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Deja vu?
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November 27, 2012
Rewind: Sequoyah Director Anita Westbrook's Actions has been seen before.
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Deja vu?
What are your thoughts and opinions? Please share them below.
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More confirmation that the NMDOH management/leadership is morally challenged. The states safety net services for the morally challenged disabled appears to be giving them high paying management jobs at state agencies.
ReplyDeleteWhat is MOST shocking about this letter is that Anita Westbrook not only wasn't fired, she was given another DOH facility, SATC, TO DO THE EXACT SAME THINGS!
ReplyDeleteDOH - WHAT IS WRONG WITH YOU?
Unbelievable- Deja Vu!
ReplyDeleteBut now Ms. Westbrook has SATC staff that will continue-very publicly- exposing such incompetence until something is finally done.
How sad that 3 years later, she is allowed to continue these behaviors. Unfair to state employees to have to work under these conditions. Why is DOH not addressing this incompetent administrator?
ReplyDeleteAnita Westbrook is destroying SATC in the same ways! Why is Brad McGrath permitting this? The media will like this one.
ReplyDeleteThis letter obviously did not get the response it deserved. SATC employees will not go down so easily.
ReplyDeleteWhen will Brad McGrath recognize that Anita Westbrook is a serious liability to him?
ReplyDeleteKeeping Anita employed is kinda like giving a drunk driver their car keys back. How stupid is DOH?
ReplyDeleteThis letter describes the same person and issues we have been dealing with at SATC. How is this allowed to happen? What happened with this letter? Did anyone address the problems that were raised? I know Dr. Vigil is gone now, but did he do anything? Did anyone do anything? Ms. Westbrook is so obviously a terribly administrator!! Is DOH intentionally trying to ruin facilities? What about the citizens of New Mexico?
ReplyDeleteWhen I read this letter, I became sad that SATC employees have endured the same mismanagement and unprofessional behavior of Ms. Westbrook. It has been such a difficult experience.
ReplyDeleteWhat once was a collegiate environment where we were all respected and valued has truly become the most oppressive and unhealthy environment I have ever worked in.
I am particularly sad for Anita's casualities - my great colleagues who were walked out.
This administrator needs to immediately be removed - and we need to have our dignity restored and heal the facility.
DOH- do the right thing!
The "Circle of Trash" is casting stones and acting like it is a shock to see what is happening at SATC. They forget that Bernice's nepotism hiring cost DOH $225,000.00 after Diane Moore won her court case. I have been following the Robert Ortiz case and so far it is on track to go to court. Regardless if it goes to trial or not, he will receive financial compensation because he is in the right. I bet that Mike Mulligan will still remain at DOH, even though he is at the center of this case, and what he forced Mr. Ortiz to do WAS illegal. Corruption runs rampant throughout DOH. From Santa Fe to the facilities. Maybe DOH needs a Department of Justice Probe just like the Albuquerque Police Department is finally getting. Lord knows that good employees have been abused and harassed from Alfredo Vigil forward. Example: read the above memo. Why has this Anita creature been allowed to thrive? In Santa Fe, we ask the same question about Bernice, Mike, Jim, and the rest of the "Trash".
ReplyDeleteI was thinking about calling DOJ to see if they can do anything. Although some bad press might do the job. Hopefully, that will shame the governor enough to do something.
DeleteDOH - SATC employees will not settle for an unanswered letter. WE care too much about our program and residents. It is time for you to step up.
ReplyDeleteHaving read the letter and assuming that Anita was probably in hot water at DOH, I now wonder if Anita was behind the firing of Dr. Henry Gardner, our previous outstanding director (20 years at Sequoyah). She was his boss at the time.
ReplyDeleteWe want Henry back because he can restore healthy, effective functioning to Sequoyah. And while you're at it, bring back our Milieu Director, Lea Zukowski, Medical Director, Dr. Ken Crumley, Psychologist, Dr. Katherine Hull, and Lodge Managers, Amy Chapman and Andrew Lopez, all placed on administrative leave and/or fired by Anita Westbrook and Babak Mirin.
Didn't the administrator of TLH at the time of this letter get put on administrative leave too?
