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Employee Spotlight

Yun Pak
Clinical Supervisor – Clinical Services

Please Tell Me About Yourself?
I am a mother of two daughters, ages 9 and 8. They are about 15 months apart. I grew up in Korea, and came to Hawaii in 1982. We went from Hawaii to Ohio because my parents couldn’t find any jobs in Hawaii. So, from Hawaii, my parents and my younger brother (who is five years younger), went to Ohio and settled in while I stayed in Hawaii with my aunt and my grandmother for about a year. I soon joined them in Ohio, and I grew up in Ohio and went to OSU (Ohio State University). Go Buckeyes! I have a huge rivalry with Michigan Wolverines—I won’t get into that.

I graduated from OSU with a degree in Psychology and worked for about a year before I came out to California for a graduate program. At that time, I wasn’t quite sure exactly what I wanted to study. I came out to California and finished my graduate program in MFT (Marriage and Family Therapist). I did some soul searching. I hurried out of Ohio. I went to Biola Talbot for Pastoral Care Counseling and then a couple of classes shy of graduating, I paused and went to Hope International University and got my MFT. I went back to school for a Psy.D. (Doctor of Psychology) program specializing in MFT at Alliant University but I had to pause. Everything was kind of rushed for me, and that’s my education right now.

The whole reason why I abruptly went from my Pastoral Care Counseling from Talbot to Hope International for MFT was because of Johng Ho. So I have Johng Ho to thank for guiding me in that direction. I had an opportunity to let him know when I got hired. He basically said, “I don’t have a job here for you because of what you’re studying. I need someone who’s working towards a licensure.” His cold shoulder and unwillingness to hire me at that time convinced me to change my course. So I did a roundabout—I interviewed with Johng Ho probably around 2002 and then I came back in 2009 and got hired. I actually mentioned this to him, and Johng Ho doesn’t remember. I really have him to thank for where I am today.

Can you share with us something most people don’t know about you?
A fun fact is that I ride motorcycles. I grew up riding behind my dad’s motorcycle. I came out to California and I rode my bike. I had a Honda CVR F4I 600 yellow black bike. I plan to get another bike too, maybe like a cruiser. I’ve been married since 2004, and my husband hasn’t even seen me ride a bike. He’s seen me ride a truck when he first met me—not a typical girl whom he dated. He’s an insurance agent so he knows about risk and possible injuries, so he says it’s too dangerous. I dream about taking a road trip across the country with my family on our bikes—my dad, my brother and me. You definitely need to be safe, but I can’t really describe the feeling of riding a bike. I haven’t ridden in the past 10 years, and I still have my helmet at home. My kids always ask me, “Umma, when are you going to ride a bike?”

My dad is a fourth-degree black belt in Korea, so I grew up being exposed to martial arts. I did some judo in college, so I can confidently say I can defend myself. I actually wanted the girls to start martial arts this summer, but my older daughter broke her collar bone right before summer. I live in Studio City, but locally here and there, you go through a test and get a belt. It’s not necessarily traditional martial arts in terms of discipline and the right form. But I think all women should learn some form of martial arts and defense—it keeps you strong and gives you confidence. It’s not that you’re going to go out and use it unless it’s necessary, but it’s better to know how to protect yourself and know that you can defend yourself than to be caught off-guard.

What do you love the most about your job? What is the most challenging?
What I love the most about my job is the key core people that I work with. I went from being a line staff therapist to being promoted, and that transition was not easy. In going through the dynamics of the unit and the evolving positions with Nayon being a manager and me being a supervisor, we had our own growing pains. During that time, despite our own difficulties, what kept me going were the key core people whom you know you can rely on and are going to be accepting and also telling of your strengths and weaknesses.

But the challenge is everyday. Because of the kind of work that we do, (not only from the client’s end), because people’s lives are never consistent, people’s lives are always changing, always evolving with various life stages that people go through, circumstances that are unforeseen. On top of that, there’s mental illness that some individuals suffer from. There’s never a dull moment when you’re working with clients. Then you have all the other things that come with clinical operations. Just yesterday we finished our MediCal certification. There’s always a challenge that come up daily, we call it “COW”: Crises of the Week. So what is your “COW” today? It goes back to, “Do you enjoy what you do and who you work with?  I can be a clinical supervisor anywhere, but I choose to be at KYCC because I love the people whom I work with.

