In honor of National Social Work Month, administrators, supervisors and co-workers from the Department of Health have submitted words of praise and recognition for the services provided by public health social workers.
Karol Barnett, BSW
We would like to express our appreciation and thanks to Ms. Karol Barnett, BSW. She provides a positive influence on our clients, our co-workers and our community. She is a very important benefactor to the success and happiness of pregnant women and their babies in Lake County. Ms Barnett assisted more than 300 clients. She supports the county wide effort for maternity education by participating in many outreach events during the year.
Ms Barnett is instrumental in presenting the Childbirth Education Classes given by the Healthy Start Program to maternity clients in the community. Her 25 years of previous experience with DCF helps her provide important help to clients about their services (Medicaid, food stamps). Karol demonstrates an ongoing positive attitude by turning every bad situation into a good learning experience. Ms Barnett is a very valuable asset to the Lake County Health Department and the Healthy Start Program, a great friend and awesome listener who always believes in “Service with a Smile”.
With thanks,
Dianne Casson
Nursing Program Specialist
Healthy Start and the Lake County Health Department.
North Central Region CMS Social Workers
I want to acknowledge the efforts of our social workers in CMS and particularly in North Central Region which is what I know best! These professional men and women are regularly looking for ways to meet the unique needs of our population of special needs children. What is even more wonderful is the number of times they are successful! They know how to pull in resources and apply them effectively. They are creative in meeting our Behavioral Health needs and getting new services to this population of needy kids.
Thank you for all you do in contribution to the CMS Team !!! You are my heroes!!
Sharon Surrency, RN, BSN, MPH
Robin Bass, Sheri Stires-Martin, Laverne Bell and Beth Legary
I would like to take a moment to talk about the wonderful social workers we have in the Daytona CMS office.
Each of these women demonstrates dedication to the CMS families each day by advocating, education and connecting the families to services. We have several grants available due to the hard work of Mrs. Bass. These grants allow us to provided house/electric deposit assistance, respite, and gas cards. With the increasing number of requests for financial assistance due to loss of jobs, these social workers maintain a positive attitude when speaking with the families.
Thank you for allowing me to recognize this wonderful group of women.
Ann Wilson RN, BSN
Senior Registered Nurse Supervisor
Robin Bass, Sheri Stires-Martin, Elizabeth Legary, and Laverne Bell
I am one of the clinic nurses at CMS Daytona and I would like to let you know how wonderful our Social Workers are who help us out in each of our clinics. We have about 15 clinics each month here and each one has a social worker in attendance. She visits each client, talks to them and helps them out in many ways. I believe that having the Social Worker in the clinic, where she can see the families face-to-face, more issues can be covered, and helped. Our Social Workers are very compassionate and I wish to give them a big thank-you for being with us.
Many thanks to Robin Bass, Sheri Stires-Martin, Elizabeth Legary, and Laverne Bell.
Robin Bass
I would like to commend our Social Worker, Robin Bass, for her creativity and perseverance regarding the acquisition of community grant funding (Volusia County) for our families. She developed the grant requests, went before the County Council as advocate, and acquired requested funding (x3 years) that greatly assists our families with transportation, safe housing, and respite issues. It is mind boggling how much gratitude a parent will extend regarding a simple gas voucher or brake repair vs. thousands of dollars of free medical care!
In any event Robin is very astute regarding an individual’s needs, and she gladly works arm-in-arm with Nurse Care Coordinators to implement the necessary household confidence & foundation that moves medical care forward. Because she is so active in the community, her connections are mined for services & sometimes just compassion for a needy family. Her years of experience are invaluable: there’s a presence and knowledge base that can’t be manufactured/only comes with time & life experiences. During a recent CPT staffing for a CMS client, her questions to one of the investigators promptly provided information that I was unable to elicit from 3 different investigators. We’re glad Robin’s here!!!!!
Kelly Medei, RN
Children Medical Services (
CMS) Daytona
Colleen Williams, Alison Fendle, Jane McPherson, Tanya Footman, Marquisha Bryant
Pictured from left to right are Betsy Caban, Alison Fendle, Julie May, Colleen Williams, Marquisha Bryant, Jane McPherson and Tanya Footman
I would like to take this opportunity to recognize and acknowledge the dedicated social workers here at Gadsden County Health Department. We have (3) License Clinical Social Workers: Colleen Williams, Alison Fendle, and Jane McPherson; Tanya Footman (MSW); and Marquisha Bryant (BSW). These ladies are providing Health Start services to 85% of our eligible clients, and we want to say kudos for a job well done!