DeleteI wonder how many DOH employee have been put on administrive leave in the last few years? And what is the price tag on all that paid time off, overtime to cover the job duties, lawyer fees to cover the appeals, and pay outs for the lawsuits? I don't think this strategy is working so well...may want to rethink your game plan, DOH.
I am apart of the crew who have been fired - although never ever receiving any "write ups." I would like to organize a class action lawsuit. If you feel like minded people please let me know. I am sure employees from the medical cannibas, PHD and DDSD could come together.
DeleteGrest idea, and there is an attorney who has been exploring this solution.
DeleteThe media is going to have a field day with DOH!! Don't fool yourselves, DOH, that day is coming... sooner than you think!! Hang in there SATC and DOH employees!! Help is on the way!
ReplyDeleteAnita Westbrook has no place in the healthcare administration of vital agencies and services that are needed in the state of New Mexico. History does repeat itself; no vision, misinterpretation of regulations, blatant nepotism, disregard for good staffing ratios, convenient miscommunication, disrespect for professional staff and drive to make everything a mess in her name. Should we call it Westbrook Adolescent Center or better Anita's dysfunctional department of health, just because I want it that way?
ReplyDeleteDoes Anita have family that she would like to spend more time with?
ReplyDeleteDo you all see the common denominator??? Henry Gardner was fired along with everyone else at SATC, Anita became administrator, Dr Crumley was hired and Dr Mirin was hired, all this happened since Mr McGrath was hired. He's climbing the ladder and throwing everyone under the bus that gets in his way. He promotes people that suck up to him like Anita, Mike, Bernice and everyone else that make him out to be God! McGrath and Gardner are the snakes and to correct this you have to cut them out! Governor Martinez has a lit to answer for with picking such losers! Maybe New Mexico needs to look at a new governor since she's not addressing the issues. DOJ or the media need to look back to the common connection; McGrath and Gardner!
ReplyDeleteI agree it is Mr McGrath and Garder's doings, there will not be any healing until both of theses snakes are gone. Remember it is not just SATC that they are ruining it is all of DOH's facilities.
DeleteDoH has someone at SATC today to
ReplyDeleteto interview staff. HR Kathy Lucero and Anita Westbrook carefully select who is interviewed. Only the "yes" people of course
Are they afraid of the truth?
ReplyDeleteThat's not an indicative sampling of employee sentiment to set up interviews with specific staff. These people spend more time covering their ass and loving the ones that are kissing them than actually doing their jobs.
ReplyDeleteWHY DON'T THEY INTERVIEW EVERYONE?
ReplyDeleteBecause these people have no intellectual or moral integrity.
DeleteHow many secret meetings happen rather than actual making of good behavioral health practice?
DeleteWell, DOH can spin all they want, the truth will come out.
ReplyDeleteI am surprised that no one has mentioned that Anita spent her first couple of months at SATC repainting the Admin wing in a variety of her favorite colors and had the Admin bathroom sinks reset to her preferred height while ignoring important maintenance in the Lodges and classrooms. This is reminiscent of Dr. Torres obsession with the DOH logo, but more dangerous since it adversely impacted the residents.
ReplyDeleteAnita simply does not care about residents-or staff for that matter. Her record at various facilities speaks for itself.
DeleteThey can try to hide the truth by limiting who is allowed to be interviewed, but fortunately there are many other avenues that are already being used to get the correct information to the right people.
ReplyDeleteSame lies that they use to create false stats regarding restraints...can't hide behind those lies forever either!!
DeleteSpeaking of lies, I chuckle when I hear the new DOH spin that "We are working with LCA to address the problems at SATC", when, in fact, it was Westbrook and Mirin that created the problems which then led to STAFF having to contact licensing for help!
DeleteBrad McGrath's days are clearly numbered.
ReplyDeleteLet's hope! The whole Roswell circle needs to be held accountable!
DeleteHubris ( /ˈhjuːbrɪs/), also hybris, from ancient Greek ὕβρις, means extreme pride or arrogance. Hubris often indicates a loss of contact with reality and an overestimation of one's own competence or capabilities, especially when the person exhibiting it is in a position of power.
