Our Team
As Executive Director of SCIL I oversee the day to day operations at the center. I am responsible for grant writing and for fundraising. I am also responsible for developing and implementing new programs. I am currently the chair of the California Foundation of Independent Living Centers (CFILC) and sit on their Public Policy Committee. I also serve as commissioner on the San Bernardino County Aging Commission as well as chair of the Disability Athletics Faire. It is a pleasure and a privilege to work here and serve our consumers.
Hello! As Program Manager at SCIL, I am responsible for leading my team to success and sustained growth. I work individually and as a team with my staff to establish goals, address concerns, allow for ideas, suggestions and feedback, overcome obstacles and create a safe, healthy, open and sustainable work environment. I also oversee the organizations AT department, basic IT functions, and overall operations. I work with the AT department as well in helping consumers obtain the assistive technology devices they need to live independent lives. I also perform the duties of an ILS which consist of peer support, information and referral, and independent living skills training. I am pleased to also manage the event planning, website, speakers and email lists for the San Gabriel Valley Disabilities Collaborative. Managing, creating and maintaining the websites and social media is another facet of my job, as well as grant writing and group hosting. I am extremely happy that I have been given the privilege to work for SCIL and to assist those in the disabled community.
Working with a diverse community has become my passion. Being the Community Organizer gives me the ability to help others and learn about the issues that affect the community, I believe intersectionality is an essential part of the work we do at SCIL. My goal is to bring together others experiencing common issues, to achieve change and growth in society. I plan to grow our advocacy group and spread awareness and educate others on issues that affect people with disabilities.
My name is Armand Bujanda. Due to a stroke at birth, I have a cortical visual impairment meaning that my brain takes longer to process what I see. I am a former SCIL volunteer and now work as an Independent Living Specialist. My job duties include facilitating the fitness, life skills and money management classes. I also facilitate a support group for Latinos with disabilities. My goal is to empower our consumers to not just live with their disability but LIVE WELL with their disability through goal setting and peer support.
In addition to providing administrative support for the Executive Director, Larry Grable, and Program Manager, Chelsea DiGerolamo, I am responsible for covering the front desk and assisting the consumers and job coaches as they come into the center. I have a strong work ethic, detail-focused-organizational skills, a passion for writing, and over ten years’ experience as a customer service trainer for Sparkletts. I feel blessed to be able to bring these strengths to the table and work among such an extraordinary team of individuals. As the saying goes, “Do what you love, and you’ll never work a day in your life.” is certainly true for me.
My name is Diane Alford, a Servant Leader who seeks and enjoys ways to impact the lives of others through building and developing leaders. My background has allowed me to care for the needs of others through 30 years of nursing, as well as providing support and guidance in Mental Health and Substance Abuse Recovery. During my many years of working as a Nurse, patient teaching and safety was a hallmark. I’ve been blessed to accomplish various academic goals such as an Associate Degree in Human Services and Substance Use and Abuse (Addiction), a Bachelor degree in Christian Ministries that helped to ground me in the love and importance of serving others, Master's in Organizational Leadership and a Certification in Business Consulting. For the past several years, I have found my spark ignition in facilitating and teaching. I teach a Peer Support Certification Class called BeHOPE, helping minorities with lived experience find value in their life experiences that can assist someone else in their recovery journey. I enjoy family, volunteering in my community, taking part in Healthy Fontana events, and developing young leaders. Other hobbies include singing and writing.
Hi there! My name is Carabeth Mckernan, the Community Organizer here at SCIL. I am responsible for bringing awareness to our organization through outreach, social media, networking, and more! I recently completed my B.A. in Psychology and am in the process of earning my M.A. in Clinical Psychology. In addition to school, I have spent my time learning the ins and outs of social media management. I felt that my knowledge in this area would assist me in utilizing the power of social media to bring awareness to the presence and potential of SCIL to more individuals and consumers. My passion for helping others, and doing my part in improving societal conditions, was my core reasoning for wanting to work at SCIL. I hope to use my time here to create lasting improvements and direction that will open the door for improved societal awareness within our community for years to come. I am grateful to have the opportunity to work with such wonderful people towards such a wonderful goal.