Thanks for all you do,
Cannella Jefferies
Sue Murphy
I would like to sing the praises of our very own Baker CHD Social Worker, Sue Murphy. She always makes sure that not only the clients but you the staff member and individual feel supported, cared for and that she is genuinely interested in your life.
She is a key member of our Client/Staff advocate committee, our Healthy Start Program manager, injury prevention safety seat manager, safe sleep guru and has been our wise ‘counselor’ individually and collectively for many years. Life and work would be empty without Sue’s support and care. Plus she knows all the ropes in referrals. We are fortunate to know and work with Sue.
Thank you Sue,
Kerry E. Dunlavey, RN, MSHA, MPH
Administrator Baker County Health Department
Miami-Dade County Health Department Social Workers
As we celebrate Social Work Month, I salute the Miami-Dade County Health Department’s social workers. This years theme is “Social Work: Purpose and Possibility” Their profession is trained to see purpose and possibilities in the lives of those they serve. They understand that the potential of clients and communities is plentiful. We are fortunate to have these caring professionals working in our department.”
Dr. Lillian Rivera, RN, MSN
Administrator,
Miami-Dade County Health Department
Karen Mitchell and Trish Harris
I would like to recognize two social services employees from the Tampa Bay Region.
Karen Mitchell – Karen is the CMAT Social Services Consultant for the Tampa and Lakeland CMAT program. She is an outstanding and dedicated employee who goes above and beyond in her role. She has assumed the full-time job responsibilities of the St. Petersburg CMAT Social Services position due to vacancy in addition to her own full-time position duties.
She works additional hours weekly in order to complete the necessary assignments and meet the timeframes established by the CMAT Operational Plan. Karen should be recognized for her commitment to CMAT, for taking initative and her for her teamwork
Trish Harris - Trish is the Transition Planning and Assessment Team Social Services Consultant for the St. Petersburg CMS office. She was also recently given the added responsibility of serving as the Social Services Consultant for a group of nurses assigned to her. This past year she organized a collection of school supplies that were donated to our CMS children in need.
In December when the office learned that someone they were counting on to help our CMS families for Christmas wasn’t able to assist after all, she contacted all of the available social services agencies she knew and was able to ensure that 39 families received holiday assistance. She was instrumental in organizing volunteers to deliver the gifts and food baskets to our CMS families.
Thanks Karen and Trish,
Julie Perez, RN
Regional Nursing Supervisor
Children's Medical Services
Bobbie Lambert
We have one social worker in our health department and she works in our Health Care Connections Clinic. Bobbie Lambert has been with the Pasco County Health Department for almost seventeen years. We average over 100 clients in this clinic. She has been instrumental in our receiving Ryan White Care monies for many of our clients over the years.
She has spent many hours working on improving the clinic and the quality of care our clients receive. She is the “behind the scenes” person who sees that things run smoothly but taking little credit for these contributions. We are happy to have Bobbie working with us and our clients.
Thanks Bobbie,
Carol Cummins, ARNP, MSN
Nursing Director
Pasco County Health Department
Joan Miller
The St. Petersburg Health Center, located in the heart of downtown St. Petersburg, serves a diverse population, including teenagers, individuals with housing issues, and women in abusive relationships. Busy clinic examiners wanted to dialogue with clients regarding lifestyle choices, community resources, etc., but were limited in time to do so.
Based on that obvious need, the health department placed a counselor in the clinic, dedicated to talking to clients – listening to them and helping them to better health and a better life. She tracks the data and follows up with clients to make sure they are doing their part in moving forward. She is always available to lend a shoulder to cry on or just to be there to listen. Her presence in the clinic has made a notable difference.
“Having our Social Services Counselor Joan Miller in the clinic take the time to talk with people about underlying social issues that may affect their health, and their lives, has made a world of difference in our ability to help our clients. She follows through to see that clients get any needed services and referrals, and to check on their well-being. She is a wonderful resource and has helped many people with issues of domestic violence, housing, education and more.”
