Two of our clinical site managers, Dominique Eugene and Madoka Urhausen are highly respected in their fields. Madoka is a Board Certified Art Therapist and Dominique is a Registered Play Therapist Supervisor. In October 2007, they presented “Multicultural Perspective in Play and Art Therapy” at the International Play Therapy Association in Hollywood, California. In November 2007, they will present on “Cultural Connections: Effective Treatments Using Art and Play Therapy” at the American Art Therapy Association in Albuquerque, New Mexico. With PACS’ focus on working with children, their expertise has been a valuable addition and has helped to attract clinicians to work at the agency.
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On September 20, 2007, PACS was honored as an Outstanding Partner at the SPA 5 Council Volunteer Recognition and Installation Ceremony. Michi Okano was installed for a second term as a co-convener for the SPA 5 Council and was honored as a special volunteer at this event.
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In July 2007, Mariko Kahn was appointed by Dr. Marvin Southard, Director of the Department of Mental Health in LA County to serve on the Systems Leadership Team (SLT). This small group will assess the implementation of the CSS Plan as well as provide feedback on broader public mental health system concerns such as the projected DMH budget shortfall. As advocates for specific underserved and underrepresented populations, they will prioritize issues with DMH and help shape the agenda for the Stakeholders.
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During 2007, Dominique has been an oft requested speaker. She presented at the LA DMH African American Mental Health Conference and the San Bernardino Chapter of the California Association for Play Therapy. She has been a guest speaker at Loyola Marymount University, Phillips Graduate Institute, the 2nd Annual Southern California Regional Play Therapy Conference in Rancho Cucamonga, the LA Play Therapy Chapter Community Outreach at CSUN and the Art Institute of California-Los Angeles.
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 In July 2007, several employees were recognized for their ten years of service with PACS. Those honored were Vichettra He, CSS, Vicki Lau, Director of Finance, Michi Okano, Director of SA5 and Stephanie Yamada, Director of Community Services. Thanks for all the hard work and devotion to the agency.
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Mariko Kahn was elected in June 2007 to the A3PCON Board as the Vice President of Administration. She has served on the Board as the Secretary for the past two years. In doing so, she continues the long tradition of PACS’ involvement with A3PCON, started by now retired Executive Director, Nancy Au who served as its president for two terms.
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One of the most important strengths for any organization is the continuity and the loyalty of its  staff. In 2006, the Board instituted the recognition of employees’ length of service with cash awards for each five year increment. The five year recognitions went to May Chan, Administrative Assistant – Finance, May Ho, Administrative Assistant – Finance, Yoshika Okada, Clinician and Ismaelita Sison, Administrative Assistant- Front Desk. We are honored that they have chosen to stay with us and applaud their dedication.
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 In 2006, Cambodia Town, Inc. asked Mariko to serve on their Advisory Board. She was delighted to accept as she had been working closely with them for several months as they tried to designate a section of Anaheim Street in Long Beach as “Cambodia Town.” This energetic group of Cambodian community leaders and business owners impressed her with their focus, sense of community and grasp of the American political scene, the Long Beach City Council members and the Mayor. Finally after public hearings, signature gathering, surveys and many meetings, the City of Long Beach recognized “Cambodia Town” in July 2007. In the coming years, there are many civic activities and improvements planned and Mariko will be proud to be part of them.
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On December 19, 2005, Michi Okano, Director of SA5 was honored with a “Heroes in the Fight”  award. Sponsored by the Eli Lilly & Co. and implemented by the National Alliance on Mental Illness, this award recognizes professionals who work for better mental health in Los Angeles by offering dignity, courage, hope and recovery to clients. Early in her career, she recognized the lack of culturally competent services for the underserved API populations. Over the years, she has been involved in the training of many API mental health professionals and case managers as a field instructor and supervisor. Michi has spoken up for the needs of the diverse API client populations on numerous occasions, educating others about the barriers that prevent APIs from accessing services and the shame associated with having a mental illness. She has enriched the public health system’s understanding of cultural sensitivity and continues to fight for expanded services that are culturally appropriate for APIs. PACS is very proud that she was recognized in this way. Congratulations!!
 On December 16, 2005, Service Area 5 honored “Outstanding Case Managers” at a luncheon. PACS proudly saw three of its Community Service Specialists receive recognition: Vichettra He, Sovuth Kann and Steve Meng. This was well-deserved as each contributes compassionate care to their clients, many of whom are Cambodian who have suffered great deprivation.
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STAFF ACCOMPLISHMENTS 