Gambini

Background

In November 2000 Gambini began working as a contracts clerk at DaVita, a company that provides dialysis to renal patients. It is undisputed that Gambini had a history of health problems that predated her employment at DaVita. After sev- eral months at DaVita she began to experience depression and anxiety, and in April 2001 she experienced an emotional breakdown at work. Gambini eventually met with a mental health provider at the community health clinic and was told that her symptoms were consistent with bipolar disorder.

Upon returning to work several days later, Gambini informed her supervisor Robin Warren (“Warren”) that she was seeking medical treatment for bipolar disorder. When Warren was promoted in May 2001, DaVita replaced her with Carrie Bratlie (“Bratlie”), who became Gambini’s new direct supervisor. Gambini also told Bratlie that she was suffering 2690 GAMBINI v. TOTAL RENAL CARE, INC. from bipolar disorder and requested several accommodations. In addition, Gambini told her co-workers that she was experi- encing mood swings, which she was addressing with medica- tions, and asked that they not be personally offended if she was irritable or short…