Susan Gilbert, Women’s Health Officer
“Joan has helped identify, assess and address countless issues encountered by our clients. She has helped increase the number or women who enter prenatal care during the first trimester and is raising awareness regarding the disparities that exist between Black and White infant deaths.”
Thank you Joan,
Carrie Hepburn
Project Director
St. Petersburg Healthy Start Federal Project
Lee McMorrow, Sara Pankey and Maureen Saunders
Realizing that the medical needs of many of today’s students stem from emotional and social issues, the Pinellas County Health Department recently added three social workers (LSCW) to provide services in schools. These social workers will round out an already effective school health services program. This allows the team to provide a continuum of care and follow-up to ensure the student’s needs are met and address any challenges that may exist, for example, in the student’s home or work life.
“In the schools, our Licensed Clinical Social Workers work to help ensure we provide a comprehensive approach to caring for our children. There’s more to care than attending to their medical needs; children have emotional and social needs, too. Having social workers in the schools allows us to work with the whole child with whatever needs they present.”
Thanks for all you do,
Susan Finlaw-Dusseault
Adolescent and School Health Manager
Sarah Percy
Sarah Percy is a Medical Foster Care Social worker who works at CMS (Children's Medical Services) In Orlando. For the past year she has carried the full caseload of 50 children or more at times and has been in charge of all the Orlando MFC parent homes. Sarah, like most of us social workers, has been learning as she goes and has also served as my mentor since I came into this position a few months ago. Did I mention that she has done this all while being pregnant....Sarah is the type of social worker that helps keep an organization running and we are lucky to have her.
Danielle Masuda, MSW
Medical Foster Care Social Worker
Children's Medical Services
Jacksonville's Children's Medical Services Social Workers
In preparation for Social Work Month I wanted to sing the praises of the Children’s Medical Services Jacksonville team and let you know about the exciting things they are involved in here locally. Can’t imagine how we would function without this dedicated group!!!
1. After looking at the growing number of children with behavioral health and mental health issues referred to our program, and noting the frequency of hospitalizations and Baker Acts for these types of behaviors, Jacksonville CMS has formed a behavioral health social work team. Keiona Frenche and Kena Pugh were hired to manage a caseload of our complex behavioral and mental health children and provide more targeted and specific care coordination activities for this population of very high risk children. We are 6 months into the pilot and anecdotally, it appears that our voluntary hospitalizations and Baker Acts have decreased. They are now holding weekly case conferences with our behavioral health liaison from our contracted mental health provider and behavioral health medical director and are looking forward to implementing a number of new plans over the upcoming year. We are very proud of these two new additions to Children’s Medical Services.
2. Jacksonville social workers have started attending a multidisciplinary, multiagency neural tube defects clinic and a neurodevelopment clinic in hopes of recruiting and enrolling these families into Children’s Medical Services. These clinics are a joint effort between University of Florida, Wolfson Children’s Hospital, Nemours Children’s Clinics and now Children’s Medical Services. Families from all over the North Central Region are scheduled for follow-up for their children with spina bifida, or for their children who suffered brain problems during their NICU stay. Way to go Elisa Malo for taking on this new challenge!
3. Alan Zumarraga was promoted to lead social worker in the Jacksonville office in the fall. He brings a wealth of experience to his leadership role. He is enthusiastically taking on all the new programs mentioned above, as well as is the Children’s Medical Services representative at our twice per month Cleft Lip and Palate Clinics, another multidisciplinary, multiagency clinic here in Jacksonville.
4. Valerie Davis graduated in August 2007 with her MSW from Florida State University and since graduation has assumed lead responsibilities for the Partners in Care—Together for Kids Palliative Care Program. She attends weekly case conferences with our hospice partner Community Peds Care and is link between the hospice provider and Children’s Medical Services for our children with life-limiting conditions. In addition to the PIC duties, Valerie provides assessment and coordination of services for children in medical foster care, children who reside in skilled nursing facilities, and along with her partner, Linda Garcia, provides the utilization review for children receiving private duty nursing and prescribed extended pediatric care services in our Medicaid reform plan.
