Annie Tien

The 2025 National Association of Social Workers theme, Social Work: Compassion + Action, aligns deeply with the mission and values of the On Lok Social Work department. Our team embodies this theme by providing person-centered, culturally responsive care that uplifts and empowers the diverse older adults we serve. Through advocacy, resource coordination, and holistic support, we transform compassion into tangible actions that enhance well-being, promote dignity, and foster independence. At On Lok, social workers are empathetic listeners and proactive change agents, ensuring every participant receives the care and support needed to thrive.

Thank you, On Lok San Francisco Region Social Workers and Social Services Coordinators, for your hard work, commitment to excellence, and resourcefulness! In 2024, we highlighted our Social Work team in the South and East Bay region. This year, we spotlight the SWs who make up the San Francisco region team.

• Hyun-Ju Lee

• Fonia Chan

• Nanda Devi Rich

• Ramona Santiago Burnell

• Chau Le

• Nicole Kaaina

• Nu Hong

• Barbra Braganza

• Annie Tien

• Grace Mauk

• Crystal Chow

• WeiMei Hung

• Imani Austin

• Lillian Man

• Psyche Iun

• Judy Duong

• Kay Guan

• Joel Olivier

• Julie Wong

• Maria Sanchez

We reached out to the SWs this year and asked them to share their stories. Crystal Chow returned to On Lok 9 years ago and wrote about her full-circle social work journey.

- I immigrated from China as a child and grew up in the vibrant San Francisco community of Chinatown, where I spent much of my youth helping at my uncle's grocery store. During those formative years, I developed unique connections with the neighborhood seniors who frequented the shop. They often honored me with traditional red envelopes during Chinese New Year celebrations, a cultural gesture of goodwill that deeply touched me.

My involvement with the elderly community deepened when a neighbor's daughter asked me to stay overnight with her elderly mother. This arrangement continued for years, strengthening my bond with the senior community and planting the seeds for my future career.

When it came time for college, my academic advisors encouraged me to pursue social work at UC Berkeley. I secured an internship at On Lok PACE Gee Center with the Jade Team during my studies. This moment felt like coming full circle—I had grown up watching On Lok's distinctive green vans transport seniors throughout Chinatown, and now I was joining the organization as an intern.

After graduating, I began working at a senior residence in Chinatown. Throughout my career, I've nurtured my Chinese identity and cultural heritage by taking Chinese language classes. Today, I'm proficient in multiple Chinese dialects: Taishanese, Mandarin, Cantonese, and Zhongsanese—linguistic skills that have proven invaluable in my work.

After gaining experience in various settings, I eventually returned to On Lok, where my journey had begun. I have dedicated nearly three decades to supporting monolingual Chinese seniors, including these last nine years at On Lok. This career has allowed me to honor my cultural roots while serving a community that has always held a special place in my heart.

Thank you, Crystal!