ReplyDeleteI think Brad McGrath needs to be prepared to answer questions from the Governor's constituents about why Anita Westbrook has been permitted to continue in a director position given the problems at SATC, Turquoise Lodge, and Los Lunas.
ReplyDeleteJP-Can the Attorney General's Office start an investigation about the improper terminations happening throughout DOH?
ReplyDeletehttp://www.nmag.gov/the_office/investigations
DeleteThanks - I will contact them
DeleteHi Jonathan Publix. You know me. I have been off the radar trying to tackle the issues of life and being unemployed (due to no fault of my own). I will contact the AG about DOH too.
DeleteHas Anita Westbrook EVER run anything that she didn't then mess up?
ReplyDeleteI am taking bets that SATC loses its JACHO accreditation.
I still can't figure out why Anita continues to have a job with such a poor performance record? Certainly if she were her own employee should would be gone by now. How come Brad keeps her on and allows her to make up stories about good staff to get them fired? This is just hypocritical and leads one to think that the folks running DOH have no interest in providing good health services to New Mexico and only scratching each others' backs. Sorry New Mexico this is a travesty. I hope the national news catches up with the gov's neglectful management style when she's ready for the national political arena.
ReplyDeleteI am going to try to set up a meeting with the Attorney General's Office regarding DOH's illegal practices in contract awards; hiring and firing; Medicaid billing, etc. Let JP know (even anonymously) if this is something you could attend or provide statements for.
ReplyDeleteThe more the merrier-I am sure they have a large conference room.
Enough is enough.
Good idea to have the AG look into hiring/firing practices since they are already investigating Medicaid fraud and suspicious contracts with one of DOH's preferred contract psychiatrists, Dr. Babak Mirin (who has direct ties to Brad McGrath and Keith Gradner).
DeleteI also just heard that someone is talking to ACLU too.
Folks - let us use this forum to organize. We can set up meetings with media and (ethical) government and advocacy agencies and post dates/times here. Then we just show up. I have no doubt that THEN things will change.
DeleteEnough asking DOH to do the right thing.
Those responsible need to go!
Well this should get the governor's attention!
DeleteI would definitely like to be apart of that meeting.
DeleteWhen you say enough is enough asking DOH to do the right thing and that those responsible need to go do you mean DOH in Santa Fe, also? Because they really need to clean house and I'm sure you know what people we are talking about and I'm sure you will get your list once this post.
DeleteIf I was doing a Letterman top 10 list it would be as follows:
DeleteBernice Gonzales
Jim Green
Mike mulligan
Teresa Padilla
Ivy Martinez
Valerie Paulk
Renee Turner
Eileen Gallegos
Kathy Thompson
And finally Brad Magrath.
They all SUCK!
Latest person leaving ASD/Accounting is Eddie. Good job brother. Shows "Ber I hired my niece" Gonzalez she does not control people's lives. She thought she would keep you in the corner of Accounting until she retires in two years, her PERA connection told me, lol, but you beat the odds, good job Amigo. I wish you luck in your new job. I told you with enough persistence you would get out of the ASD shit hole.
Delete@ Anonymous' Letterman top 10 list:
DeleteDon't forget the bullying and lying leadership at DDSD. They are supposed to have the best interests of individuals with disabilities at heart but spend their time lying about contract performance and bullying their staff into submission. The press need to look at that leadership (particular the 'old guard' there) and contracts, contracts, contracts..... waiver, waiver, waiver.
We keep asking DOH to clean itself up. They are not doing so, even though the signs are right in front of them. But let us remember that they were dirty to begin with - hiring Medicaid fraud psychiatrists under expensive and questionable contracts, allowing unethical and incompetent administrators such as Anita Westbrook to maintain employment, and improperly firing hard working, lower-paid employees.
ReplyDeleteFortunately, there are many state and federal agencies available to get done what they won't. Let us direct our energies to getting their help in cleaning up. Let's do it now.
Great idea - I will work with JP to get contact info posted here for Attorney General; EEOC; Medicaid Fraud; federal Dept of Labor; Licensing and Certification; Media, Disability Rights, and attorneys, ACLU, etc. I agree- let's do this!
