Andy Aguirre | MaryPaz ChávezVara | Laurel Ferson | Viviana G. Hernandez | Janel Lauer, MPH, OTR/L
Phyllis Vokey Long, MFT | Selena Rauenzahn, M.A. | Jodi A. Robledo, Ph.D.
Andy Lianne Aguirre was first introduced to KIT when she was an inclusion facilitator for the City of Coronado's Recreation Department. She moved to San Diego in 1999 to go to college, and she received her Bachelor's degree in Psychology from UCSD. Andy has worked with children for over eight years in various settings. She is currently working with children of all abilities as a Teaching Artist for San Diego Junior Theatre, a Recreation Leader for the City of Coronado where she teaches preschool and youth programs, and at Kellogg Elementary School as a Dance Instructor. Andy received the Shining Star award from KIT in 2004 for her outstanding work as an inclusion facilitator with children. She enjoys helping children of all abilities form friendships and learn to appreciate differences in each other.
MaryPaz ChávezVara became a teacher for children with learning disabilities in México City and worked for 5 years in this field before moving to this country. In the past five years, she has conducted trainings and/or workshops for agencies like WestEd/PITC-Partners for Quality, Kids Included Together (KIT), YMCA, StoryQuest, East Coast Migrant Early and Head Start, Washington State Migrant Council, Parent Institute for Quality Education, Logan Heights Family Health Center, Chula Vista and San Ysidro School Districts. For 15 years she worked with the H.O.P.E. Infant Family Support Program, serving families with children with special needs from birth to three years of age. And for the last 2 years she has been participating in Project MENTOR, supporting childcare providers in their professional growth. Her mantra is a quote from Natasha Josefowits: “If the best of me can make more of you, then the best of you will reflect on me.”
Laurel Ferson earned her bachelor's degree from San Diego State University in early childhood education and is pursuing a master's degree and teaching credential in early childhood special education at the University of San Diego. She has 15 years of experience in the field of early care and education as a classroom teacher with infants, toddlers and twos. She found her passion in working with children with special needs and currently works with toddlers at risk for autism as well as working as a substitute teacher in the special education preschool programs for San Diego Unified School district.
Viviana has been working with children in after-school programs since 2000. She earned her Associate's degree in Child Development with an emphasis in Psychology. In 2003 she became the site supervisor and mentor for one of Harmonium, Inc.’s "6 to 6" programs. Viviana was first introduced to KIT in 2002, and since then has attended numerous ongoing trainings with the San Diego County Office of Education on leadership, inclusion, and family relations. Since joining KIT, Viviana has found her passion in working with children with disabilities and plans to pursue and further her education in this field.
Janel has been involved with individuals with disabilities for most of her life and became passionate about inclusion after spending a summer working as an inclusion aide at a day camp. She received her Bachelor's degree in Occupational Therapy from the College of St. Catherine in St. Paul, MN. She has worked with children with disabilities and their families in a variety of settings, including clinics, homes, schools, and community sites. Janel recently completed her Masters in Public Health at the University of Washington and is looking forward to opportunities to advocate for the health and well-being of all children and families.
License #43695, Child Development Specialist
Phyllis Vokey Long has over 25 years of experience in early childhood serving in multiple roles from parent volunteer to teacher to administrator and adjunct professor of Child Development. Phyllis served as Program Coordinator for SDSU Faculty/Staff Children’s Center for 10 of those years. As the mother of 4 children and the grandmother of four, Phyllis can identify with the growing pains, joys and challenges faced by parents as well as professionals. Phyllis has applied her years of experience with children and families toward her current career as a Marriage and Family Therapist with Helix Counseling Associates, and as Trainer and Consultant for Kids Included Together.
Selena graduated from San Diego State University in 2006 with a Masters in Education, emphasis in Special Education and Autism. In 2004, she earned a Clear and Professional Teaching Credential: Level II Education Specialist for students with moderate to severe disabilities. She is currently working towards a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) certification. Selena has worked with typically developing children and children with disabilities since 1996 as a teaching assistant, behavior tutor, classroom teacher, supervisor and consultant. She specializes in the following strategies: intensive behavior modification, Applied Behavioral Analysis, TEACCH methods and PECS systems. She has received grants from National Foundation for Autism Research and San Diego Teacher’s Fund to facilitate better learning for her students.
Dr. Jodi Robledo serves as the Coordinator of the University of San Diego Autism Institute. Her responsibilities include development and coordination of two annual autism conferences for educators, students, families, self-advocates, professionals and support staff and training and consultation for school districts and agencies within San Diego County. Dr. Robledo is also an adjunct faculty member in the School of Leadership and Education Sciences at USD. Her work focuses on autism and other developmental disabilities, sensory and movement differences, and relationship building. She presents at national conferences and has recently co-authored “I can't get started: Stress and the role of movement differences for individuals with the autism label” in Stress and Coping in Autism, published in 2006 by Oxford University Press, with Anne M. Donnellan and Martha Leary.
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