TransparencyRandy
Direct Support Professional at Futures Explored
Randy has worked at Futures Explored for
eight years. Futures Explored provides services to adult clients
of Alta California Regional Center in programs like employment,
education, wellness, and media. His career started in filmmaking
as a writer and director. He continues to make films with his own
business and uses his skills to teach people with developmental
and intellectual disabilities about the filmmaking process.
Patti
Direct Support Professional at Learning to Thrive
At Learning to Thrive, Patti
serves as the Director of the Tailored Day Service program. She
oversees all things related to the coaching and support of adult
clients of Alta California Regional Center and program
participants at Learning to Thrive pursuing education and jobs.
They are dedicated to empowering individuals on their journey to
meaningful employment, helping them hone their skills to better
serve their career goals.
Kimaya
Lover of Languages, Culture, and Mythology
Kimaya has been infatuated with
languages and culture since she was about five years old. She
enjoys using online resources like YouTube to learn the basics.
So far, she has learned how to say “hello” in over 50 languages
including Chinese, French, Japanese, Spanish, German, Arabic,
Russian, Vietnamese, and more! But her love of learning doesn’t
stop at languages; she enjoys immersing herself in culture and
history of other countries.
Michael and Madison
Beating the Odds
Michael started M&M Healing Hands as a response to his two twin children, Michael Jr and Madison, who were born at 24 weeks with disabilities in 2020. Unfortunately, Michael Jr. passed but Madison surpassed life expectations of seven months and is now six years old.
Ben
Abstract and Geometric Artist
Since he was a child, at around five
years old, Ben has been interested in abstract and geometric art.
This interest has transcended the years and blossomed into a
talent and hobby as an adult. Ben is focused on perfecting his
craft as he continues to gain experience as an artist.
Sarish
In celebration of Pride Month
Sarish demonstrates resilience in the
face of adversity, even when those closet to her didn’t accept
her for who she is. For 34 years, Sarish lived with her family
and grew up in a strict household that controlled her every
thought and decision, even her diet. As a person with autism, her
parents did not provide her with any autonomy over her decisions
and life choices because they would treat her as a young child,
even as an adult.
AnnQuinettia
Artist
AnnQuinettia has been an artist for
most of her life. As a child, her family didn’t have much money,
so her mother would use crafts and art to entertain her children
and bond the family. AnnQuinettia learned how to crochet, sew,
and make jewelry very early on. However, the craft that stuck
with her most was ceramics.
Scarlett and Jayden
Practitioners of Taekwondo
Scarlett, age 8, and Jayden, age 17,
are passionate about taekwondo. Their parents have noticed a
significant improvement in their problem-solving skills,
emotional regulation, and their discipline. It has armed them
with defense skills and improved their confidence levels.
Candy
Microbusiness Owner
Candalaria, also known as Candy, is a
community and business-oriented person. For the past three years
with Community Integrated Work
Program, she has focused on building her micro business and
honing her job skills. The day program provides real-life
experience with working and educates her on how to expand her
business.
Being a part of a community also means volunteering and working in the community. From Monday to Friday, Candy follows a set schedule that helps her compartmentalize, plan, and focus on tasks.
Monique
Artist, in Celebration of Black History Month
Monique is a fierce advocate,
talented artist, and a creative person. Throughout her life, she
has proven that she is capable and not to be underestimated. At
the age of 16, Monique’s foster care ended due to her caregiver
getting sick, and it was determined by the state that Monique
could live independently. However, no one believed in her and
many expected her to fail out of the program. She proved them all
wrong and showed that she could care for herself by living
independently, and graduated with her high school diploma.
Jacquelyn
In Celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month
Jacquelyn is an artist who likes
drawing, ceramics, and anything that involves the creative
process. She discovered her love of drawing in high school when
she took some art classes. Jacquelyn primarily focuses on drawing
anime and loves to share her work with her family. When she isn’t
drawing, Jacquelyn enjoys watching romance anime, playing video
games, and hanging out with her family.
Maria
In Celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month
For Maria, Hispanic Heritage Month is
important because she can celebrate with her family and friends.
As a Mexican, Maria values her culture and finds enjoyment in the
food, community, and dance. Her family frequently comes together
to host parties, and Maria takes the opportunity to dance the
entire time.
Russell Celebrates Retiring
Russell recently retired from
his job at McDonalds after 27 years. He started working there in
April of 1998, and during his last week of work, McDonalds threw
him a retirement party. Russell enjoyed working and
talking with his coworkers and the customers that came in.
Russell’s Manager and SEP worker said that Russell was punctual,
completed his job and was always ready to help where
needed. He liked washing dishes and talking about
the news with customers when he cleaned the dining room.
Chris
for Direct Support Professional Recognition Week
Chris is a Tailored Day Services
provider and Empowered Parenting Program (EPP) Trainer for
On My Own Independent Living
Services since 2023. He is recognized for his outstanding
commitment, compassion, and bravery. Chris’s team describes him
as someone who goes above and beyond his role. He is always
willing to step in whenever needed and continually demonstrates
unwavering dedication to the individuals with disabilities
he serves.
Nicole
for Direct Support Professional Recognition Week
Nicole has worked at On My Own
Independent Living Services since July 2020 as an ILS Skills
Trainer. She has a natural way of connecting with clients and
meeting them where they’re at. She adapts to each person’s needs
and creates an environment that really helps them grow and become
more independent. On top of providing great direct support, she’s
a strong advocate and works with Service Coordinators and
families to ensure clients are supported.
Igor
Proud Employee
Igor has made quite an impact on the
employees of his workplace, Shaft’s Cheese and Co. They consider
him a ball of light and exclaim with praise ringing in their
voices, “Igor is the man!” Since he began working at Shaft’s in
June 2025, Igor has made it a mission to improve his production
and achieve his goals. In August 2025, Igor was awarded Employee
of the Month for his fantastic work effort, astounding production
speed, and positive demeanor. As a prize for his honor, Igor
received a gift card.
Jacob
Digital Designer
Jacob is a California State
University, Sacramento graduate who received a Bachelor’s in Arts
degree in Design Studies. When he first started at Sacramento
City College in 2016, he was uncertain of what path to take.
Jacob decided it was a time of exploration and used it as an
opportunity to discover what his interests are before he decided
to pursue a specific career.
