In 1975, I worked in Aeronautics with Lockheed Martin, and in 1977 with Nasa Life Sciences Space Shuttle Projects for 18 Years as a drafter to mechanical designer developers.

In 1995, I was a Consultant team member of "ISO Auditor" implementing reliability engineering, purchasing, shipping, document control, and quality departments for four successful pre-IPO companies - Apple, Extreme Networks, Cisco Solutions, and Brocade Communications Systems.

I have over 20 years of experience in Engineering Services as a Mechanical Designer, and 10 years of experience Engineering Services and Document Control as a Senior ECO Analyst and Product Documentation Specialist familiar with high tech and manufacturing industries. Part of a team, I supported Engineering in product development, release of new products and Manufacturing Engineering with sustaining changes to existing products.

With technical understanding of the design and manufacturing process, I interact productively with others. I am a versatile translator of technical issues to non-technical team members, (e.g. buyers, planners, etc.). I played a very critical role in the writing of engineering change orders, (ECO's), Manufacturing Orders, (MCO's) and Deviations.

From 1975 to 2009, I volunteered at harvest food bank to help set-up food pantries from and throughout San Jose to Mountain View, East Palo Alto and Stanislaus County.

In 2009, I moved to Patterson, took a sabbatical from work, and Volunteered as President of Westside Food Pantry. I helped form an emergency coalition in Patterson, attended city commerce meetings, and helped set-up the HOST House Program as a homeless shelter, later linking them to Salvation Army for food deliveries.

I also took classes at Salvation Army to write grants, cross-trained staff at Westside food pantry, Family Food Resource center in Patterson, and worked with the Newman resource center.

My name is Valerie Mitchell. I have been Co-Chair of the IHSS Advisory Committee for many years, and stepped up to be Chair Person for the last few years. The committee is very important to the IHSS program.

I am an amputee with other lasting issues from a car accident in 1993 that has caused me to need In- Home Supportive Services. This is just one way I can give back for all they have done for me.

Hello, my name is Gloria Sadeddeen. I have been an IHSS recipient since 2012 after a stroke. I am so thankful that my daughter could care for me in the comfort of my home with my family and not have to be in a nursing home. I'm hoping the same for others. Thanks IHSS!

My name is Christina Trott and I have been an IHSS consumer since April 2021. IHSS has helped me stay at home and be a better single mom to my teenage son. I have been living with multiple sclerosis since 1999, but in recent years I've had to stop working. I am hoping that my personal experiences, work experience, and desire to help others will benefit IHSS and I look forward to the challenge.

My name is Janet Ward and I was appointed to the In-Home Supportive Services Advisory Committee on December 5, 2017. I've been an In-Home Supportive Services consumer for a few years. I have received some excellent assistance so that I can stay in my home.

I've lived in this area for almost 50 years and have raised 3 daughters and have 4 beautiful grandchildren ranging in age from 5 to 17.

I also am looking forward to building a raised vegetable garden this spring. I am excited about the thought of going into my backyard to pick fresh vegetables for dinner!

I hope to be able to assist on the IHSS Advisory Committee with my knowledge and further growth in our community.

Hi, my name is Kim Velasquez. I’m a new member to the advisory committee for Stanislaus County. The reason I joined the committee was because I feel I’m passionate about helping with elder care in the laws and rules that they have to abide by. And I fully support helping with the committee and knowing what’s going on in our community. I’ve worked for Elder care for over 40 years. I have worked in a hospital setting as well. Throughout my years I’ve felt blessed to take care of patients in their homes. And to help them when they don’t have a voice. My passion in life is help others and help them feel better about themselves and for them to feel important. I’m happy that I can be an advocate. Thank you for letting me join.

Greetings everyone, my name is Krestina Sawa, I’m 36 years old, I’m currently a full-time provider and also a member of IHSS advisory committee.

I was born and raised in Iraq, I migrated to the United States of America in 2016 and have been living in Modesto since October of 2016. I speak three languages: English, Assyrian and Arabic! I enjoy cooking, traveling and exploring the ancient traditions and cultures of the world!

One of my accomplishments is that I was the representative for a non- profit organization called ACERO(Assyrian Church of the East Relief Organization) for five years based in Turkey/Istanbul helping displaced and refugees from Iraq in any way we can.