Our team is made up of caring, dedicated professionals who are committed to supporting individuals with respect, patience, and understanding every day.
For over two decades, my career has been shaped by a single mission: helping individuals thrive through education and inclusive support. Before leading My Special Connection, I spent ten years with Jefferson County Public Schools in Louisville, Kentucky. As an ESL teacher, I didn’t just teach reading and writing; I became an advocate for my students and a bridge for their families, ensuring no child was left behind and every single one of them felt seen, heard, and empowered to succeed.
Education is my lifelong passion, rooted in my native Cuba, where I earned my bachelor’s in education with a focus on English as a Foreign Language. After moving to the U.S., I continued to expand my expertise, earning a Master of Science in Elementary Education from Indiana University Southeast and completing advanced literacy studies at the University of Louisville.
Being fluent in Spanish, French, and English allows me to connect deeply with families from all walks of life. I’ve learned that true communication is about more than just words, but cultural respect and building the necessary trust for genuine growth.
I am a student of the world and a lover of stories. I have a deep curiosity for every life story I encounter and a passion for staying informed; I’m a constant news-follower who loves to learn about people and, more importantly, connect them with one another.
My personal life is anchored by long lasting bonds. As a firm believer in the power of friendship, I am still in close touch with friends I met back in elementary school! I also have a deep love for sports, especially baseball. I passionately follow the team from my hometown in Cuba, keeping that piece of my heritage close to my heart.
Whether I am traveling to a new destination or enjoying quality time with my family and friends, I find joy in the simple act of being present with the people I love.
As Executive Director, I bring the lessons of the classroom: patience, adaptability, and heart into my leadership. My goal is to foster an environment where individuals feel respected and valued, families feel heard and supported, and services make a tangible, positive difference in daily life.
I am honored to lead a high qualified team dedicated to helping our special community reach its full potential, one person and one milestone at a time. My name is Rolando, and I look forward to connecting with you.
Hello! My name is Maria, and I am honored to serve as the Program Supervisor here at My Special Connection. My journey to this role has been defined by two lifelong passions: education and healthcare. With a background that spans from teaching Science in Cuba and Louisville, Kentucky, to practicing ICU, surgical, and Home Health nursing in Barcelona and California, I have dedicated my career to understanding how to best support and care for others.
As a Registered Nurse and educator, I understand the vital importance of quality assurance and safety. My experience in bilingual instruction helps me ensure our programs are truly accessible, empowering, and navigated with expertise within the RCEB and DDS landscapes.
Beyond my professional certifications, I believe that a person-centered approach starts with the environment we build together. I am a highly organized person with a deep love for interior decoration; I take great pride in applying my knowledge to make our service environment feel not just safe, but truly homey and welcoming.
When I’m not overseeing our programs, you can usually find me writing short stories and designing my own didactic tools to make learning easier and more engaging for the people I serve. I have a passion for reading, traveling, and watching movies, which keeps my perspective broad and my spirit adventurous. Most importantly, I love spending time with my family and friends. I strive to create spaces where everybody feels accepted, valued, and appreciated.
I view myself as a bridge between your needs and the services that help you thrive. I look forward to working together to build a future where every individual has the support they need to dream big and live life to the fullest
My name is Camilo, and I serve as the Office Manager for My Special Connection Programs and Services. In this role, I function as the administrative and communication hub for the agency, working closely with program coordinators, direct support staff, families, vendors, and outside agencies to help ensure that all departments operate smoothly, efficiently, and in compliance with program requirements. My responsibilities include organizing daily office operations, maintaining records, tracking deadlines, supporting staff scheduling and onboarding, monitoring documentation, and assisting coordinators in keeping services current and well managed. I also oversee intake paperwork, employee files, timesheets, training records, incident logs, and compliance documentation required for audits, licensing reviews, and Regional Center standards.
My professional path started in 1993 when I earned a bachelor’s degree in Pedagogy. This accomplishment led to several years of work as a college professor and teacher, where I developed and strengthened essential skills in instruction, curriculum planning, communication, administration, mentorship, and leadership. My training in pedagogy gave me not only a formal understanding of how people learn and grow, but also a lasting appreciation for structure, accountability, and the importance of supporting individuals in ways that are both practical and empowering.
