Human Services IT Desktop & Network Teams
Back row: Todd Estabrooks, Julia Sheehan, Frederic Burr, Dominick Sasser, Stephen Strawn
Front row: Patrick Blue, Kelly Beach, Adam Papier, Lukas Karpinski, Marco Leite
The Human Services Department IT Desktop and Network Support Teams is composed of IT Manager Julia Sheehan, Desktop Support Manager Todd Estabrooks, Network Supervisor Dominick Sasser, Desktop Support Analysts Patrick Blue, Adam Papier, Kelly Beach, Lukas Karpinski; and Network Analysts Fred Burr, Marco Leite and Stephen Strawn.
The Human Services Department (HSD) IT Desktop and Network Support Teams demonstrated outstanding commitment and technical expertise throughout the department’s relocation from three leased buildings in Watsonville to 500 Westridge Drive. The Teams successfully managed complex tasks, including decommissioning servers at leased locations, reinstalling them at the new facility, and disassembling and re-installing over 250 computer workstations.
The Teams played a pivotal role in obtaining AV equipment for six conference rooms and actively participated in weekly calls with ISD and Nicole Steele, the CDI Project Manager, to coordinate project progress. To facilitate organization, the Teams developed an office and cubicle numbering system to coordinate and track equipment placements, and they worked closely with the wiring vendor, Protec, meeting on numerous occasions to oversee wiring tasks and ensuring all work was completed to standard.
The Teams went above and beyond by working after hours and on weekends to facilitate the installation of wiring and equipment, ensuring adherence to the project timeline without disruption, and they meticulously tracked and installed peripheral equipment such as phones, printers, and monitors, ensuring accuracy and efficiency in all installations.
The dedication, technical proficiency, and collaborative efforts of the HSD IT Teams were instrumental in the successful setup of the new facility, making them highly deserving of recognition for their exceptional contributions.
Human Services Department Facility Operations
Micki Coca Bus, Dave Stimpson, Maribel Gonzalez
The Human Services Department Facility Operations Team is composed of Administrative Services Manager Micki Coca Buss, and Facility Managers Dave Stimpson and Maribel Gonzalez.
In 2021 the County purchased the 500 Westridge building in Watsonville to consolidate leased spaces into a county-owned facility, relocating approximately 285 HSD employees from three South County buildings and establishing a South County Government Center. The HSD Facilities Operations Team exhibited exceptional dedication in managing the complex logistics of this transition, with Micki, Dave, and Maribel all assuming key leadership roles in the project.
Beginning in early 2023, the Team took charge of nearly all aspects of the move, collaborating with CDI Project Manager Nicole Steel, assisting with furniture selections, visiting vendor warehouses, and providing critical feedback on facility signage. The Team ensured clear communication by developing detailed move schedules, participating in department roadshows to address staff concerns, and organizing tours of the new building to familiarize employees with their new workspaces.
During the move-in period, the Team worked tirelessly, with Micki and Dave putting in long hours, nights, and weekends, while Maribel provided essential administrative support, and created maps, display boards, and directional flags to aid staff in the transition. The leadership, dedication, and meticulous planning demonstrated by the HSD Facilities Operations Team were instrumental in the successful relocation of the department, making them truly deserving of this recognition.
Miranda Schirmer
Miranda Schirmer
Miranda Schirmer is a Senior Social Worker for Family and Children’s Services. Miranda began her journey with the County as a foster parent, bringing a unique perspective and deep personal commitment to her work in child welfare, and has since dedicated herself to protecting children from harm and advocating for family reunification.
Miranda has pursued excellence in her field by attaining a Master’s degree in Social Work and has since served as a highly respected case-carrying social worker at FCS, adhering to the highest State and Federal mandates while navigating complex and often crisis-driven situations with professionalism and care.
Miranda has played a pivotal role in identifying, developing, and utilizing community and agency resources for the benefit of her clients, advocating for necessary services, and fostering meaningful engagement between families and social services. Miranda has been an active leader and volunteer in the Fatherhood Advisory Council, bringing her expertise to discussions that uplift the voices of fathers, families, and children, and ensuring that policies and practices reflect their lived experiences and needs.
Miranda’s dedication to father engagement has led to tangible successes, including her advocacy in child welfare and criminal court, resulting in the reunification of children with their fathers when they have demonstrated significant personal growth and commitment. Miranda consistently goes above and beyond her duties by organizing and participating in community events such as the Fatherhood Appreciation and Community Event and Trunk or Treat, strengthening family connections and promoting positive community engagement.
Miranda’s extraordinary dedication, tireless advocacy, and compassionate service have made a lasting impact on the lives of children and families in Santa Cruz County, strengthening the bonds between social workers and the communities they serve.