Are you exploring or implementing Self-Determination through your California Regional Center?
A Person-Centered Plan is a vital tool designed to help potential SDP participants envision the life they want to create and work toward achieving their goals. This plan highlights their strengths, capabilities, preferences, lifestyle, and cultural values. It serves as a foundation for crafting an Individual Program Plan (IPP) that truly reflects their aspirations.
In addition, a well-developed Person-Centered Plan provides valuable insights into what effective support looks like. It focuses on fostering positive experiences, better days, and meaningful outcomes for those utilizing services.
I have been deeply immersed in plan development since the early days of Self-Determination. My journey with the Learning Community for Person-Centered Practices began in 2006 when I had the privilege of learning from Michael Smull, the founder of the Learning Community. That transformative experience reshaped my understanding of what it means to be truly person-centered, and I have been passionately committed to this approach ever since.
Over the years, I have taught thousands of providers and families about the principles of person-centered planning. My focus has always been on creating plans that genuinely reflect the individual—capturing who they are, what matters most to them, and what good supports look like in their life. These plans go beyond traditional expectations, honoring the unique needs and aspirations of each person.
For the past two years, I have been teaching a course designed for families and professionals, guiding them in developing authentic, person-centered support plans. My goal is to equip others with the knowledge and tools to craft plans that truly support and celebrate the individuals they serve.
My adult daughter who uses disability services and the thousands of families she has supported, became my compass in advancing and driving my passions.
As an active member and trainer credentialed by The Learning Community for Person Centered Practices, I utilize the PCT tools in all aspects of my career and life.
After a rewarding 30-year career at Parents Helping Parents (PHP) I retired in 2021. During my thirty years+, she supported and trained thousands of parents and professionals, developed programs, and was part of the PHP leadership team in leadership roles as the IT Director, Fund Development Officer, Community and Family Services Director, and Special Projects Director. I continue volunteering at PHP, co-facilitating a support group for Parents of Adult Children with Developmental Disabilities for the past 25 years.
As Executive Director of Journey of Choice, a parent-directed supported living (SLS) agency for fourteen years, I managed the SLS agency while educating other families in parent-directed services. During this time, I founded The BFF Project.
I attended Santa Clara University and obtained a Certificate in Early Childhood Intervention, Special Education in 1994. Before that, she studied at West Valley Community College and community college to become a medical assistant working in surgical and OB/GYN offices, and at El Camino Hospital for 15 years.
I have served on many boards and committees in the community over the years, including Interchange, the Santa Clara County Office of Education Inclusion Collaborative, the Santa Clara County Disability Collaborative, The Epilepsy Foundation of America, and more.
I most value time with my three amazing adult daughters and adult grandson. My hobbies include watercolor painting and jewelry making.