DeleteThere are mumblings about closing SATC down -possibly just a tacit threat to make employees shut up. If Brad McGrath is not capable of putting an ethical, competent director in place at SATC, then it should be shut down. Or, he could clean up his mess. Other than Anita Westbrook, there are NO other problems at SATC that cannot be addressed and rectified.
ReplyDeleteThe kids miss their beloved lodge manager. Great job Anita! Thanks for caring about the kids so much....not.
ReplyDeleteAnita cares only about Anita
DeleteI'm sorry to tell you, but the only thing that is going to get any attention is a class action suit. New Mexico is so backwards as far as state run programs goes. The media won't have anything to do with this, so you best bet is just putting together a class action suit with a competent attorney who has a proven track record taking on class action suits against the state. If you need any direction as to where you may find those attorneys, I might suggest looking towards the attorneys retained by those who got a ball moving (after 3 years of public and private pleadings) in the APD, Department of Justice Investigation.
ReplyDeleteGovernor Martinez is Governor Richardson in a dress and pumps. Don't waste your time with anyone willing to back and promote the likes of Darren White and Paul Kennedy, it will fall on deaf ears. New Mexico government needs a complete overhaul, because the leaders are not going to back the people they work for.
I want to be a part of that class action law suit. PHD, DDSD and the medical cannnibas program is corrupt from the rootie to the tootie. Since local media does not know how to take a hint I wonder if national media would pick up the story. I mean when you have people being diagnosed with depression and most horrifically committing suicide, I am sure someone will pick up the story. The corruption alone at PHD, DDSD and medical cannibas program would garner some interest, but the bullying would spark fireworks. Can we start calling CNN producers at 404.827.1500. Remember when you leave your tip: 1. show respect for the lady who succumbed to bullying 2. mention bullying of state staff PHD, DDSD and facilities - hordes of unjustified firings (including medical director) and 3. corrupt contracts and contract monitoring.
DeleteI am calling right now!! Also going to mention the blatant violations of First Amendment Rights, attempts to chill speech, and lawsuits against contracted employees- including investigation of medicaid fraud. I will also tell them about this web page!
DeleteThe media is interested
ReplyDeleteNote to self: When you call a mandatory meeting be sure to include the memo that employees are required to ask mandatory questions. Stop the workplace bullying at SATC.
ReplyDeleteAnita Westbrook: Acknowledging that your employees at SATC are being traumatized (because of you) and not offering an apology or assurances of improvement serves only to retraumatize them.
ReplyDeleteNot everyone reads "doh in crisis" there is more to life than rumors and followers who create there own hostile work environment. There was your opportunity to talk about whatever it is you wanted, a room full of everyone in every department and it was almost silent when the question was asked.... bullying i think not.... like what was said "everyone has a job there to many people are focusing on what other people are doing... we're losing focus on whats important THE KIDS!!!!"
ReplyDelete....i guess what's important is the BYOB party that former Milieu Director Lea Zukowski is having.....
I love my job and the kids im joining the committee to see if I can make a difference to better myself better for the kids!!! Lets do out job!!! REMEMBER FOR THE KIDS!!!!
Looks like you read "doh in crisis" so you seem to care. Get off your high horse. Sounds like someone is upset they didn't get an invite.
DeleteAre you so stupid you can't see that everything is about THE KIDS! Pull your head out of the sand and you might see what is happening in front your face. Unless you are a part of the problem?
these allegations from Turquoise Lodge seem like real allegations and not rumor.
Deleteand fyi the gathering is a pot luck. don't be so classless to call it BYOB. sounds like sour grapes to me.
"bullying I think not"?? This comment obviously was not written by a direct care staff. All of us know that any silence in that room was due to fear. Those who had the courage to speak risked the wrath of Anita (and added another layer of protection to themselves as whistleblowers...) How many staff have been walked out and/or fired for speaking up to advocate for THE KIDS? How many different ways have we had our First Amendment Rights stomped on? Any supposed silence is clear evidence of the bullying and fear of retaliation what permate Sequoyah.