Over the course of the last five years, I have built broad and meaningful experience in the field of disability and human services. I have worked in a variety of roles, including ILS Instructor, ILS Service Coordinator, SLS Personal Attendant, SLS Service Coordinator, Direct Support Professional in residential settings, and CFS Coordinator. These experiences have given me a comprehensive understanding of person-centered services and the many layers involved in supporting individuals with disabilities and special needs.
I am fluent in English, Spanish, and French, which has allowed me to communicate effectively and respectfully with people from diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds. My language skills were further enriched through experience in the travel industry, where I worked as a tour guide and host for international visitors in major tourist destinations. That work expanded my understanding of cross-cultural communication, hospitality, history, and the value of helping people feel informed, welcomed, and connected.
My personal interests reflect the same curiosity, love of learning, and appreciation for humanity that I bring to my professional life. I have a deep interest in culture, history, museums, literature, art, and travel. I enjoy exploring museums, reading books that broaden my understanding of the world, studying art history, and learning about the historical and cultural foundations of different communities. I am also passionate about birding, nature walks, and studying local fauna and flora, which allow me to stay connected to the natural world and continue discovering beauty and knowledge in everyday life. These interests speak to my identity as a lifelong learner, an explorer of ideas and places, and a person who values both intellectual growth and meaningful human connection.
My name is Kelly, and I coordinate the Supported Living Services Program at Success Express under My Special Connection. The purpose of this program is to support individuals in living as independently as possible while remaining safe, connected, and successful in their communities. In my role, I coordinate services and connect participants to essential resources such as medical care, behavioral support, transportation, benefits, and community-based programs. I help ensure that services are tailored to each individual’s needs and adjusted as those needs change over time. I also advocate for each participant’s rights, dignity, and personal choices while collaborating with families, staff, and service providers to address concerns, respond to crises, and maintain continuity of care.
I was born and raised in Nicaragua, where I spent the first 16 years of my life before
moving to the United States. This cross-cultural journey shaped my perspective early on and fueled my passion for understanding communities. Later, I pursued this interest academically at UCLA, graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Sociology and a minor in Central American Studies. Being fully bilingual in English and Spanish has been one of my greatest assets, allowing me to connect deeply with and support individuals from beautifully diverse backgrounds.
I am a certified Registered Behavior Technician (RBT). This specialized training has provided me with invaluable hands-on experience implementing behavioral
interventions and supporting personal development goals. Working directly with
individuals on behavioral modifications has taught me the importance of patience, data- driven strategies, and individualized care. Combining my coordination skills with
behavioral insights allows me to approach human services with a holistic and
empathetic mindset.
Giving back to the community is a core value that guides both my career and my
personal life. While living in Los Angeles, I actively volunteered with local organizations dedicated to supporting individuals experiencing homelessness. This firsthand involvement exposed me to systemic challenges and deeply reinforced my commitment to advocacy, social justice, and community service. I strive to use my skills to amplify the voices of underserved populations and create meaningful, lasting change.
Outside of my professional and volunteer commitments, I believe in maintaining a
balanced and vibrant life. I prioritize quality time with my family and friends, who keep
me grounded and inspired. I am also an avid adventurer at heart, always looking
forward to packing up for a spontaneous road trip or experiencing the energy of live
music at concerts. Thank you for taking the time to learn a bit about my journey, my
work, and the passions that drive me forward.
My name is Carmen, and I am the Independent Living Skills Service Coordinator at Winners and Dreamers, under My Special Connection. I have the privilege to work supporting individuals and families as they move toward greater independence, confidence, and meaningful community involvement. I am passionate about assisting adults with unique abilities build the skills they need to live rich, self-directed lives.
Before stepping into the management role, I worked directly with individuals and families as an Independent Living skills instructor, delivering person-centered support in areas such as personal hygiene, budgeting, home safety, communication, community access, and self-advocacy among others. My experience has taught me that every person has particular strengths, goals, and dreams, and I believe services should always be delivered from this perspective.
As a former college language professor and Registered Behavior Technician, I bring a strong background in education, program development, and community-based support. Speaking English, Spanish, and French, allows me to connect with individuals and families from different cultural groups helping them feel understood, respected, and included. I am committed to creating a welcoming environment where participants and families feel heard, supported, and empowered throughout their journey.
My professional background includes working in Independent Living Skills (ILS), Supported Living Services (SLS), Applied Behavior Analyst, and adult education. Throughout my career, I have conducted assessments, developed individualized support plans, trained staff, supported community integration, maintained compliance documentation, and collaborated closely with families, case managers, and other service providers. These experiences have strengthened my ability to provide services that are thoughtful, effective, and responsive to each person’s needs.
