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.

 I’m thrilled to be a CFS & ILS Case Manager at Self Determined Futures. Being part of a team that empowers people with disabilities gives my soul purpose. I love working with our clients and helping them achieve their goals, whether it's gaining independence or learning a new skill.

I have been in this field for five years and have extensive experience managing client caseloads. Working one-on-one and engaging with the community helps me build special bonds with clients, which is incredibly rewarding. I truly value our interactions and take pride in becoming a crucial part of their support team. I’ve also been an advocate for our clients, ensuring they receive the services they need and providing them with the resources to succeed.

While working with people with disabilities, I also served as a caregiver/personal assistant for an elderly lady in her late seventies, who was on oxygen and used a walker. I  assisted her with daily tasks such as banking, meal prep, shopping, medical appointments, and fun outings. This experience deepened my love for working with seniors and individuals with disabilities. Beyond my professional life, my other passion is music. I hold a BA in Music and am a classically trained singer. I connect with our clients through our shared love of music. Music is the greatest communicator, bringing together people from all backgrounds.

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.

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 hold an Associate of Arts degree in Music from Modesto Junior College and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from UC Merced. I’m currently completing my Master’s degree in Counseling Psychology at CSULB. I’ve worked in human services for eight years, starting as a Spanish interpreter for mental health services, including substance use groups, anger management groups, and counseling sessions for children, families, and adults. I also have five years of experience as a case manager, working with diverse populations such as immigrants and refugees, low-income families with school-aged children, and, most recently, with unhoused individuals in Long Beach.

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In my spare time, I enjoy visiting art museums, playing guitar, and spending time with loved ones.