DeleteHow dare you suggest the employees have created their own hostile work environment!! I think that part of the statement alone pretty much narrows it down as to who said this! Please save us from having to read/see/hear your shameless and utterly absurd propaganda!
DeleteOh, I see Dr. Mirin is posting again - this time disguised as a milieu staff.
DeleteWhen Anita Westbrook and Dr. Mirin go around commenting on staff's stupidity, clothing, weight, inexperience, and name who they want to fire, and make procedural changes that endanger kids and staff, a hostile work environment is created. Shows their arrogance to suggest employees have created their own hostile environment, and clearly demonstrates why neither of them are ethical or responsible enough to manage anything!
DeleteHey Dr. Mirin - where ya been?
DeleteObviously i read this site im commenting. And i was invited ill choose not to go and work OT being offered. It's hard to work when there are a few bad apples who always come with such a bad additude.
Delete-One of many dedicated psych techs.
Didn't Lea Zukowski get fired because she was advocating for THE KIDS??
ReplyDeleteThe silence speaks volumes about the bullying. As far as trauma it is always present but has been amped up because of Anita's careless management style. What is done during off hours is no ones business and mention of it is an attempt to squelch freedom and personal rights.
ReplyDeleteFor anyone to speak up at the SATC meeting would have been the same thing as, "suicide by management." DOH has a long history of retaliation. Ask Lea, oh that is right you can't they fired her. No wonder their was nothing but silence in the room.
ReplyDeleteAnd remember Lea was fired for initiating the letter of concern AFTER having her verbal concerns ignored by Anita Westbrook. Staff freely signed the letter of concern despite DOH claim otherwise. There were MANY more employees who shared the concerns but were afraid to sign. And, speaking of silence, Anita Westbrook remains silent on her response to our August 28th letter of concern. Fortunately, others outside of DOH are listening. Anita, DOH, you had your chance.
DeleteLea should have been dismissed long before Anita showed up, it's was a matter of time. People need to move forward and stop complaining about things they have no control over:). We should be talking about raises and not BS!
DeleteIf you really believe what you wrote, then you clearly are part of the BS.
DeleteRaises? Thought we were thinking of THE KIDS? And how ignorant to think we control raises!! Another failed attempt to use propaganda!
DeleteSeconded Lea should have been gone a long time ago
DeleteI do believe what I wrote, and no I am not part of the BS! Some people are just not competent to hold certain positions, that's all my friend. If you truly believe laws are being violated then call 911 for emergency assistance. Stop saying that this facility has success in the past, we all know that's not true! Some kids were being held for too damn long. The ones that were successfully discharged still reoffended and returned in some cases.
ReplyDeleteIf you're talking about competency its not competent to cut someones meds in half without titrating. Its not professional to talk about others in a derogatory manner and it's not ethical to simultaneously evaluate and provide services at the same time. Furthermore it's not ethical to bill Medicaid when you're being investigated for fraud. So don't talk about competency when your record clearly shows how sleazy you are.
DeleteThank you anita or mirin
ReplyDeleteIts been said before Dr. M you are not ethical, you do splitting and are disrespectful. Playing possum about this is just obnoxious. Your ego permeates the place and that's why we've lost focus. We have to wonder when you'll target someone next rather than focus in our jobs. Learn to play nice (ethical) and youll earn respect like everyone else.
ReplyDeleteI see dr. mirin is back. Shouldnt he be working on his defense for the wrongful death lawsuit against him?
ReplyDeleteShouldnt you all be working n not worried about whats being said about who and blaming. Lea has walked me out n im glad they finally walked her out! Now that shes gone all of a sudden the staff "misses" her??? Give me a break! All the crap you have all talked about her now you're her friend - TYPICAL!
ReplyDeleteSorry Lea, Anita's is a women u cant blink ur eyes n shake ur butt like you did with Henry to get your way!
This isn't about Lea, who you are obviously angry at because you were terminated. This is about what has been DONE to Lea and other employees by an incompetent and unethical director.
DeleteI believe karma happened to Lea and everyone else. People, never get too comfortable anywhere in life because change happens without warning. Those that can adapt to it, have the advantage over those that struggle accepting it. Stay thirsty my friends!
DeleteSounds like you have turned over all of your power.
