Mother's Day Tributes Page 11
Certified Application Counselor Supervisor, PAC
Amanda Gonzales-Eastman
Jacquelyne Hernandez, PAC ,
How long have you been at Variety Care? I’ve been with Variety Care for five years!
In your nomination, you went above and beyond for a patient, but you continue to do so daily with all the changes our CACs encounter. Why is it key to continue to provide these services?
I believe in wanting the patients to feel welcomed, comfortable and safe, just like family. I strive to make sure each patient gets any information or questions answered as well as provide any help I can before they leave so they are satisfied with their time at Variety Care.
What motivates you to give it your all, especially when a patient’s circumstances require extra attention?
The biggest thing that motivates me is knowing I have possibly made an impact on someone’s life and being able to help the patient get their insurance taken care of. Another thing that motivates me is being able to translate and communicate fluently for our Hispanic community, making them feel equal and included is the best feeling.
How does it feel to be the Employee of the Month? Being an employee of the month makes me feel like I have made a difference within the company and the patients we strive to help. Feeling like a role model to others and being able to help my coworkers anytime it’s needed makes me feel good and confident in myself.
What do you think is the most important aspect of your job, and how does that fit into our organization’s overall mission?
Making sure we take care of all patients, whether it’s in person or via phone. Adding this service has been a big difference for many patients being able to be approved for SoonerCare promptly.
The biggest thing that motivates me is knowing that I have possibly made an impact on someone’s life
-Amanda
Tell us a little bit about yourself –any hobbies or talents that you would like to share?
I love to spend time with my family, going on cruises to explore different cultures and parts of the world – any family trips are the best thing I can ask for. My hobbies would have to be finding anything I can to put rhinestones on to bring it out, and other arts and crafts. I also love doing puzzles!
What do you like the most about working at Variety Care?
Variety Care has given me many opportunities to grow and has even shown me my value as an employee. Being able to help patients and making a difference in their lives is the most rewarding outcome! I also enjoy having a great work environment and having management who takes great care of us.
Tell us about your family.
I have been married for 19 years to my wife. We have one son and were recently blessed with our grandbaby who’s seven months old, and I have a beautiful daughter who is my whole world, she’s what keeps me going and motivated to be a better me. We love having family quality time as a family doing some arts and crafts or even a relaxing day cooking together, enjoying each others company, laughing and making memories.
"I believe everyone has the right to affordable access to health care."
"To serve the people."
"To work with like-minded providers to deliver high-quality care to an underserved population."
Have you seen the provider chain? This colorful paper link chain, moving from one Variety Care clinic to another each week, celebrates the heartfelt reasons why each provider chose to work in community health centers. Every link tells a unique story of commitment and passion for making a difference in community health.
"Taking care of vulnerable patient population in an environment where equity is a priority."
"To give back to the community I grew up in."
"I wanted to do integrated care!"
Learn how we can keep our kids healthy all summer long.
Learn more about depression and what we can do to combat it.
Conner Johnson, DO
Diabetes affects about 1 in 10 Americans, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and nearly 1 in 5 Americans living with diabetes don’t even know they have it. While there is no cure for diabetes, it can be managed with proper guidance from health care providers. At Variety Care, we play a crucial role in offering diabetes care, education, and support to help patients take control of their disease, including the expertise of our own Jamie Farley, Pharm.D., BCACP, CDCES.
Jamie Farley, a clinical pharmacist at the Straka Variety Care location, works closely with patients to ensure they understand their disease and how to manage it. She explains that symptoms of high blood sugar are often dismissed. “Symptoms such as fatigue, blurry vision, thirst, or frequent urination might actually be related to high blood sugar, also known as hyperglycemia”.
Dr. Farley emphasizes the importance of early detection to prevent irreversible damage. “Longstanding hyperglycemia can lead to chronic complications, such as vision loss or blindness, kidney failure, heart attacks and strokes, or amputations… which can dramatically change a person’s quality of life.”
Her Clinical Pharmacy Services (CPS) program includes medication management, in collaboration with the patient’s primary care provider, and a diabetes education program recognized by the American Diabetes Association. “One of the key components of diabetes education is instilling motivation and confidence in patients to take control of their disease so diabetes does not control them.”
Using a variety of hands-on visuals, Dr. Farley teaches patients everything from how to create healthy, balanced meals to utilizing the newest diabetes technology. She believes educating her patients can also impact future generations. “If patients can learn healthier habits and include the entire family in their changes, they can potentially prevent or delay the risk of their children developing diabetes.”
Farley also highlights the importance of creating a more inclusive environment for those living with diabetes. Some positive health changes include minimizing sugary drinks and choosing appropriate carbohydrate portions when meals are provided. Instead of a daily indulgence, encourage patients to choose an occasional treat as reward for making healthy choices through the week. When attending work or family potluck events, consider taking a healthy option for yourself and others to enjoy.
