Photo Credit: Dennis Wise
Message from Mike
We are in the midst of a period marked by significant transition across our administration. As we implement structural changes, adjust to evolving expectations, and navigate challenging budget realities, I want to pause and recognize the extraordinary dedication and professionalism you continue to show each day. These changes are not just about reorganization, they are about transformation. And while the “how” of our work may shift, our purpose remains the same: to serve with integrity, compassion, and a commitment to improving the lives of those who rely on us.
Facing these changes requires more than just adaptation. It requires unity, communication, and care for one another. The financial challenges ahead of us are real, and they impact us all. But they also present an opportunity to reflect on what truly matters, streamline our systems, and support one another through uncertainty.
Thank you for your resilience, your voice, and your continued belief in the mission of HCLA. Together, we will shape a stronger and more sustainable future for the people we serve.
Long-Term Services and Supports Trust Commission improves WA Cares for all Washingtonians
The Long-Term Services and Supports Trust Commission is made up of legislators, administering agencies and interested parties who oversee the program. The Commission studies and makes recommendations on implementation and improvements to help make sure the program works for everyone.
Sarah, the program manager for the Commission, has also been a family caregiver and says the work hits close to home. "This program matters. I've seen the need firsthand, and it's an honor to help build something that will support people when they need it most."
The Commission's work touches nearly every part of the program. That includes preparing materials, coordinating with interested parties, answering questions, tracking legislative developments and working closely with agency partners like Department of Social & Health Services, Employment Security Department, Washington State Health Care Authority and the Office of the State Actuary.
"It truly takes a village," says Sarah. "We lean on each
other every day to keep things moving and make sure we're communicating clearly and consistently."
"It's been eye-opening to see how much thought and intention goes into every decision," says Jordy, the administrative assistant who helps coordinate the Commission's efforts. "Everyone involved is working hard to make WA Cares as fair and easy to use as possible."
When the legislature passed ESSB 5291(a bill that implemented changes recommended by the Commission) during the 2025 session, it felt like a big win.
"Some of those ideas have been in the works for years," Sarah says. "Seeing them move forward shows how much progress can happen when people work together."
Seeing them move forward shows how much progress can happen when people work together.
The WA Cares team continues to grow and adapt, but the spirit of the work stays the same: people helping people. Thanks to the dedication of the Commission and the staff who support them, the program becomes stronger and more responsive to the needs of Washingtonians every year.
Want to stay connected?
Watch our webinar recordings, follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram or subscribe to our newsletter for updates.
Strengthening Wellness
One Day at a Time
August is recognized as National Wellness Month. When we think about wellness, we imagine being athletically fit and spending a lot of time exercising and eating right. Physical fitness is only one aspect of wellness. Other aspects of wellness include mind and body, social/emotional, purpose/career, financial and community wellness, which might be some other things to consider.
In a recent article, "America's 2025 Stress Crisis: Why Nearly 40% Are Hitting Their Limit " by Emily Standley Allard, she cites that "stress levels in the U.S. are at an all-time high" and lists some contributing causes of these stressors. The article calls out some specific stressors in 2025, namely: Financial worries, Global Instability and Social Turbulence, Workplace pressures and Burnout, Mental Health and Emotional Resilience, and lastly, Personal Relationships and Social Disconnect. Considering these multiple sources of stressors that we encounter daily, it seems only natural that we must think about how we can stay well and resilient amidst an ever-changing world.
over time to create monumental results."
Prioritizing self-care and taking care of yourself on a regular basis is the best investment one can make, and it does not have to require a lot of time or money.
Prioritizing self-care and taking care of yourself on a regular basis is the best investment one can make
At DSHS, we encourage everyone to take advantage of free resources available our SharePoint Wellness - Home site. Hope that is one small step you can make towards the wellness journey!
While it can feel daunting at times to feel that achieving a healthy lifestyle is possible and it's just "one more thing" to add to the infamous "todo" list, placing a priority on wellness is probably one of the best investments we can make. You do not have to tackle everything all at once; in fact, just taking one small step towards wellness is a great start. Small changes can collectively have a larger impact and lead to positive health benefits. James Clear, author of "Atomic Habits," emphasized that "small daily habits compound
Discover valuable resources, practical tips, and wellness tools to support your health and wellbeing. Visit HCLA’s SharePoint site today.
