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.

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.

I’m a Case Manager specializing in Coordinated Family Support/Housing at Self Determined Futures LLC. I hold a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and Sociology from California State University, Dominguez Hills. My professional journey is deeply rooted in my early experiences. When my family moved to the U.S. while I was still young, we faced significant challenges adjusting to life in Los Angeles due to language barriers. Witnessing my family and many members of my community struggle to access essential services—such as education, health care, and employment—profoundly impacted me. These experiences fueled my passion for understanding and addressing the barriers faced by marginalized populations.

Pursuing a degree in behavioral science allowed me to explore these challenges more deeply. My undergraduate studies focused on the complex issues faced by marginalized groups, including the negative coping mechanisms often associated with substance use disorders. I learned about various programs and protective behavioral strategies designed to support substance use regulation and recovery. Despite the existence of these resources, many individuals remain unaware of them and find themselves trapped in cycles of frustration and hopelessness. Now, in my role at Self Determined Futures LLC, I am fortunate to apply this knowledge to support individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). My goal is to bridge the gap between available resources and those in need, ensuring that families and individuals with IDD receive the support and information necessary to alleviate their challenges. My commitment is to make a meaningful difference by reducing frustration and providing hope through effective, informed support.

I'm an experienced Independent Living Skills (ILS) and
Coordinated Family Support (CFS) Specialist at Self Determined Futures. With a deep commitment to empowering individuals to lead independent and fulfilling lives. I bring expertise to developing support plans that address each client's unique needs and goals, and then
helping each one put that into their lives successfully. I'm skilled in teaching essential life skills from daily living tasks to community integration, ensuring my clients can navigate their environments confidently and independently. My approach is both compassionate and strategic, focused on fostering self-determination and resilience to those I serve. My dedication to continuous learning and professional development
allows me to stay at the forefront of best practices in the field. My work not only enhances the quality of life for my clients and myself, but it contributes to the broader mission of promoting autonomy and empowerment for individuals with diverse abilities. My field of work is not only rewarding but I'm so grateful each and every day to wake up and
give back to the community by helping to better the lives of my clients and bring peace of mind to them and their families.

Hi there! My name is Ryan Maloney, and I’m very proud to be one of the Career Pathway Navigators (CPN). As a CPN, I work within the Coordinated Career Pathways program, helping individuals and their families plan for future career readiness, which can take shape in many forms – such as, among other options, assisting them with enrolling in postsecondary education or vocational training, aiding them in pursuing self-employment or securing a paid internship, as well as working with them to achieve competitive integrated employment. My first step with clients is to help them develop a unique Person-Centered Career Plan, and I use motivational interviewing techniques and a human-centered design process to help identify the individual’s career goals and interests, strengths, challenges and barriers, regional center and generic services/supports, action steps, milestones and timelines, as well as ways to monitor progress.

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Before coming to SDF, I held numerous mentoring and coaching roles, including serving as an advisor at San Diego Job Corps, where I helped counsel at-promise individuals between the ages of 16 and 24 with their academic and career goals, and I also served as the head golf coach at Golf Galaxy - San Diego. Prior to that, I was the class president of my graduating class at Valley Forge Military College, and then later obtained an A.A. in Psychology with the highest honors from Southwestern College. Most recently, I graduated from San Diego State University, magna cum laude, with an interdisciplinary B.A. in Psychology, Sociology & Counseling. As someone who has held various jobs and transferred multiple times in college, I know firsthand just how frustrating, confusing and demanding the career planning process can be. But many people have done it, and so can you. And, along the way, my team and I will be right by your side to help you navigate your own career pathway!       

I recently graduated from California Lutheran University with a Bachelor's Degree in Psychology. After taking a gap year, I am now attending Azusa Pacific University and am working towards a Masters in Clinical Psychology with an Emphasis in Marriage & Family Therapy. During my time at CLU I was exposed to various forms of research methods, practices, theories, and methodology all within the realm of Psychology. Now in my masters program, I can only further extend my contribution. To this point, I have about 3.5 years experience in this field thanks to school, and other job opportunities I have had in the past.

I am beyond thankful to be that shoulder to lean on for those in need. To be able to empower others is an amazing feeling and I look forward to putting forth the efforts to make this a reality. 

In my spare time I make music (play guitar, drums, bass, and sing), I paint/draw, and I am also a full-time runner, sometimes running twice a day.

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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.

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.

I’ve always been driven by a desire to help others find balance and support in their lives, and I consider it a great honor to work as a Case Manager with Self Determined Futures. With a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from USC and a breadth of experience in the field—ranging from work at an animal-assisted therapy center to involvement with the Prison Education Project—my commitment to mental health and wellness has been shaped by a diverse array of experiences.
These experiences, combined with my research into integrative approaches like mindfulness, have deepened my belief in the importance of holistic care. I am truly grateful to have the opportunity to be a resource for those in need, and am thrilled to be part of a community that shares my passion for empowering individuals and making a meaningful difference.
Outside of work, I love embracing the simple joys of life! Yoga and meditation help me stay grounded, while hiking, beach days, and exploring the city with friends allows me to connect with the vibrant energy and community of Los Angeles.

I’m so happy to be at Self Determined Futures! Having moved to San Diego from Santa Barbara this year, I am really enjoying being in a big city and learning about all it has to offer. I graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Applied Psychology from Antioch University Santa Barbara. While there, I volunteered with DV Solutions, STESA, SB Wildlife Care Network, and SB Animal Rescue. I have been volunteering since I was 12 years old, starting with helping at Easterseals Preschool. All of these experiences made me realize that I really want to make a difference while I’m on this planet.

I am also studying at Walden University, specializing in Forensic Psychology. I’ve spent the last six years working as a behavioral interventionist and Registered Behavioral Technician, specializing in ABA and co-occurring disabilities. During my career, I noticed the need for services and support for both individuals with disabilities and their families.

I am a naturally curious, resourceful, and determined person. I look forward to using my problem-solving skills and unwavering reliability to help those I work with. I believe anyone can achieve anything they want in life, and I am excited to help individuals reach their goals. In my downtime, I love learning new things, playing video games, exploring the city, traveling, and going to Disneyland.

With a background in broadcasting and marketing, I learned early on the power of connecting with people and speaking with confidence—skills that have become central to my work as an advocate and community leader. My journey into this field began about two years ago after a traumatic experience, which inspired me to create Survivors Rejoice, an organization dedicated to supporting and uplifting survivors of trauma. Through Survivors Rejoice, I’ve led healing events, facilitated support circles, and created safe spaces where people can feel seen, heard, and understood.

As the African American Support Group Facilitator with Self Determined Futures, LLC, I’m honored to continue this work, building community and fostering support among those with disabilities, including cerebral palsy and other life-altering conditions. My volunteer experiences have taught me the importance of listening and providing genuine, compassionate care. Additionally, my experience in social media marketing has helped me amplify critical conversations and connect with those who need it most. Outside of work, I’m an artist at heart—whether I’m painting, writing, or finding peace in nature, my creativity keeps me grounded and motivated. I’m thrilled to be a part of Self Determined Futures, where I can bring my dedication and experience to support the African American community in a way that’s empathetic, empowering, and inclusive.