Meet the Team 

Hi my name is Mary Rodriguez and I am part of the Self-Determined Futures Team.Being able to work for Self-Determined Futures gives me the opportunity to help and empower those who need an extra push to get ahead and integrate into the community and find their own paths and feel proud of their lives. It's all about believing in themselves and having the courage to go after what they want. I feel incredibly lucky to be welcomed into the homes of those I support. It's a big honor for me. I'm there to celebrate their successes and support them through tough times. Challenges are just opportunities for us to show how strong and brave we can be. My approach is all about kindness and understanding. I want to create a safe space where people feel confident to make choices that make them happy. By offering support and encouragement, I hope to help them become more independent and confident in themselves.I believe everyone deserves a fair chance to succeed, no matter what challenges they face. I'm excited to learn and grow, and to help others do the same. To conclude, I enjoy watching movies, taking walks in parks or at the beach, and playing piano and singing. These hobbies bring me joy and relaxation, and I love exploring new creative avenues through them. I hope to keep growing and excelling at my job.

My name is Mariana. I am a Coordinated Family Supports case manager. My role focuses on aiding families in accessing essential resources and assistance. Specifically, I assist individuals with disabilities in navigating the maze of available resources, empowering them to maintain their independence. Beyond merely locating resources, I emphasize the importance of pursuing activities and supports that not only foster physical well-being but also align with personal aspirations and interests. With a background in psychology, I became acutely aware of the systemic barriers faced by individuals with disabilities during my college years. Witnessing this disparity fueled my commitment to advocacy.My journey began as an ABA technician, where I worked closely with children on the autism spectrum. Through this experience, I facilitated the development of crucial life skills and emotional regulation, laying the groundwork for their future independence. Ultimately, my overarching goal is to ensure that everyone, regardless of ability, has the opportunity to achieve fulfillment and success.

My journey into the field of supporting adults with intellectual disabilities at Self Determined Futures has been marked by a profound commitment to helping others. With a background in the medical field and a current pursuit of nursing education, I have a genuine passion for making a positive impact on the lives of those I serve.
My transition into this field was sparked by innate desire to help people, coupled with my experiences in healthcare settings, where I witnessed firsthand the challenges faced by individuals with intellectual disabilities.

An interesting tidbit about me is my unwavering dedication to continuous learning and personal growth. I have a busy schedule as a nursing student, but I actively seek out opportunities to expand my knowledge and skills, ensuring that I can provide the highest quality care and support to those in need.

What I find most fulfilling about this position at Self Determined Futures is the opportunity to make a tangible difference in the lives of adults with intellectual disabilities. Whether it's assisting them in daily tasks, advocating for their rights, or simply offering a listening ear, I take immense pride in being able to empower individuals to lead fulfilling and independent lives. I hope I can combine my love for nursing and the love I now have for supporting adults in this field and make something bigger and better in the near future. For me, the joy of knowing that I am positively impacting the lives of others is the greatest reward of all.

My name is Virginia Hopper but I also go by Ginny. I am a Coordinated Family Service Case Manager and Independent Living Service Specialist at Self-Determined Futures LLC. My journey into this field was unexpected but makes sense considering the previous career path and the pure joy I feel when witnessing the growth and confidence in others as they thrive. Prior to working with Self-Determined Futures, I was a Behavioral and Rehabilitation Specialist for the youth around San Diego. Since my time with them typically ended once they graduated high school or turned 18, witnessing their growth was lost, leaving me to wonder what would happen to them. My belief is that we are life-long learners, so the space to grow and learn is continuous as long as we are alive, capable, and willing to. The mission of Self-Determined Futures is to empower intellectually disabled adults and their families through consistent education, collaboration, and practices with the goal of the participants to achieve independence. I am fortunate to be a part of a passionate team of people who resonate and contribute to the growth of adults with intellectual disabilities. Something that brings me a sense of fulfillment since being in this position is witnessing the progress of the participants and the confidence they gain with each accomplishment.    When I’m not working in the field, in my free time I am dedicated to learning more about myself and the world around me through experiences and applying my background knowledge in Psychology.

Biography Coming Soon! 

