EVER GREEN
ALetter theEditors
Happy Holidays PSI!
Somehow, the holidays have snuck up on us and we once more find ourselves hunkering down for a long winter’s nap. For us, this is a particularly special season as it marks one full year with the PSI Post. Crazy right? We have been blown away by your enthusiasm and feedback that have kept us warm all year long and can’t wait for 2025 and all that it holds.
For our second holiday issue, we have a flurry of festive content just for you. From the Holiday Poll Results to a Last-Minute Gift Guide, we are so excited to bring you this holiday edition of the newsletter and hope it brings you much cheer!
Whether you’ve been with us from the start or are just finding us now, we want to thank you for all the support you’ve given us this year. We couldn’t do this without so many people’s time and dedication to help put out the best newsletter each quarter.
Thank you for all that you do.
See you next year!
The Marketing Team
UPDATES COMPANY
Awards & Wins
« ARPAH PARADIGM
« VA Innovation Cell Maintenance OY1
« DHS FEMA A/V Integration
« NIOSH Worker Outreach Program
« ICE Health Services Corps (IHSC) 36 FTEs
« VACO IT Tier II Desktop Support Services
« MQS TOPR Licensed Practical Nurses
« Enterprise Service Desk (ESD) Tier I Support
« DOE ANL RCT’s
« GSA Polaris (EnvisionUS) SB
« GSA OASIS+ (SB & SDVOSB) VIS
« VHA Integrated Critical Staffing Program (ICSP)
« DoD Unique Mission Cell STEADI TO 2
« ANL Waste Management Staff Aug Support
Holiday Polls
1. When it comes to holiday decorations, I am...
The “cover every inch of my house with lights” person.
The “fake tree, real chaos” person.
The “lights? I thought we were just doing some candles” person.
2. During the holiday family dinner, you’re most likely to...
Pretend you didn’t hear that comment about your life choices.
Find the nearest dog to talk to instead of engaging in small talk.
Somehow end up volunteering to do the dishes.
3. What’s your ideal holiday weather?
Perfect beach weather so I can escape somewhere warm.
No snow, just a chance to stay in bed for 3 days straight.
4. What’s your real holiday tradition?
I hide in the kitchen, hoping someone else will handle the awkward conversations.
I secretly eat all the holiday chocolates before anyone else gets a chance.
I end up wearing the same sweater for 3 days straight. Don’t judge me.
2024 PSI Golf Tournament
October 18 was a day filled with joy, laughter, and compassion as PSIers joined together for the 26th Annual Charity Golf Tournament. The golfers and volunteers raised $93,270 with 100% matching from PSI for our three charities: Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS), Special Love, and the Tim St. Peter Family Charity. PSI thanks everyone who attended or volunteered for their generosity and dedication to making an impact in the community.
Total Donated: $187,342 *with matching
PSI Celebrates the Holidays!
SPOTLIGHTS EMPLOYEE
Behind the Screens
Caitlin Jensen - Project Controller-Health Sector
8am: I usually log on by 8am or a little earlier to start sifting through my email and calendar so I can create a plan for the day. Although this plan never works out perfectly, I like to know what I need to get accomplished. Sometimes I will also use this time to connect with certain PM’s that are extremely busy throughout the day. It is also the perfect time for me to make and enjoy my morning coffee.
9am: Usually by this time I will have my weekly meetings for Q-Services or individual meetings with Russell to ensure that everything in Q-Services is running smoothly and we talk through anything that needs to get done. We like to track these different tasks through Asana. These meetings are also a great opportunity for all those in Q-Services to connect and make sure we are on the same page. At one point we had about 10 de-obligations that all were do within a week of each other which Russell dubbed the “deob-olanche”. Since then we have found value in creating a standard meeting time multiple times a week to track changes in Asana and make sure nothing falls off our radar.
10am: By this time, I have connected with Tracy to see what needs to be done for the rest of the Health Sector. This usually involves updating financial sheets, ensuring all contract information is up to date, helping PM’s get new hires setup and making sure that all the information we are reporting up is correct. As boring as this may sound for some, I love the idea of working in our spreadsheets and paying attention to the small details that are extremely important.
