dedication to protecting those who may be at risk of abuse, neglect, and exploitation.
Steve LaPointe PhD
Social & Health Pgm. Consult. Region 1, Spokane
Region 1 is honored to spotlight, Steve LaPointe. He received his master’s degree in administrative leadership along with a PhD in Leadership from Whitworth University. Prior to joining APS in 2013, highlights from Steve’s career included being the Director of Social Services for the Salvation Army and the Director of Community Services for Easter Seals. In 2016, he promoted to his current role as Social and Health Program Consultant 4.
Steve is trustworthy, reliable, a phenomenal trainer and creative problem solver. He handles all situations with respect, humility, and poise. He is committed to his team and helping improve the lives of vulnerable adults. When Steve is not working, he enjoys spending time with his family and participating in various activities with his church.
Sheryl Reese APS Supervisor Region 3, Tumwater
Sheryl Reese is a supervisor in the Tumwater office. She began her APS career as an investigator in 2000 and was promoted to supervisor in 2005. This June, Sheryl reached 25 years of service with DSHS. In 2009, she served as supervisor with Home & Community Services in most of their designated setting types, including behavioral health specialties. She returned to APS in 2018 and has since been a great asset to Region 3, contributing her knowledge and experience.
Sheryl is respected for her innovative concepts, consistently thinking about and proposing fresh ideas for efficient and productive processes or strategies. She prioritizes the safety and health of vulnerable adults while seeking ways to reduce redundancy, streamline processes and staying within established policies and procedures. Sheryl recently worked with many of the Region 3 offices on a special case closing project, achieving positive results. In her spare time, Sheryl enjoys backpacking, nature, social justice and spending time with her family and dogs.
Eyes on the Evidence
How APS Investigators Manage and Store Evidence to Protect Vulnerable Adults
By Leslie DeMarco, LMHC, Mental Health Policy Program Manager
In the work of Adult Protective Services, details matter. A few seconds of video or a single document can reveal and substantiate neglect, abuse, or exploitation that might otherwise go unnoticed.
Investigators are stepping up with sharper tools, stronger protocols, and smarter strategies for how they gather, document, and preserve evidence to ensure it holds up under scrutiny and protects vulnerable adults.
I have evidence, now what do I do with it?
One of the most important facts to start with is investigation timelines. When evidence of any kind is received, investigators have 10 business days to view, upload, document the receipt of and capture pertinent information in a case note while following APS and DSHS policy for storing physical evidence.
You may encounter evidence from various sources, such as surveillance footage from casinos, banks, or recordings by individuals; or audio files, photographs, medical records, emails, bank statements, etc.
What are the timelines for handling, storing, or shredding evidence?
The APS Case Record policy states that when a CD/DVD/thumb drive or video is received, the investigator will contact IT helpdesk for
data assistance, upload electronic records into TIVA2, while also verifying the electronic records are true and correct. The investigator will give the physical CD/DVD/thumb drive to their designated public records coordinator (PRC) for proper labeling, packaging, and storage. The PRC will use barcode to label the CD/DVD/thumb drive and locked in a secure cabinet or area. Your designated PRC will ensure the evidence is stored according to the DSHS records retention schedule of 35 years.
For verifiable and legible records, the APS worker will give the original hard copy to clerical support staff who will retain the records for 30 days from the date scanned and then destroy using a secure destruction method.
When paper records are received by an APS worker, the worker will upload the records into TIVA2, verify the records are readable, complete, and an accurate copy of the paper-based source documents. If the paper document is not completely legible due to faded ink or stains covering information, the source document must be retained for the minimum retention period of 35 years.
According to DSHS Administrative Policy No. 05.04, all records, including video recordings, are considered DSHS records and must be managed in accordance with approved records retention schedules. This policy mandates that records be stored securely, with access limited to authorized personnel, and preserved for a specified duration to ensure their availability for administrative, legal, or audit purposes.