I am privileged to serve as a Coordinated Family Support Case Manager at Self Determined Futures LLC. I have a Bachelor's degree in Psychology and a Minor in Counseling and Social Change. My journey commenced as an Assistant Manager Medical Assistant within an Internal Medicine practice, where I cultivated invaluable experience in patient care and operational management over a distinguished five-year tenure. Driven by a deep-seated passion for effecting positive change, I transitioned to the behavioral health sector as a Registered Behavior Technician. For over three years, I dedicated myself to providing applied behavioral analysis (ABA) services to individuals and families across various settings, including in-home, clinical, and educational environments. The educational institutions provided me with the opportunity to collaborate with students and educators from diverse backgrounds and challenges. Once I progressed into a supervisory role, I was responsible for training Early Behavior Interventionists and establishing parent education initiatives, further solidifying my expertise in the field. My personal experiences, particularly my encounters with childhood bullying, have instilled within me an unwavering commitment to fostering a culture of kindness, respect, and inclusivity. This philosophy serves as the cornerstone of my profession, driving my endeavors to serve as an ally and catalyst for social change and justice.Joining Self Determined Futures as a Case Manager is a tremendous honor, as it aligns seamlessly with my mission to empower individuals in need, and facilitate their journey towards self-expression and fulfillment. I firmly believe in the unique abilities of individuals with different abilities and advocate for a society that embraces diversity and celebrates individual strengths. In essence, my vocation is rooted in the belief that with encouragement and empowerment, we can forge meaningful connections and collectively navigate life's challenges with compassion and understanding.

Hi, I'm Erik Hernandez. I decided to join the Self Determined Futures team because of my background in community and social advocacy. I spent most of my teenage years advocating for change in the community of City Heights with an organization called Mid City CAN. There, I focused on addressing issues such as creating a safe place for skateboarders, starting a bus pass pilot program for youth to have access to reliable and free public transportation, and hosting various community events to expose the community to available resources. 

I quickly learned that I had a passion for social change by seeing how my work positively affected the lives of those in the community. In high school, I was exposed to their health academy. Once enrolled, I was able to volunteer with different organizations that worked with people with disabilities, and I really enjoyed being part of a team of professionals that helped bring joy and care to this community. My goal in life is to become a firefighter and continue to care for and serve my community. 

The experience of community advocacy, enjoying helping others, and learning about compassion through my EMT schooling ultimately led me to apply and, thankfully, become part of this growing team. A fun fact about me is that I play rugby for a semi-professional International Gay Rugby team.

My name is Belinda Acosta Salvador, and the vibrant streets of South Central have always been my home, weaving themselves into the very fabric of my identity. From the bustling markets to the close-knit community gatherings, every corner holds memories of my upbringing. It was amidst this rich cultural tapestry that I discovered my passion for higher education, embarking on a journey at California State Dominguez Hills. Here, I immersed myself in the study of Communications and Chicano/a Studies, using these disciplines as lenses to understand the world around me and the power of effective communication in fostering community engagement.

The tumultuous events of 2020 served as a catalyst for my journey into the realm of service. Amidst the uncertainty of the pandemic, I found purpose in the mission of City Year, an organization dedicated to uplifting urban communities like Watts. As an AmeriCorps member, I stepped into classrooms filled with eager minds, committed to guiding students through the complexities of academics and social-emotional development, even as the world shifted to remote learning. Witnessing their resilience in the face of adversity fueled my dedication to educational equity and community empowerment.

In my second year with City Year, I assumed the role of Team Lead, leading a cohort of AmeriCorps members in educational outreach efforts throughout South Central. Together, we forged strong connections with students, families, and community leaders, fostering a collective commitment to student success. Transitioning from City Year, I continued my journey as a Behavior Technician, providing invaluable support to students on the autism spectrum, helping them navigate the challenges of classroom dynamics and fostering their social and academic growth. Now, as a Coordinated Family Support Case Manager, I remain dedicated to empowering families and individuals through personalized advocacy and resource coordination, guided by the philosophy of Ubuntu — the belief in the interconnectedness of humanity and the power of collective action to create positive change.

I am Jorge Martinez, I’m privileged Self Determined Futures anorganization dedicated to empowering individuals with intellectual disabilities toleas self-directed and fulfilling living is Coordinated Family Support Case Manager and an Independent Living Specialist. The journey into this field began with a deeply rooted desire to make a positive impact on the lives of others. Inspired by personal experiences and encounters with individuals facing unique challenges, I embarked on path of education and advocacy to support and uplift marginalized communities. My first hand experience in community outreach was when I attended San Diego Mesa College and had the opportunity to work in the Outreach department. My hand on experience in community outreach programs and support servicessolidified my commitment to this noble cause and fueled my determination to create a more inclusive society. Whether it’s witnessing a breakthrough moment of self discovery in a client or celebrating small victories along the journey towards independence, every interaction reinforces my belief in the transformative power of compassion and empowerment. In my role at Self Determined Futures, I find immense fulfillment in fostering a supportive and inclusive environment where individuals with intellectual disabilities are valued, respected, and empowered to define their own futures. From facilitating skill-building workshops to providing personalized guidance and support, I am continually inspired by the resilience, courage and determination of the individuals I have the privilege to serve. My Journey into this field has been guided by a steadfast commitment to advocating for social justice, equity, and inclusion. Through my work at SelfDetermined Futures, I am dedicated to empowering individuals with intellectual disabilities to become independent, discovering their strengths, pursue their passions.