Introducing the Awardees of the 2016 Staff Awards for Outstanding Service

RAMS is delighted to announce the awardees of the fourth annual Staff Awards for Outstanding Service!

To be considered for this recognition, anyone working at RAMS may be nominated by anyone within the agency. The awardees were announced during the July 2016 RAMS all-staff meeting; each awardee received a certificate and a cash prize.

Consumer/Community Advocate Award: This award honors an individual who has been an outstanding voice for consumer empowerment by promoting client centered decision-making & change, access to information & resources, and creating relationships that foster hope, safety, and a sense of self-efficacy. S/he is mindful not only of consumer needs, but also of the needs of the larger community. S/he goes above and beyond the “call of duty”, outside her/his regular responsibilities to advocate on the behalf of the organization, consumers, their communities, and the “cause” at large.

Awardee: Frank Isidro, BA

Mr. Frank Isidro serves as a Peer Supervisor within the Division of Peer-Based Services. His nomination highlighted the ways that Frank has exemplified what it means to work with a Wellness & Recovery approach. In his role, he supports Peer Counselors to further develop the skills needed to become an integral part of the workforce at numerous behavioral health sites throughout San Francisco. Frank is an inspiration for those who work with him; he has contributed in many ways over the years to the Peer Movement and to consumer employment services in the city – as a job coach, mentor, counselor, and supervisor. Frank has also led the planning of many Consumer and Family Member Conferences, again demonstrating his dedication to the community.

Excellence in Service & Cultural Competency Award: This award honors a skilled & compassionate individual who exemplifies the values and ideals of RAMS’ mission in her/his work & interaction with staff, consumers, and the community. S/he has given superior, sustained commitment to quality services, along with unwavering dedication to serve the organization (including other staff, consumers & their communities) with professionalism, integrity, respect, and humility. This individual is not only skilled at what s/he does, but also values diversity, is able to conduct self-assessments, manage & embrace the dynamics of difference, acquire new cultural knowledge, and adapt to the cultural context of the people s/he serves. S/he has a lasting positive impact on the organization and the communities.

Awardee: Wajma Ataie, MA, MFTI

Ms. Wajma Ataie is a bilingual Mental Health Counselor at RAMS Child, Youth, and Family Services (CYF). Wajma is described as having a huge heart and an excellent advocate for the families and children she works with at her John Muir Elementary School. She is dedicated to understanding the culture and family climate a child comes from and she uses her multiple language skills to connect with families and help them feel supported. Yuka Hachiuma, Director of CYF, also shared at the all-staff meeting how Wajma has consistently demonstrated her passion and dedication to working with the underserved population of pre-dominantly African-American and Latino students and their families at the school. Her openness and curiosity extends to her interactions with her colleagues where you can often find her engrossed in a discussion about culture and learning.

Rising Star/Leadership Award: The award honors an individual that has shown exceptional promise in leadership by demonstrating their skills within the organization and our communities. S/he has shown accomplishments in improving the operations of a program, the administrative/supportive functions, and/or the lives of consumers and community we serve using an effective and efficient approach. This individual leads the way with fresh energy, strong ability, and steadfast commitment.

Awardee: Flora Chan, Psy.D.

Ms. Flora Chan is a Licensed Psychologist and serves as Clinical Manager at RAMS Adult/Older Adult Outpatient Services Clinic and the Manager of Asian Family Institute. Flora is a major figure at RAMS, and has a long history with the agency as a clinician – she completed the RAMS training program first as a trainee and then as a doctoral intern. She was then hired as a staff therapist, became a licensed psychologist, and has supervised trainees and peer counselors. In her nomination, Flora is described as an exceptional therapist who is very thoughtful, sensible, and culturally sensitive, with a strong commitment to the community, humility, resiliency, and she has an exceptional ability to connect with others. She cares significantly about providing high quality care for our clients and facilitating a nurturing work environment for staff and interns. She is an advocate, always steps up, demonstrates leadership, gets people on board, and makes change.

Congratulations to the awardees! RAMS is pleased to be able to have this annual recognition for its staff.

Click HERE to view awardees from the previous year.

Introducing the Awardees of the 2015 Staff Awards for Outstanding Service

RAMS is delighted to announce the awardees of the third annual Staff Awards for Outstanding Service!

To be considered for this recognition, anyone working at RAMS may be nominated by anyone within the agency. The awardees were announced during the July 2015 all-staff meeting; each awardee received a certificate and a cash prize.


Consumer/Community Advocate Award: This award honors an individual who has been an outstanding voice for consumer empowerment by promoting client centered decision-making & change, access to information & resources, and creating relationships that foster hope, safety, and a sense of self-efficacy. S/he is mindful not only of consumer needs, but also of the needs of the larger community. S/he goes above and beyond the “call of duty”, outside her/his regular responsibilities to advocate on the behalf of the organization, consumers, their communities, and the “cause” at large.