By adhering to these legal frameworks, APS ensures that the collection and handling of video evidence upholds the rights and dignity of vulnerable adults while facilitating thorough and lawful investigations.
APS PRCs:
HQ: Robert Rocha
Region 1 - Robert O’Dowd
Region 2 - Mark Lipke
Region 3 - Samantha Hyder
Navigating Rough Waters
Submitted by Claire Knight, HCLA Strategic Alignment Administrator
Shock is what I would feel if anyone who knows me well described me as “a poetry person”. However, most of those same people would call me an empath - someone who is highly attuned to feelings and emotions around me. I am moved by stories others share, movies I watch and songs that dance on my mind. I am often moved by you.
The poem below, written by a colleague with the Behavioral Health and Habilitation Administration (BHHA), caused me to think of the stories you
share about your journey of hard work, devotion to the APS cause, and passion. Even if you are like me and do not consider yourself a “poetry person”, I recommend taking a moment to read it and absorb the hope that lies in between the lines, that lives within us, guiding us to uphold the DSHS values.
That spark that still glows, the brighter days that lie ahead and the advice to keep going – your story’s not done yet.
The road is rough, the sky is dim,
The weight of worry feels too grim.
Yet step by step, though slow and strained,
The light ahead is still unchained.
The winds may howl, the waves may rise,
And doubt may cloud the clearest skies.
But deep within, a spark still glows,
A whispered truth the darkness knows.
No night can last beyond the dawn,
No fear can steal what strength has drawn.
Through valleys deep and mountains wide,
The heart will heal, the soul will glide.
So onward, onward – stride anew,
For storms will pass, and sun breaks through.
The fight is fierce, but so are you,
And brighter days will soon ensue.
Keep going – your story’s not done yet.
Through the Storm Poem by Gina O’Neill
Wharf Whidbey Island
REGIONAL SUCCESS STORIES
A little compassion and professionalism can significantly impact the wellbeing of Washington’s vulnerable adults.
Region 1
APS received a report for self-neglect of an individual who was displaying signs of cognitive decline. The individual worked at a fast-food establishment for over 30 years and then suddenly not able to perform routine transactions. They arrived to work in soiled clothing and was evicted from their home due to non-payment of rent. They were observed to be experiencing auditory hallucinations and delusions and struggled to stay at the shelter as they continually violated the shelter rules.
The investigator worked with the Designated Crisis Responder, but they were unable to assist as the individual’s cognitive issues was determined to be a medical issue and not related to mental health. The client was diagnosed with a life-threatening disease and was not able to make health care decisions due to competency. The investigator filed for an emergency guardianship and a guardian was established to receive surgery.
Region 2
APS worked on a case involving allegations of financial exploitation of a client residing in an adult family home (AFH). The client required assistance with their activities of daily living, transfers, shopping, and other activities. When the investigator conducted a visit with his case manager they discovered that the client was in urgent need of medical treatment and a new living situation. APS worked with Home and Community Services to obtain an authorization from the client to look for a new place to live that would meet his needs.
The client was admitted to a hospital to tend their wounds. They remained there until a new AFH was found. We were optimistic that the client would receive the care he deserves in his new living situation. The client agreed to receive support through a protective payee in order to minimize the likelihood of being exploited in the future.
Region 3
APS substantiated on a case involving an adult family home caregiver who installed a device without medical authorization that resulted in a client’s death.
The caregiver appealed the finding with administrative hearing and the Board of Appeals, but the administrative law judge affirmed the substantiation. The caregiver then appealed superior court and Court of Appeals where the decision was affirmed both times. The caregiver proceeded to petition the Washington State Supreme Court for review of the case but was unanimously denied by court order with no further appeal rights.
In total, this was a five-year process that reached its final conclusion that upheld APS finding and served justice to the individual who lost their life due to this event.
Coupville
Getting to Know One Another
Understanding how our unique experiences contribute to a stronger and more diverse workforce.