11am: Now that my list has been updated, I usually take this time to make more coffee and knock things off one by one. My favorite part of my day honestly is how hectic it can get. While working on tasks, I am also responding to emails and messages from PMs for a variety of reasons. While this can take away from certain things I anticipated getting done immediately, it also allows me to be flexible and problem solve on a day-to-day basis. I enjoy working in PSI’s collaborative environment and the calls that I receive and make allow me to work closely with a multitude of people.
12pm: Lunch time! I usually spend lunch time making myself a salad and fending off my cats who try to eat my food since the slightest sound of me in the kitchen immediately wakes them up from their deep sleep. I also take this time to listen/watch ESPN for a review of all the games I missed from the previous day especially since it is finally football and basketball season! My favorite meal recently has been a Greek salad but sometimes I’ll get lazy and walk to Chipotle. If I am in the Arlington office for the day Tracy and I will usually go to Thai Square or order from Lost Dog café which is always a fun treat!
1pm: The afternoon is usually dedicated to going through emails to ensure certain things that have been sent out are being fully executed. We recently have been receiving new option year modifications which requires new vendor PO’s, updated spreadsheets, employee links and anything else that is specific to that project. If certain items have not been returned to us, we also ensure that we are following up on each item this way we know that everything is returned in a timely manner.
2pm: This time slot is dedicated to our DHS ICE contract for our weekly team meeting with Amergis. In this meeting Russell and Sherry run through any questions or concerns that have come up throughout the past week. This also another great opportunity for our recruiters to ensure that the hiring and onboarding process is going as smoothly as possible. Through this collaborative environment, the team has been extremely successful in keeping incumbents on staff and hiring for any vacancies. This time allows me to ensure that our financial sheet for this contract is up to date and track any important information.
3pm: Usually by now I am on another call with Tracy to work through anything else that has come through our inbox that needs to get done. Since I am also still learning, this is great time for me to connect with either Tracy or Rebekah since they are always willing to show and teach me the different sides of government contracting. I also use this time to follow-up with Russell to walkthrough anything that may need to be followed up on from the earlier meeting and ensure that everything else is completed.
4pm: By now, I am working through the list that I made first thing in the morning and updated throughout the day to ensure anything that needs to get done is. This is also a time where I like to look ahead for tomorrow and check what my schedule looks like and what may need to move from today’s list to tomorrow’s. It is also a great time for me to connect with anyone that I may not have had the opportunity to connect with earlier. My favorite part of my role at PSI is the feeling of being a part of a team. Coming from a sports background has always created a desire to work in settings that promote collaboration and communication. Working in a remote environment can feel very isolating but not at PSI. Daily, I can connect with people all over the United States that I may not have had the opportunity to connect with otherwise. I would argue that PSI’s utilization of the remote work environment has created even more of a team opportunity than the traditional in office setting.
Holiday Traditions & The Spirit of Giving
The holiday season is a time when cherished traditions bring warmth and joy to our lives while creating lasting memories with loved ones. These traditions remind us of the importance of connection, gratitude, and sharing the magic that the holiday season offers with others. The holiday season also offers an opportunity to extend kindness, generosity, and joy to those who need it most. Whether it’s through volunteering your time, donating to local charities, or supporting a cause that is near and dear to your heart, giving back during the holidays embodies the true spirit of the season. Together, we can make a meaningful difference and help ensure that everyone feels the joy and warmth of the holidays.
Here Are Some Holiday Traditions From Our PSIers:
“My family’s holiday tradition is to open 1 gift on Christmas Eve, watch The Grinch, and set out milk and cookies for Santa. My kids also put “reindeer food” out on the grass. We have volunteered with Metropolitan Ministries, packing and delivering meals to those less fortunate.”
- Brittany Gomez, Project Administrator
“Our family holiday traditions center around being together and sharing memories. Being a military family we always have fond memories of prior locations we have lived and we spend the holiday reconnecting as a family. We have a huge fondness for animal rescue and will often volunteer at local shelters and with local rescues to assist with transporting or donating items to help the animals in need. Donating used blankets, purchasing food and other necessary items and bringing them to rescues and shelter helps us to know we are helping in the fight to find forever homes for innocent animals.”
