Our story began in Cuba, where we met in college while studying Educational Sciences. Like many other young people, we dreamed of greater opportunities that could only be achieved by moving abroad. I ended up in Barcelona, Spain, where I completed my nursing career and later worked at a hospital. Rolando settled in Louisville, Kentucky, and joined Jefferson County Public Schools as an English as a Second Language teacher for elementary students.
Years later, life reunited us through the magic of Facebook, giving us the opportunity to create a future we hadn't dared to imagine in our early twenties. What once felt out of reach became a reality through patience, faith, and perseverance. Our crossing of paths wasn't merely a second chance; it was the beginning of a life built together on love, resilience, and a shared purpose of serving others.
A new and meaningful chapter began for us during our first visit to California in 2016. Here, we were introduced to the special needs community and to the many services, programs, and resources designed to support individuals and families in living fuller, more connected lives. That experience inspired us deeply. We recognized both a significant need and a meaningful opportunity to serve through our experience, compassion, and commitment.
That inspiration became the heartbeat of My Special Connection. We chose this name
because it captures our deepest values. To us, ‘Special’ honors the inherent value and
unique light within every person, while ‘Connection’ represents the bridges of trust,
inclusion, and hope we strive to build every day. My Special Connection is our life’s
work, a promise to show up with professional excellence, deep empathy, and an
enduring love for the community we serve.