Bayanihan in Action: How Richard Tagorda Lives the Values of Inclusion, Empathy, and Excellence by
For Richard Tagorda, the work of Adult Protective Services isn’t just a job; it’s a calling rooted in family, culture, and deep respect for human dignity.
With over 27 years of dedicated service at Washington’s Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS)—including nearly a decade in APS—Tagorda embodies the spirit of “bayanihan,” a Filipino cultural value representing communal unity and cooperation. “Bayanihan reminds me that the work we do at APS is never done in isolation,” Richard says. “We each carry the weight of ensuring safety and dignity for vulnerable adults, and we do it together, as one.”
Richard’s professional path is as diverse as the communities he serves. Before APS, he worked across child welfare, licensing, and Home and Community Services. He brought his signature compassion and work ethic to each role along the way. Now a Social Services Specialist III with APS Centralized Intake, Richard has become known for his high performance,completing over 4,700
intakes in a single cycle, and his unwavering positivity. “Richard is a dream to supervise,” one manager wrote, “and an indispensable member of the APS Intake Team.”
However, Richard’s approach to service is shaped by more than just experience. Born and raised in Maui, Hawaii, he is of Filipino and Chinese descent and credits his upbringing, culture, and faith as foundational to his work. “I learned from my grandparents who came to Hawaii from the Philippines to work in
A young Richard (second from left, top row) with his family.
Richard with wife Lucille at the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park, in Palawan province, Philippines.
the sugar cane fields,” he explains. “They lived a life of integrity, love, kindness, and generosity—and those are the values I bring into every interaction.”
Richard’s identity isn’t a separate aspect of his professional life—it’s a strength that fuels it. “Hawaii is known as a melting pot. Growing up there, I gained a deep understanding and respect for different cultures, which has helped me better connect with people from all backgrounds,” he says. His ability to work effectively across diverse communities is central to the mission of APS, which depends on culturally responsive practices to build trust and provide meaningful protection.
That cultural fluency isn’t just something Richard learned in textbooks. Recently, he’s deepened his connection to his roots by traveling to the Philippines and spending time with family. “It gave me a deeper appreciation for who I am and made me more empathetic, not only toward people from my own culture but others as well,” he shares.
Richard also finds strength in the relationships surrounding him—his wife, Lucille, a breast cancer survivor who inspires him daily; his daughters Megan and Olivia; and his siblings, who have encouraged his personal and professional growth. His brother, a retired U.S. Air Force colonel, taught him the mantra “Service before self,” a value that has stayed with him throughout his career.
In his free time, Richard enjoys biking, landscaping, exploring new cuisines, and volunteering through the Knights of Columbus, where he’s earned national recognition for his leadership and service. But it’s in his day-to-day work at APS where
his commitment to equity, diversity, access, and inclusion (EDAI) principles truly shines.
When asked why it’s essential for APS to foster a diverse and accepting workforce, Richard doesn’t hesitate: “People from diverse backgrounds bring unique skills, knowledge, and perspectives that make us stronger as a team. That’s how we achieve the best outcomes in a multicultural and fast-paced environment.”
Richard’s perspective powerfully reminds us of what makes APS not only a crucial safety net for vulnerable adults but also a rich and rewarding place to work. “I’m honored, grateful, and blessed to be part of this mission,” he says. “Each day is an opportunity to make a difference.”
As we continue to build an APS workforce that reflects the people we serve, Richard Tagorda’s story offers more than inspiration; it provides direction. Embracing our diverse identities is not only about representation; it’s about unlocking the full potential of our shared commitment to protection, dignity, and service.
In APS, diversity isn’t just something we celebrate; it’s the strength we stand on.
Richard with his wife Lucille in Manila, Philippines.
Richard and wife Lucille with daughters Olivia (left, and Megan (right).
Thank you for everything you do to protect the people we serve. The work you do everyday truly makes a difference.
