Welcome to Defender Profiles. Here you’ll learn about one of our amazing defenders of childhood – everything from what they do for CHOC to what they do for fun – and gain insight into a different department in our health system.
Supporting the infrastructure of a health care organization can be demanding. As the facilities services coordinator, Rosa Merino excels in providing assistance to CHOC Hospital in Orange and over 52 of our clinics. Whether it’s repairing a broken chair or choosing new paint colors with a department, Rosa is passionate about positively impacting the lives of health care professionals who serve our communities. “These contributions help our staff provide better care for patients,” Rosa shares.
How long have you worked at CHOC?
I’m coming up on my three-year anniversary this July 2025. It feels longer, in a good way, because of all the positive experiences and growth I’ve had with the department.
Can you describe your current role?
As the facilities services coordinator at CHOC, I support our facilities across the organization. I oversee our main facility – our hospital in Orange – and more than 52 CHOC clinics, including CHOC Clinic at the Boys & Girls Club of Santa Ana, Clinica CHOC Para Niños, Oso Pediatrics and Sea View Pediatrics to name a few. My responsibilities include furniture repairs and replacement, move management, general repairs and maintenance for off-site clinics and managing our flooring and painting vendors. I’m also part of the request for service team (RFS) where I manage small projects such as office and breakroom refreshes, and the Space Planning Committee, which involves reviewing space requests organizational-wide. I do a little bit of everything, which I absolutely love.
What do you love about your current role?
My favorite part is getting to know the different departments and associates at CHOC. While we often receive repetitive requests, each request is unique, whether it’s choosing paint colors or refreshing spaces. I get the opportunity to learn about the various departments across the organization and help provide them with what they need for a great work environment.
What do you love about working at CHOC?
Working at CHOC is meaningful because we all have an impact on children’s lives, which is incredibly rewarding. The workplace culture is supportive and collaborative, fostering both personal and professional growth. I also love my coworkers. Our collaboration and positivity are unmatched, and we’re guided by supportive executive leadership. Being surrounded by dedicated and passionate colleagues is inspiring and motivating.
How has CHOC changed and progressed in your time here?
The growth of our organization and department has been incredible. Our leadership is dedicated to our growth, providing training opportunities for acquiring new skills. With the opening of the Southwest Tower and new associates continuously joining our growing organization, it’s an exciting time to be a part of the organization.
What do you wish associates knew about the facilities department?
Our facilities team prioritizes work orders similarly to how nursing staff triage patients. In the past year, we successfully closed over 25,000 work orders, highlighting our team’s commitment to ensuring a comfortable work environment. Every request holds significance for us, as we strive to create a welcoming space for everyone to work and deliver patient care.
Do you have any favorite moments or stories about working at CHOC that you can share?
There are hundreds of them, but celebrating small wins and achievements with my team is always a highlight. It’s great when we can come together and enjoy each other’s company, even if it’s just for half an hour.
What do you think makes someone a great Defender of Childhood?
A great defender of childhood is someone who has a positive attitude and a commitment to taking care of the community and children. It’s about doing your best for everyone around you.
What are your hobbies and interests outside of work?
I love spending time with my family and two chihuahua mixes, Benjamin and JackJack. With three sisters and a brother, we’re very close and I enjoy watching my nieces and nephews grow.
What is one thing on your bucket list?
Traveling! I would like to visit Scotland, Ireland, Sweden and Japan. Japan is top of the list especially since I’m a big anime fan. I am currently learning Japanese and look forward to planning my trip. My family and I currently vacation annually in Hawaii, but now with the kids getting older, we’re looking to do bigger trips.
