Meet the Staff...
Meriam T. Abalos is the network secretary with a B.S. in commerce-management from Notre Dame of Dadiangas College in the Philippines. She migrated to the US in 1994. She is proud of her two children, Andrew and Amanda, and supports education. "Education is very important; no one can take it away from you." Skilled and knowledgeable, she is developing systematic, effective communication with the 27 APIFRN agencies.

Hang Fa Fan has been a home visitor since 1987. She is beloved of staff and children alike. Married with three children, she graduated from the University of Hawaii in special education. She has worked with cerebral palsy children for an Easter Seal Agency. She then went to the John Tracy Clinic of USC to work in the parent education movement. Her rich and varied experience make her a valuable asset to APA and to the community. Every day, she demonstrates her lasting commitment to children and families.

Grace H. Guo first came to APA two years ago as an intern, then worked as a bilingual social worker and now supervises the home visitation program. In the ten years since she immigrated from Shanghai, she has earned a B.A. and a Masters in Psychology from SFSU. "APA serves the Asian community and provides good quality service to the families." As a developmental psychologist, she wants to provide quality professional services to children. Her life philosophy is, "if there is a will there is a way. If you have the desire to serve people, you can find a way to help them."

Amber Lam first came to APA to participate in the domestic violence workshop. She began volunteering in 1997. She does clerical work, provides child care during support groups and serves as a Parent Advisory Council parent liaison. She enjoys working with children and learning about their development. Amber and Gary Lam immigrated from Hong Kong and have four children. She is now studying early childhood education to become a pre-school teacher. The children and families served by APA are fortunate to have her support and experience.

Rosetta Lau is APA's hard working and multi-tasking receptionist. She is responsible for the communication needs of the agency, answering phone calls and typing documents. In addition to her clerical work, she provides child care while parents attend counseling sessions in the Chinatown center. "I am happy to do something for the community. Also, I enjoy working with the staff and the clients."

Pauline Lo is a Cantonese and Mandarin speaking home visitor in the home visitation program. She was born in China, but raised in Hong Kong. "My job, giving emotional support, connecting families and community resources, teaching how to care for babies, facilitating in parenting classes and answering the hotline, is not always easy, but it is my mission in life to extend my hands and help people in need." She is happy to be a part of APA.

Nancy Louie is one of the APIFRN case managers serving high risk Chinese and English families. She enjoys making home visits to provide clients with support. Graduating from SFSU with a B.A. in Social Work, she has been with APA for over a year. "I am glad to work at APA because it's not just an agency, but a family working together." Working at APA gives her the opportunity to apply her knowledge and skills to improve people's lives. Happy in her chosen profession, she likes working with families and children and says she will always be there to help.

Soukchai Ly was born in Cambodia and immigrated here in 1980 with his parents. He has been with APA for over five years. As a home visitor, he is happy knowing that his work makes life easier for APA families. He visits low income families and teenager single mothers where he encourages them to move on with their lives and finish their educations. He likes working at APA because his flexible schedule gives him the opportunity to explore outside and he appreciates the wonderful kindness of the other staff.

Joicy Mean earned her first bachelor's degree in pharmacology in 1980. During her career as a pharmacist, she became convinced that sound mental health is critical to speedy recovery from illness and is necessary for general good health. She helps people develop positive mental health by helping them understand themselves. In 1994, Joicy earned her second bachelor's degree in counseling. In 1996, Joicy joined APA as a graduate intern. In 1997, she earned her master's degree in counseling psychology and became the home visitation program supervisor and counseling program coordinator. Joicy believes in APA's mission and collaborative service model which helps families access information and social services. Currently the clinical program manager, she is pursuing her license to practice as a marriage and family therapist.

Diosa Mitra who immigrated in 1995 works as a Filipino home visitor. She likes working here because it allows her to help low-income immigrants and families achieve a better life. Born in the Philippines, she has a varied work background including government work and being a nanny. She attends computer and clerical classes in addition to APA's parenting classes and support groups. "At APA there are many opportunities to receive excellent training and to attend workshops. Mabuhay ang APA!."

Carol Mo immigrated from Hong Kong in 1988 and received her B.A. in Psychology from Berkeley. She chose APA because she believes this agency provides a great opportunity for her to learn about the field of social services that deals specifically with Asian immigrants' issues. She wants to use her bilingual background and skills to give back to a community that she feels is underserved because of language barriers. She loves the staff at APA because they are so friendly and helpful.

Pamela Mok immigrated from Hong Kong with her family in 1994. She enjoys her work as a junior clerk with APA. The spirit of teamwork among the staff is a dream come true for her. Currently taking the vocational office training program at the North Beach Chinatown campus, she is excited that her course work is useful to her work at APA. Her favorite day at APA is the Friday staff meetings where the feeling of family inspires her. Pamela also participates in APA's training and workshop opportunities.

Trung Nguyen is a home visitor for APA's Vietnamese families. He fled his homeland in 1983 and was granted political asylum. He knows first hand how new immigrants can suffer language barriers and cultural adjustments while trying to build new lives here. Trung has worked for APA for five years now. His background is in computer science but his refugee experiences have proven to be of immense value to his job. He is proud to serve as a role model for the Vietnamese clients. "I can share their problems and I am able to encourage them to persevere during difficult times." Trung is grateful that he is helping children grow up healthy and happy.

Muoi Phung is a Vietnamese and Chinese speaking home visitor. She immigrated from Vietnam in 1986. "Working with low-income families, especially immigrants, is a challenge, however, I have seen tremendous improvements in the families. I am glad to be part of the team." APA provides her with training and workshop experiences; She has learned much about assisting families in crisis.

Celia J. Siason, a full-time Filipino home visitor, immigrated in 1989. "I consider my job as a great missionary work supporting the Filipino communities' low income, new immigrants who need emotional support or the young mothers who need child development training." Celia finished a B.S. in Economics, two years of a pre-nursing course and two years of early childhood education at City College of San Francisco. "Working with children is a big accomplishment to me." She is proud and happy to be working here.

Iris Yeung is the administrative secretary since 1998 and is responsible for human resource management and administrative work. After immigrating from Hong Kong, she graduated from the College of Alameda with degrees in accounting and business administration. Working at APA has broadened her understanding of different Asian cultures, she feels that Asian communities benefit from APA's effective assistance.

Amy Yu, an APA veteran of six years, began as a home visitor. She is currently the support group coordinator. She immigrated in 1992 with her husband and son. Amy worked for fifteen years as a psychiatric nurse before joining APA. One of her strengths is her people skills; She is a warm person who greets everyone with a smile. A natural recruiter of volunteers, she coordinates and facilitates APA's support groups and does outreach in the Chinese community. Active in helping people, she likes to give back to the community and has been doing so for years.

Kristine Zafrani earned a B.A. in Sociology at SFSU and is pursuing a Master's in Counseling at Golden Gate University. She has been the network coordinator since August 2000. "I am proud of what I am doing now. Many youths and families are facing difficulties, whether financial, emotional or mental, and through my education and experience I can make their lives a little easier."

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