Self-Advocates

Vincent Chavez has been involved with the Center for one year. His training module is “Marriage without Penalties”. Some of his hobbies and interests are watching football, working on the computer, hanging out with friends and family members, and using his Play Station II. A dream of his will be to pave the way for other advocates so they won’t have it so hard. The center has helped him to become a better advocate and have better advocating skills. It has helped him discover that you have a louder voice as a group rather than just one voice. Being at the center, he has also learned that people and politicians listen more to a group. Some of his special skills include public speaking, computer skills, and being a good judge of character. On September 10, 2007 Vincent passed away quite suddenly. We will all miss his quick wit and great sense of humor.

Marilyn Martinez has been involved with the Center for three years and is partnered with Vincent, working on their training module “Marriage without Penalties”. She is a trainer for the Developmentally Disabled Supports Division (DDSD), and is the host of her weekly TV show called Advo Girl meets World. She is very active in the community and is the President of People First. She takes an active position on several committees and boards in the area. Such as Protection and Advocacy Advisory Board, Developmentally Disabled Planning Council, Consumer Advisory Board, Center for Self Advocacy Advisory Committee, Self Advocate Advisory Committee, Advisory Consumer Quality board to name a few. She takes an active role in public speaking by educating others on issues that impact individuals with a developmental disability. One of her dreams is to get married. The center has helped her realize the importance of issues that affect people with disabilities and supports her in advocating to change some of the issues.

Jason Griego has been involved with the center for two years. He is working with fellow advocate Rusty McBride on his training module “Disability Etiquette” with the UNM students. Jason has many interests such as rock climbing, dancing, swimming, driving go karts, skiing, miniature golf, and hiking to name a few. A couple of his goals are to become more independent and to become an Eagle Scout. Jason works at Highland Swimming Pool as maintenance staff. Part of his job is to help keep the pool clean and pretty. The center has helped Jason to become more independent and a place where he can meet new people.   Jason runs his own vending machine stocking business called "Snack Attack."

Philip With has been involved with the Center for three years, and his training modules with the UNM students include “Leadership”, “Employer Awareness”, and “Serving on Boards and Committees”. He is a State of New Mexico employee currently working at the Center as a self advocate trainer. He is an active participant on a few committees in the community such as Stop Abuse and Violence through Education (SAVE), Tobacco Use Prevention and Control Program (TUPAC), Stop Tobacco Use on My People (STOMP), and LEND to name a few. He enjoys participating in many sports through Special Olympics as a coach and an athlete. Being at the center, he has improved his leadership skills and developed greater self-esteem. He has become a stronger advocate for himself and is a positive role model for his fellow advocates.

Daria Romero has been active at the Center for three years. The training modules she is currently working on with the UNM students are “ISP”, “Employment Tips” and “Relationships and Communication for Adults with Developmental Disabilities” with fellow advocate Emily Hoffman. She is very active on a few committees in the community such as People First where she is the treasurer, she sits on the committee at Alta Mira, and she is a photographer for the Center’s newsletter the Self Advocate. She enjoys working on her computer, spending time with her family and friends and participating in Special Olympics. The center has helped her develop her public speaking skills, become a strong advocate for herself and meeting new people. Some of her special skills are that she is a good listener, a loyal friend. As being a part of the center one of her goals is to teach other advocates how to become leaders.

Emily Hoffman has been at the Center for three years. Her training modules are “Problem Solving on the Job”, and “Communication and Relationships for Adults with Developmental Disabilities” with the UNM students and fellow advocate Daria Romero. She is also a reporter for the Center’s newsletter the Self Advocate. She is very active at Very Special Arts where she is a performer quite frequently with the local plays. The center has helped her to become a better advocate and has given her more self confidence. She enjoys presenting her training modules to groups at different cities throughout the state. She also enjoys participating in and coaching with Special Olympics, working on the computer, and public speaking. Some of her special skills include reading, writing, memorizing lines and interviewing people. She has some great ideas for advocating. One of her goals is to get married and travel. She would like to learn new presentations and continue to teach the advocates.

