Former Employee Alleges Disability Discrimination Against Mental Health Service Provider

A former employee of a mental health service provider has filed a lawsuit alleging workplace discrimination and retaliation. On February 26, 2026, Guddi Nimje filed a complaint in the Superior Court of California, County of Sacramento, against Victor Community Support Services (VCSS) and Jennifer Lyon.

Guddi Nimje, who worked as an executive director at VCSS from February to May 2025, claims she faced discrimination due to her physical disability—clinical anxiety—which affects her ability to fly. According to the complaint, Nimje informed her supervisor, Jennifer Lyon, about her condition during a conference in Ontario, California. Lyon allegedly advised Nimje not to disclose her disability to COO Manual Lua, who had previously terminated another employee for similar reasons. This situation left Nimje worried about her job security. She alleges that after other directors learned she drove instead of flying to the conference due to her anxiety, Lyon berated her for revealing this information. Subsequently, on May 29, 2025, VCSS terminated Nimje’s employment.

The lawsuit accuses VCSS and its management of multiple violations under the California Government Code §12900 et seq., including physical disability discrimination and harassment, denial of reasonable accommodation for her disability, retaliation for opposing such discrimination, and failure to prevent these unlawful practices. The complaint asserts that VCSS failed in its duty to maintain a workplace free from discrimination and did not take necessary steps to address or prevent it despite having knowledge of such issues.

Nimje seeks damages for lost wages and benefits as well as compensation for emotional distress caused by the alleged discriminatory actions. Additionally, she requests punitive damages against the defendants for their alleged malicious conduct aimed at vexing and injuring her economically and emotionally. The lawsuit also demands injunctive relief to prevent further instances of physical disability discrimination within the organization.

Represented by attorneys Mark P. Velez and Natalya Grunwald from The Velez Law Firm PC in Roseville, CA., Nimje’s case is filed under Case No.: secre oo04asot with a jury trial demanded.