As a clinical supervisor, there are 6~8 clinicians, all masters-level, working towards licensure, whom I supervise. Within DMH, there are several contracts. There’s other various contracts under various funders. That’s why you need to rely on people who work with you, because you can’t do it all. If you go into Clinical thinking you can do it on your own, you will soon burn out.

What inspires you to do the work you do?
Being an immigrant myself, my parents had $500 in their pocket when they first came to the States. I was nine years old, so I started third grade in Hawaii. My parents were not college-educated—I was the first to go to college on my dad and my mom’s side. I was the oldest in my family and the oldest of all my cousins. There wasn’t a lot of pressure with my parents, knowing that they themselves were not college graduates, and there wasn’t a lot of push for academics. They always helped me to see if I tried my best. They instilled in me, as long as you do your best and put out your best, and if your best is a “C,” then that’s your best, and I’m okay with that. Having gone through that experience myself, I know how difficult it is for immigrant families with low socioeconomic status. Both my mom and my dad worked two, three jobs when they first came to the States. Back in Korea, my mom did not work, but she did all kind of jobs from being a server, busser, cleaning homes. You name it—they did it all. I was left to take care of my younger brother. Experiencing the families that we encounter, it amazes me how they are able to survive and how resilient they are. They put so much effort in trying to make it, and the struggles that they go through and the sacrifices they make inspires me.

Another inspiration is seeing the newly graduated staff who are coming into this field because they want to help. Johng Ho says this all the time—we are in the business of helping people. When I see that spark and passion within them when they come and want to help this population, I feel inspired. Clinicians don’t get paid a lot. My husband says this a lot, “For the amount of education you have and the experience, this is it?” So I reply, “This is why you make all the money.” I think it’s unfortunate, but it’s real. It’s so great to see the staff wanting to help. That helps me and motivates me to do my best out there because I know to a certain degree that I have a lot of responsibility to guide and help clinicians overcome not just their clinical work but their own struggles that they go through. You can get re-traumatized listening to stories of clients’ traumas and you can get depressed. Clinicians sometimes come with their own anxieties, and working with clients can magnify that.

There’s nowhere like KYCC. I feel like I have an opportunity to work for such a unique and special place. We have such diverse programs. I am so proud. My mom listens to Korean stations from Ohio, and she knows about K-Town and KYCC news. She just is so proud that I work for an agency that I’m proud of as well. My mom was at the softball game—I can never match her intensity and energy.

Where do you imagine yourself to be 10 years from now?
That’s a hard question. I think it’s so needed for all of us to think of where we want to be in the future. I honestly don’t know. But I do know I want to go back to school to finish my PsyD program and get my degree. Three months into my employment, my eldest daughter Abigail got diagnosed with Wilms’ tumor,  a cancerous kidney tumor. Within a week, she had kidney surgery where the tumor was growing and she went through a year of chemo treatment after that. So three months into employment, I had no idea what I was going to do. Should I keep my job? Do I quit school because I was also going to school full-time, or do I quit both? I think this is another reflection of the kind of support that I received because KYCC did not owe me anything, but I was able to decide at that time to put school on pause and continue to work. I also needed some time to take care of my daughter so they allowed me to take a two-month leave, and KYCC paid for the insurance for my daughter’s treatment. The support that I received was so tremendous, so I think that’s where the commitment comes from for KYCC. Not only did I see Johng Ho years ago, who guided me into this direction in 2002, and then coming to finally getting hired in 2009. I met Sam in 2008 at AADAP, so I emailed him whether KYCC had any openings, and he said not at the time but he would keep an eye out for me. Then, a year later, he emailed me with the same email that I sent and said I have a position for you, would you be interested in interviewing. I was so happy to be there, but three months later, this happened.

At that time, my friends were like, “How can you be working? You should really just stay home.” But honestly, I can’t imagine not working because I was surrounded by a group of clinicians. Who better to help me process and guide me and help me through the most difficult time of my life? So when I was home, I was home with my daughter, being able to help both of my daughters. The two months definitlely helped me be there for her while she healed. It was so painful to see my daughter go through her chemo treatment. My mom came for months at a time to help me. And when I was at home, I was at home with my daughters, but if I was with them continuously throughout the day, I don’t think I would be able to do that.