Katie Klauschie has been an advocate at the Center for one year. Her training module is “Accessibility in post secondary education” with the UNM students. She is an active member of the Developmental Disabilities Planning Council. She is good on the computer and good with animals. She enjoys going to the mall, playing on computers and going to the casino. Katie is involved with VSA as an apprentice performer. The center has helped her to become a better person, she is more outgoing, and has gained a lot of self confidence. One of her goals is to live on her own, become rich, to drive and fly her own airplane.

Jennifer Espinosa has been involved with the Center for one year. She is partnered with Katie in their training module “Accessibility in post secondary education”. She is a volunteer at Americorp, and a VSA apprentice artist. She enjoys Harry Potter movies and books, going to the park with friends and singing. Some of her special skills are that she can read and write Braille very well, she can sing in different character voices and accents. She has a good memory and a good sense of humor as well as a great imagination. The center has taught her how to become a public speaker and she has learned about issues and concerns of people with disabilities. One of her goals and dreams are to meet J.K. Rowling (author of Harry Potter books). She would like to travel to London, and just be herself.

Laura Matthews has been active at the Center for two years. She enjoys cooking, singing, playing soccer, watching football, going fishing and playing with her Play Station. She is a reporter and photographer for the Center’s newsletter the Self Advocate. She is a State of New Mexico employee currently working at the Center as a self advocate trainer. She works once a week with abandoned and rescued horses through the program known as ‘Walking in Circles”. She is currently working on her training module of “Housing and Employment” with the UNM students. She enjoys coming to the center because she learned to advocate for herself and it has taught her about self advocacy. Being at the center she has learned to become more independent and more confident.

Brian Blessing has been involved with the Center for two years. His training modules include “Self Advocacy 101”. He is an advocate trainer for the Developmentally Disabled Supports Division (DDSD), where he trains in Participatory Choice Making and Communication and Level I Health. He is a volunteer at the American Red Cross where he answers the phone, greets people, and processes the mail. He is also a member of the Kiwanis Action Club. Some of his interests are playing basketball, swimming, watching TV, kick boxing, and visiting with family and friends. One of his goals is to work with people with TBI. I feel they need help most of all and I know what it feels like from the other side. The center has helped him become more confident whether he’s working or while public speaking and what he’s speaking about. The center has helped him be more passionate about helping others. There are many advocates who don’t know how a center like this can help their community.

Carolyn Delgado has been active at the center for three years. Her training modules include “Funding Programs” and “Leadership”. She worked at Sirloin Stockade, the Marriot and Americorp. She volunteers at Share your Care and has helped her friend with her thrift shop. She is very active on several committees in the community such as People First of Albuquerque, People First of NM, Center for Self Advocacy Advisory Committee (CSAAC), Self Advocate Advisory Committee (SAAC), to name a few. She enjoys spending time with her family, painting and drawing, going to the mall with her boyfriend, collecting Snoopys, and traveling out of town for her presentations to name a few. One of her goals is to go places to sell her artwork. The center has helped her meet new people, and it has given her a place to go to.

Rusty McBride has been active at the center for two years. Rusty is a trainer for the Developmentally Disabled Supports Division (DDSD) for the past five years. He is a former member of the Kiwanis Action Club. Some of his interests are football, girls, race cars and advocating. He is an avid Dallas Cowboy fan. I LOVE the Cowboys! Rusty is very passionate about his work, he has a great sense of humor and really cares about self advocacy and would like to see people “walk the walk”. One of his dreams is to write his life story and hopefully it will inspire others. He wants to work towards helping create opportunities for people with disabilities. The center has made Rusty more aware that there are other people besides himself that feel the same passion about self advocacy and I wish there was a place like this when I was younger. I enjoy going to conferences and learning more.

Jon Peterson has been active at the center for three years. His training modules include “Housing for Person with Disabilities” and “Transportation”. He is currently working at the ARC as a Project Assistant. He is a member of several committees such as the Center for Self Advocacy Advisory Committee, Self Advocate Advisory Committee, and Kiwanis Club to name a few. He enjoys watching sports such as volleyball, bowling, basketball and swimming. He enjoys dancing and playing video games. One of his dreams is to be a politician and to get married. The center has helped him become a stronger leader and given him more confidence. I used to be more of an introvert and now I’m an extrovert.

