Employee of the Month: Kellon Thompson
Job Title: MH County Liaison / CFTM Facilitator / Contract Compliance Monitor 
How long have you been with EA? What roles have you had?
8 years in February 2026. I have had a few roles: I started as a County Liaison for FFA and THP, covering everything north of Yolo County; I was a Supervisor for the Housing Coordinators; did a little Cal-AIM in its infancy and helped develop the placement unit; and currently work mostly with our Specialty Mental Health Services at our STRTPs. I work on negotiating and maintaining compliance with our contracts. I also facilitate CFTMs, mostly for our STRTPs, but also whenever foster care or THP may need them as well.
What originally made you want to work with EA?
Sportsman's Day 2017. I was there to volunteer, but was impressed with how much everyone was enjoying themselves, and how much they liked working for EA. Seeing the admin team all working hard and serving the guests made me want to work for leaders who lead by example.
Describe what your best day on the job looks like.
The best days are those where it becomes clear during the CFTM that things are starting to click. It's when the list of strengths and things that are working well becomes longer than the list of worries and concerns.
What do you wish people knew about working in your field?
I wish that more people knew that while adoption and having a loving and supportive family are often one of the best things we can give to any kid who is struggling, it's also not a panacea for the trauma and difficulties they may face in the future. The system is making efforts on this front, but there needs to be just as much long-term, and easily accessible support for adoptive families as there is for bio and resource families.
How do you practice self care?
Hanging out with my wife, binging TV series, riding bikes to the doughnut shop, camping with our dogs, and playing board games. Even though some days it's brutal, every M, T, Th, and F I get up at 3:45 and drive to the gym with my wife, mom, and mother-in-law. It gets me both the great benefits of physical exercise and spending time with family.
What's a hidden talent you have, or something about yourself that would surprise most people?
I weirdly always enjoyed reading all of the ACLs and BHINs the state puts out, and some of the old school employees may even remember that a few years back, I decided to go to law school. Being the EA employee of the month is an honor that I greatly appreciate, but this was also one of the best months of my life for a few other reasons. On November 7th, I got the results of my first attempt at the California Bar, and on the 17th, I was sworn in as an attorney.