-
Jiani
Jones,
Facility Manager / Security Officer
Personal: Each year my family does a White Elephant gift exchange on Christmas Eve. It’s extremely fun! Impractical gifts are exchanged with the goal of entertainment rather than giving something that is of any real value. Believe it or not, it’s not easy to find an inexpensive, cheesy, yet highly sought gift. Community: I am a member of the St. Petersburg Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. and annually we host a Breakfast with Santa event for the St. Petersburg community, kicking off the holiday season with families having breakfast Mr. & Mrs. Claus, fun kid-friendly activities, festive music, and lots of gifts to help make the season bright.
- Tamaira Heyward, Director of Enterprise Testing Services
My favorite holiday traditions and memories are baking Christmas cookies for neighbors, friends, and family with my mom, my dad making omelettes on Christmas morning, and going to look at Christmas lights in the weeks leading up to Christmas! Since having my son this year, I look forward to the traditions my husband and I continue with him but also the new traditions and memories we make as a family.
- Brittany Smith, Talent Acquisition Manager
Each year, our extended family gets together on Christmas Eve for a White Elephant Gift Exchange. Aunts, uncles, cousins, and siblings all get together to cook a family meal, play games, and exchange white elephant gifts. It’s our favorite time of year to slow down and get together and catch up on the year and life events.
- Erin Stanton, Clinical Healthcare Talent Acquisition Specialist
My father, being from Argentina, brought with him the tradition of leaving shoes outside his bedroom door on January 5th for the Three Kings to fill with presents. My mom, ever the American innovator, gave this a little remix: she moved it to Christmas Eve, swapped the Kings for Santa, and voilà—shoes became stocking stand-ins. As a kid, I’d lie in bed listening intently for the telltale sounds of “Santa” outside my door, stealthily delivering my shoe-sized surprise. The official rule? Wait until morning to open it. My siblings and I, being highly literal children, reasoned that 2 AM technically qualified as “morning.” My parents may not have seen it that way.
Fast forward to today, and we’ve kept this quirky shoe tradition alive with our own kids, who will (hopefully) carry it forward too. Fingers crossed their kids stick to a more reasonable definition of morning—or learn to sneak quieter.
- Andy Acuna, Chief Information Officer
Byte-Sized Podcast
In this episode of Byte-Sized, we spoke with Shianna Smith, Sr. HR Benefits Representative, about everything HR, her experience as a PSI intern, and the Fun Committee! You don’t want to miss this great episode!
PROJECT SPOTLIGHT
VA Testing - Quality and BI/Metrics Team
What is Quality and BI/Metrics for VA testing?
PSI provides independent software testing and testing support services to the Veterans Affair’s (VA’s) Office of Information and Technology (OIT), the Electronic Health Record Modernization-Integration Office (EHRM-IO), and brings best practices, innovations, and efficiencies to ensure a positive experience for our nation’s Veterans. Besides performing testing services for the VA, we are responsible for developing and implementing continuous quality improvement programs through the Testing Process Quality Improvement (TPQI) team.
How does it work?
The TPQI team is responsible for managing quality process management, information development and standards, and Measures and Metrics (MM) functions in support of all service groups across Test Management and Operations (TMO) and Test Center (TC). Within each of these functions are the sub-functions shown in the following diagram.
Quality Process Management
The Quality Process Management pillar manages over 144 documented processes, 74 templates and as well as 27 user guides and work instructions. Each process is audited annually for conformance and updated as needed. Process efficiency is measured and displayed in Value Streams that the metrics team develop for key services provided. These Value Streams
visually display processes from start to finish which provides the process owner with data and analysis to assist the owners in pinpointing areas of potential improvement. In addition, this pillar encompasses Corrective and Preventive Action (CAPA)/Root Cause Analysis (RCA), Knowledge Management (KM), lessons learned/after action reporting, process management support, Quality Control (QC), artifact reviews, SharePoint system development and management, website reviews, training, as well as communication, change and configuration management (C3M).
The TPQI team is dedicated to continuous process improvement and has completed over 1,950 change requests in the past 12 months. Since 2020, we have completed 5,538 change requests with 32% pertaining to support to our EHRM customer, 22% support to our OIT customer and 46% applicable to both organizations.
