Our Team | Service Center for Independent Life

Larry Grable

Executive Director

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.

Susan Pearson

Finance Officer

As Finance Officer, I am involved with every aspect of the agency’s fiscal responsibilities. I create budgets, track grant spending, facilitate payroll, and assist employees with human resources. I prepare reports, keep records, and compile all the necessary information for the annual audit. I enjoy my work and feel blessed to be a part SCIL’s mission to enable persons with disabilities to live independently in the community.

Chelsea DiGerolamo

Program Manager

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.

Patrick Tran

AT Coordinator

My name is Patrick Tran and I am a person with a disability. I became disabled at a young age that due to Steven Johnson syndrome. I am legally blind. I graduated with a BA degree in Market Management and a Minor in accounting at Baker College, Michigan. I am currently employed for Service Center for Independent Life as an Assistive Technology Coordinator at Claremont. I have been with the center since June of 2013. I utilize assistive technology such as PEARL, a screen reader, and a hand video magnifier to perform my daily work tasks. My responsibility at SCIL is to advocate for persons with disabilities and guide them in obtaining the assistive technology that they need in order for them to maintain self-sufficiency and live more independently at their home. I also promote disability awareness to the underserved population within the community. I always try to empower consumers to utilize the re-use program through the lending library to try things out before purchasing the equipment, as well as to access the ability tools website to check out monthly events and free webinar trainings and other valuable info for assistive technology.

Janice Ornelas

Transition Specialist/Independent Living Specialist

Hello I am Janice Ornelas, SCILs Independent Living Specialist / Transition & Diversion Specialist. I have been with SCIL for a very long time and it’s been my pleasure to serve and help those in need. I love what I do to help others and the disability community. I strive to help and encourage our consumers by helping them accomplish their goals in life. Providing them with the right resources and tools, I&R, Advocacy, Independent living skills and one-on-one cross disability peer counseling. I also do transitional services. Independent living centers have a federal mandate by the government to provide services that help you transfer from skilled nursing facilities back into the community and keep you in your home with diversion assistance. I will assist the consumer in determining their eligibility, finding financial assistance and creating a plan for independence. The Diversion project is a service of SCIL to empower all persons with any disability in their quest for greater personal independence. I work to provide my consumers the most support and all the help I possibly can.

Brenda Del Real

Independent Living Specialist/Youth Transition

Hola! I am Brenda, the Youth Transition/Independent Living Specialist at SCIL. I am responsible for assisting youth in their transition to adulthood through career preparedness, vocational/educational goal setting, budgeting, travel training, and any other resources that can aid them in achieving self-sufficiency. I provide services to our disabled community in both English and Spanish. I also assist with benefits planning. We can assist you with obtaining SSI/SSDI, CAPI, CalFresh, Medicaid/Medicare, and other low-income benefits, as well as answer any questions or concerns you may have to the best of my knowledge. It is a great pleasure to be able to assist consumers with as much help and support as we can and to be allowed to be a part of their success. I look forward to continuing to do so and learning more along the way as well.

Gina Hernandez

Talking Fingers Braille Program Coordinator

Andrew Del Castillo

Talking Fingers Braille Translation Specialist/AT Coordinator

As a long time user of assistive technology for the blind, I welcome opportunities to educate others about how to make the most of what is available. At SCIL, I instruct and assist consumers in performing tasks such as using screen readers and print reading systems for the visually impaired. I also provide technical instruction and assistance to transcription staff as part of our Talking Fingers service. I perform research and work with translation software to insure that documents conform to appropriate standards and specifications.

Arielle Roberson

Community Organizer/ILS/Systems Change

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 effect the community, I believe intersectionality is an important part of the work we do at SCIL. My goal is to bring together others experiencing common issues, in order to achieve change and growth in society. I plan to grow our advocacy group as well as continue to spread awareness and educate others on issues that effect people with disabilities.

LaKenya Pitchford

Systems Change Advocate

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.

Armand Bujanda

Independent Living Specialist

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.

Shannon

Receptionist/Office Admin

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.

Marquis Quinton

Emergency Preparedness Coordinator

I am responsible for the coordination, education and implementation of emergency preparedness standards and plans for the Access and Functional Needs (AFN) communities within SCIL’s catchment area. My goal is to ensure that our consumers are prepared to safely navigate risk, emergency and natural disaster while maintaining their goals of independent living. I feel very fortunate to be part of the SCIL team - a dynamic group that values diversity as much as independence. I look forward to the positive work that we can accomplish. In my off time you can find me in my kitchen, in my garden, in my pool or behind my guitar, but usually I’m with my wife and kids!