What I value most in this work is the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in people’s lives. I believe in teaching with encouragement, leading with empathy, and building relationships based on trust. I strive to help each individual grow in independence while honoring their choices, dignity, and personal goals.
On a personal level, I am someone who loves learning, culture, and connection. I enjoy traveling, discovering new places, learning languages, reading, writing, visiting bookstores and libraries, and spending time in nature. I love the ocean, the rain, flowers, art galleries, museums, cinema, music, dancing, and sharing laughter with family and friends. These personal passions help shape the warmth, creativity, and human connection I bring to my work every day.
It is an honor to serve the special needs community and to support individuals and families in building pathways toward greater independence, confidence, and quality of life.
My name is Ismene Martinez, and I am thrilled to serve as an Independent Living Skills (ILS) Service Coordinator for Winners and Dreamers under My Special Connection. I am fully dedicated to empowering adults with special talents to achieve autonomy, confidence, and active community integration. As an ILS Service Coordinator, my primary mission is to facilitate the personal growth and independence of the individuals we serve.
My day-to-day responsibilities center around consumer focused advocacy, structured goal planning, and skill development. This includes conducting individualized assessments to evaluate each consumer's unique strengths, challenges, and independent living goals. I focus on creating tailored Individualized Service Plans (ISPs) that outline realistic, measurable objectives, while guiding and supporting ILS instructional staff to ensure high-quality service delivery. Furthermore, I monitor consumer milestones and modify teaching strategies dynamically to ensure continuous growth.
My professional and academic background provides me with a robust framework to understand and support the complex needs of our adult consumers. I earned my Bachelor’s degree in Psychology in Mexico. My training in Special Education helps me understand diverse learning profiles, modify instructional methods, and foster inclusive environments. My focus on Neuropsychology gives me insight into brain-behavior relationships, cognitive processing, executive functioning, and memory. My background in Clinical Psychology with a Cognitive Behavioral Therapy framework helps me guide individuals to build positive coping mechanisms, modify behaviors, and manage anxiety or life transitions.
Before transitioning into adult services, I built a strong foundation in early childhood special education. In that role, I designed classroom curriculum adaptations and supported young children in critical areas like socialization and school adjustment. Furthermore, I have direct experience working as both Supported Living Services and Independent Living Skills staff. This firsthand experience means I totally understand the realities of direct care, the importance of person-centered planning, and how to effectively teach daily living skills such as budgeting, meal planning, community mobility, and self-advocacy.
Motherhood is a central priority in my life, as I am the proud mother of two young daughters. This role has honed my interpersonal skills, emotional intelligence, and ability to connect deeply with people from all walks of life. My family remains my absolute priority during my free time, and we love exploring new places together, especially spending quality time immersed in nature to stay grounded and energized. Finally, when I am relaxing at home, my favorite personal hobbies include listening to music, diving into a good book, and watching TV series alongside my husband.
My name is Dana, and I am the Service Coordinator for the Community Based Day Program that Golden Giants offers under My Special Connection. I feel privileged to support the individuals we serve and their families by helping create meaningful, person-centered opportunities for growth, independence, and community involvement. I work to coordinate services and activities based on each person’s strengths, needs, and goals, while maintaining open communication with families and team members to ensure support is consistent, respectful, and responsive. I also monitor progress, help address concerns, and strive to make sure each participant feels safe, encouraged, and included.
Before entering the human services field, I worked in communications and journalism, where I gained experience in content writing for social media and websites, scriptwriting for radio programs and news broadcasts, production and editing of communication materials, corporate social media management, and the organization and coverage of internal events such as workshops, product launches, exhibitions, seminars, and themed celebrations. I also received a Certificate of Recognition for outstanding informative work in the promotion of union-related activities as a journalist for Máxima 105.3 FM in Venezuela.
In addition to my communications background, I have previous experience working as an Independent Living Skills (ILS) Instructor, Direct Support Professional in Adult Residential Facilities, and ILS Service Coordinator. These roles have allowed me to develop strong skills in person-centered support, service coordination, advocacy, communication, and helping individuals build independence and confidence in their daily lives.
I was born in Venezuela and lived in Chile for seven years, experiences that helped shape my adaptability, cultural awareness, and appreciation for diversity. My work is deeply personal to me because my younger brother is autistic, which is a big part of why I feel so connected to the services I provide. Supporting others is not just my profession; it is something I genuinely enjoy and care about.