Adam Shand is involved at the center since the fall of 2007. He works at the Coronado Mall delivering food as well as working at a tattoo shop. He has good leadership and public speaking skills as well as a great sense of humor. He enjoys hanging out with friends, watching movies and playing video games. One of his goals is to become a movie star and another is he wants to make something of himself.

Cynthia Berkheimer is new to the Center, however she an experienced self-advocate. Cynthia was president of People First in Phoenix, and is a current member of the People First Albuquerque Chapter. Cynthia works at Wal-Mart, and does fund raising for some of her favorite causes. Cynthia recently joined a new theatre troupe at VSA. She loves the arts, is a great listener and wonderful leader. Cynthia is a very compassionate person, and has a great sense of humor.

Tonya Rivera is a very active self-advocate. She is involved in VSA in the theatre and dance troupe. Tonya has been involved with the Center for a year and has a training module on communicating with people who communicate differently. She is a good listener, and has strong leadership skills. Tonya’s goal is to become a Nunn.

Vickie Stewart has been involved with the Center for several years. She is a very strong self-advocate. Vickie lives in a group home, works as a trainer for case managers and enjoys participating in as many activities as she can. Vickie is a wonderful listener, a great leader and a good friend. Vickie enjoys being active in her community.

Gary Sandburg has been involved with the Center for a year. He is a student at UNM. Gary wants to advocate for people who can’t for themselves. Gary’s training module is on resources for continuing your education. Gary enjoys listening to his favorite bands such as ICP, Technine among others. He loves to attend concerts and really get down with the music. Gary is a very strong self-advocate with great leadership skills.

Grace Sedillo joined the Center last year as a new self-advocate. She attends VSA and is currently seeking employment. Grace enjoys many activities with her friends. Grace is a good listener, and has a good sense of humor.

My name is Rebecca Leigh Zeeb and I am 36 years old. I have been involved with the Center since September, 2009 and have done a training module on “Healthy Living.” I clean for a bank and have worked cleaning banks for 10 years. I like NFL football, walking, camping, shopping, listening to music, and New Mexico weather. My goals are to get a job, get my own place, and learn how to use a computer. I am good at remembering birthdays and anniversaries. The Center has helped me because it makes me save money to get my own place.

My name is Sheryl June Libby and I am 43 years old. I have been with the Center for a month and have done a training module on “Healthy Living.” I have worked with America Core and Rio Grande Civilian Club as a helper to feed and give drinks. I volunteered for Greenhouse ARCA and the ARCA Health and Wellness Program. I have many hobbies including playing sports, dancing, painting, artwork, and watching movies. My goals include being a middle and high school special education teacher. I want to learn how to drive, exercise, and eat right. I am good at using digital cameras, cleaning houses, embroidery, and woodwork. The Center has helped me get a better understanding of the history of self-advocacy.

My name is Chris Mora and I am 30 years old. I have been involved with the Center for one year and did the training module, “I am Unique.” I have worked at a watermelon ranch. I enjoy WWE wrestling, UFC fighting, playing videogames, and Indian dances. My goals include taking singing lessons, writing a biography, walking better, becoming a masseuse, and getting married. I play Native drums and sing. I also write stories, do clay sculptures and, draw. The center has taught me how not to label people and how to change people’s attitudes in a positive way. The Center has also helped me become calmer.

My name is Carolyn A. Torres and I am 19 years old. I have been involved with the Center for a month and have done a training module on “Anger Management.” I have worked at my sister’s coffee house. I like watching WWE wrestling, NASCAR, basketball, and football. I also like to watch my sister run track. My goals are to know more things, to do well at the center, and to be nice to people. I am good a drawing and word searches. The center has helped me learn how to be myself, become friends with more people, and get along better with people. I now know more people and talk to more people.

My name is Kathryn Kesten and I am 26 years old. I have been involved with the center for 6 months. I have worked at Moriarity Foods. I like to play games on the Wii, use the computer, color, and listen to music. I also enjoy spending time with little children and animals. My goals are to learn how to drive, learn how to cook, and be on my own. I have a special gift with animals and children and am also very kind to people. The Center has taught me about a lot of thins and I still want to learn about all kinds of things.