5. Debbie Mead Turner is our Medical Foster Care Social Worker and provides expertise and dedication to children with significant medical problems in our medical foster care program. She has become a certified Medical Foster Parent trainer and has co-taught two trainings for Medical Foster Parents in other regions of the state. She is an excellent representative of our children in court and under her direction, has seen a large number of children in the Jacksonville program get permanent adoptive homes. She is an incredible voice for these very high risk infants and children.
As you can see, the Jacksonville social workers are a very busy and innovative group! We encourage and foster development of new ideas and expansion of roles both within our office and within the community so that children with special health care needs can have access to the services that they and their families need. Our social workers are often the key link for these services. Please feel free to condense, share, etc. this information. We are very proud of all they do!
Sherry Buchman, RN
Nursing Director
Children's Medical Services--Jacksonville
Ed Howell and Inez Marcano
In regards to two of our social workers here in our Tampa CMS region, I would like to provide my "KUDOS" and recognition for their outstanding service:
Both of the above mentioned social workers are outstanding patient advocates and are always available to assist with any patient needs. Inez & Ed have both been instrumental in providing patients with useful information, assistance with obtaining their medical care, and overcoming any obstacles that patients may endure from day to day. Inez Marcano has always been very accessible in the clinic and office setting to assist with Spanish translation needs with our CMS families, and numerous families have been grateful for her assistance in addressing any concerns or questions they may encounter. Transportation has also been an obstacle for some of our families, yet Ed Howell works diligently and effortlessly to be available to help our patients so they are able to receive the care that is essential for their recovery and special health care needs. Ed Howell and Inez Marcano are remarkable employees for their caring approach they display with our patients and families; both should be highly commended for their dedication and service. Children's Medical Services is extremely fortunate to have Ed and Inez working with our families in the capacity of social services as they represent our network by showing compassion, understanding, and kindness to our wonderful patients!!
Sandra R.Leck RN
Clinical Nursing Supervisor
Children's Medical Services
Tampa Bay Regional Social Services Staff
The Tampa Bay Regional Social Services Staff is Phenomenal!
This group of individuals is a pleasure to work with and supervise. Together they coordinated Thanksgiving feasts and Christmas gifts for CMS families who would’ve otherwise had a very meager holiday meal. This team works tirelessly to find the perfect home for a donated item and conversely searches every available community resource when there is a need for a child. They listen with an open mind and heart, always advocating for the child and family.
A huge Thank you for all that you do!
Hillary Nelson, RN, BSN
Nursing Supervisor
Children's Medical Services
Tampa Bay Region
Claudia Hurtado and Mike Faria
I am writing in response to the email referencing Social Workers Month. Recently at the Lakeland CMS office, there was a mother who called very late in the work day (approximately 4:00 PM) looking for Member Services information and other assistance to meet the basic needs of her family (see email thread below for details). I would like to pay tribute to Mike Faria (referred to as “Mark” in the parent’s email) and Claudia Hurtado as they represent the Social Work staff members involved in providing this family with food, gift cards and many resources to assist the family in need. It is noteworthy to say that Mike Faria is a Medical Foster Care (MFC) Social Worker who was available at the time of the call and contacted personal resources to help the family. He helped them out of compassion not necessity.
Additionally, Claudia was tasked with overseeing the Lakeland CMS Christmas Assistance Program last Fall. Working in tandem with the Family Resource Coalition, Family Health Partner, she spent tireless hours working to sort through and organize donated items, including monetary donations, which provided food and gifts to many of our needy families. Mike once again lent a hand to provide donations of food, clothing, toys and other gift items for CMS clients in need beyond the MFC Program.
I must say that I couldn’t be prouder to work with this Social Work team as they go above and beyond in serving clients each and every day.
Thank you for your consideration in posting this tribute. It is greatly appreciated.
Connie Carter
Marilyn Bailey
Please see email below. My sincere appreciation to you all for an outstanding job!
Ms. Kopp,
I just wanted to let you know how wonderful everyone in your agency has been in dealing with my difficult circumstances. I like many Americans right now have found myself unemployed and having to apply for benefits through the Federal Government. I have three children 17, 15, and 5 and have never had to ask for any help and getting through all the red tape. Penny started me in the right direction, and Claudia, Mr. and Mrs. Carter, Mark, Nurse Vickie and Nurse Donna. They all have gone out of their way to help and I know you always hear so much negative so I wanted you to know these folks made me feel so much better and that there is hope!