Outside of work, I am very active and passionate about wellness and the outdoors. I am a runner who has completed marathons, enjoy going to the gym, and love activities such as hiking, camping, snowboarding, golf, and pickleball. I also enjoy exploring new cities, learning about different cultures, editing content, running with my dog Frankie, and I am a big HYROX fan. I prefer the mountains over the city, and my perfect day includes a long run, a workout, a hike, and sushi to finish it off.
My name is Ania, and I coordinate the In-Home Respite Program offered by Golden Giants through My Special Connection. In this role, I implement and supervise a family support service intended to strengthen the caregiver’s ability to continue caring for the participant in the home environment. I ensure the provision of supervision, assistance with daily routines, and individualized support based on the participant’s specific needs. My goal is to promote family stability while reducing caregiver stress and burnout.
My professional journey began in education, where I gained more than 20 years of experience teaching and supporting students. During that time, I developed strong skills in communication, patience, guidance, individualized support, and teamwork. My academic background, including advanced studies in education, strengthened my knowledge of teaching methods, research, and human development. I also completed training in reading comprehension, communication, language instruction, and computer skills.
As my career evolved, I expanded into the human services field, where I worked as an ILS and SLS instructor. These roles gave me valuable hands-on experience supporting individuals in their daily lives while deepening my understanding of person-centered care, advocacy, independent living, and the importance of working closely with families and interdisciplinary support teams. That practical foundation strengthened my leadership, organizational, problem-solving, interpersonal skills, and ultimately prepared me to grow with confidence into my current role.
On a personal level, I am a very spiritual person. My family means everything to me, and I deeply value spending quality time with them. I especially enjoy sharing simple everyday moments with my beloved husband, even something as ordinary as running errands together. I also value friendship very much, and I love making new friends and building close, meaningful relationships with people.
I have a deep love for nature and enjoy going on hikes and exploring the beauty of this world. I find peace and joy in activities that allow me to create and care for my surroundings. I love knitting and specially designing and crocheting my own handbags, which is one of my greatest passions. I also enjoy household tasks, particularly gardening. Plants give me a sense of calm, purpose, and fulfillment. Altogether, I consider myself to be a caring, hardworking, creative, and service-oriented person who is passionate about building a meaningful life centered on faith, family, and friendship.
My name is Margin, and I serve as the Service Coordinator for the Coordinated Family Support Program offered by Winners and Dreamers under My Special Connection. My job consists of helping families navigate systems that can feel overwhelming, such as respite, transportation, benefits, housing-related resources, educational or behavioral supports, and other community-based services. I also monitor progress, address concerns early, and help ensure that each participant’s needs, preferences, dignity, and independence remain central to the services being provided. In short, my goal is to serve as a key link between the family, the participant, and the support network so that services are organized, person-centered, and responsive.
I am a results-driven professional with a strong background in business administration, finance, customer service, office management, and direct client support. I hold a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration with a minor in Banking and Finance. My educational background has given me a solid foundation in financial management, organizational leadership, problem-solving, and strategic planning. These skills are essential for coordinating services, managing program responsibilities, and ensuring that participants receive quality support tailored to their needs.
Throughout my career, I have developed strong abilities in office management, project coordination, accounting support, budgeting, scheduling, team supervision, and customer relations. I have successfully managed operations in fast-paced business settings, maintained financial records for multiple companies, and supported leadership teams with daily administrative and human resources functions. These experiences have strengthened my attention to detail, accountability, and ability to manage multiple responsibilities effectively.
I have also worked directly with individuals who require personal care and independent living support. As an IHSS Care Provider, Independent Living Skills Instructor, and Elder Care Provider, I have assisted clients with daily living activities, budgeting, hygiene, appointments, mobility, and community access. These roles have helped me develop meaningful skills in advocacy, empathy, communication, and person-centered support. I understand the importance of promoting dignity, independence, and well-being for every individual and family I serve.
As a bilingual professional fluent in Spanish and English, I am able to communicate effectively with diverse families, clients, and professionals. On a personal level, I enjoy walking, being in nature, spending time with my family, traveling, reading self-improvement books, and crocheting. These interests reflect the values I bring to my work every day: patience, creativity, balance, personal growth, and a genuine appreciation for connection and community.
