Rock County Employee Testimonials

 

     Lindsay Peterson-Johnson

    Human Services Department

     5 Years of Service

     Human Services Professional VI

 

 

 

 

How did you find your way to your current role at Rock County?

I have been very fortunate in that I was able to intern with the county during graduate school for my master’s in social work. During my internship I was able to explore all the programs that HSD offered, and I was able to meet and speak with talented staff who shared their love for their jobs. I loved the people, the atmosphere, and the work that the county was doing so much, that I couldn’t wait to come back. I was born and raised in Janesville, so working in the communities that I’ve known my whole life was very important to me.

How long have you worked for Rock County? And why have you stayed this long?

I just recently celebrated my 5th year with the county! Prior to this I was working at a non-profit in Milwaukee County. While I loved that job, the benefits to coming to Rock County were hard to compete with. I feel like I’ve been given so many opportunities to learn and grow as a social worker and I feel that I will only continue to grow from here and that was really important to me.

Could you share a few details about the favorite part of your role and the team at Rock County?

I work in the Community Support Program and the minute I interned with another staff during my grad internship, I knew I would return to CSP one day. I love being out in the community with consumers and supporting them to live a life that has joy and purpose. Seeing consumers develop skills to manage their independence is so inspirational! My team is so supportive, and we really watch out for each other. But going beyond my team, I feel like I’ve been able to form connections with many other staff in other programs through collaboration to coordinate care and services. The talent within HSD is just amazing!

What stands out to you about the culture at Rock County?

I feel like I’ve always had a positive attitude about Rock County and despite challenges and obstacles, I feel like the staff continue to persevere and have each other’s backs. I feel like I’ve always been welcomed with open arms, and I hope that continues to happen for others that come to work with the county. I think the county has taken positive steps to revamp old and worn-out policies and ways of doing and focused on bringing us into the present. We’ve seen so many new positions that focus on diversity, equity, inclusion, and community engagement. I can’t wait to see where the county goes from here!

What gets you most excited about coming to work?

No doubt, the people. From the consumers to my co-workers, I feel like I’m never going to have to do something that doesn’t feel right. I feel I can openly share concerns without fear of judgment or retaliation, but to be validated and supported in my decisions and have my team stand behind me. We get to know our consumers over decades of being involved in our program and to be able to hear the resiliency in their stories and the optimism they still hold is inspiring and gives me hope for each new day.

 

 

     William Walker

      Human Services Department

      5 Years of Service

     Human Services Professional II

 

 

How did you find your way to your current role at Rock County?

My employment with Rock County started with working as a psychiatric technician (Diversion) with Juvenile Probation which includes mentoring and coordinating services for youths within the program. Later I applied for an internal posting for Comprehensive Community Services (CCS) which my current role is Service Facilitation (case management).

How long have you worked for Rock County? And why have you stayed this long?

I've been employed with Rock County for over five years. Working for Rock County gives me an opportunity to cross train and enhance my employment career which is a good benefit for me to stay employed with this organization.

Could you share a few details about the favorite part of your role and the team at Rock County?

My work involves comprehensive, person centered, team-based community treatment to individuals living with mental illness, substance abuse and/or co-occurring. Some of my duties include symptom management, psychosocial rehabilitation and assisting individuals with obtaining employment to say the least.

What stands out to you about the culture at Rock County?

The thing that stands out about Rock County is the array of support we give to each other.

What gets you most excited about coming to work?

What I enjoy about being employed with Rock County is providing service to individuals in the community to minimize any potential stress. Also the comradery and collaborative work with my colleagues and community partners.

 

     Mark Carroll

      Human Services Department

      10 Years of Service

     Human Services Supervisor II

 

 

 

 

 

How did you find your way to your current role at Rock County?

I started my journey working in Child Protective Services (spending time with Ongoing and Initial Assessment).

How long have you worked for Rock County? And why have you stayed this long?

I have had the pleasure of working for Rock County since 2011.  I found my calling when I moved into the mental health field with Comprehensive Community Services (CCS) in 2015.

Could you share a few details about the favorite part of your role and the team at Rock County?

