Jacob Lesner-Buxton

• Systems Change Advocate
• (805) 963-0595 x105
• jlesner@ilrc-trico.org

Based in the Santa Barbara office serving all counties.

"I started working at ILRC in 2013. Working here has given me the confidence and sense of empowerment to make change and hopefully encourage others to do so. During quarantine, I learned how to engage with yoga classes over zoom. My goal for 2021 is to work up the courage to ride Splash Mountain and Space Mountain at Disneyland. I am not a big fan of thrill rides, but I have been watching some YouTube clips on the rides and think they might be fun to try!"

Miguel Mendoza

• COVID-19 Outreach Coordinator
• (805) 650-5933 x208
• mmendoza@ilrc-trico.org

Based in Ventura County

I started working at ILRC in 2021. What I love about ILRC is that it gives individuals the assistance needed to make their own choices to be independent and confident. Making a difference and advocating is something that attracted me to ILRC. During quarantine, I exercised and played some video games to keep myself distracted. My goals for 2022 is invest in myself and volunteer in my community to assist working class families.

Rosa Lopez

• Information & Referral Specialist - Bilingual
• (805) 963-0595 x100
• rlopez@ilrc-trico.org

Based in the Santa Barbara office serving Santa Barbara County.

"I began working for ILRC back in 2005. The work ILRC does is important to me because ILRC helps everyone when they feel no one is there for them and it feels rewarding. During quarantine, I tried cooking different meals and read more. My goal for 2021 is to get healthier physically, and mentally."

Jaydon Gaines

• Program Services Manager
• (805) 650-5993 x204
• jgaines@ilrc-trico.org

Based in the Ventura Office serving Ventura County.

I started working at ILRC in July 2020. During the quarantine, I took up extreme couponing for personal care and household items, which I donate to our community partners. Our work at ILRC is important to me because it gives me a way to help those around me who need a hand up. My goal for 2021 is to grow in my faith and deepen my relationship with my community.

Sandy Krietzberg

• Independent Living Advocate-Deaf
• (805) 650-5993 x206
• skrietzberg@ilrc-trico.org

Based in the Ventura office serving all counties.

"I started working with ILRC in October of 2020. The work ILRC does is important to me because it gives people with disabilities the opportunity to be seen, heard, and have more power over their own lives and community which creates more equity among people in our society. During quarantine, I learned how to Scuba Dive which has also become my favorite pastime. My goal for 2021 is to continue connecting with the local Deaf community and learn the best ways I can be an ally".

Nicole Janikowski

• Independent Living Advocate
• (805) 925-0015 x302
• njanikowski@ilrc-trico.org

Based in the Santa Maria office.

Nicole started working at ILRC in 2015. Her favorite color is burgundy. For her, the best part of working at ILRC is that she discovered her passion to help her community. When she was in need of services and peer support she was unable to find someone in her area that would work with her to get back on her feet. Her love is working with consumers hoping to build satisfaction and become self-sufficient. Her favorite independent living advocate is Natasha Jade Devon.

Emily Bridges

• Focused Population Case Manager
• (805) 650-5993 x203
• ebridges@ilrc-trico.org

Based in the Ventura Office serving Ventura County.

"I started working at ILRC in 2020. ILRC's work is important to me because of its value to the disability community we serve.  As a person with two disabilities who also has a sibling with disabilities, I appreciate working with a supportive organization that strives for inclusion both in the workplace and in the Tri-Counties region. Some new hobbies I started during the quarantine are home exercising routines and baking.  These interests may cancel each other out, so I try to bake only when there is a special occasion! :) My goal for 2021 is to go with the flow and be flexible in handling whatever life brings.  Those principles are key in adapting to changes and not sweating the small things."

Rosie Florido

• Bookkeeper

Jerry Mihaic

• Information & Referral Specialist - Bilingual
• (805) 462-1162 x410
• jmihaic@ilrc-trico.org

Based in San Luis Obispo office serving San Luis Obispo County.

"I first began working at ILRC in 2009, then I came back for more in 2017. The work ILRC does is important to be because I believe in social justice and taking care of vulnerable populations-- ILRC provides that opportunity. During quarantine, I learned all the fun things you can do with a green screen and Zoom. My goal for 2021 is to encourage and coach people, especially the elderly, to embrace and use technology and the Internet to their full benefit."

