Argomaniz

Kitsap Mental Health Services (KMHS) chose Kiana Lodge as the site to celebrate its 23rd anniversary and honor the people who make the organization work — its staff, volunteers, board members and community partners.

Honored as Employees of the Year 2001 were: Brenda Ryan, On-Call Services; Gale McKiernan, Adult Outpatient Services; Estela Pajarillo, Twenty-four Hour Services; and Kim Izzi, Child & Family Services. Paul Fitzpatrick was honored with the Jane Browitt Memorial Award for his tireless responsiveness and attentiveness to our facilities needs.

Hailey-Balcom

Agency Volunteer of the Year was Judson Turner, for his work with the clients and staff at Burwell House; Lisa Williams, Crisis Clinic Volunteer of the Year; Mike and Hazel Williams, Intensive Children’s Services Foster Parents of the Year.

The prestigious Diane Decker Memorial Award was presented to Joanne Hailey-Balcom in recognition of her support and caring work with Adolescent Treatment Unit clients.

KMHS presented its 1st Annual Leadership Award to Elena Argomaniz, Clinical Director for her expertly articulated planning and respectful manner, which generates confidence in others and produces eager participation, regardless of the challenge.

KMHS Foundation Board Trustees Roberto Frondozo, Karen Flynn, William Hoke, Judith Rammel, Richard Sollom, Larry Keller and Ron Dipple received their 5 year awards.

Noting that 47 percent of the KMHS staff have served more than 5 years, Associate Director Glen Johnson awarded 5 year awards to 16 employees and 10 year awards to 13 employees. Larry Keller, KMHS Executive Director, awarded 15 year awards to Rodney Hitchcock, Peter Merrill and Joyce Moyer.

KMHS also recognized and honored the following Community Partners: Kitsap County Superior Court Commissioner Thurman Lowans; Bremerton Municipal Court Judge James Docter; Julie Graves, Kitsap County Consolidated Housing Authority; Richard Hayes, Director of Kitsap Transit; Kathryn Portteus, Prosecuting Attorney; Russ VanderKlomp, Community Advocate; Lee and Joyce Willson, NAMI Advocates.