SLOCEA Welcomes Four New Stewards
SLOCEA is pleased to introduce four newly appointed Stewards who have stepped forward to strengthen representation, enhance communication, and support employees across multiple departments. Each brings valuable experience, professionalism, and dedication to their new role, and are excited to join SLOCEA’s Steward Committee.
Rita Villasenor, Employment Resource Specialist III, Paso Robles Department of Social Services
Rita is a new Steward serving in the Paso DSS office alongside fellow Steward and SLOCEA President, Nate Larsen. Having worked for the County for eight years, Rita specializes in eligibility for MediCal and CalFresh assistance programs. She is well known and well regarded in her office and is committed to enhancing communication between the union and employees. Her coworkers know her as thoughtful and kind and we know she will make an excellent advocate for her peers in the Paso office!
Savannah Donnovan, Behavioral Health Specialist II, Paso Robles Drug and Alcohol Services
Savannah has been with SLO County for two years and is currently working in the AB109 unit, providing mental health services to former inmates following their release. Savannah liaises with several different County departments and leads group therapy with a caseload of around 30 clients. She aims to help bridge the gap between line staff and management and to serve as a line of communication between SLOCEA and its members. She has been a stellar advocate for employees and will be a valuable addition to the Steward Committee!
Emma Sturm, Behavioral Health Clinician II, Atascadero Behavioral Health
Emma became motivated to become a Steward after attending SLOCEA’s General Membership Meeting in October. Having previously been a union member with another employer, Emma understands the importance of representation and is driven by a sincere commitment to support her colleagues. As SLOCEA’s first Steward in the Atascadero Behavioral Health clinic, Emma aims to improve working conditions for healthcare workers and remind employees of the support available to them through the union and through each other. She is enthusiastic about contributing to her worksite in this new role, as are we!
Sam Cvetovac, Behavioral Health Clinician II, Arroyo Grande Clinic
Sam will be stepping into her Steward role at the Arroyo Grande clinic following the departure of former Steward Megan Beardsley. With one and a half years of service to the County providing group and individual therapy, Sam brings both professional expertise and a personal appreciation for union values, having been raised in a union household. She and her coworkers saw the significant impact Megan's support made, and Sam is happy to be stepping into that role. As a Steward, Sam hopes to open an avenue of dialogue for employees to pass on their feedback as well as be a source of information and support. Sam feels that it is a special privilege to serve the members in her unit, and we are very glad to have her!
Having Sam, Emma, and Savannah represent Behavioral Health, a department that has long been underrepresented, makes the addition of three new Stewards especially meaningful.
We are happy to welcome Rita, Savannah, Emma, and Sam!
If you are interested in becoming a Steward, please contact Labor Representatives Brooke Daphne or Carrie McGrath at bdaphne@slocea.org or cmcgrath@slocea.org.
Brooke Daphne, Labor Representative II