Now that she’s healthy, she’s just amazing. My younger one is also doing so well, and I feel like this is the time to go back to school. I’m in the process of reapplying. Before, I had to go to an Irvine campus for Alliant, but now, it worked out that the L.A. campus has a PsyD program. I also have my boss’s blessing and support from Nayon.

Hopefully I can continue to grow as a clinician, because for the past three years supervising, I wasn’t seeing clients. To a certain degree, I felt a bit stunted as a clinical supervisor, so I think education and perhaps seeing clients in a private setting and starting a private practice while working at KYCC will help me become a richer, fuller clinical supervisor. I’ve been everywhere, to many nonprofits and mental health agencies, so I feel like I know where I belong here in KYCC. Because I know my commitment to the agency is so strong, I see myself and my future here.

What is your fondest memory to date of your time at KYCC?
All the things that I’ve already told you.  Starting with Johng Ho, telling me that KYCC didn’t have any position for me—that’s memorable. He helped me to be where I am today. Abigail getting sick—that being the most difficult time—yet I can’t imagine doing that anywhere else in a different workplace. And then the clients. I was on a most intensive outpatient program under DMH and that program had you see clients that had a lot of trauma with the kids. It’s kind of the stories that you hear on the news, like, “Wow, a Korean family? Wow, in Koreatown?” These newsworthy cases don’t even make the news. So, there are clients whom I’ve served who are very memorable, and I’m hoping that I did something to help just a little bit. When you hear clients continually check in with you and tell you how they’re doing, it’s always a good feeling. It’s interesting, I just got an email from a client that I had years ago, and he’s not even here in the States. He was telling me how he was doing and sending me photos. This was such an intense case where multiple systems were involved—DCFS, criminal court, family court, children’s court. There were so many people who had a hand in this, which reflects on teamwork because it was not just me. It still kind of gives me the feeling of reassurance in the work that we do, and the sense of responsibility that you feel that I really do need not only to be a healthy individual who can help, but also a competent professional.

If KYCC had unlimited funding, what would you like to see?
There’s a lot. Because there’s so many things we can do, but we can’t because we don’t have any funding. It’s endless. I would love to be one of the board members at KYCC. Woahh. Maybe 20 years down the road. But I would love that. Board members have influence and should know about our programs inside out. A lot of the board members right now do not have the mental health background. Eventually I would love to see our board members be top mental health influencers. Someone who knows the intricacies of what we do, and who has the money or knows resources and how we can get unlimited funding.

There’s definitely programs that we don’t have funding for that I would love to provide. For instance,  we don’t even have funding for simple parenting classes. What is doable is amazing ongoing trainings for staff. As far as Clinical, people will see us as competent and our output of services as top notch. If we can continue to invest in our staff, I feel like we can be even more effective in what we do.

Some other quick questions:

Where is your hometown?
Columbus, Ohio

What is your relationship with Koreatown? (If you live here/work here, what do you do here?)
I work in Koreatown. It’s a place to eat, and a place to play – karaoke. Nayon and I love to sing. It’s our stress relief.

What are your thoughts on Koreatown?
I love what Koreatown is evolving to be. Seeing more diversity in KTown is really refreshing. It’s not just Koreans and Latinos, but whites, African American, Muslims, Indians, and so one. There is so much diversity, and you see young people. Koreatown is the go-to place where people can have fun and enjoy not just traditional Korean food, but modernized Korean food as well. Restaurants are much different in catering to non-Korean speaking people.

Where is your favorite place in Koreatown…and why?
I like shopping in K-Town for clothes. There is a small boutique called Pretty Mama off of 8^th St. I love going there—it’s small and I love the unique style of the Korean clothes. When I wear it in Studio City, I always get asked, “Where did you get that?” and I reply, “Koreatown, Pretty Mama.” And, if I could wear a hanbok and wear my hair traditionally, I would do that everyday.

Softball Spotlight

This year some KYCC staff, lead by the fearless Paula Escobar clawed their way to a narrow 0-12 record in the Koreatown Bankers Softball League. We asked them some questions on their experience:

Here’s our softball playlist to enjoy while reading this (warning: explicit):

Why did you join the softball team?

Although I didn’t make it out to most of the games, I really appreciated the opportunity to play with my co-workers. It came us an opportunity to hang with staff from other units that we don’t get interact with as much. – Sam

I joined the team to have Fun – Tommy

I joined the team cause everybody was talking about softball – Jose

To have the opportunity to feel like a kid again – Julio

I joined the softball league to step out of my comfort zone and to get to know everyone better. Also, it was a very good way to get my heart pumping J – Carmen

What is your most memorable moment during the league?