Thank you for taking the time to get to know me. I am proud to serve families through this program and remain committed to making a positive difference through compassionate support, strong coordination, and dedicated service.
My name is Karina, and I am the Accounting Coordinator for My Special Connection programs and services. In this role, I am responsible for maintaining accurate financial records and supporting the organization’s daily financial operations. My work includes tracking income and expenses, processing invoices and payments, reconciling accounts, assisting with payroll and budgeting records, monitoring program-related costs, and preparing reports that support management, compliance, and audit processes. I also work closely with program managers, administrators, and outside accountants to ensure financial documentation is organized, accurate, and aligned with company, Licensing, and the Regional Center of the East Bay requirements.
I am a professional with integrity, strong organizational skills, and a proactive, analytical, and communicative approach to my work. I am committed to excellence and bring a visionary mindset to every responsibility I take on. With more than 20 years of experience in both the private and public sectors, I have developed a solid professional foundation in administration, finance, operations, and institutional support. My objective is to contribute to the growth of strong organizations while continuing to grow professionally through teamwork, dedication, and the ongoing development of my skills.
Throughout my career, I have held a wide range of positions that have strengthened my administrative and financial expertise. In the private sector, I have worked as an administrator, bookkeeper, caregiver-bookkeeper, and business management evaluator, as well as in roles related to quality control, customer service, inventory organization, and operations support. In the public sector, I have served in research, institutional image, information security, advisory, and administrative support roles. These diverse experiences have helped me build adaptability, responsibility, and a broad understanding of organizational processes across different industries.
My professional background also includes significant experience in higher education, where I served as a college professor, thesis advisor, thesis reviewer, and committee member in several academic institutions in Peru. In addition, I participated in curriculum design, quality committees, cultural extension, and social projection initiatives. These opportunities allowed me to strengthen my leadership, communication, and mentoring skills while sharing knowledge with students and colleagues. My academic preparation includes diplomas in Government Contracting, Audit and Control, Contracting with the State, and Marketing, supported by strong office automation skills in Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
Outside of work, I enjoy reading, staying active through sports such as volleyball and basketball, going to the gym, browsing the internet, and listening to a wide variety of music. I value continuous learning, personal growth, and the opportunity to contribute positively wherever I work. I take pride in being a dedicated and versatile professional who combines experience, commitment, and a strong work ethic to support both organizational success and the people I serve.
My name is Gregvi, and I serve as the Human Resources Representative at My Special Connection. In my role, I am responsible for supporting the agency’s workforce and helping ensure staffing practices are organized, compliant, and effective. My responsibilities include maintaining personnel files, tracking background clearances, health screenings, training requirements, and certifications, responding to employee questions, and helping staff understand company policies and procedures. I also monitor compliance with Labor Department, Licensing, and the Regional Center of the East Bay requirements, assist with leave requests and workers’ compensation matters, and support management in addressing attendance, performance, and workplace concerns to help maintain a qualified, reliable, and compassionate workforce across all programs.
My academic preparation reflects my discipline, dedication, and ability to learn at a high level. I earned a Bachelor of Arts in Integrative Biology from the University of California, Berkeley, and an Associate Degree in Biology from Diablo Valley College. This foundation helped me develop strong critical thinking, analytical reasoning, attention to detail, and problem‑solving skills. It also strengthened my ability to process information carefully, stay organized, and approach responsibilities with professionalism and accuracy.
In my previous roles, I developed strong customer service skills and learned how to communicate effectively with a wide variety of people. I managed daily office operations, scheduled appointments, assisted clients, processed insurance information, and supported the coordination of essential services. This experience strengthened my administrative abilities, attention to detail, respect for confidentiality, and capacity to work closely with people while ensuring processes were completed accurately and thoughtfully.
I am also fluent in Spanish, which allows me to communicate effectively with a broader and more diverse community. Being bilingual helps me foster inclusion, build trust, and ensure that employees feel heard, understood, and supported.
Additionally, I offer strong written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills, paired with analytical and mathematical proficiency, excellent time management, and a high level of organization. My proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and database management systems allows me to work efficiently and support the organization’s operational needs with accuracy and momentum.
On a personal level, I enjoy spending time with my family, reading fiction and fantasy books, going to the beach, swimming, enjoying nature, cooking, and baking pies. I also have a deep love for farm animals because I was born on a farm. These personal experiences have shaped me into someone who values hard work, connection, care, and community.