Information Development and Standards
The information development and standards pillar include artifact creation and maintenance, recording and distributing meeting minutes, SharePoint content editing and SharePoint support, standardization, and technical writing artifact review.
Measures and Metrics
The Measures and Metrics pillar determines the appropriate metrics that incorporate data discovery, collection, analysis, and reporting to assess the effectiveness and quality of delivery, applications, resources, and systems in support of continuous quality improvement, as well as provide accurate and timely project status reporting. Our team uses automation to assist in delivering 140 active Microsoft Power BI reports with over 1,750 pages.
Who does this serve?
The results of the team’s efforts, in partnership with other VA organizations, provides comprehensive software testing and quality assurance of critical VA applications in support of VA’s mission of providing exceptional healthcare and beneficiary services to our nation’s Veterans.
How does PSI help?
The TPQI team is led by an awesome manager, Pam Ripplinger, who has been supporting this contract for 20 years, and consists of 17 team members. The background of the team spans many disciplines from tech writing to database administrators to data analysis engineers to SharePoint developers and administrators, Quality control specialist, and security compliance manager. The TPQI team interacts daily with other teams on the program, which is made up of 160 people, some of which are or have active military family members and veterans. The ETSSS project is led by our Program Manager, John Brooks, who is a veteran.
TPQI’s team values align with PSI’s core values of people, service, and integrity. Our people respect one another and works harmoniously, collaborating and always helping each other, continuously learning and teaching each other, coming together to respond to customer needs with urgency. We deliver high-quality, well-thought-out services to our VA customers, finding ways to create the best experience for the nation’s veterans. Integrity is a value that we instill in our team. The culture of continuous improvement, being proactive, delivering what the customer needs, doing the right thing for the customer, with a emphasis on security and data sensitivity, is our focus.
How does this contract make an impact?
The Information Technology (IT) Services we provide in collaboration with other business partners create the best experience for Veterans to ensure that veterans receive the care, support, and recognition they earned for serving the nation. The testing and support provided under the Enterprise Testing Service Support Services (ETSSS) contract, specifically the metrics reports generated through the metrics team and the use of Power BI, provide the data needed to support the EHRM Program for inquiries, questions used by the Government Accountability Office (GAO), Office of Inspector General (OIG), and Congress for decision making.
FEATURES SEASONAL
Last-Minute Gift Guide
December is a powerful month for people all across the world. The first reason is its effect on reminiscing. Being able to reflect on your highs and lows, fond memories, and the bucket list items that were checked off gives you the chance to see how far you’ve come. The second reason is its effect of bringing people together. Whether it’s Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, or any of the other holidays that happen in December, all of these have a profound effect of bringing people together to celebrate. While all of us want the holidays to go as smoothly and as enjoyable as possible, surprises always pop up. Today, we’ve got you covered with gift ideas for five key scenarios so you’re never unprepared this holiday season.
My Relatives from Halfway Across the Country Made a Surprise Appearance!
We all know this person, somehow always able to show up despite being so far away, and they almost always never let you know just to surprise you! Since they want to be on the go so much, here’s two things to get them:
Halfday Garment Duffel This duffel bag is unlike any other. It starts off as a garment bag for a suit, which you can use to put various clothes and other items, then it folds together into a duffel bag, allowing you to carry more items inside! With enough space for three days of clothes, two pairs of shoes, and a capacity of 40 or 45 liters depending on your preferences, this is perfect for their pickup and go journeys! Plus, being at around $100, it can even replace some of your carry-on luggage!
GOSLEEP Travel Pillow Ever have trouble using neck pillows on airplanes? The lack of front support causes you to strain your neck, making it difficult to sleep? Check out the GOSLEEP travel pillow or any other eye mask or pillow that wraps around the airplane headrest. This allows you to relax your neck and lean forward, knowing you’re supported, while also providing immense comfort and light blocking. While the GOSLEEP is priced at around $40, there are plenty of alternatives at any price point!
What Do I Give to Someone Who Doesn’t Want Physical Stuff?
Sometimes physical items are a bother, being cool for a few weeks or months before being placed in the attic for the rest of time. For this person, this is what to get them:
Consumables Subscription Whether for a year or a few months, any subscription to unique food items can be an unoffensive and flexible option. One of the best I’ve found is Atlas Coffee Club, which provides you with unique coffee from international regions around the world. Each order gives you the best preparation tips as well as information about how it’s grown and the history. There’s plenty of options online at any price point that you want, so go explore!