I was given food and $80.00 in gift certificates for Publix and have taken their advice again to apply for food stamps. They never made me feel ashamed in anyway and it will all come together I am sure soon. I hope I have not forgotten anyone.
THANKS AGAIN ALL YOU FOR WHAT YOU HAVE DONE FOR MYSELF AND THREE CHILDREN!!!
I know that we hear success story from staff on a regular basis. But, I thought that I would share just one more...........
A young lady was enrolled in CMS. She had Title XX1 for her coverage. Marilyn Bailey, one of the social workers in the Orlando office, stepped in to assist with some psychosocial concerns. This 16 year old had a diagnosis of Severe Anorexia.
Marilyn Bailey received the referral to follow up with some type of behavioral health services. You see, this young lady was weighing in at 67 pounds and dropping. She still considered herself OVERWEIGHT. She was seen in one of our Behavioral Health Clinics and felt that Residential Services were required. Fairwinds Treatment Center in Tampa was found.
Marilyn continued to be a part of the treatment plan, made visits while this young lady was in Fairwinds. I had an opportunity to meet this young lady and her mother yesterday. This young lady now weighs 119 pounds.
Marilyn took pictures before she went into Fairwinds. Mom is so grateful as well as this young lady. I just wanted to stop and let the staff know that social workers do MAKE A DIFFERENCE!
Thanks Marilyn,
Barbara Ray
CMS Regional Nursing Director
Patsy Gainer
I would like to pay tribute to our Social Services Counselor at Washington County Health Department – Patsy Gainer. Patsy has been at Washington County Health Department since 1995. She works in the School Health Program and Serves as the only Social Services Counselor for the Health Department in the 6 public schools in Washington County. She is also the Health Departments only Social Services Counselor. She is an excellent employee with a wealth of knowledge but even greater than that is her true concern for the students and people of our communities of Washington County. In addition, she schedules and teaches car seat classes and sets up bike safety rodeos. She finds time to give out car seats, fitting them into cars and instructing the parent / guardian on use. She assists with eligibility for Team Care clients that are in need of medication. I have known Patsy for 14 years and find her always willing to go the
extra mile to help someone. She is an asset to not only our Health Department, schools and our community but to the Department of Health.
Thank you,
Susie Sewell RN CHND
Washington County Health Department
Sherrie Howell, Selena Cordes and Myra Jackson
The Ft Myers CMS office would like to honor our three Social Workers. They provide crucial support to the staff and our families.
Sherrie Howell MSW is our Children’s Multidisciplinary Assessment Team (CMAT) social worker. She provides quality psychosocial and developmental assessments on clients to the CMAT. She coordinates referrals and discharges with the CMAT RN and provides the family with information and education about the CMAT process. She does a great job at facilitating the CMAT staffings which makes it easier on co-workers and team members. In her continuous effort to look out for the environment she has implemented a process to reduce photocopying for our CMAT staffings. Client assessments for the staffings are double sided copy and she has developed a scoring tool on recycled paper for the CMAT staffings. During these money crunching times every little bit helps. In addition, she attends the Cleft Lip and Palate clinic where she identifies issues and assists families with available resources.
Sherrie was one of the pioneers of the PIC program in our office. She developed initial program tracking forms and assisted the nurse care coordinators with enrollments to the program.
Selena Cordes BS is our Fort Myers Medical Foster Care Social Worker. She balances the difficult tasks between making sure our foster children are in a safe and loving environment, supporting the biological family through their case plan, supporting the foster parents with the challenges of raising a special needs foster child, identifying and assessing the child and foster family’s needs, working closely with the Department of Children and Families along with the court system and making sure the parents adhere to the licensing requirements. Selena supports and assists our foster parents through emotional or difficult times (housing eviction, illness of spouse, adoption of a foster child, adoption out of a foster home, death of a foster child etc).
Myra Jackson MSW is our Office Social Worker. Myra is the one who is presented with the challenge to assess the family situation and develop and assist with outcomes after everyone else has tried. Through perseverance Myra researches and develops a plan for the family. Myra also attends several clinics in addition to her role in the Partners in Care Program (PIC). She works closely with our partners at Hope Hospice to provide palliative care and services to qualified children. Myra’s positive and calming demeanor is helpful to both the staff and the families.