Awardee: Miguel Leyva
Mr. Miguel Levya is a bicultural & bilingual Tagalog-speaking peer services provider and advocate. In the nomination, Mr. Miguel Levya was described as being instrumental in the development and implementation of peer counseling services at the RAMS Adult/Older Adult Outpatient Services Clinic. In addition to creating a welcoming space through his tireless efforts, he brought different services and group activities such as gardening, movie & discussion, art, pet therapy, and community outings. Mr. Leyva supported clients by offering experiences to enhance overall wellness. By bearing the honorable title of Peer Counselor, he assumed the responsibility of an advocate by example. In accomplishing all that he has at RAMS, he has advocated for all consumers that recovery is possible. Mr. Levya currently serves as the Wellness/Drop-In Center Coordinator with the RAMS Division of Peer-Based Services.


Excellence in Service & Cultural Competency Award: This award honors a skilled & compassionate individual who exemplifies the values and ideals of RAMS’ mission in her/his work & interaction with staff, consumers, and the community. S/he has given superior, sustained commitment to quality services, along with unwavering dedication to serve the organization (including other staff, consumers & their communities) with professionalism, integrity, respect, and humility. This individual is not only skilled at what s/he does, but also values diversity, is able to conduct self-assessments, manage & embrace the dynamics of difference, acquire new cultural knowledge, and adapt to the cultural context of the people s/he serves. S/he has a lasting positive impact on the organization and the communities.

Awardee: Priscilla Kyu, MSW, ASW
Ms. Priscilla Kyu is a bicultural Behavioral Health Counselor/Trainer at the RAMS CalWORKs Counseling & Pre-Vocational Services program. In the nomination, it was noted that Ms. Kyu has demonstrated, during the course of her entire adult life, a dedication to underserved groups and individuals, and a clear understating of the importance of culturally sensitive services in the community. She exhibits humility, empathy, professionalism & diplomacy, and systemic thinking as well as is a steadfast advocate for culturally competent services and outreach. Ms. Kyu continuously exhibits her commitment to working with diverse groups of clients – and her natural ability to build rapport with clients and colleagues alike – has made her invaluable in our community.



Rising Star/Leadership Award: The award honors an individual that has shown exceptional promise in leadership by demonstrating their skills within the organization and our communities. S/he has shown accomplishments in improving the operations of a program, the administrative/supportive functions, and/or the lives of consumers and community we serve using an effective and efficient approach. This individual leads the way with fresh energy, strong ability, and steadfast commitment.

Awardee: Michael Silva, RN, NP
Mr. Michael Silva is a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner and provides services at various RAMS programs: Adult/Older Ddult Outpatient Services Clinic; Broderick Street Adult Residential Facility; and CAAP Counseling & Pre-Vocational Services. In the nomination, Mr. Silva is described as having provided instrumental leadership in clinical services. He leads with his humility, work ethics, and professionalism and is committed to RAMS and his work. Because of him, the different programs can operate smoothly, the staff members work closer as a team, and clients can leave RAMS happier and with more fulfilled lives.



Congratulations to the awardees! RAMS is pleased to be able to have this annual recognition for its staff.

Click HERE to view awardees from the previous year. 

Introducing the Awardees of the 2014 Staff Awards for Outstanding Service

RAMS is delighted to announce the awardees of the second annual Staff Awards for Outstanding Service!

To be considered for this recognition, anyone working at RAMS may be nominated by anyone within the agency. A diverse committee representing staff and management personnel reviewed all nomination submissions.

The awardees were announced during the July 2014 all-staff meeting, at which they were presented with a certificate. Awardees were also given a cash prize.

Consumer/Community Advocate Award: This award honors an individual who has been an outstanding voice for consumer empowerment by promoting client centered decision-making & change, access to information & resources, and creating relationships that foster hope, safety, and a sense of self-efficacy. S/he is mindful not only of consumer needs, but also of the needs of the larger community. S/he goes above and beyond the “call of duty”, outside her/his regular responsibilities to advocate on the behalf of the organization, consumers, their communities, and the “cause” at large.

Awardee: Claudia Molina, BA
Ms. Claudia Molina is a bicultural & bilingual Spanish-speaking Empowerment Services Coordinator of the Peer Counseling Services Program. Over the years based at Mission Mental Health Clinic (SFDPH), she has been a dynamic and strong advocate for the consumers. She has always gone above & beyond to support and link consumers to housing, legal, and other community supports based on their needs. She is extremely resourceful and always shares her wealth of knowledge & information to benefit others.