Reduce Your Exposure to Wildfire Smoke
Wildfire smoke is a mix of gases and fine particles that can make anyone sick with immediate health effects. Older adults, pregnant women, children, and people with preexisting respiratory and heart conditions may be more likely to get sick if they breathe in wildfire smoke. Wildfire smoke from both local fires and from distant wildfires can be hazardous to our health. Wind can bring wildfire smoke from hundreds of miles away. The CDC suggests multiple ways to reduce your exposure. These include:
• Stay indoors, if possible
• Keep your indoor air as clean as possible (see below)
• Do not add to indoor pollution
• Wear an N95 respirator outside
To keep your indoor air as clean as possible, run an air conditioner if you have one, but keep the fresh air intake closed. Consider more frequent changes to your residence’s air filter(s) during high fire activity. If possible, use a freestanding indoor air filter with particle removal. Do not add to indoor pollution. Limit or eliminate the use of candles, fireplaces, or smoke tobacco. Do not vacuum because it stirs up particles inside your home.
Research has found that wearing an N95 respirator outside when there is wildfire smoke reduces hospitalizations by 30%. N95s offer some protection, at least in the short term. Cloth and paper masks will not filter out the smoke particles.
Resources:
CDC: Wildfire Smoke resource: www.cdc.gov/wildfires/risk-factors/index.html Air Quality for your location: AirNow.gov
Wellness Month
Is a Chance to Recenter
As we move through a challenging summer marked by budget uncertainty and shifting federal priorities, it is important to recognize the stress and fatigue many may be experiencing. August is National Wellness Month, a timely opportunity to focus on personal well-being. That could mean taking a walk during a break, unplugging after hours, or connecting with a colleague or support resource. Wellness matters. For those who give so much to others, it is essential to give back to oneself.
Rapid Individual Providers Hiring Boosts Access and Reduces Delays
Despite ongoing uncertainty, the work being done continues to drive meaningful impact. The ConsumerDirected Employer program has shared encouraging news. In December, a new Performance Standard was added to the CDWA contract requiring that 90% of Individual Providers be hired within 30 days of applying. Between January and May, steady progress was made. In June, CDWA exceeded the standard, hiring 91.5% of IPs within the 30-day window. Some providers were hired the same day they applied. This marks an important step toward improving access and reducing delays for those we serve. The CDE team will continue to monitor performance and support ongoing success.
Thank you for your continued dedication and resilience. Together, this mission moves forward.
Here We Grow in MSD as Teamwork and Wellness Thrive Together
This Self-Care and Wellness Month offers an opportunity to highlight growth, renewal, and the strength of collaboration. The HCLA Contracts Unit is pleased to welcome two exceptional professionals to the team.
Heather Wirick recently joined HCLA as Contracts Administrator following nearly 14 years with the United States Agency for International Development as a Contracting Officer and diplomat in USAID’s Foreign Service. Heather completed overseas assignments in Haiti, Colombia, and South Africa. Her background includes leadership in complex procurement environments and oversight of multi-billion dollar health initiatives across Southern Africa. Heather also served as a Rural Health Volunteer in Benin with the Peace Corps and holds an M.B.A. from George Washington University and a bachelor's degree from San Diego State University.
Leilani Mutu is the newest Contracts Key supporting WACares. Leilani brings 20 years of procurement experience, with a robust history in federal contracting for medical supplies and services, research and development, overseas base support, and professional services. Her most recent role was with the Defense Health Administration Contracting Activity Western Markets, and past assignments included Fleet Logistics Command Sigonella in Naples, Italy. She has also supported litigation for the Department of Justice by coordinating expert witness services.
Gratitude is extended to the current members of the Contracts Unit for their continued dedication throughout a period of limited staffing. Special recognition goes to Melissa Diebert for providing consistent leadership and support while guiding the team through transition with excellence and grace.
