Get to know me
Being a parent of a child with complex medical needs is what brought me to this role.
My son Buster is a client of North Bay Regional Center, and has Down syndrome. He has battled epilepsy, and he had a tracheostomy for two years. He currently has a feeding tube. He isn’t walking yet, and he’s nonverbal. Despite these challenges, he has accomplished so much. He is one of the most inspiring people I know.
Navigating Regional Center services, the Self-Determination Program, medical care, and the daily reality of life with a child who has significant disabilities has taught me more than any course ever could. I know what it is like to feel overwhelmed, defeated, lost, determined or inspired. I have had all of those same feelings myself! I have sat through IPP meedings, IEP meetings, medical appointments and reviews. I know that the right facilitator can change everything.
That’s why I do this work.
My background
In addition to parenting, I also have a professional background working in the sciences.
I hold a Bachelor’s degree in Biology and a Pre-Health Post-Baccalaureate certificate. I had thought that my career would be in medicine, but I decided to stay in the wine industry and raise a family in Sonoma County instead of attending medical school. I have worked most of my professional career at various roles at a wine and beverage industry supplier in Petaluma called Scott Laboratories. I worked as a lab analyst, a techinical sales rep, as a researcher and most recently as a regulatory and quality systems specialist. My work demanded meticulous attention to detail, careful documentation and a commitment to the rules that keep people safe.
I bring that same discipline to every Regional Center budget I manage and every Person-Centered Plan I facilitate.
Training and credentials
The Complete Independent Facilitator Training Course— The Independent Facilitator Training Academy
Person-Centered Thinking Certificate — The Learning Community for Person Centered Practices / TLCPCP
Pre-Health Professional Post-Baccalaureate — San Francisco State University
Bachelor of Arts, Biology — Gonzaga University
Why this work
I believe self-determination should be more than a policy — it should be a lived reality for every person and family who wants it.
I started Advokassy because families navigating developmental disability services deserve a facilitator who has been in the chair beside them, who understands both the system and the strain and who treats every plan and every dollar with the seriousness it deserves.
I’m based in Petaluma, with strong Sonoma County roots and I serve families across Northern California through virtual facilitation.
Other interests
In my downtime I like to hike or explore a new destination, especially near the coast. I love going to sporting events and cheering on my favorite teams (Giants, Niners, Warriors or the Gonzaga Bulldogs). Watching my son play in Miracle League baseball is a major event in our family! I dabble in sewing, knitting and occassionally I’ll dive into a pool and swim some laps. I spend a lot of time chasing my youngest son at the park. Mostly, I just love being with my friends and family and sharing some good food and wine.
Ready to connect?
If you’re considering SDP, partway through enrollment or already enrolled and looking for facilitation support — I’d love to hear from you.
Advokassy 