Noemi Stewart, Nancy Whittington & Doris Harvey
"Gainesville CMS Office Salutes Our Social Workers"
Below are comments from staff.......
Through the efforts of our CMS Social workers working with community partners the Gainesville CMS office was able to assist 157 children with Christmas this year”
“Our social workers are compassionate, dedicated, diligent social workers with years of experience. They are loyal to CMS and special needs children. From October until the end of December they locate resources for our most needy children. Thanksgiving and Christmas Food Baskets, Christmas gifts, money for gifts, gift cards are ways they serve our families. They also represent CMS in the community. We are so fortunate to have them in our office”
“They work hard to relieve us of major problems with our families. They go above and beyond especially at Christmas and Thanksgiving”
“Always there to help without complaint”
“Sensitive, caring, warm, and very helpful to CMS families. True assets to CMS”
“Always willing to assist with translation”
Helpful, caring, loving spirits with willing hearts to reach out and go beyond the ordinary”
Thinking ahead to solve problems”
Dedicated to the Medical Foster Care program working beyond normal work hours to ensure needs are met”
“Jumps in with both feet and strives to help all”
“Works with families to understand and be active participants in the CMAT process”
“Professional, wonderful personalities, caring individuals, willing to do anything to help a child. I don’t think they realize how important they are to CMS, our families, and to the nurse care coordinators. Thank you so much for all you do.”
“Having servant hearts”
Carol Goodbred and Darlene Lois Magnabosco
Carol Goodbred –Medical Foster Care Social Worker for Ocala:
She is a caring, compassionate person who frequently goes the “extra mile” for our patients, MFC parents, and birth families. It is not unusual for her to stay late or come in on her day off to assist with a patient or family crisis.
She’ll be celebrating her 5th anniversary as our MFC Social Worker on August 2, 2009. We consider her a blessing to our team and to the families we serve.
Darlene Lois Magnabosco- Social Worker for Ocala:
I’d like to honor Darlene Magnabosco whose dedication and compassion have made a tremendous impact on the children, families and communities she has served. Her communication skills and experience providing services to children with disabilities have made a great impact in our community.
She is the safety net of our families and communities. Darlene thank you for following the CMS Mission in providing excellent services to our children and families, we are grateful to have you on our team.
Holly Daniel, RN
Medical Foster Care and Pediatric Primary Care
Children's Medical Services
North Central Florida Region
CMS Social Workers
March is National Social Work Month, and I am happy to add my thanks and congratulations to all social workers within the Department of Health, especially those in Children's Medical Services where the work is surely the most challenging.
I'll never forget an experience I had a few years ago as I was leaving the cystic fibrosis team on which I had served. Team members were saying their goodbyes and trying to recall something nice about me before I left (it was tough going!). Our Social Worker stood before the group and remarked that she wanted to thank me for listening to her when she spoke about our patients. I was floored! I had been with the team for ten years and never knew I had the option! Surely, I thought, she had been the one with the most knowledge about the patients' psycho-social issues, family dynamics, and community resources with which to help these families. Why, I wondered, would I not listen to her? Then I realized, that for her, this was an all too infrequent occurrence.
I trust that nowhere in CMS do we ever ignore or discount the value of our Social Workers. They are the ones who intently record the "stories," play both Mother Teresa and Dr. Phil, put Moms and Dads with community services, and confirm that at the end of the day, to the best of their knowledge and skill, all the pieces of the family fit together.
On behalf of our patients, we owe them a bunch. Let's take the opportunity this month to thank them for all they do all year long. And for heaven's sake, when they talk…listen!
Joseph J. Chiaro, MD, FAAP
Deputy Secretary
Children's Medical Services
Social Workers in Family Health/Community Health with
Pinellas County Healthy Department
As we celebrate Social Worker Month, I would like to recognize our Social Workers in FH/Community Health at the Pinellas County Health Department. These skilled professionals use theirs talents everyday to help others create better lives for themselves and their families. They provide services across a range of needs and offer support and resources to those who need it most. Each and every day they go above and beyond to assist their clients and their families. Their dedication and compassion are to be commended. Thanks for all you do. You are appreciated.