I am currently the CCS Contract Supervisor where I manage a team of talented analyst and administrative staff.  Rock County has been a place where I have been encouraged to grow as a professional and where I have felt comfortable and confident being myself.

What stands out to you about the culture at Rock County?

I feel like the work we do here has a positive impact on the people in our community and I walk out of work each day proud of what we have accomplished.

What gets you most excited about coming to work?

I am excited to come to work each day because of the passionate people I work with. It is easy for me to find joy, hope and excitement, when the people around me reflect these positive attributes.

 

     Kayne Cushman

      Information Technology Department

      11 Years of Service

     Network Support Administrator

 

 

 

How did you find your way to your current role at Rock County?

I was looking for an internship while attending college and an acquaintance had recommend applying as an Information Technology intern. I interviewed for a full time User Support position in Public Safety and was chosen to work at the 911 Communications Center. From there, I was promoted to a Network Technician, and moved to my current role, Network Support Administrator.

How long have you worked for Rock County? And why have you stayed this long?

I’ve worked for the county 11 years. I’ve stayed with the County because of great benefits, a flexible schedule, training opportunities, and most importantly, I love the people I work with.

Could you share a few details about the favorite part of your role and the team at Rock County?

One of the best things about my role is that no two days are the same. One day I could be working on an exciting new project that will bring value to the County, and the next day, it could be troubleshooting a complex issue with my team. Watching my team grow into their roles, and really succeeding, is such a rewarding aspect of my job.

What stands out to you about the culture at Rock County?

The County has always had a good culture, but in recent years, it has really tried to elevate it even further into a modern, positive workplace. There are exciting changes in the works to help recruit and retain talent, and really be the leaders in Rock County.

What gets you most excited about coming to work?

It is really a tie between new challenges and working with my team. There is such a great support system in our department that brings out the best in all of us, even when we have less than ideal ideas. The pandemic has been one of our greatest challenges, but the Rock County Information Technology department has really answered that call to action, and I couldn’t be prouder of the solutions and effort we have given to Rock County.

 

     Maria Delgado

      Human Services Department

      13 Years of Service

     Economic Support Division Manager

 

 

 

How did you find your way to your current role at Rock County?

My name is Maria Delgado, I currently serve as the Rock County, Human Services, Economic Support Division Manager and Southern Consortium Operational Lead. I started working for Economic Support as a case manager and this position offered me the flexibility to continue my education as I could see myself growing in the future within Rock County. After graduating from College with a Human services major and a minor in Public Administration I got promoted to supervisor, soon after to Lead supervisor and most recently to Division Manager.

How long have you worked for Rock County? And why have you stayed this long?

I have worked for Rock County a total of 13 years, I started in 2002 and after 3 years I left to venture off in a different career in the banking industry. I was out of Rock County for 6 years but discovered that Rock County offered me something that fulfilled my inner self which was helping others in a way that made a difference in their lives without expecting anything in return. One of the reasons why I have stayed in Rock County is because Rock County’s Vision and Mission aligns with my own personal values. Rock County is a place that by no means is perfect, but we all strive to make it a positive and welcoming place to be. Not only for the people that we serve but also for the people that become like family, those with whom we spend so much time with which is our staff.

Could you share a few details about the favorite part of your role and the team at Rock County?

As a Division Manager and Operational Lead, I have been entrusted with lots of different powers. My favorite part of my role is knowing that it is my choice on how I use those powers and one that I love to choose is to positively impact others and to advocate for their needs. Guiding and motivating others to being their best version of themselves, pulling from people’s strengths to create collaborative spaces for everyone to feel safe, and welcome. Allowing people to explore their inner selves and bring up ideas to continue to grow within our mission. Creating positive impacts for clients and staff. I work with a team of leaders from different levels, and it is always impressive to see how we all come together regardless of our differences and when we work together our ideas become stronger and more impactful. Also knowing that our higher up leaders support us. This provides a feeling of trust within the organization.

What stands out to you about the culture at Rock County?

What stands out to me about the culture of Rock County is that we are always working towards being better than what we were yesterday.

What gets you most excited about coming to work?