Excellence in Service & Cultural Competency Award: This award honors a skilled & compassionate individual who exemplifies the values and ideals of RAMS’ mission in her/his work & interaction with staff, consumers, and the community. S/he has given superior, sustained commitment to quality services, along with unwavering dedication to serve the organization (including other staff, consumers & their communities) with professionalism, integrity, respect, and humility. This individual is not only skilled at what s/he does, but also values diversity, is able to conduct self-assessments, manage & embrace the dynamics of difference, acquire new cultural knowledge, and adapt to the cultural context of the people s/he serves. S/he has a lasting positive impact on the organization and the communities.

Awardee: Kathleen Gonzales, RN 
Ms. Kathleen Gonzales is a bicultural & bilingual Tagalog-speaking Nurse Manager at Broderick Street Adult Residential Facility. She exhibits diligence; she actively and empathically listens to others; she gives time to and seeks out input & ideas from the nursing and counseling teams as well as treats all the residents/clients with deep respect and empathy. She brings knowledge of her background to her work with the Asian Pacific American residents/clients as well as the issues that concern & affect the staff/supervisees. Furthermore, in her position she frequently communicates with counselors - seeking out all culturally relevant treatment information and ensures the nursing team is aware of and understands them. There have been many instances of resident/client issues that involved cultural dynamics and she consistently offered her insights & suggestions during case conferences/team meetings as well as sought feedback with humility. She has made a positive impact at RAMS and in the lives of the residents/clients.


Rising Star/Leadership Award: The award honors an individual that has shown exceptional promise in leadership by demonstrating their skills within the organization and our communities. S/he has shown accomplishments in improving the operations of a program, the administrative/supportive functions, and/or the lives of consumers and community we serve using an effective and efficient approach. This individual leads the way with fresh energy, strong ability, and steadfast commitment.

Awardee: Richard Zevin, LCSW
Mr. Richard Zevin is a bilingual Spanish-speaking Program Manager of San Francisco Achievement Collaborative Team (SF-ACT) of the Wellness Centers Program, where he oversees the clinical component of an innovative juvenile drug court treatment program, located at Civic Center Secondary School. He also provides clinical supervision for RAMS social work staff and interns in a variety of programs throughout the agency. He has demonstrated exceptional commitment to RAMS as shown through his service in four different positions at four programs since he was first hired (i.e., as Treatment Coordinator at Bridge To Wellness, Behavioral Health Counselor at Wellness Centers Program, Senior Behavioral Health Counselor at PAES Counseling & Pre-Vocational Services, and currently as SF-ACT Program Manager). As the Program Manager he bridges the communication between high school administration, the juvenile justice system, and the Department of Public Health. He has a unique ability to communicate with people from different walks of life; through his passion & ability to connect with at-risk youth; his professionalism; his warmth; and his exceptional clinical skills. He truly is a contributor to RAMS and our community’s continued success.

Congratulations to the awardees! RAMS is pleased to be able to have this annual recognition for its staff.

Click HERE to view awardees from the previous year.

Introducing the Awardees of the Inaugural 2013 Staff Awards for Outstanding Service

RAMS is thrilled to announce the awardees of the first annual Awards for Outstanding Service!

To be considered for this recognition, anyone working at RAMS may be nominated by anyone within the agency. A diverse committee representing staff and management personnel reviewed all nomination submissions.

The awardees were announced during the July 2013 all-staff meeting, at which they were presented with a certificate. Awardees were also given a cash prize.


Consumer/Community Advocate Award: This award honors an individual who has been an outstanding voice for consumer empowerment by promoting client centered decision-making & change, access to information & resources, and creating relationships that foster hope, safety, and a sense of self-efficacy. S/he is mindful not only of consumer needs, but also of the needs of the larger community. S/he goes above and beyond the “call of duty”, outside her/his regular responsibilities to advocate on the behalf of the organization, consumers, their communities, and the “cause” at large.

Awardee: Colleen Wong, MA

Colleen Wong is a bilingual and bicultural Mental Health Consultant working at the RAMS Fu Yau Project. During her six years at RAMS, she has positively established trusting and effective relationships with child care sites and the community. In her nomination, an example was given in which she worked with an extremely challenging child care site and how she has fostered confidence in both teachers and parents by modeling effective techniques with children as well as offering training and psycho-education. This has led to many successes including children gaining a more stable environment, parents finding jobs through her workshops, and sites enhancing their infrastructure. In her nomination, she is remarked as having “opened up conversation [at sites]. No topic is off the table.” In addition to the remarkable work at Fu Yau, Colleen also volunteers her time at the Boys and Girls Club and the Asian American Donor Program. She has shown “admirable efforts in serving her community... Colleen makes her goal very clear and that is to create a beautiful world for our children through patience, empathy, and understanding.”


