'Kind & Compassionate': City Celebrates Mission Viejo Employee Of The Year

MISSION VIEJO, CA — With 2025 firmly behind us, the City of Mission Viejo paid tribute to one employee that made a difference this past year.

Stephanie DeAlmeida has been named the City of Mission Viejo's 2025 Employee of the Year for her "stellar" work with Animal Services, city officials said.

DeAlmeida is assigned to investigations were she handles complex and sensitive cases involving animal cruelty, dangerous and vicious dog investigations, nuisance complaints and compliance checks.

Within the city, she is known for being kind, compassionate and caring, as well as instrumental in launching and shaping Animal Services' new veterinary program.

"Drawing on more than 15 years of veterinary experience, Stephanie helped establish procedures, assisted in surgeries and supported medical evaluations that have elevated the standard of care for animals within the city," Animal Services Manager Kyle Werner told Patch. "While managing a full investigative caseload, she also brought her extensive veterinary experience to the department, helping to building the program from the group up and assisting weekly surgeries."