As the parent of a child, now an adult, with autism, she quickly realized that she had to become an advocate for herself and other people with special needs. To that end, she has served on several boards of directors, often in leadership positions, including the East Los Angeles Regional Center, the Community Advisory Council of the Whittier Area Cooperative Special Education Program (WACSEP), the Team of Advocates for Special Kids (TASK), and the local chapter of the Autism Society of America. When her daughter was introduced to Facilitated Communication, she learned about the technique and eventually became a Master Trainer (Syracuse University) allowing me to teach this skill at monthly REACH/WAPADH workshops. She has also served on the board of Beth Shalom of Whittier and is a member of the board of the Whittier Area Interfaith Council. She looks forward to continuing community service and advocacy as a member of the REACH board of directors.