Kayla Young

• Disability Sexual Assault Coordinator
• (805)963-0595 ext. 114
• kyoung@ilrc-trico.org

Santa Barbara

I began my exciting journey with ILRC in October of 2021. I am thrilled to join the ILRC team because of the wide variety of services, education, and advocacy offered for independent living resources in the community. Specifically, I am looking forward to providing specific resources to disabled consumers who are seeking support with sexual violence or trauma. During the pandemic, I grew my plant collection which helped with essential daily self care. A goal I have set for this next year is to try surfing for the first time.

Alexa Martin

• Program Director
• (805) 650-5993 x202
• amartin@ilrc-trico.org

Based in the Ventura office serving Ventura County

"I started working for ILRC in 2017. For me, the best part of working at ILRC is I have always been passionate about advocating for underrepresented communities and I get to do that each day here! During quarantine I started baking, started my first garden and spent a lot of time camping and hiking. My goal for 2021 is all about growth-mentally, physically, and organizationally!"

Paige Masson

• Community Living Advocate/Benefits
• 805) 468-4378 x416
• pmasson@ilrc-trico.org

San Luis Obispo

Starting at ILRC in 2021, my position within the organization is a blessing. I enjoy the sense of community and compassion between our staff and the consumers. Having to navigate this year and the isolation, I've quickly learned that companionship is one step closer to happiness. My goal for 2021 is to establish more connections with other humans (and dogs), all while learning to appreciate my ever-growing independence. After many limitations over the last year, I look forward to following my arrow of happiness in all aspects of my life, especially here at ILRC!

Carol Baizer

• Community Living Advocate/Benefits
• (805) 963-0595 x102
• cbaizer@ilrc-trico.org

Based in the Santa Barbara office serving all counties.

Carol started working at ILRC in 1997. Her favorite color is blue. For her, the best part of working at ILRC is being a part of an organization that provides a different window to the world. Her favorite independent living advocate is Marta Russell.

Jennifer Martinez

• Information & Referral Specialist - Bilingual
• (805) 650-5993 x201
• jmartinez@ilrc-trico.org

Based in the Ventura office serving Ventura County.

"I have been at ILRC since 2011. The work that ILRC does is important to me because it really does take a village to help people. ILRC is a tribe within that village, composed of people that really care about the disability community and strive to provide the best service possible to each consumer we serve. During the quarantine, I took on learning Italian, I added equipment to my home gym and even completed a course to become a Certified Life Coach. I am also working towards having my first children's book published by Summer 2021."

Jennifer Griffin

• Executive Director
• (805) 963-0595 x112
• jgriffin@ilrc-trico.org

Based in the Santa Barbara office.

"I started working at ILRC in 2000. ILRC's work is important to me because I love that we empower and support people with disabilities to live the life they choose to live. I also adore my co-workers. All good people with big hearts. During quarantine, I became a semi-professional home organizer. I binge watched Marie Condo and Home Edit until I could no longer contain the inner OCD organizer inside me. Since discarding all items that no longer spark joy for me, color coded my closets, and sorted through over 100,000 photographs I have helped several other friends (not at their request) declutter their homes. My goal for 2021 is to continue to grow professionally and personally. Make more time for myself and family and hopefully go on a trip somewhere this year?

Brandon Smith

• Emergency Preparedness Services Manager
• 805-310-4123 ext. 303
• bsmith@ilrc-trico.org

Santa Maria

My name is Brandon Smith and I am the new Emergency Preparedness Services Manager for ILRC. It is my goal that any and all consumers whom I come into contact with will walk away with a plan of action for any emergency or disaster. This passion has been driven by three years of working in the disabilities and human services field, as well as a bachelor’s of science in Homeland Security/Emergency Management from National University. I love this work because I can continue to serve the population that has grown so close to my heart and apply my training and skillset for their benefit! Bonus: I love being outdoors! I go fishing and camping a couple times each year. I also very much enjoy reading and taking in books. I am currently reading two books on theology and going through the Chronicles of Narnia with my daughters!

Vanessa Kaelyn Acain

• Youth Advocate
• (805) 650-5993 x209
• vacain@ilrc-trico.org

Based in Ventura County

I became a part of the ILRC family in November of 2021. I love being a part of an organization that shares my passion for social justice and plays a hands-on role in creating a more inclusive and diverse community! During the pandemic, I learned how to crochet, rediscovered my passion for reading, and spent quality time with my family. This year I would love to bake and travel (especially to visit friends in New York and Europe!)

