Meet Our Team

ARIANA OREGEL RIVERA
Community Navigator
- Languages spoken: English & Spanish
- Joined April 2023
About:
I am a first-generation college graduate from California State University, Monterey Bay, where I earned my Bachelor’s degree in Collaborative Health and Human Services in May 2022 with a concentration in Social Work.
Before joining Special Kids Connect, I worked with the Community Housing Improvement Systems and Planning Association (CHISPA) during the COVID-19 pandemic, supporting the VIDA project through food bank distributions for CHISPA residents, community outreach, and vaccine clinics in collaboration with Visiting Nurse Association (VNA) to provide COVID-19 vaccinations to residents and the broader community.
I joined Special Kids Connect in April 2023 and currently serve as a Community Navigator, where I support and guide families through various systems and help ensure they feel confident advocating for themselves and accessing the resources they need. Since starting at SKC, I have developed meaningful connections with families and gained valuable experiences that have helped me grow professionally and deepen my understanding in many aspects of life.
What I like best about working at Special Kids Connect:
What I enjoy most of working with Special Kids Connect is connecting with other agencies and families and empower them to learn about community resources and advocate for their children.
Fun fact:
I love experiencing motherhood.
Photos courtesy of Bruce Haase Photography
