Meet Your California Team

Our Board

kAREN nAVARRO

co-president

Since 2006, Karen has been working for Jay Nolan Community Services (JNCS) in the greater Los Angeles area. Karen began her journey as a supervisor, but has diverse experience in human services including hands-on direct support, staff training, employment services and most recently as the Career Project Coordinator of the Uniquely Abled Academy (UAA) CNC training program at College of the Canyons. Karen also is involved in Social Security Administration’s Ticket to Work program, as well at offering VITA taxes for the last 10 years to the community. Prior to working for Jay Nolan Community Services, Karen worked 6 years in the Greater Avenues for Independence (GAIN) program, which is the welfare-to-work program under the Department of Social Services. Karen holds a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology, as well as earning her Master of Public Administration with distinction at California State University, Northridge. Karen has tremendous passion for supporting people to live and work in their community, so that they may achieve the greatest level of independence. Karen leads our Communication committee and is a member of Education and Content committee.

Gabriela sanchez

Secretary

Gabriela has been leading programs supporting the independence and inclusion of adults with developmental disabilities for over 16 years. Utilizing person centered principles, she has served in a variety of positions creating opportunities for individuals to find their unique path to employment. Currently, she is in the role of Senior Regional Director for the Tierra Del Sol Foundation. As the leader of Tierra del Sol’s College to Career, Workforce Development and Individualized Services Gabriela guides her team to support over 360 men and women with disabilities to lead productive and personally meaningful lives. Gabriela holds a B.A. in Psychology from California State University, Los Angeles and a drive to continually challenge our larger community to recognize the value of each of the individuals she supports. Gabriela enjoys traveling, taking photos, all things Disney and spending time with her husband, 23 year old daughter and her 17 year old son who has Autism.

Vivian Haun

Member

Vivian Haun is an attorney and independent consultant.  She has a master's degree from Stanford University and a J.D. from UCLA School of Law.  Vivian previously served as a special education policy analyst for the California Charter Schools Association, where she worked on implementation of the Competitive Integrated Employment Blueprint and advocated for person-centered transition and employment practices in schools.  She also has a sibling with autism who has worked in an integrated setting with the support of his Regional Center and the Department of Rehabilitation.

Lara Okunubi

member

Lara Okunubi, Bsc, Mba, is Executive Director of Ideal Program Services in Los Angeles, California, serving the community of developmental disabilities for more than twenty-five years to create change and achieve desired goals using evidence-based practices. Lara has served in numerous community and professional volunteer leadership roles such as ACRE trained Employment Facilitator, CaApse board member, Certified Person-Centered Trainer/ PCP Facilitator/PCP Writer, Past Vendor Advisory Chairperson (sclarc), Independent Facilitator and LifeCourse Ambassador

Rebecca laboriel

Co-President & Treasurer

Rebecca LaBoriel has worked with individuals with disabilities for over 25 years. She has her Master’s in Counseling and has been a Director of Supported Living, Independent Living, Day Services and Employment. She has been a part of the California Supported Living Network for over 15 years-working in partnership with the State Department of Disabilities to ensure that Person-Centered-Employment Services stays at the forefront of California’s service delivery system. Suad Bisogno

Harry Bruell

Member

Harry Bruell has served as CEO/President of PathPoint since 2017 and has been a leader in the nonprofit sector since 1991.  PathPoint supports 2,500 people with mental health diagnoses and/or developmental disabilities in living the life they choose.  PathPoint’s 500 employees operate employment, residential, community integration and counseling services in five southern and central California counties.

Harry serves on the Boards of the California Disability Services Association and California APSE as well as the State Council of Developmental Disabilities’ SB639 workgroup and numerous workgroups convened by the CA Department of Developmental Services. Harry is also a member of the CA Behavioral Health Association’s Policy Committee and the ANCOR Government Relations Committee. Harry is an active member of the Los Angeles Coalition of Service Providers and represents that group on the Lanterman Coalition.

Prior to joining PathPoint, Harry served for 26 years in the conservation corps field, including 13 years as President and CEO of Conservation Legacy, a national agency based in Colorado. During the Obama Administration, the Secretary of the Interior appointed Harry as chair of a federal advisory committee charged with expanding the corps movement. Harry is the author of a book about his family’s experience with mental illness and hopes to support others with similar challenges.

Lily Handley

Member

Lily is committed to the disability rights movement, and passionate about working alongside people to secure employment that is fulfilling and provides opportunities for connection and community. She has been working for more than 17 years with kids and adults with disabilities at schools, in employment settings, and in their homes. Her focus throughout this time has been to encourage each person to make informed decisions, and to develop their individual voice as a strong self-advocate.

Since 2013, Lily has been working for Jay Nolan Community Services (JNCS) in the greater Los Angeles area. In 2015, she completed a Master's degree in Rehabilitation Counseling from Cal State LA. She is currently the Customized Employment Services Supervisor at JNCS, where she works for adults with disabilities helping them access employment and education, as well as gain skills and experience around self-advocacy and self-determination.       

Katherine Sanders

Vice President

Katherine is the Employment Specialist at San Andreas Regional Center.  Katherine has her Bachelor of Science in Communication from San Diego State University.  She has extensive experience in the Employment field as a Supported Employment Program Manager, job developer and job coach.  She serves all of the SARC catchment area and works closely with our vendors, the Department of Rehabilitation and the local community to help increase competitive integrated employment.

Carole Watilo

Member

Carole Watilo is the Executive Director of Progressive Employment Concepts and Community & Employment Services.  Carole holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Child Development and a Master of Arts Degree in Education with an emphasis in Special Education from Sacramento State University. Carole has experience and training in Discovery and Customized Employment, Person Centered Thinking practices, Augmentative and Alternative communication strategies and positive behavior support strategies. Since 1984, Carole has worked to advance inclusion and equity for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

sUAD bISOGNO

member

Suad Bisogno has developed and managed community integrated services for adults with disabilities for over 10 years. Suad has a passion and drive for creating a world where people with disabilities are included, embraced and treated as equals. Suad's most recent venture has been supporting people with disabilities and their families transition from school into employment focused services. She is also the CEO of Integrated Resources Institute, a non profit supporting over 300 people with disabilities to be competitively employed.

DEBRA JORGENSON

member

Debra Jorgensen is a Client Coach and Independent Facilitator for Guidelight Group and an Adjunct Professor at University of San Diego School of Law. She has worked in the field of disability, employment, and public interest law for over 20 years. As a former attorney at Disability Rights California and the Children’s Advocacy Institute at the University of San Diego, and in private law practice, Debra has focused her career on advocating for the rights of those from underserved communities. Debra is trained in Customized Employment by the Association of Community Rehabilitation Educators (ACRE), Person-Centered Thinking and Independent Facilitation.

Our Members