Meet our Team!

Empowering Families - One Connection at a Time

A team working together to provide support services for families with children with special needs and disabilities in Bakersfield, Kern County, Inyo, and Mono Counties

Our Advocates & Specialists

Every story is unique—and so is our team. With the experience, the hearts, and the expertise, we’re here to help you shape your family’s story and build a brighter future for your children.

A portrait of an older woman with shoulder-length blonde hair, blue eyes, and light skin, wearing a black sweater and a heart-shaped silver necklace, standing against a plain gray background.

Click Here to Read

Susan’s Bio

SUSAN GRAHAM

Director

Susan_Graham@heartsfrc.org

A woman with long brown hair and light skin, wearing a black top, poses against a plain gray background.

Click Here to Read

Leigh Anne’s Bio

A smiling woman with shoulder-length brown hair, wearing a black top, against a plain gray background.

Click Here to Read

Timaree’s Bio

LEIGH ANNE JOHNSON

Program Coordinator

Leigh_Johnson@heartsfrc.org

TIMAREE TORRES

Family Resource Specialist*

Timaree_Torres@heartsfrc.org

*Tehachapi Location

Portrait of a young woman with long brown hair in a black sweater, against a plain gray background.

Click Here to Read

Karina’s Bio

At H.E.A.R.T.S, our priority is

CONNECTION!

As a team, we are with you—and for you.

KARINA VELA

Family Resource Specialist

Karina_Vela@heartsfrc.org

*Bilingual

Click Here to Read

Laly’s Bio

LALY TENORIO

Family Resource Specialist

Laly_Tenorio@heartsfrc.org

*Bilingual

Portrait of a young woman with black wavy hair, wearing a black top with a white neckline and a black cardigan, smiling softly against a plain gray background.

Click Here to Read

Lily’s Bio

A woman with black hair in a shoulder-length style, wearing a black top and blazer, smiling against a plain gray background.

Click Here to Read

Laura’s Bio

LAURA NACHOR

Family Resource Specialist

Laura_Nachor@heartsfrc.org

*Bilingual

LILY BROOKS

Family Resource Specialist

Lily_Brooks@heartsfrc.org

MEET OUR BOARD

More than half of our board members are parents of children or adults with disabilities.

These real-life experiences shape our decisions, our priorities, and our commitment to the families we serve.

  • Matthew Gjerde

    Owner - Geek at the Ready

  • Ana Gomez

    Parent & Family Advocate - Richardson Special Needs Collaborative

  • Brinn Little

    Parent & Owner - The Virginia Creek Settlement

  • Lee Knotts

    Parent & Executive Director - Kern County Consortium SELPA

  • Carina Burciaga

    Parent & Family Advocate

  • Christine Francis

    Parent & Advocate

  • Stefan Waggoner

    Parent & Owner - Waggoner Financial

  • Shawn Kennemer

    Advocate & President/CEO - Bakersfield ARC