DeleteWhen you choose to not attend a simple holiday party attended by children, neighbors, family members, and old colleagues for fear of guilt by association, you have given THEM more than they could have ever hoped for. And while you may still have your job, I wonder what else of value you have retained.
ReplyDeleteYou can either stand for something or not. If you chose to stand for nothing, that speaks volumes about your lack of character. So continue to collect your state check and bow to the bullies.
DeleteStop the hating, damn it already!!
DeleteAre you saying that we should stop hating the workplace bullying, improper (if not unlawful) dismissals; low morale;
Deleteunsafe working conditions, etc? NEVER!
JACHO is at SATC today conducting an investigation. With the way Anita Westbrook runs facilities, I wouldn't be surprised if SATC loses its accreditation!
ReplyDeleteKinda sad that we have SF HR prowling around SATC today. Its disheartening that no one cares about the real issues except to cover up lies, deceit, and corruption.
ReplyDeleteI don't blame you for being disheartened. Santa Fe Human Resources is as crooked as they come. Teresa, the head of Santa Fe Human Resources will sell her soul and do whatever her supervisors ask her to do to get herself ahead. This includes covering up lies, stopping HR upgrades, or helping upgrade those who do not deserve it. Her employees will also do whatever she asks them to do. If it is out of fear or loyalty, only they can answer that for themselves. She did Duffy's evil will, Torres evil will, including picking up her kid from school, and I'm sure Brad "Moe from the 3 stooges" evil will. Document anything that looks or seems wrong to you. It might serve you well in the near future against these evil bastards. Let me put it this way, Teresa's late father was a close friend of Bill Richardson. He would do whatever Fat Bill asked him to do whether it was right or wrong. Explains a lot about who she is and where she's at. The apple does not fall far from the tree!!
ReplyDeleteSounds like Helen Quintana the HR director at CYFD. I wonder where Teresa and Helen receive their training from.
DeleteComment appeared in SFR today:
ReplyDeleteI left SATC in May of 2011 after five full and happy years. The writing was on the walls of what was to come. Our administration was no longer for staff--but aganist us. Anita wanted "more write-ups" and "proof" that staff were doing their job. As a supervisor, I was asked to give at least two write ups a year. This idea (from Anita's mouth) was to "keep it fresh in staff's mind, they are replaceable and can be written up at any time." I quit soon after I was asked to do this. The children were no longer first. It was making sure restraints were down, at any and all costs. It is a horrific situation. SATC used to be fun, caring and a place I thought I would retire from. This is no longer the case, which is truly sad...
Where in the Santa Fe reporter did this appear?
DeleteI am just thinking openly on all I have experienced and seen working for SATC in these several months of tribulation and I am truly sadened by what has transpired. I have a clearer picture of how the rest of State of New Mexico values its dedicated citizens. My goodness this is horrible! I am enraged that DOH is more concerned about image and greedy bottom lines than the citizens of this state. And yes DOH employees are citizens!
ReplyDeleteRuining competent staffs' livelyhoods hardly seems like good buisiness DOH, specifically SATC admin. You want people to buy into your mission? Have a plan, be organized be honest! So far you have done the opposite.
Someone made a comment a while back that SATC has not been successful, and I wanted to respond then, but didn't. But today in another state, a troubled young man killed alot of innocent people, mainly children, and I feel compelled to comment.
ReplyDeleteMy son was at SATC years ago. It was not always easy or comfortable for any of us, but SATC was the only place that was able to help my son. He came out a different person. Change is hard- it does not come from a pill. My son changed because the people at SATC did not give up on him and they worked just as hard as he did. I heard about that shooting today and it made me grateful yet again that my son got help.
I read about senseless violence that happens in the county everyday, and I thank God that my son got the help he needed when he did. If SATC stops helping these violent kids, they will turn into violent adults. I saw it with my sons friends who went to jail and other so-called treatment centers. Even if SATC cannot help every kid, perhaps the ones it has helped has prevented such a tragedy from happening to other people.
If anyone has any doubts about the need for SATC or about weather or not it helps, I am here to tell you SATC saved my son and my family, and I am certain it has helped other people too.