For our staff, it’s important to remember that we all have a role in supporting our patients’ diabetes health improvement efforts. Encourage patients to seek guidance from their diabetes care team, which may include the expertise offered by Dr. Farley and/or other important members of their health care team at Variety Care. Together, we can help our patients live healthier lives and manage their diabetes effectively.
20+ YEARS OF SERVICE
MONICA MARQUEZ, NW 10TH, 23 YEARS
GLENDA HERNANDEZ, STRAKA, 25 YEARS
ESTELA DELIRA, STRAKA, 26 YEARS
10 + YEARS OF SERVICE
SARA BAEZA, NW 10TH, 10 YEARS
VERONICA CERVANTES, RENO, 10 YEARS
MARIBEL ESPINOZA, 10 YEARS
LINDSAY K. LAIRD, LAFAYETTE, 11 YEARS
ARMIDA CEBALLOS, STRAKA, 14 YEARS
5+ YEARS OF SERVICE
DIANA C. REYNA, LAFAYETTE, 5 YEARS
BIANCA RUBIO, ADMIN, 5 YEARS
MARIA F. BARRIOS, NW 10TH, 6 YEARS
ALLISON M. KOPP, ADMIN, 6 YEARS
VANESSA RODRIGUEZ, STRAKA, 6 YEARS
TRAM T. NGUYEN, LAFAYETTE, 7 YEARS
LAURA A. REINHARDT, STRAKA, 7 YEARS
TANIA RAMIREZ, STRAKA, 8 YEARS
LILIANA MENDEZ, STRAKA, 9 YEARS
4 YEARS OF SERVICE
ADRIAN DIAZ PALACIOS, PAC
BENCY J. SONY, PETE WHITE
3 YEARS OF SERVICE
YAMILET QUIRINO, LAFAYETTE
DAYAHANA J. MARTINEZ-DE LOS SANTOS, RENO NOELIA PINA TORRES, PAC
HANNAH JACKSON, PAC
HANG NGUYEN, PAC
2 YEARS OF SERVICE
JUANITA M. SALINAS, STRAKA
VIVIAN MOBERLY, NW 10TH
BEATRIZ E. KILPATRICK, ANADARKO
BEVERLY (DIANE) D. DEVINEY, LAKEPOINTE
JOSELYN M. MARTINEZ, PAC
KAREN CORRAL, PAC
1 YEAR OF SERVICE
FATIMA A. MARTINEZ, BAPTIST PORTLAND
YOSELIN RAMIREZ, YUKON
JENNEY QIN, BRITTON
JOSELINE C. ORTA, MID-DEL
GEMA SEGOVIANO, STRAKA
MARIA E. ESPARZA, STRAKA
CAROLINA ZEQUEIDA ORTIZ, LAFAYETTE
MIRTA N. PARODI, LAFAYETTE
JHUN BILBAO, LAFAYETTE
CARRIE ALVAREZ, NORMAN PEDS
LAUREN R. LONG, NORMAN PEDS
MARISELA E. RODRIGUEZ, NORMAN PEDS
SOPHIA VANDERSCHANS, PAC
ANALIESE D. PRESSLEY, PAC
CECIA MONTES HERNANDEZ, PAC
MIKAYLA GUZMAN, PAC
PATRICIA BOTELLO, PAC
MIREYA BARRAZA, PAC
My mother's name is Gwendolyn, and she was the mom of 6 kids. My mom gave everything to make sure we were happy. She was the type of person who would give everything she had and didn't ask for anything in return. She was special to her grandkids as well and made sure they didn't go without. I lost my mom on July 23, 2021, and celebrating Mother's Day without her has been the hardest for her girls. I want to send this special Happy Mother's Day message to my mom.
-Akitha Morris
Tragically, I lost my mom at the age of 19, in 1998. But her legacy forever lives on. She was such a brilliant presence and brought light to whoever had the privilege to know her. I didn't get as much time as I wanted with her, but she taught me so much about love and kindness.
-Linnzi Drummond
My mother is special to me because she has always been my #1 fan. She helped me throughout my life with my children so that I could work and attend college. When my son was diagnosed with cancer, she was right by my side. There are no words to express my gratitude towards my mother. I love her with all my heart!
-RheaGomez
Rakeem
Desktop Support Technician, Admin.
Joseph
Clinical Services Medical-Float, PAC
Chwaliszewski
Bragg
Toy Davis PSR I, Britton
Evelyn Gramajo PSR I, North Portland
Perla Flores PSR I, Straka
Viviana Herrera Medical Records Specialist, PAC
Maria Mena Dental Assistant I, Straka
Magdalena Molina Dental Assistant I, Straka
Daisy Ortiz PSR I, Pete White
Sergio Padilla Medical Assistant I, Straka
Stephanie Osuna PSR I, Lafayette
Karly QuijanoPSR- Float, PAC
