Age: 48
Hometown: Euclid
Synagogue: B’nai Jeshurun Congregation
Work: Environmental monitoring specialist II, Cleveland Division of Air Quality in Cleveland Department of Public Health
How have you served the community during the COVID-19 pandemic?
The Cleveland Division of Air Quality is the local air agency for Ohio EPA. CDAQ is responsible for maintaining the ambient air monitoring network for Cuyahoga County. The data that is generated from our samplers is used to determine if the county is meeting the National Ambient Air Quality Standards. Specifically, I am responsible for running the weighing laboratory for all particulate filters.
What has been the most challenging part?
There have been several challenges during the pandemic. Even during the shutdown, the monitoring network needed to be kept operational. We had to find ways to maintain the network while staying safe. There were also challenges with ever-changing safety requirements. I also had to navigate changes in operational hours of mailing facilities in order to make sure packages arrived to their destinations in a timely manner.
What has been the most rewarding part?
I was able to continue regular employment. Also, I was able to work on special projects with other air quality employees in Ohio.
How can Clevelanders continue to support frontline workers?
Clevelanders can support air quality workers by recognizing that we are frontline workers. We report to work like other frontline workers and put our personal safety on the line every day.
What are you most looking forward to doing this summer in Northeast Ohio now that you are vaccinated and everything is opening up?
Continue exploring new areas of the Cleveland Metroparks.
What local restaurant are you most excited to visit?
Slyman’s Restaurant in downtown Cleveland.
What Cleveland activities are you looking forward to this summer?
Holiday barbecues and enjoying the nightlife.
Meet more of Cleveland’s frontline workers at jstylemagazine.com/frontlineworkers.