Every day we touch the life of at least one individual, knowing that we contribute to the happiness and well-being of others excites me without a doubt.

 

     Wisteria Gunnink

      Human Services Department

      15 Years of Service

       Human Services Professional VI

 

 

 

 

 

How did you find your way to your current role at Rock County?

I graduated with my BA in Psychology and had 6yrs of experience in working for a company running CBRF's for those with severe and persistent mental health diagnoses. I wanted to take that experience and move towards working with individuals in the community in crisis.

 

How long have you worked for Rock County? And why have you stayed this long?

This year I've been with the Rock County for 15yrs with the Crisis Unit. I've stayed due to my enjoyment in working towards getting help to those having immediate needs and now working with Janesville Police Department to first respond as a co-responder.

 

Could you share a few details about the favorite part of your role and the team at Rock County?

I love having unpredictable days. I don't normally have set meetings, so I come in not knowing who or what might be happening. I enjoy working with a team that is focused on helping those in crisis and being supportive of those that are often negatively seen by the community. Being able to respond with police feels like working towards the progressive movement that the public is wanting to see while helping officers with situations that they help with. 

 

What stands out to you about the culture at Rock County?

The constant movement towards better services and resources for those in our community. We strive towards good partnerships with other agencies in the county and across the state. 

 

What gets you most excited about coming to work?

My enjoyment in my position is responding with police and working towards always improving this program with hopes that it will expand to other departments.

 

 

     Kris Pehl

     911 Communications

      30 Years of Service

      GIS Coordinator

 

 

 

 

How did you find your way to your current role at Rock County? I was fortunate to be hired as a limited-term employee in the Rock County Child Support office in 1987. At the time government jobs were highly sought-after. From there I moved into a permanent position at the Parks Department/Airport at Public Works and then to the Clerk of Courts. I left Rock County for two years to return to school and returned in 1992 to the 911 Communications Center.

How long have you worked for Rock County? And why have you stayed this long? I have worked at the 911 Center for over 30 years. I stayed because I found the work interesting, the benefits were good, and I knew I would eventually have a pension when I retire. I have always enjoyed the people I work with, and I only have a ten-minute commute to work.

Could you share a few details about the favorite part of your role and the team at Rock County? My current position of GIS Coordinator was created almost 21 years ago because of the evolving 911 mapping technology. Those mapping duties were added to my workload at the time, and as the mapping became more sophisticated, it became evident that a new GIS position was necessary. I was able to grow with this new position and take on more responsibility to alleviate some the daily stress encountered by dispatch. I have always felt appreciated by my co-workers, and I’m happy to be part of the very important job that the 911 Center provides to the citizens and visitors of Rock County.

What stands out to you about the culture at Rock County?  I’ve witnessed over the past 30 years how Rock County has progressed into being more inclusive and welcoming to create a team environment where we work together to provide the best possible services.

What gets you most excited about coming to work? I really enjoy working on GIS projects and integrating our map files into our computer-aided dispatch. I like suggestions I get from our telecommunicators to improve our data to make their jobs easier.  There is always something to learn and new communication technology keeps us on our toes. I also appreciate everyone I work with.

 

 

    Katie Meisenheimer

     Human Resources

     10 Years of Service

     Human Resources Generalist

 

 

 

 

How did you find your way to your current role at Rock County? In June 2013 I started as a Human Resources intern right after graduating from UW Whitewater.

How long have you worked for Rock County? And why have you stayed this long? I’ve worked in the HR office for 10 years! Working in the public sector has been a great fit for me. I enjoy supporting departments and employees that provide important services to the citizens of Rock County.

Could you share a few details about the favorite part of your role and the team at Rock County? I love human resources, and that we have the ability to assist employees from orientation to retirement, and every milestone in between. In my 10 years here, my co-workers have also become family; which makes coming to work every day much easier! 

What stands out to you about the culture at Rock County?  Rock County’s culture is very service oriented, which is our fundamental reason for existing. Each day, employees have the opportunity support and enhance the lives of those we serve in our County.

What gets you most excited about coming to work? The variety of employees, personalities, and departments; every day brings a new challenge or learning opportunity