SG/PRC’s Internal Specialists

Board Certified Behavior Analyst

Joshua Trevino, BCBA, Provides clinical expertise and formal and informal consultation on behavioral health treatments. He provides behavioral evaluations and assessments of clients to assist in determining referral to the statewide Intensive Transition Service (ITS) Program. He also assists both Alta California Regional Center and San Gabriel/Pomona Regional Center with monitoring of the quality and effectiveness of the intensive transition service.
Joshua Trevino may be reached at (909) 710-8821, JTrevino@SGPRC.org

Client Advocate

Elisa Herzog meets individually with clients regarding information related to services, providing access for clients to discuss issues of concern. She provides information and conducts training sessions for staff, clients, their families, and community groups on service topics. Eliza promotes more opportunities for self-advocacy either on an individual or group basis and acts as consultant to the Client Services/Advisory Committee of the SG/PRC Board of Directors. Also, Eliza represents the agency in community outreach efforts.
Elisa Herzog may be reached at (909) 710-8190, EHerzog@SGPRC.org

Community Outreach Specialist

Amos Byun provides community outreach through participation in community fairs sponsored by various organizations; presents information about regional center to schools and other agencies; serves as the main organizer and support to the Korean, Chinese and Vietnamese Support Groups. He plays a major role in the implementation of Purchase of Service Equity Proposals/Projects, including providing technical support, data collection, and analysis. Amos also translates agency documents, brochures, and publications into Korean and provides translation from English to Korean during the agency’s public meetings, training conferences and in other smaller settings.
Amos Byun may be reached at (909) 710-8815, AByun@SGPRC.org

Community Outreach Specialist

Monica Barrios, M.S., Community Outreach Specialist, provides community outreach through participation in educational and health fairs and presents information about regional center to schools and other agencies. She participates in and is responsible for implementation of various equity projects. Additionally, she provides current information to families, which clarifies the disability of their children and the services that are available through the regional center, as well as generic community resources. She also provides support for support groups and provides Spanish translation.
Monica Barrios may be reached at (909) 710-8817, XGonzalez@SGPRC.org

Deaf & Hard of Hearing Specialist

Jessica Wilson, supports SG/PRC with the expansion of deaf and hard of hearing service resources, provides training and expertise to regional center staff, and coordinates with the Department of Developmental Services on statewide efforts. Jessica will collaborate agency wide to develop and or revise policies, procedures, or practices to support meaningful access for individuals that are deaf or hard of hearing to services offered through the San Gabriel/Pomona Regional Center (SG/PRC), service providers, generic resources, and community partners. Jessica oversees communication assessments for the deaf or hard of hearing and supports the Service Coordinator and Planning team with the furtherance of person-centered goals.
Jessica Wilson may be reached at (909) 710-8399, JWilson@SGPRC.org

Dental Care Coordinator

Cristina Macasaet, DMD Foreign Grad/RDA, provides oral assessments and referrals for individuals in need of a dentist at SG/PRC’s Dental Clinic and/or a BCBA at the Dental Desensitization Clinic Program. She provides education sessions for individuals served, parents, caregivers and SG/PRC staff on oral health maintenance and prevention of oral disease. Additionally, Cristina provides training and education to all levels of care facilities on oral health care and maintenance, which includes oral hygiene instructions to improve oral health. Cristina follows up with parents and caregivers on oral hygiene maintenance programs designed for individuals with developmental disabilities. Cristina also acts as liaison for Service Coordinators, individuals served and dental offices to ensure quality dental care.
Cristina Macasaet may be reached at (909) 710-8791, CMacasaet@sgprc.org

Education Specialist

Nora Perez-Givens is responsible for the development, coordination, and facilitation of activities which result in increasing the access to and effectiveness of preschool, primary, secondary, and higher education for individuals with developmental disabilities. In addition, all such activities incorporate inclusive principles to promote choice, empowerment, independence, and full integration into community life for individuals that we serve.
Nora Perez-Givens may be reached at (909) 710-8820, NGivens@SGPRC.org

Employment Specialist

Linh Lee, MPA, works as a liaison to local habilitation vendors, Department of Developmental Services, and Department of Rehabilitation. She develops and provides training to Service Coordinators and service providers regarding habilitation and Regional Center services and provides technical review of habilitation program records regarding the requirements for the semi-annual and annual Individual Habilitation Service Plan (IHSP). Additionally, she helps to promote the employment first legislation to improve employment opportunities for individuals, assists in the development of work-focused programs, and facilitates relationships with the business community to help promote job opportunities for individuals served.
Linh Lee may be reached at (909) 710-8843, LLee@sgprc.org

