This year has brought many of us uncertainty, changes, and challenges. The most challenging situations teach us the most important lessons and can show us what is truly important in life. To reflect on the year and express our gratitude, our employees have shared what they are thankful for this year.
David Kendall, CEO
“I am thankful that we have come together as a team, a community, and a company in support of the challenges faced in 2020. I know that everyone has been through a lot this year and I am so thankful to be on this team.”
Denise Larcade, OCM Analyst
“What if today, we were just grateful for everything?” – Charlie Brown
“Considering how much our lives have changed in 2020 and considering the loss and hardships it has put on so many…I am grateful for everything.”
Sarah Walsh, Communications Manager
“I am thankful for the resources and technology that make it possible to do our jobs, communicate with our families, and attend events from home. Special shoutout to the artists who have found ways to keep us entertained this year!”
David Cornejo, Budget Analyst
“I am thankful for family, friends, Team KAIP, and others who have reached out to all of us during this crisis to remind us we are not alone. Shout–out to Dr. Seuss for teaching us how to be our best!”
Elizabeth Long, Service Delivery Lead
“I am thankful for KAIP and all the wonderful things the company and people in it provide for my life. An income that affords me and my family a comfortable living, learning, and growth beyond compare, and friendships that will last a lifetime!”
Sid Richardson, Senior Project Manager
“I am so thankful for the KAIP Leadership team.”
Catherine Kendall, Managing Director
“I am thankful that I have not smoked for 305 days after a 30+ year habit. It was the hardest thing I have done in a long time and I am grateful for the love and support of those around me who made it possible.”
Robert Stroud, Senior Project Manager
“I am thankful for being part of the best company in Sacramento, dare I say the U.S. What a great group of people. I’m thankful for my wife and children, the good fortune that shines on us daily, and our health and happiness.”
Debbie Blagsvedt, Senior OCM Consultant
“I am so thankful for the incredible healthcare workers who have worked endlessly to help all those in need. I’m grateful for reconnecting with friends who’ve known me more years than I can count, and for spending time with my elderly parents, who have stayed safe and healthy.”
Srikanth Mattipalli, Enterprise Architect
“I am thankful for my family members for keeping my spirits high, for the wonderful colleagues for their collaborative efforts to get through these tough times together, for the health care workers working in risky conditions for the greater good of the community around them, for all the businesses around us who continue to support us be it groceries, entertainment, essential commodities or technology.”
Stephen Alfano, Executive Consultant
“I’m forever grateful for the first responders, healthcare professionals, and essential workers who carry the heaviest burdens of the COVID-19 crisis—day in and day out. Their efforts and sacrifices are awe-inspiring.”
Tre-Jordan Smith, Associate Data Analyst
“I am thankful to be able to make it through this year with the support of my family, friends, and to be part of an organization that still manages to provide a warm, welcoming, and supportive environment even during a time when we are all physically distant.”
Angela Darchuk, Business Services Director
“I’m thankful that I can share with people who are not so fortunate. For the last few years, my family adopts a family through the Salvation Army. We go shopping as a family which, opens up conversations with my teens about how fortunate they are (we all know teens need a reminder!)”
Mia Di Miceli, Communications Analyst
“I am thankful for a year that forced a focus on connection—while it didn’t feel like it most of the time, I am so much more connected with my family and friends than ever before. I am thankful to work for a company that was creative, innovative, and transparent during difficult times and found a way to keep us all working delivering, and cohesive in our vision—only incredible leadership can rally a team to achieve in the face of adversity.”
Nick Sherrell, Senior Project Manager
“I am thankful for friends and family for sharing their humor during these bleak times. My grandma used to say, ‘Sometimes you have to laugh to keep from crying.‘ This has never rung truer than in 2020, which is also the first year I have had to go through without her here to remind me of this great approach to life. Times are tough, let’s do what we can to make it a little brighter to those around us willing to crack a smile!”
Chris Koroluk, Systems Engineer
“I am thankful for the opportunity to learn and grow from an awesome group of people. I lost my job in March due to the pandemic and it turned out to be a blessing in disguise. I am thankful I get to spend time with my family and see us grow right before my eyes.”
Jenny Hall, OCM Analyst
“I am thankful for my being able to start on a new career track, having the ability to stay home and stay safe during this bananas year, and thankful I have my fur babies to keep me good company. Even though this year has felt about 6 years long, we’re going to make it!”
Anne Rodich, Proposal Development Coordinator
“I am grateful for being in a position to help care for my mother and to be able to spend the holidays with her this year. I am grateful for the health and welfare of my friends and family and for being employed!”
Leslie Montarbo, Senior Recruiter
“I am so thankful for my extended family and close friends for being my rock during the unsettling year of 2020. My father would always say, “Keep a stiff upper lip, honey,” and that is exactly what I am doing. These are definitely uncharted waters, but KAIP has been a steady current during the storm and I appreciate having this stability in my life. God is good!”
Tammy Debord, Service Delivery Director
“I am thankful for the ability to choose my outlook in the moment.”
Shyanne Long, Marketing and Communications Coordinator
“I am thankful that I have amazing friends, family, and colleagues who have supported and guided me through the uncertainty of this year. I am grateful that I have been able to continue my college education virtually and that my school has worked so hard to provide students with the resources we need to be successful. I am also thankful for the technology and resources that allow us to stay connected from a distance. It has been heartwarming to see everyone at KAIP come together as a team to work towards a common goal, even when times are tough. Lastly, I have an overwhelming amount of gratitude for all healthcare workers, first responders, and essential workers. Thank you for your dedication and sacrifice!”
Terry Daffin, Community Manager/KAIP Academy Lead
“I am thankful for my community who supports me and my family and who we can support! We will come out of this on the other side together and stronger!”