ODHH Announces Jess Raschke as New Access Manager
The Office of Deaf and Hard of Hearing is pleased to announce that Jess Raschke from Spokane, Washington, is the new Access Manager. She started her position on July 21. The Access Manager position focuses on interpreting and communication access for the HCLA and ODHH team. Originally from Colorado, Jessica now calls Washington home after living in several states throughout the Mountain West and Alaska. Jess’ professional experience includes extensive work in the human services field, both in state service and at the non-profit level, in addition to sign language interpretation. She joined the team at ODHH as the Community Resources Program Manager last year and is thrilled to be transitioning into the Access Manager role. She currently holds her National Interpreter and ADA Coordinator Certifications, reflecting her strong commitment to accessibility and inclusion. In her spare time, Jess can be found adventuring to new places and exploring the outdoors, camping, biking, hiking, and paddling with her partner and two rescue pups.
Thank you
Hi Catherine,
I just wanted to drop you a quick note to say how much our accounting team appreciates Derek’s support during our fiscal year close process. He worked with his contractors to get the June invoices in quickly for our team to pay. Derek actively sent us status updates and estimates when contractor was unable to produce invoices. While one of his contractors can be a bit more complex to work with on this, Derek successfully got us the information we needed. Thanks to Derek’s efforts, we were able to pay contractors quickly and significantly reduce the number of accruals needed. It’s made a tremendous, positive difference in our year end workload.
Please visit our HCLA Organizational Development August update where you will find resources, tips, video links and more!
Maya Black
Navigating Change with Intention and Integrity
We are all managing immense amounts of change, which can be challenging but also be an opportunity for growth, innovation, and reflection. As we move through this season of Reimagining and navigating complex budget realities, our commitment to EDAI plays a central role in guiding how we respond to change with intention, accountability and integrity.
Like many areas across HCLA, ours team is evolving. We are excited to announce your EDAI team, whose name will be announced next month. The team includes Claire Knight (legacy ALTSA), Morgan Olson (legacy ALTSA), Teddy Kemirembe (legacy DDA), Linda Garcia (legacy ALTSA) and Jamie Wiggins (legacy ALTSA). Together we will help shape the strategy that keeps HCLA’s mission and values at the center of progress.
Equity, Diversity, Access and Inclusion aren’t just a trend or buzzwords, it is the framework for how we adapt to the challenges ahead, together. Whether through shifting teams, evolving roles, or external changes; centering equity ensures that we are holding ourselves, our teams, and our communities in their humanity.
Sometimes progress isn’t the goal and stabilization is. In times of multiple moving parts we have a responsibility to create an intentional pause, reflect on our impact and have the courage, and willingness
to course correct if the environment calls for it.
As we navigate what’s next, let’s continue asking ourselves: Do we have the feedback we need?
Have we communicated our ‘why’ for change clearly and brought people along with us? Is there an opportunity for us to create space for our shared humanity?
Change is constant, let’s make sure intentionality is too.
If you are interested in learning more about how to embed EDAI into your change process, or connect with more EDAI content, consider attending one of our many upcoming offerings or reach out to our team and more information to come!
In community,
Claire Knight: claire.knight@dshs.wa.gov
Morgan Olson: morgan.olson1@dshs.wa.gov
Teddy Kemirembe: teddy.kemirembe@dshs.wa.gov
Linda Garcia: linda.Garcia1@dshs.wa.gov
Jamie Wiggins: Jamie.wiggins@dshs.wa.gov
Accessibility Resources
Tools by Software
Focal Point Sessions
Schedule can be found at: Focal Point Training Topics or Focal Point SharePoint site
August 13 • 1 – 2:20 p.m.
Neurodiversity & Inclusion
August 14 • 10 – 10:50 a.m.
Creating A Change Management Plan
August 20 • 10 – 11:50 a.m.
How to Excel with Excel
August 21 • 10 – 11:50 a.m.
Everything OneNote: Introduction
August 26 • 10 – 11:30 a.m.
Thriving Through Change
August 27 • 10 – 11:20 a.m.
Inclusion and Accessibility for Deaf, Deaf Blind, and Hard of Hearing Co-workers
Human Resources SharePoint
EAP offers confidential support and tools to help you navigate personal or work-related challenges during uncertain times. Learn more at www.eap.wa.gov or 877-313-4455.