All the Gift Budget this Year Magically Went to Decorations, What Do I Do?
The holidays are always a fun time, and sometimes you might spend just a little bit too much on the fun. For a low budget unique gift for anyone, check this out:
DASH My Mug Ice Cream Maker Ever thought store ice cream was either too sweet, not flavorful enough, or had a weird texture? Why not do it on your own! This mini-ice cream maker allows you to make single servings of ice cream in whatever flavor you want. Just add milk, sugar, and whatever mix ins you want, and let it do the rest for you. Best of all, it only costs $30 and it’s perfect for the warmer months after the holidays.
This Person Seems to Have Every Cool Thing Already; What Do I Get Them?
We’re all sometimes in awe of this person, how they manage to have every cool gadget and widget in the world. Where do they get them? No idea, but they won’t have these things:
Phememo Inkless Printer We all know how annoying printing can be, buying ink that’s far too expensive, a machine that’s bulky and doesn’t connect have the time, why not inkless? Inkless printers work by applying heat to special thermal paper, creating a very fine print akin to ink without the cost of it! With a variety of options from small label makers at around $30 to shipping label and full size at around $130, there’s plenty of options. If this doesn’t suit your fancy, there are plenty of other alternatives online as well!
Masdio Smart Flowerpot Plants have always been a staple of most house decorations but watering them and caring for them is often difficult. I’m sure this is why some of us opt for plastic ones, but with smart flowerpots, fake plants are no more! This smart plant has a built-in screen allowing it to come to life with faces and various expressions. Alongside this, it’ll tell you when to water the plant as well as provide other useful metrics such as moisture, health, time, date, etc. All this technology, decoration, and uniqueness is only $70, perfect for any plant lover who’s serious about keeping their plants healthy.
What’s a Unique Teen Gift Idea That They’ll Never See
Coming?
Teens are tricky, especially now with social media and the internet allowing them to absorb information faster than ever. These gifts not only align with the trends that they’re seeing online, but they’re also practical and make everyday life just slightly more enjoyable.
Clipa2 Bag Hanger This little clip does it all. With soft pads and a strong metal clip capable of holding up to 33 pounds, it allows you to hang backpacks, purses, and totes wherever you want from table edges, door ledges, railings, and gate openings. This will not only allow them to spare their shoulders or back from carrying their bags all the time but also allows them to avoid putting their bags on dirty ground. The best part? At less than $20, you might just buy one for yourself and your teen!
Sunset/Sunrise Lamp Room lighting is all the rage, whether it’s LEDs, fairy lights, etc. I’d be surprised if your teen hasn’t asked for these things already. A sun lamp is a great addition to any room no matter how much lighting it has. By being able to mimic the warmth of the sun at sunrise or sunset, it not only can make you more energized or relaxed during dawn and dusk but also provide warm lighting that makes any room extra comfy. Plus, you can find these at any price point from $10 to $50 depending on how sleek you want the design to be and how bright or large you want it to project.
Gingerbread House Contest
Leslie Bustos
Suzette Pollard
Hope Jordan
Chris Alfieri
Ashley Sese
Jennifer Snyder
Sherry Hodges
Amanda Ellison
Daniel Abed
Ariel Ronayne
Bryan Ly
Keven’s Kitchen
Italian Amaretti Cookies Recipe
These classic Italian almond cookies are crisp on the outside, chewy on the inside, and packed with almond flavor. They’re perfect for the holidays or as a year-round treat! My grandmother always made these and I make them now.
Ingredients: (makes ~24 cookies)
• 2 cups (200g) almond flour
• 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 2 large egg whites, at room temperature
• 1/2 tsp almond extract
• 1/4 tsp vanilla extract (optional)
• Powdered sugar, for rolling
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats. In a large bowl, whisk together almond flour, granulated sugar, and salt. In a separate bowl, beat the egg whites with an electric mixer until soft peaks form (the whites should hold their shape but still be slightly droopy).
