Languages spoken: English & Spanish

Joined October 2011

About: 

I have proudly served as a Family Resource Specialist with Special Kids Connect since October 31, 2011, supporting families of children with special needs through education, advocacy, and connections to community resources.

With over 20 years of experience in community outreach and family support, I previously worked as a Certification Home Coordinator with Aspiranet, where I trained foster parents in behavior de-escalation, mandated reporting, crisis prevention, mental health awareness, and trauma-informed care. I also provided direct support to foster families, helping strengthen placements and build on family strengths. Earlier in my career, I worked as an Advocate and Community Educator at the Women’s Crisis Center and as a Community Organizer and Youth Coordinator with The Citizenship Project, leading outreach efforts, youth development initiatives, and collaborative community partnerships.

I hold an Immigration Paralegal Certificate from Evergreen Valley College and am bilingual in English and Spanish. As a grandmother of two autistic grandsons—one of whom also has cerebral palsy—my professional work is deeply personal. My journey is guided by a vision of empowering families, fostering inclusion, and strengthening communities through compassion and collaboration. I am committed to helping children and families become future advocates, creating meaningful change, and improving lives for generations to come.

What I like best about working at Special Kids Connect: 

The reason I enjoy working at Special Kids Connect is deeply personal. I have found a place that truly opens doors and makes people feel they belong—a place I wish I had discovered when raising my younger son, who was born with a congenital birth defect. Special Kids Connect is a space where families are heard, not judged, and genuinely listened to. It is a place where families are valued, the work is family-driven, and the organization models integrity, belief, respect, and hope for a better tomorrow.

Fun fact:

I have a deep love for the arts and music, and I can often be found dancing to Texan tunes or lively cumbias. More than anything, I treasure family gatherings, sharing stories, laughing together, cooking homemade meals (especially tortillas), watching our children play, singing, and giving thanks for all we have.