Taking the lead for most of one game.  Even though we lost at the end it was very exciting to see the team work cohesively! – Grace

My most memorable moment in the league was when we tied with BBCN. It was a very fun neck to neck game! – Carmen

What was your at-bat song?

1. Matoma – “Old Thing Back” – Dustin
2. Shakira – “Hips Don’t Lie” – Ryan
3. Rocky Theme Song – Jose

How did the softball league help build community?

It was great to interact with staff from different units.  – Grace

We all had some great moments, and not so great.  But either way, everyone on the team had each others back and would give an encouraging word of support. – Ryan

Softball was a vehicle to bond with others we didn’t know as well. Being at six different sites makes it difficult to get to know staff within the agency. Activities like softball allows for opportunities to develop relationships that can lead to better collaboration and improved services to the community. – Sam

It gave us an opportunity to get to spend quite a bit of time with people in other units that we don’t always see, and in an environment with low stress and lots of fun. We got the chance to be goofy, and competitive, and free around each other – and that allowed us to get to know each other as human, not coworker. And that includes those that didn’t play but came out to support. I actually really miss that already. – Paula

Share an embarrassing moment during the league.

Every time Ryan was pitching. *mic drop* – Dustin

One time when I was running to first base and was going to strike out and I tried to stiff arm the guy who was going to tag me out because that was my instinct. (my rugby reflexes kicked in, woops) – Mayra

What was the most challenging part of the season?

Most challenging part of the season was not looking as suave as Jameson. I think we need a jersey sponsor. – Mayra

How did you practice?

Jerry, Jose, Paula, Tommy Jr, & myself would all practice on Fridays – Tommy

Who would you like to see on the field next time?

Johng Ho & Joe – Tommy

Any shout-outs to a team member?

Carlos owned shortstop all year like Ozzie Smith.  I kept expecting him to do backflips when he took the field.  – Ryan

To our unofficial mascot, Toby. Thanks for being our number one fan! Woof! – HaRi

Shout out to HaRi for being such a boss! Homegirl got hit time and time again trying to stop those balls from getting past her. Correction: she got hit AND she stopped them. She’s what my high school coach would call “the iron lady – nothing gets through her.” – Paula

Paula is very persistent and has a lot of determination. I appreciate the way she dealt with some of the sexist comments out in the field, and moved passed them. – Carmen

I would like to shout out everybody Who played – Tommy

I’m thankful that Paula oozed dedication and encouragement to the team. Paula and HaRi brought a kid-like passion and atmosphere to the team. – Julio

Player’s Songs!

Each team member that was present had a at-bat song. Here they are! Want to listen in spotify? Go for it. 

Community News

In a victory for community activists, the LA County Board of Supervisors voted in approval to redevelop county-owned buildings in K-town, including a new community center!

Critics rave for indie LGBT Korean-American  film “Spa Night,” directed by Andrew Ahn. Set in our very own LA Koreatown, Ahn seamlessly weaves the struggle of 18-year-old David as he explores his sexuality while trying to help his immigrant parents make ends meet.

Menlo & Olympic Blvd could see a seven-story, 228-unit condo project coming to the neighborhood.

Novelist Krys Lee on being inspired by Koreatown, and finding a family among North Korean refugees.

Los Angeles Eco-Village has announced plans to convert the site of an old auto shop in Koreatown into a mixed use development that promotes, “permanently affordable and ecologically sustainable housing.”

Alert! “Korean-tinged” dumplings in Koreatown!!

Check out more staff favorites here. Do you have a favorite restaurant? Submit it here.

Birthdays and KYCC Anniversaries

Editors Note: Since I can’t seem to get this newsletter out on the 1st of the month, we’re going to start listing two months of birthdays and anniversaries.

Open Positions

Have some talented and driven friends? Let them know about our open positions.

• ES – Environmental Services Coordinator
• ES – Clean Streets Specialist
• ES – Environmental Specialist: Graffiti Removal
• PE – Civic Engagement Trainer
• PE – Lead Youth Organizer
• PE – Community Education Specialist
• CS – Counselor III (Bilingual English/Korean)
• YS – Case Manager
• KT – Assistant Preschool Teacher

Take Note!

The paradox of the flawless record