Excellence in Service & Cultural Competency Award: This award honors a skilled & compassionate individual who exemplifies the values and ideals of RAMS’ mission in her/his work & interaction with staff, consumers, and the community. S/he has given superior, sustained commitment to quality services, along with unwavering dedication to serve the organization (including other staff, consumers & their communities) with professionalism, integrity, respect, and humility. This individual is not only skilled at what s/he does, but also values diversity, is able to conduct self-assessments, manage & embrace the dynamics of difference, acquire new cultural knowledge, and adapt to the cultural context of the people s/he serves. S/he has a lasting positive impact on the organization and the communities.

Awardee: Paul Walsh, MA

Paul Walsh is a Mental Health Counselor at the Broderick Street Adult Residential Facility where he exhibits great enthusiasm for clinical work and very motivated to help clients in any way he can. Having started with Broderick in 2009, he quickly established connections and therapeutic alliances with clients including those who may be “difficult to reach”. His warm, compassionate, and non-judgmental relationship style fosters trust and, through it all, he continually demonstrates self-reflection and a mindful intention in all his work. In his nomination, there were two specific examples that clearly demonstrated his extraordinary efforts in providing care to clients, one being a case in which he providing instrumental support in working with a client get reconnected to the family after being estranged for many years, and then organizing an out-of-state visit. It is noted that his deep care and willingness to go “above and beyond” is just the standard for him and that he has made “profound impact on the BSARF program and in the lives of the clients we serve”.


Rising Star/Leadership Award: The award honors an individual that has shown exceptional promise in leadership by demonstrating their skills within the organization and our communities. S/he has shown accomplishments in improving the operations of a program, the administrative/supportive functions, and/or the lives of consumers and community we serve using an effective and efficient approach. This individual leads the way with fresh energy, strong ability, and steadfast commitment.

Awardee: Christine Tam, MA, LCSW

Christine Tam is the Director of the RAMS Peer Counseling Services and is a bilingual & bicultural licensed clinical social worker with many years of experience providing dedicated & culturally competent services to underserved communities. She has shown leadership in workforce development services at RAMS, specifically the Peer Specialist Mental Health Certificate, Outpatient Clinic Peer Counseling Services, and the recent transition of Empowerment Services. In her nomination, she was remarked as having led and trained those interested in and providing peer counseling services to a higher level of development, both professionally and personally. She has navigated Outpatient Clinic personnel and collaborated with program directors in designing, implementing, and supporting the creation of the Peer Counseling Services component. Christine has demonstrated exceptional advocacy skills having been involved in peer services and workforce development sector in the larger community. Prior to her current role, she also served in RAMS roles of Mental Health Counselor and clinical supervisor, as well as clinical consultant for Asian Pacific Islander Family Resources Network. Also, in her nomination, she is remarked to be “continue[ing] to help enhance the lives of consumers and the community (including RAMS community) with enthusiasm, steady, quiet and positive energy”, and exhibiting perseverance and effective problem-solving skills. She has over and over again shown exceptional promise in leadership!

Congratulations to the awardees!  RAMS is excited to be able to have this annual recognition.

Inaugural 2013 Staff Awards for Outstanding Service

RAMS is pleased to announce the first annual Awards for Outstanding Service. There will be three individuals that will be honored in the following ways…

• Consumer/Community Advocate Award: This award honors an individual who has been an outstanding voice for consumer empowerment by promoting client centered decision-making & change, access to information & resources, and creating relationships that foster hope, safety, and a sense of self-efficacy. S/he is mindful not only of consumer needs, but also of the needs of the larger community. S/he goes above and beyond the “call of duty”, outside her/his regular responsibilities to advocate on the behalf of the organization, consumers, their communities, and the “cause” at large.

• Excellence in Service & Cultural Competency Award: This award honors a skilled & compassionate individual who exemplifies the values and ideals of RAMS’ mission in her/his work & interaction with staff, consumers, and the community. S/he has given superior, sustained commitment to quality services, along with unwavering dedication to serve the organization (including other staff, consumers & their communities) with professionalism, integrity, respect, and humility. This individual is not only skilled at what s/he does, but also values diversity, is able to conduct self-assessments, manage & embrace the dynamics of difference, acquire new cultural knowledge, and adapt to the cultural context of the people s/he serves. S/he has a lasting positive impact on the organization and the communities.

• Rising Star/Leadership Award: The award honors an individual that has shown exceptional promise in leadership by demonstrating their skills within the organization and our communities. S/he has shown accomplishments in improving the operations of a program, the administrative/supportive functions, and/or the lives of consumers and community we serve using an effective and efficient approach. This individual leads the way with fresh energy, strong ability, and steadfast commitment.

To be considered for this recognition, anyone working at RAMS may self-nominate or be nominated by anyone else within the agency. A committee representing staff and management personnel will review all nomination submissions and notify the final award recipients. All nominations will be collected in January with awards being presented in 2013 at a RAMS event. Each recipient also receives $1,000.

RAMS is excited to be able to have this annual recognition for staff, and will be making the announcement early next year!