Forensic Specialist

Patricia Rambo provides services consultation and assistance to Service Coordinators as needed for clients who interface with criminal justice agencies. She attends court with Service Coordinators as requested and serves as primary liaison to all criminal justice agencies. Patricia provides ongoing in-services and consultation to these agencies. Patricia also provides technical assistance on the development of diversion and competency plans. And she educates the community and individuals within the legal system.
Patricia Rambo may be reached at (909) 710-8192, PRambo@SGPRC.org

The Foster Grandparent and Senior Companion Program

The Foster Grandparent and Senior Companion Program offers men and women, 55 years of age and older, who meet the qualifications, the opportunity to serve their community by sharing their time and attention with children and adults that have special needs or learning disabilities. These are caring volunteers who devote 15-40 hours per week helping children and adults lead a more independent and productive life.

In improving the lives of the people who they serve, the volunteers enrich their own lives. No formal education is required. What are important are life experiences and the wisdom that comes with age. Volunteers are in local pre-schools, schools, art galleries, vocational workshops, adult daycare centers, and other day programs specializing in working with people with developmental disabilities. If interested in volunteering, please contact Maria or Wendy below.

Senior Companion & Foster Grandparent (FG/SC) Program Manager

Our FG/SC Program Manager ensures compliance with National Service Criminal History Check (NSCHC) regulations, procedures, and record storage. She is responsible for recruiting, assigning, and training FG/SC volunteers, school districts and private or government organizations. She also arranges for FG/SC volunteers to attend the client’s IPP and other staff meetings. Additionally, she provides individual counseling to the volunteers for their psychosocial, health care, housing, and financial needs and assists with completion of paperwork for the program.

Senior Companion & Foster Grandparent Program Manager — North Side

Maria Vargas, M.S., may be reached at (909) 710-8822, MVargas@SGPRC.org

Senior Companion & Foster Grandparent Program Manager — South Side

Wendy Hemminger may be reached at (714) 957-5188, Wendy.Hemminger@dds.ca.gov

HCBS Evaluator

Lourdes Sanchez, M.A., provides outreach and training to existing residential and non-residential services (i.e., day programs), clients, family support groups and SG/PRC staff regarding the Centers for Medicaid and Medicare Services (CMS), Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) Settings Final Rule. She facilitates completion of provider self-assessments. Lourdes works collaboratively with and identifies changes existing programs must make to be in compliance with the Final Rule. Additionally, Lourdes evaluates proposals by service providers seeking funding from DDS to implement program changes to comply and ensures full compliance by all service providers with the Final Rule.
Lourdes Sanchez may be reached at (909) 710-8837, LSanchez@SGPRC.org

Housing Specialist

Lisa Cipres coordinates the identification, financing, and on-going service delivery of the SG/PRC housing services. She helps SG/PRC to provide proper housing in the community for clients moving out of the developmental centers as well as all clients with significant housing needs. Additionally, Lisa oversees the Non-Profit Housing Agencies (NPO), also known as Housing Development Organizations (HDO) that provide services to SG/PRC clients.
Lisa Cipres may be reached at (909) 710-8836, LCipres@SGPRC.org

Mental Health Specialist

Jacqueline A. Niedzwiecki, M.S., LMFT, provides mental health assessments, trauma informed care assessment, risk assessments, consultation, and referral services to individuals served. She provides training to residential/day program staff other service providers, and case management staff. Additionally, she reviews assessments and intervention plans completed by other providers/agencies, making recommendations, and coordinating appropriate referrals/plans. She works with L.A. County Mental Health programs and Substance Abuse programs regarding treatment issues/barriers, and with identifying local and county resources for individuals served. Jacqueline is part of the Bio Behavioral Consultation Clinic.
Jacqueline A. Niedzwiecki may be reached at (909) 710-8794, jniedzwiecki@sgprc.org

Nurse Advocates

Our Nurse advocates provide coordination and consultation to Regional Center staff, service providers, health care providers, individuals served and families regarding health and developmental needs, standards of nursing care, and emergency health issues. They provide consultation and training regarding medical terminology, diagnosis, medical/surgical procedures, and medical reports. Additionally, Nurse Advocates perform as Executive Director’s designee as assigned, consent for medical, specialty care and health treatment to protect health and well-being of individuals served by SG/PRC. They also act as liaison to respite provider agencies and designated local Neonatal Intensive Care Units (NICUs).