Petra Lowen

• Community Living Advocate
• (805) 963-0595 x101
• plowen@ilrc-trico.org

Based in the Santa Barbara office serving South Santa Barbara County.

"I started at the ILRC in 1983 (the first time, until 1991), then the second time in 2000. The work at the ILRC is extremely important to me because navigating housing issues is difficult and many consumers need our assistance and expertise, some more than others. Advocacy is also an important part of our work. I estimate that in the years that I have worked at the ILRC I have assisted at least 2,500 consumers, maybe more. I have touched many lives. I did not start any new hobbies in 2020 but I have read much more than before and went for more walks. My goals for 2021 are: first of all not to get infected by COVID-19 and get vaccinated as soon as I am eligible. As restrictions are loosened (or lifted): see consumers in the office again because person to person interaction is very important. Then connect with landlords and rental management companies. If the City Housing Authority opens the tenant based section 8 waiting list (as they indicated) sign up all current and past consumers on that waiting list."

Ella Moore

• Community Living Advocate
• (805) 650-5993 x 205
• emoore@ilrc-trico.org

Based in the Ventura Office serving Ventura County

Hello! My name is Ella Moore, I’m excited to work for ILRC because I believe that the work we do here is essential in empowering individuals with disabilities, as well as creating a healthy community. During the Covid-19 lockdowns, I discovered a love for cooking and watching new shows on Netflix. Working on my culinary skills is a goal of mine for 2021, as well as becoming a more active member in my community.

Tamarr Paul

• Assistive Technology Coordinator
• (805) 963-0595 x104
• tpaul@ilrc-trico.org

Based in the Santa Barbara office serving South Santa Barbara and Ventura counties.

"I started working at ILRC 2020. The work ILRC does is important to me because I am passionate about working with people with disabilities. During quarantine, I transformed my garage into a studio so that I can shoot videos for the AT program, and film videos for my workout classes which I teach on the side. My goal for 2021 is to advertise ILRC's AT program on social media to increase our AT donations, to find new resources and funding for our consumers, and to increase our library of testimonials and AT demonstration videos."

Skye Navarro

• Administrative Manager
• (805) 650-5993 x106
• snavarro@ilrc-trico.org

Based in Santa Barbara

I started working for ILRC at the end of 2021. Extending a helping hand to anyone in need is something I have always strived to do, ever since childhood. I feel so blessed to be given the opportunity to work with ILRC in helping better people’s lives by working with them to achieve their independence. During the pandemic, I think we all felt, at times, isolated and bored. For me, I decided to extend my cooking knowledge by trying new recipes. My husband and I also fostered and socialized/trained a wonderful rescue dog, and then found him the happy family he deserved. Funny enough, my New Year’s wish this year was to become a mom, and in September of this year, I welcomed my baby boy into the world.

Kelly Kivlahan

• Transition Advocate
• (805) 650-5993 x207
• kkivlahan@ilrc-trico.org

Based in the Ventura Office serving Ventura County.

"I started working at ILRC in November of 2020. The work ILRC does is important to me because it is so special to be a part of a team that truly cares about others and helps make it possible for individuals to be properly represented and live independent fulfilling lives is the type of work that makes the world a better place. One new hobby I picked up during quarantine is using my Indo board!! I keeps it right inside my bedroom door so I have to walk by it frequently and I try to hop on it a few times a day to test out my balance and it's a really nice little mental break! My goal for 2021 is to try something new each month and hopefully travel once it's safe to do so!"

Sarah Kreitzer-Lillard

• Blind/Low Vision Coordinator
• 805-310-4123
• slillard@ilrc-trico.org

Based in Santa Maria

I began working at ILRC in November 2021. As an Information and Referral Specialist I am often the first point of contact for those seeking services or information; I feel privileged to have the opportunity to set the tone for one's forthcoming experience with ILRC and it's mission to serve individuals with disabilities of all levels. It is a joy to represent the ILRC and be a part of its remarkable staff. During my time at home during the COVID-19 lockdown I happily developed a robust passion for houseplants and in that process have acquired quite the collection. Watering and caring for my plants is a great way for me to practice self-care. My goal for this year is to make more of an effort to participate in local events and festivities with my family and reignite that sense of community belonging we have missed over these past two years.