As a psychiatric social worker for school mental health, I have been very impressed with A. J. Duffy’s understanding and on-going support of the work provided by my colleagues and myself. When LAUSD decided to eliminate my position at Palms Middle School, and were considering cutting many PSW positions within Health and Human Services as a whole, A. J. Duffy understood the full impact this would have on the students we serve as well as the schools and staffs we work with. A. J. Duffy campaigned to keep my position at Palms and worked to maintain our status within Health and Human Services. These efforts included spearheading a letter writing campaign with teachers, administrators and parents. He met with PTSA of Palms Middle School to explain the issue and solicit their support (which we received). He also spoke to several Board of Education Members and the District D Superintendent. He wholeheartedly participated in a video which was presented to the LAUSD School Board during a meeting in the spring of 2004. In summary, A. J. Duffy has been incredibly supportive of all of the members of Health and Human Services. My sincerest thanks to A. J. Duffy for saving my job at Palms.
Kim Griffin Esperon, LCSW
Psychiatric Social Worker
School Mental Health
As a school psychologist at Palms for the past five years, I have come to know A. J. Duffy quite well. During that time he served as Dean of Students and has recently gone back to the classroom to teach special education. He has not only been a great support to me, but also to the staff and students. Every year Palms faced the dilemma of how much psychology time to purchase. Because he understood the importance of my position, he always fought for giving Palms Middle School the maximum amount of my time possible. He also understands how important my position is in respect to the team approach which involved him as a Dean, me a psychologist, Kim Griffin as our psychiatric social worker and all three of our counselors. He is dedicated and committed. He will support and stand by his colleagues at all times. Because of this, we need A. J. Duffy as president of UTLA.
Rosemary Gelinas
School Psychologist
I have worked with A. J. Duffy for 2 years. He is persistent and won’t give up until he has reached his goal. He is motivated to do everything possible to make Palms Middle School a great school. He will fight and support for teachers and Health and Human Service workers throughout the district as he has Palms Middle School with all that he’s got. As a school nurse I feel secure knowing that my interests will be taken care of with A. J. Duffy as UTLA President.
Christine Odom
School Nurse