Jane Wilson RN
Healthy Start Program Manager
CMS Big Bend Social Workers
CMS Big Bend Region (Tallahassee Area Office) is proud to honor our fabulous Social Work team. These dedicated individuals are an asset to our office. They provide support to the nurses as well as the families.
They are very resourceful in community networking ensuring the needs of our families are met, as well as being creative out of the box thinkers. Examples of this include:
Readily available for meeting with families who present themselves at clinic and as walk-ins; using the Ages and Stages screening tool with families to help identify developmental and social emotional concerns; use of Bright Futures materials for anticipatory guidance; functioning in the role of care coordinators for those children whose primary needs are behavioral health; outreach to the community for additional support; etc.
Pictured from left to right: Back row: Heather Morgan, MSW Infectious Disease Program; Beverly Mann, BSW Social Services Program; Robert Osborne TXXI Behavioral Health Care Coordinator; Lesly Morton, MSW BNET Care Coordinator, Cindy Evers, LCSW BNET Program Manager. Front Row: Lisa Lulofs, LCSW TXXI Social Worker; Rachel Breza, MSW MFC Program; Jamie Eisenberg, MSW Intern; Alice Bejnar, MSW CMAT Program
Carolyn Clear
We are a small health department and have one full time social worker. Her name is Carolyn Clear. Carolyn has been with us about 2 years, during that time she has been able to work with our primary care clients and has been invaluable in obtaining free medications for these clients. The dollar amount last year for this component of her job was valued at over $150,000.00.
In addition to this she works with clients in accessing specialty services and Medicaid and KidCare applications. As if this wasn’t enough to fill her time she also is very active in the community – often our face at public events or on community boards. As our economy does what it does and our budgets do as they will I am sure that the need for her expertise will be amplified. The Walton County Health Department salutes social workers everywhere but we have a special place for Carolyn – SALUTE!
Kathryn C. Barley, BSN
Sr. Community Health Nursing Director
Walton County Health Department
CMS Social Workers
Marathon, Miami North and South, Fort Lauderdale,
West Palm Beach and Fort Pierce Offices
Miami Office:
From L to R:
In purple Monica Cacho, In green Maria (Guadalupe) Rodriguez,
In white Luce Auguste, Mairelys Hernandez, and Carolyn Jones
Miami Office:
Marielena Sandiago
Marathon Office:
Susan Ambrosius
Fort Pierce Office:
L to R:
Gina Masters, Amy Hofher,
Paula Bryson and Nataly Saunders
Fort Lauderdale Office:
L to R
Ann Marie Hall, Eneida Medina, Robin Adell,
Kevin Dottin, Lesley Green and Mary Charles
West Palm Beach Office:
L to R:
Marty Thorndike, Seema Gobin, Steve Morrow,
Ina Baron, Loretta Cowell and Renee Anise
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
All of us at the CMS South and Southeast Florida Regions would like to acknowledge the important occasion of Social Work Month in six of our offices. This month presents a wonderful opportunity to pay tribute to our 23 wonderful social workers who make a meaningful difference at CMS in Marathon, Dade, Broward, Palm Beach, Martin, St. Lucie, Okeechobee, and Indian River Counties.
Social workers play a vital role in Florida’s health and community services system as they help Florida’s children with special health care needs and their families across the region in areas ranging from support for those impacted by medical necessity, financial constraints, academic challenges, family support at home, behavioral and emotional issues and the need for to community resources. Social workers are counselors, problem-solvers, partners, friends and developers of new ideas that pull the community together and are the first ones to do their part in building a healthy future for Florida’s most vulnerable population. Their presence is integral in our clinics and hospitals, community organizations, mental health clinics, long term care homes, in the correctional and justice system and within the community.
Our CMS offices value each of our social workers and their significant contributions to Florida’s children with special healthcare needs and diverse communities that make up our Regions. It undeniably takes a very special person to be a social worker in a profession which can be a challenging one. Our social workers who provide invaluable service every day are true assets to our CMS South and Southeast Florida Regions and our children and their families.
Please join us this month in paying tribute to our social workers in the our offices for their dedication and contribution to their profession.
Mary Hooshmand, R.N., M.S.
Executive Community Health Nursing Director
Children's Medical Services Southeast/ South (Interim) Florida Regions
