Current Apprenticeship Attendees
Raquel Petty
Mental Health Specialist Apprentice
A little about me. I was born and raised in San Francisco, Ca. I moved out to San Joaquin County almost 20 yrs ago. My husband and I have five amazing children who keep us entertained and none the less our weekends are always filled with basketball, cheer competitions and family activities. Romulus who is 14 and going into high school in August, Melina who is 11, Annison who is 11, Austin is 5 and Gabriel is 4. I have been with the county for 6 years. I started off as a office worker at BHS and enjoyed being moved around because I learned so much for the teams and the doctors. I then became an office assistant and have been at the Tracy Clinic for over 4 years now. I never knew how much I enjoyed working in mental health until working for BHS. I have a better understanding of the community we serve and the resources that are literally at our finger tips I have always been one to help others but knowing that I am making a difference to those in need really humbles me. When I saw the opportunity to apply for the Mental Health Apprenticeship I thought hey here is my opportunity to do more and help others. When I found out I was accepted into the program I was overjoyed with tears knowing that I would be able to obtain a higher education as well as learn more about mental health. Every department plays an important role in Mental Health. I am doing this for myself but also to be an example for my children. My family has been so supportive through this journey. My little ones will sit with me while I am doing my homework. This journey has been a great learning experience. I have worked with amazing people and departments during my apprenticeship. I am grateful for all that have trained me and look forward to getting the opportunity to work other departments during this experience. It really does take a village. I am truly blessed to be given this opportunity. I am thankful and grateful.
Arieonne Ford
Mental Health Specialist Apprentice
Being a part of the Mental Health Specialist Apprentice Program has been truly amazing. The program allows you the opportunity to meet various BHS staff that we may have the pleasure of working with in the future, and the members you meet and the experience you get along the way is invaluable. I have been in the health care field, in some capacity, for over 10 years however, this program has challenged me in ways that I never thought imaginable (all good). Each shift I look forward to the different challenged each member has and then working with the staff to come up with solutions to help them succeed.
Juanita Salazar
Mental Health Specialist Apprentice
Juanita is employed with San Joaquin County Behavior Health Services as a Behavior Health Outreach Worker. She has worked for SJCBHS for eight years with the Older Adults. She was previously employed 14 years with Momentum for Mental Health in the city of San Jose, the town where she was born and raised. Juanita found young love at age 16 when she met her current husband and they have be blessed with four children. Her children are Luis age 23, Marissa age 20, Richard age 19 and the baby girl, Faith Heaven age 14. The oldest promoted Juanita to a grandmother four years ago. Juanita’s family includes two older Jack Russell dogs, two one year old Shetland Sheepdogs (Shelties), two cats and a turtle. I enjoy spending time with family and going to church. Going back to school after thirty years is challenging although I am very grateful of the opportunity in being a part of the apprenticeship program. Going back to school later in life although difficult, it is very enlightening. I have the benefit of Modeling the importance of school at any age. My goal is to finish the program and this would allow me to become a Mental Health Specialist at SJCBHS. The advancement within SJCBHS will now become a reachable goal. I am very thankful to everyone that made this opportunity available to me. I feel proud, I feel honored and mostly, I feel BLESSED.
Nathan Gobbell
Mental Health Specialist Apprentice
Nathan is an Office Assistant Specialist with Children and Youth Services for San Joaquin County Behavioral Health Services. He began his career with San Joaquin County in 2019, working as an Office Assistant for Child Protective Services. In his down time, Nathan enjoys camping, traveling and spending time with his wife and two children. He is grateful for the opportunity to participate in this apprenticeship program and values the knowledge he has gained. Nathan hopes to utilize what he has learned to be an asset and advocate for mental health within his community, family and himself.”
Jamese Lenette
Mental Health Specialist Apprentice
Hey everyone, I’m Jamese a Behavioral Health Outreach Worker with BHS. I’ve been employed with SJC since 2016 starting as housekeeper, a few positions later and I’m now here, working towards becoming a certified Mental Health Specialist. When I’m not working, I’m home or somewhere in the great outdoors doing really cool things with my two kids. In my spare time, I enjoy thrifting and houseplant shopping. There are so many great opportunities here in SJC all you have to do is apply yourself and believe that you are capable of great things.