Brittany Pudnos's Bio

Brittany Pudnos

• Independent Living Advocate-Deaf
• (805) 650-5993 ext. 205
• [email protected]

Based in the Ventura office serving all counties.

I started at ILRC in June 2022. I feel fortunate to be working in a place where I can use my passion for ASL and Deaf culture toward a career I never imagined I could have. The mission of ILRC is so important to me because it allows me to fully embrace who I am as an adult with ADHD. My whole life I have been learning how to advocate and make accommodations for myself. I want to help others see that just because you take different steps to achieve your goals doesn't make you or your goals any less valuable. In my spare time, I love to hang out with my two dogs Daisy and Doug. This year I am looking forward to going to concerts again.

Jerry Mihaic'ss Bio

Jerry Mihaic

• Information & Referral Specialist - Bilingual
• (805) 462-1162 x410
• [email protected]

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 me because I believe in social justice and taking care of vulnerable populations and marginalized groups-- ILRC provides that opportunity. I feel a very close connection with the community in San Luis Obispo and am involved with various groups such as The Latino Outreach Council, Adult Services Policy Council, and GALA Pride and Diversity Center. I also try to encourage and coach people, especially the elderly, to embrace and use technology and the Internet to their full benefit.

Rosie Florido'ss Bio

Rosie Florido

• Bookkeeper

Jennifer Martinez'ss Bio

Jennifer Martinez

• Information & Referral Specialist - Bilingual
• (805) 650-5993 x201
• [email protected]

Based in the Ventura office serving Ventura County.

I have been with ILRC, Inc. for over a decade. I enjoy working at ILRC, Inc. because the leadership and staff all share the common goal of helping people as best as possible. It really does take a village and I am happy to be a part of it. Thanks to working at ILRC, Inc., I have gained knowledge about available resources which is helpful to share with our consumers and has made a positive impact on individuals in my personal life as well. One fun fact about me is that I like to ride my bicycle through puddles and run in the rain, whenever I can.

Deanna Sutherland'ss Bio

Deanna Sutherland

• Administrative Manager
• 805-963-0595 ext107
• [email protected]

Santa Barbara

Howdy and Hello! I am the Administrative Manager located in Santa Barbara. I joined the ILRC family in August of 2023. I am looking forward to the challenges and success of being part of an organization that is involved in making a difference. I believe in making memories, taking selfies, and sunshine and smiles!

Paola Reyes's Bio

Paola Reyes

• Housing and Supports Specialist
• 805-925-0015 ext:302
• [email protected]

Santa Maria

My name is Paola Reyes and I'm the Housing Support & Specialist for the Santa Maria office. I enjoy working at ILRC because I'm able to advocate for underrepresented communities. In my spare time, I enjoy being outdoors and spending time with my dog.

Alexa Martin'ss Bio

Alexa Martin

• Program Director
• (805) 650-5993 x202
• [email protected]

Based in the Ventura office serving all counties.

I started working for ILRC in 2017. I am passionate about advocating for underrepresented communities, and through my work at ILRC, I get to do that each day! In my spare time, I enjoy dabbling in my many hobbies, being outdoors, traveling, pottery, and spending time with my partner and cat.

Anisa Garrett'ss Bio

Anisa Garrett

• Youth Advocate
• 805-963-0595 ext 106
• [email protected]

Santa Barbara

I joined ILRC in July of 2023! I love being part of an organization that is so passionate about making a difference and advocating for equality! I’m happy to be in a position where I’m working with youth to provide appropriate resources and support to achieve their goals! When not working, you can usually find me at the beach, gym, reading a book, or hanging out with loved ones.

Jennifer Griffin'ss Bio

Jennifer Griffin

• Executive Director
• (805) 963-0595 x112
• [email protected]

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 my family and hopefully go on a trip somewhere this year?

Teonna Brown'ss Bio

Teonna Brown

• Housing and Supports Specialist
• 805-462-1162 ext 412
• [email protected]

San Luis Obispo

I started working with ILRC July, 2023. One of my passions in life is helping the homeless and underprivileged populations. I am thankful to be a part of an organization that is so dedicated to serving and supporting individuals with disabilities. My future goal is to start my own business while continuing to work with and support marginalized communities.

Jacob Lesner-Buxton'ss Bio

Jacob Lesner-Buxton

• System Change Coordinator
• (805) 963-0595 x105
• [email protected]

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!

Emily Bridges's Bio

Emily Bridges

• Public Health Advocate
• (805) 650-5993 x203
• [email protected]

Based in the Ventura Office serving Ventura County.

I enjoy working at ILRC because of the opportunities to engage with compassionate coworkers to help our communities. Working at ILRC has impacted my life by helping me build valuable relationships and become more understanding of others. A fun fact is that I have met seven actors at pop-culture conventions (like Comic-Con)over the past several years.

Carol Baizer'ss Bio

Carol Baizer

• Community Living Advocate/Benefits
• (805) 963-0595 x102
• [email protected]

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.

Stephanie Jacobs's Bio

Stephanie Jacobs

• Transition Advocate
• 8056505993 x209
• [email protected]

Based in the Ventura office serving Ventura County.