Microsoft Word Step by Step Instructions Checklist
PowerPoint
Video: Slides Reading Order PowerPoint Checklist
Adobe Acrobat Verify PDF Accessibility Instructions
Adobe Checklist
ALT Text Resources: Writing Effective Text
WebAIM: Alternative Text Alt Text Decision Tree Section508.gov
Quick Links: Accessibility Resources Plain Talk Policy
DSHS Templates
DSHS Logos
Word Style Guide
Reimagine DSHS
Your voice is critical in the reimagining process. Please share your questions and offer feedback by contacting us at Reimagine@dshs.wa.gov.
Share your idea by completing the Reimagine DSHS Idea form
Visit the Reimagine DSHS SharePoint Page
Shared Leave
You can donate your leave to a coworker in need. Visit Shared Leave site.
If you have:
• Over 80 hours of Annual Leave.
• Over 176 hours of Sick Leave.
• A Personal Holiday available.
Celebrating Our People
If you know any of these folks, please take a moment to send them a RAVE review which will be cc’d to their supervisor! Or send them a Teams message to thank them for their service. Either way, peer recognition matters, and is one more way we all contribute to HCLA being the culture we want it to be and our Employer of Choice!
August
35 Years
Bobbie Jewel Keys
30 Years
Ginny Zerine Connelly
Linda M Milton
Hope Ann Ringstad
25 Years
Martha B Bynum
Tobias S Clawson
Gaye Sherman
Michele Stelovich
20 Years
Inger E Christensen
Mamie Ehster Millen-Fitzpatrick
Nadine Shon
Ricky A Singleton
Reginald C Taylor
Andrea C Thompson
15 Years
Tara R Hawks
Teresa Louise Wiedemann
10 Years
Lucian F Black
Jennifer Marie Bureau
Spencer Stowe Caldwell
Natasha Nichole Cruz
Linda L Decost
Eric J Dominguez
Tina Marie Doneen
Starr Hope Harvey
Patricia Anne Kinder
Dana Lee Knapp
Margarita Lassiter
Ann Bartlett Lee-Hunter
Brandon Lonnee
Lori Ann Madison
Donna Palabrica
Sinthalone Salyvanhnara
Kimberly Ann Young
5 Years
Kevin A Conor
Shanelle Nicole Delong
Whitney D Erickson
Tami Jane Ladoux
David Wayne Parkinson
Andrea Jahlean Pousson
Theodore C Trask
Andrew Rafael Urie
Alice Michele Webb
Emma M Westerman
Lisa Porter, APS
As a Financial Exploitation Specialist, Lisa has one of the most challenging caseloads. Despite the challenges, Lisa is able to manage her caseload to be in line with the Regions goals. Lisa is a hard worker, and this shows in the work she produces. Thank you, Lisa, for all that you for the agency.
Lauri Esslinger, APS
Becky Fife, DDCS
Becky, if you ask anyone that we work with, you are an individual within Developmental Disability Community Services that represents all of DSHS' core values. Every one of them. You go out of your way to find solutions, give resources, recognize others, focus on inclusion, on serving, on getting the best for our people. It is inspiring to watch and humbling. You already know this, but you are a good teacher. Thank you for everything.
Jenna
Foy, DDCS
Take time to appreciate others by sending them a RAVE Review! Bookmark the link! It’s so easy and can really impact a sense of connection and belonging for both the sender and receiver!
Kathi DeVay, TIA
I called the IT tech desk for help resetting my password for ACES (the Automated Client Eligibility System). Instead of feeling the shame (LOL) for getting locked out of my account, I was met with a delightful person on the phone who was eager to help me and SO KIND! Kathi, I hope you have the best day and just wanted to shoutout how incredibly kind you were, thank you for providing support to keep us reaching our mission!
Janice VanFrederic, APS
Maria Ruiz, HCS
Maria noticed a problem that others on the team might also run into. She took initiative and asked questions if there was anything we could do to solve the issue on our own. Maria even took the time to take notes with screen shots on how to fix the problem. She then shared those notes with the team in case they needed to reference it. Maria is amazing and wonderful to work with.
Lydel St. George, HCS
Meghan Hall, APS
Megan, I appreciate the hard work you do on your investigations. They are thorough and you work hard to get a substantiation when one is appropriate. Thank you for the rewrites, and the patience that goes along with APS Investigation Review Team process. I also appreciate your protective services. You recently got a guardianship for a client in a difficult situation, stopping him from being exploited. Thank you!
Tanya Clairborne, APS