2. Gently fold the whipped egg whites into the almond flour mixture until it forms a cohesive dough. Add almond extract (and vanilla extract if using) and mix until incorporated. The dough should be sticky but workable.
3. Scoop out 1-tablespoon portions of dough and roll into balls. Lightly coat each ball in powdered sugar, shaking off the excess. Place the balls on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Gently press the tops to flatten slightly.
4. Bake in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes, or until the cookies are lightly golden and the tops have small cracks. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Tips:
For extra chewiness: Add 1–2 teaspoons of honey to the dough. These cookies are naturally gluten-free since almond flour is the main ingredient.
5 Tips for Preparing your Kitchen for the Holidays
1. Stock Up on Essential Ingredients
Baking staples: Flour, sugar (granulated, powdered, and brown), baking powder, baking soda, vanilla extract, and spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.
Holiday pantry essentials: Chicken or vegetable stock, canned pumpkin, evaporated milk, cranberry sauce, dried fruits (like raisins or cranberries), and nuts.
Refrigerated items: Butter, eggs, heavy cream, and cream cheese.
Freezer backups: Frozen puff pastry, pre-chopped vegetables, and a loaf of bread for quick stuffing or croutons.
2. Deep Clean and Organize
Purge your pantry: Discard expired items and organize your shelves for easy access.
Declutter countertops: Free up space for prepping and plating (and define a space for each).
Sharpen knives: A sharp knife saves time and reduces the risk of accidents.
Clean your oven: Ensure it’s ready for heavy-duty cooking.
3. Plan Your Cooking Tools and Dishware
Cooking tools: Ensure you have enough mixing bowls, measuring cups, and a sturdy rolling pin for baking.
Specialty items: Turkey baster, meat thermometer, roasting pans, and pie dishes.
Serving dishes: Identify platters and serving bowls for appetizers, entrees, and desserts. Label them for specific dishes to streamline plating. I actually set my table the day/night before with all the empty serving ware and place settings so I can see and play with dishes and how they fit and put name cards in each so I remember what is being placed where and in what serving vessel. I do the same for buffet (when I do buffets I set up silk or tuile or other fabric over books or other stable items in places through center of table so that there is visual interest of lifts and levels and it allows me to have more on the table and guests have easier access to items in the center which are up above those closer to edge of table.
Containers for leftovers: Stockpile resealable containers or wrap for easy storage. I set these out for guests near dessert so it is ready for when they want to pack up and leave.
4. Make-Ahead and Pre-Prep
Prepare doughs and batters: Cookie dough, pie crusts, and bread doughs can be made ahead and frozen. Chop and freeze: Dice onions, carrots, fennel and celery to use for soups and stuffing and refrigerate or freeze. Anything I can prep ahead (and portion with labels for the dish it is to be used in) I will.
Spice blends: Mix your holiday spice rubs and herb blends ahead of time.
Stock rotation: Place ingredients for holiday recipes at the front of your pantry or fridge.
5. Create a Beverage and Snack Station
Holiday beverages: Stock up on coffee, tea, hot chocolate, wine, and spirits.
Snacks: Pre-portion nuts, dried fruits, or charcuterie board items to keep guests happy while the main meal cooks. Set up away from the kitchen: This keeps guests out of the prep space while giving them something to enjoy. If a party with more guests I tend to setup stations in different rooms or parts of the house so guests are encouraged to flow through house, not creating a traffic issue and to help them mingle.
Book Nook
Cozy up this holiday season with a good book! Whether you’re enjoying a snowy day or wanting to make it through family dinner, these reads are perfect for when you need comfort, reflection, or a good laugh.
Top Pick for the Holiday Season: Christmas at Glitter Peak Lodge by Kjersti Herland Johnsen
What to Read When You’re Snowed In & Stir-Crazy: The Minuscule Mansion of Myra Malone
What to Read After You Spill Cranberry Sauce on your Sweater: The Book of Charlie by David Von Drehle
What to Read When Your Family is Fighting Over How to Make the Mashed Potatoes: The Things You Can See Only When You Slow Down by Haemin Sunim
What to Read When Your Little Ones Won’t Stay in Bed: The Rabbit Who Wants to Fall Asleep by Carl-Johan Forssén Ehrlin
THANK YOU FOR READING HAPPY HOLIDAYS!