Nurse Manager

Joan Williams, MSN, RN, CNS, PHN, may be reached at (909) 710-8809, JWilliams@sgprc.org

Nurse Advocate

Gina Solideo, BSN, RN, may be reached at (909) 710-8811, GSolideo@sgprc.org

Nurse Advocate

Mirinisa Legaspino, MPH, BSN, RN, PHN, may be reached at (909) 710-8808, MLegaspino@sgprc.org

Occupational Therapist

Hortencia Sanchez, OTR/L, completes developmental assessments of children under the age of three to determine functional levels of development and/or the need for ongoing occupational/physical therapy. She provides consultation regarding therapy, equipment, adaptive devices, or related service needs. She also facilitates access to care by providing resource and referral information related to therapy equipment needs. Hortencia consults with staff, doctors, individuals served and their families; provides training to staff and families and participates in eligibility team conferences.
Hortencia Sanchez may be reached at (909) 710-8797, HSanchez@sgprc.org

Participant Choice Specialist/System Analyst

Both of our Participant Choice Specialists/System Analysts are a central point of contact for regional center staff and the community. They provide support, training, and advocacy for persons to have access to Participant-Directed Services (PDS) and the Self-Determination Program (SDP). In addition, they provide support and consultation on PDS and the SDP to SG/PRC departments: Client Services, Community Services, and Accounting and provide information to the Department of Developmental Services (DDS). They also collaborate with the vendor community, Self-Determination Advisory Committee, State Council on Developmental Disabilities, Family Resource Centers, and other community partners.

Participant Choice Specialist/System Analyst

Yvette Espinoza may be reached at (909) 710-8643, YEspinoza@sgprc.org

Participant Choice Specialist/System Analyst

Jessi Lagos may be reached at (909) 710-8651, JLagos@sgprc.org

Participant Choice Specialist for Accounting

Vickie Lau works in collaboration with the case management staff who coordinates Self-Determination Program (SDP) services, processes accounts payable functions, and participates in streamlining internal Procedures/Practices and Policies leading to faster response times for implementation of SDP service delivery. Vicki serves as liaison between the regional center and Financial Management Service (FMS) provider agencies to support clients and families in the SDP or receiving PDS. She develops the 12-month expenditure history reports and distributes to Service Coordinators to be shared with families. Additionally, Vicki assists with the review of individual budgets and spending plans. She also participates in internal budget reviews, SDP Clinic meetings and SDP trainings for staff.
Vickie Lau may be reached at (909) 710-8331, VLau@sgprc.org

Public Relations Manager

Yvonne Gratianne
Yvonne Gratianne may be reached at (909) 710-8193, YGratianne@sgprc.org

Psychologist

Dr. Deborah Langenbacher, Ph.D., provides behavioral assessments and behavior consultations services to individuals served, family members, staff, and service providers. She collaborates in team conferences and reviews assessments and intervention plans completed by other providers/agencies. She also develops intervention plans and coordinates clinical team assessments. Additionally, Dr. Langenbacher provides parent training, serves as liaison to in-home behavior intervention service providers and monitors quality of services/report. Dr. Langenbacher participates in quality assurance evaluations of residential and day programs designed to provide behavior intervention services and reviews behavior plans for clients served by these programs and prepares evidence for and participates in fair hearing proceedings.
Dr. Deborah Langenbacher may be reached at (909) 710-8790, DLangenbacher@sgprc.org

Psychologist/County Wide Policy Liaison

Dr. Stephen Mouton, Psy.D., M.B.A., acts as the County Wide Policy Liaison between the seven (7) Los Angeles County Regional Centers and Los Angeles County Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS), Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health (DMH); and Los Angeles County Department of Probation (Probation). Service Coordinators and our Leadership Team consult with Dr. Mouton for psychiatric hospitalizations, access to community mental health resources and behavior consultation services to clients, family members, staff, and service providers. Additionally, he provides training for community mental health providers and other advocacy agencies on regional center services and the needs of people with developmental disabilities, and other related topics. Dr. Mouton also acts as liaison with local psychiatric care facilities.
Dr. Stephen Mouton may be reached at (909) 710-8793, SMouton@sgprc.org

Resource Developer

Resource Developers recruit service providers, evaluate proposed program designs, review vendor requirements with prospective vendors, provide technical assistance to providers, and determine if prospective vendors meet minimum requirements per Title 17 and 22 regulations. Additionally, they survey unmet service needs, participate in the administration of start-up grants, and facilitate contract development and negotiation of rates. They also provide Regional Center orientation presentations, participate in interagency meetings, develop new resources and act as a resource person to staff in identifying generic and vendor services to meet the needs of individuals served.
Josefina Martinez may be reached at (909) 710-8845, JMartinez@sgprc.org