Congratulations Carmen Medina!
Carmen began her employment at CBHA in February of 2015. Her title at that
time was WIC Receptionist. She became trained in all areas of Family Services.
She became a WIC certified November 2018.
Carmen was nominated for this award by co-workers Evelia Ocampo, Carla
Lopez and Nelida Olascon. In nominating Carmen they said, “We can
honestly say our whole department goes to Carmen if we need anything.
She always has all the answers and is very willing to help. If someone
has a question the first thing said is ‘ask Carmen – I bet
she knows the answer!’”
Her co-workers report that Carmen always puts the patient first. If she
cannot help the patient herself she tries her best to link them up with
the right resources. “Carmen is not afraid of a challenge and works
hard to keep communication between our departments flowing in order to
ensure excellent services for our patients.” For her part, Carmen
says the favorite part of her job is “being able to help people
in so many ways.”
She also enjoys the variety of tasks she performs every day. “I am
always doing something different!” Co-workers also report that Carmen
never has a negative thing to say to anyone. When she trains new people
she does not make them feel bad for mistakes they might make but always
encourages them. She treats everyone with respect and kindness and does
her best to make patients’ experience with CBHA a pleasant one.
Carmen moved with her family to Othello when she was a freshman in high
school. She couldn’t understand or speak much English, she recalls.
“I had no idea where to go or what to do the first day of school.
Then one student showed me around and I gradually adjusted.” She
graduated in 2008 speaking English fluently thanks to the dedication of
her professors. Since then she has earned her AA degree (2018); where
her future goals include getting a BA in accounting. “I love working
with numbers,” she says. Besides loving numbers her family is also
a major part of her identity. Carmen’s family live in Royal City,
and are a great inspiration for her love of the community. It was a proud
day for them when Carmen and her two sisters earned their AA degrees and
graduated the same day. “It was proud joyful day for us all!”
Carmen was in the Family Services department meeting recently when Leo
announced that they had a presentation. “Then a number of people
came in and I thought ‘what’s going on’? Leo called
my name and I was shocked….’Me, Firestarter?’”
Carmen said. “I want to thank all my co-workers and supervisors,
Martha Mabry, Marisol Quezada, Cindi Hogeboom, and Leo Gaeta, for helping
me so much along the way. And thanks to CBHA for believing in my journey!”
In her spare time Carmen enjoys running and walking with her two Husky
dogs Lui and Dandy. “They never get tired and keep her on her toes,”
she said. She and her husband, Carlos, enjoy family and friend evenings
where laughter and food is the main focus.