Note: This web page is posted on behalf of candidate(s) for affiliate officer positions, who are solely responsible for its content. The views and/or opinions expressed in this web page are those of the candidate(s). UNAC/UHCP does not endorse or otherwise support any candidate for union office. UNAC/UHCP does not review, control, or guarantee the accuracy, relevance, or completeness of information contained on this web page. All candidates for affiliate office have been given the option to submit a biography and photo for posting on our website.
A union may not regulate the contents of campaign literature it is asked to distribute and may not require that it be permitted to read the literature before distribution. The union may not censor campaign literature in any way, even if the literature includes derogatory remarks about other candidates. A union’s contention that mailing certain campaign literature may constitute libel does not justify a refusal to distribute the literature since the union is under a legal duty to distribute the material.
Officer Candidate Statements
Sarah F Innocenti, OT
Candidate UTNC Occupational Therapy Vice President
I have been a senior OT at Kaiser Permanente Santa Clara for over 5 years and a Union Steward since the beginning of our contract. I look forward to joining as a new CAT member.
During my time, on the Northern California Regional OT Practice Group I was part of the team creating our OT evaluation and daily note templates as well as handouts using evidence based practice – these are still in use today across the region.
OT, PT and SLP disciplines all possess advanced degrees and are required to maintain substantial clinical skills, but their opportunities for professional advancement are significantly limited compared to many other professions at Kaiser. Also, OT specifically, is substantially underutilized within the Kaiser organization. These factors impact our ability to continue to improve and innovate alongside our peers and to bring those benefits to our members. In this role I want to be an integral part in changing that together as part of UNAC/UHCP.
As we navigate an important year for our Union I vow to be an integral part of advocating for us as OTs, PTs and SLPs, within the Kaiser organization!
Brian Nitta, PT
Candidate UTNC President
I’m Brian Nitta and I’ve had the privilege of serving as the first-ever President of UTNC. I ask for your vote so I can continue representing you at the bargaining table as we negotiate a stronger contract. I will fight to ensure Kaiser management complies with that contract.
Negotiating our first contract and establishing our union has been an imperfect and uphill journey. Over the last four years working with both labor and management, I have helped members with a multitude of issues and cultivated relationships with Kaiser management. This invaluable experience and unique insight and perspective will allow me to continue to lead our union as we enter negotiations. I know where we started, where we want to be, and how to work calmly, assertively, and effectively with management to get us there.
This job has taught me valuable lessons about teamwork, empathy, compassion, and dedication. Being part of something bigger than myself has made me a better clinician and representative. I’ve been inspired by the connections I’ve made with members and understand the value our professions provide. I’m committed to continuing the difficult but rewarding work of fighting for our members. Thank you for your support.
Joshua Sokolski, OT
Candidate UTNC Vice President of Occupational Therapy
As both an OT and the Union Contract Specialist, I have talked with members across the region and listened to the issues that impact you most. As Vice President, I will be representing the broader OT community at Kaiser which begins with understanding and responding to your needs.
During the OT committee meetings that I co-hosted alongside Carolyn VPOT and Brianca (the other contract specialist), I witnessed frustration expressed by OTs regarding staffing and lack of recognition. As a result, I worked collaboratively with Brianca and Carolyn to generate actionable items to address those issues. I developed strategies and provided education to assist our members’ with their most pressing issues by creating the wage step calculator/flowchart, giving the benefits presentation, and making the PTO accrual and operational need calculator.
As an OT, I work in inpatient Walnut Creek where management has not been living up to the partnership standards in our contract. Not being heard in my own area, both as an OT and a union member, has galvanized me to improve our partnership dialogue and fight for a better contract.
Brianca Hutchins, OT
Candidate UTNC Hospital President
I am running for president to ensure every voice in our union is heard and represented. Over the past year, I’ve rounded at every site in my service area as your contract specialist, including those with minimal union presence, because I believe in being a voice for all. I’ve listened closely to your concerns—whether it’s the overwhelming workloads, the moral injury from not being able to provide the level of care our patients deserve, or Kaiser’s unrealistic productivity goals that ignore the real strains in the system.
As your contract specialist, I’ve cataloged your Staffing Objection Forms, supported speciality bargaining groups in prepping for bargaining, cataloged research that shows the value of rehabilitation, and scoured other union contracts to support you in our fight for the best contract terms next year. I’ve taken specialized classes on How to Win in Bargaining to ensure we are well-prepared. I make it a point to share the information that you value, like our benefits presentation and benefits handout.
I’m dedicated to continue supporting you in both day-to-day affairs and during bargaining. It would be my honor to represent and advocate for you as union president.