I started working at the ILRC in March 2023. I am a mental health advocate as well as an LGBTQ advocate in the local Ventura community. I am excited to help service the local community as a transition advocate with ILRC! In my free time, I perform spoken word poetry, stand-up comedy, and co-host and co-produce a monthly show called, "The Waiting Room," with my gf and fellow comedian, Sammie James.

Vanessa Kaelyn Acain'ss Bio

Vanessa Kaelyn Acain

• Housing and Supports Specialist
• (805) 650-5993 x208
• [email protected]

Based in the Ventura office serving 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!

Rosa Lopez'ss Bio

Rosa Lopez

• Community Information Coordinator
• (805) 963-0595 x100
• [email protected]

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.

Michelle Ward'ss Bio

Michelle Ward

• Transition Advocate
• 805-963-0595 ext 106
• [email protected]

Based in Santa Barbara office serving Santa Barbara County

My name is Michelle Ward and I’m the Transition Advocate in Santa Barbara. With a background in homelessness, housing solutions, and crisis intervention/diversion, I was drawn to ILRC because of the level of commitment to consumers and employees alike. Having advocated for myself and my daughter around our own disabilities, I feel that this is important work. I love helping and empowering people with disabilities to advocate for themselves. A fun fact about me is that I am a lover of the band Pearl Jam and have seen them live 33 times.

Jamie Moothart'ss Bio

Jamie Moothart

• Transition Advocate
• (805)462-1162 x414
• [email protected]

Based in San Luis Obispo office serving San Luis Obispo.

I first began working with ILRC in 2020, I left briefly and returned in March of 2023! I find passion in helping the community members of the San Luis Obispo area find the resources and help they need to lead a more independent and fulfilling life. We are fortunate to live in such a wonderful area, and through working with ILRC it is my hope for the population as a whole to be able to enjoy this beautiful location while connecting people to the resources that may help them live their best lives. While not working, I enjoy coaching and playing softball, going for nature walks/hikes and spending time with my friends and family!

Mary Moore'ss Bio

Mary Moore

• Manager of Collaborative Programs
• 805-963-0595 ext 103
• [email protected]

Santa Barbara

Chris Burke'ss Bio

Chris Burke

• Housing and Supports Specialist
• (805)963-0595 x101
• [email protected]

Based in the Santa Barbara Office serving Santa Barbara county.

Hello, my name is Chris and my passion is to help people overcome barriers to live their best life. ILRC provides a healthy space to facilitate this process and it’s an honor to be a part of such a fun-loving team. In my spare time, I enjoy surfing and swimming in the ocean with my son.

Howard Rudnick'ss Bio

Howard Rudnick

• Manager of Independent Living Programs
• 805-963-0595 x113
• [email protected]

Based in the Santa Barbara Office serving all counties.

I started working at ILRC in December of 2022. I am thankful to be a part of an organization that is so passionate about serving the disability community. I have been fortunate enough to have worked in this field since 2004 and look forward to contributing to this wonderful team of compassionate people. I moved to Santa Barbara from Colorado in 2018. I love walking on the beach while looking for treasures in the sand and creatures in the water.

Margaret Weiss's Bio

Margaret Weiss

• MPA Project Coordinator
• 805-963-0595 ext 117
• [email protected]

Santa Barbara

Margaret Weiss, MPH, MCHES I appreciate ILRC for helping people with disabilities to live their best lives and to have a voice. I am thrilled to work on the Master Plan for Aging because it is a unique opportunity to enhance livability in the community for all ages and abilities. An age-friendly place benefits everyone. In my free time you will find me playing outside with family, friends and my dog, Poppi.

Laura Hernandez'ss Bio

Laura Hernandez

• Blind/Low Vision Services Manager
• 805-963-0595 ext 104
• [email protected]

Santa Barbara

Hi, my name is Laura Hernandez, I am the new Blind/Low Vision Services Manager. I have worked doing direct care service since 2010 and managed an ICF for adults with developmental disabilities. I am passionate about serving and advocating underrepresented communities while also being part of a team that shares my values. I am ecstatic to be part of ILRC. In my free time I enjoy the beach, hiking, spending time with my daughter, family and friends.

Kelly Kivlahan'ss Bio

Kelly Kivlahan

• Assistive Technology Coordinator
• (805) 650-5993 x204
• [email protected]

Based in the Ventura Office serving Ventura County.

Hiya y'all! My name is Kelly Kivlahan and I had the amazing opportunity to start working at ILRC in November of 2020 as a Transition Advocate. Throughout my time in that role, we were able to grow the program immensely and successfully transition over 30 consumers from institutional settings back into their communities. The services that ILRC provides is important to me because being a part of a team that genuinely cares about others helps make it possible for individuals to be properly represented and live independent fulfilling lives. I've seen how the work of ILRC has impacted individuals and it really is the type of work that makes the world a better place. In my spare time I love to play outside, take my foster dog (Guava) on long beach walks, and travel the world. In 2022 I was lucky enough to visit 13 countries (mostly Europe) and I feel incredibly honored to return to the ILRC family as the Assistive Technology Coordinator. My goal for 2023 is to really build our Assistive Technology program to its utmost potential in all three counties and try something new each month (location, food, activity etc.).