My name is Brian Onarheim and I am 42 years old. I have done a training module called “I Am Unique.” I do oil paintings and like to work on and frame puzzles. My goal in life is to get married and have a family, as well as own my own place. I have good computer skills and will be teaching students how to use the computer. The Center has helped me meet new people.

My name is Margaret Ramos and I am 19 years old. I have been involved with the Center for one month. I volunteered at Belen Meadows H.T. and JaramoryElementary School. I enjoy listening to music, doing word searches, doing puzzles, and watching T.V. I also enjoy reading. My goal is to become a strong person and speak up. The Center has helped me to speak up.

My name is Morgan White and I am 19 years old. I have been with the Center for one year and have done a module about “Employer/Employee Relationships.” I have volunteered at Echo Food Bank, AlbuquerqueHigh School, and La Mariposa Day Care. I like theme parks, amusement parks, and other recreational activities such as miniature golf. My goals are to get a job, get into college, and live on my own. I am good at helping other people. The Center has empowered me to accomplish my goals and has helped me to advocate for myself.

My name is Jonathan Brewer and I am 18 years old. I like hanging out with my friends, listening to music, watching T.V., and watching movies. I go toAlbuquerqueTalentDevelopmentSecondaryCharterSchool. I work with the City of Albuquerque Parks and Recreation Department as a Recreation Leader during the summer and school year. I also volunteer for my church youth group as a group leader. My goals are to learn about money management, how to spend money wisely, and how to use different software programs.

My name is Reed Gallinger and I am 20 years old. I am currently in an ACCESS class. I have also taking cashiering/costumer success classes at CNM, cooking class at Manzano, and a dating class at the Center. My goals are to make new friends, learn more about self-advocacy, and learn how to talk to people. I also want to learn how to problem solve and learn how to clean out viruses from my computer.

My name is Louis Barela and I am 21 years old. I live on my own in Clovis, NM. I volunteer in the Belen schools as a substitute custodian and Fat Sats. My goal is to meet new people and learn how to speak out. I also would like to learn more about email.

My name is Dustin Kirby and I am 20 years old. I work as a yard laborer at Raks Building Supply in Los Lunas. I want to learn leadership skills, meet new people, and become a better person. I also want to learn how to update files on a computer, clean out files, and general computer skills.

My name is Teyent Tefera and I am 27 years old. I like to listen to music, go to the mall, watch movies, buy clothes, and play on the computer. My goals are to learn about self-advocacy, help others, and give presentations to others. I would also like to learn about facebook and improve my typing.  

Dot Haugen has been active with the Center for two years. The training module she worked on was “Problem Solving on the Job.” She works at Goodwill. Some of Dorothy’s interests are that she enjoys bowling, playing bingo, shopping, arts and crafts, and reading books to name a few. She would like to travel more and would like to do more presentations. She is an artist, a good cook, and a good friend. The center had helped her gain more confidence in herself. She has made new friends and has learned many new things.

Michael Kuyper is heavily involved with Special Olympics, and is a Global Messenger. He works at the Albuquerque Journal, and has a very strong work ethic. Mike is a very determined young man who believes that he can accomplish just about anything. His passion besides the Special Olympics is employment for people with disabilities. He is a very good self-advocate.

Danielle Zurla works at a children’s daycare center. She wants to learn how to cook. Danielle competes in Special Olympics in poly hockey, basketball, softball and track and field. Danielle wants to learn more about computers and how to help people.

Sarah Wilson likes to help people. She worked as a lifeguard and as a waitress. She competes in Special Olympics in poly hockey, swimming, bocce ball and track and field. She volunteers at Manzano Mesa Community Center and Luther House. Sarah wants to help people understand the problems people with disabilities face. She is also a Global Messenger for Special Olympics.

Michelle Simpson is very good at meeting new people, and is comfortable speaking in public. She competes in Special Olympics in hockey, basketball, track and field and softball. Michelle is also a Global Messenger, and a dog trainer. She has done this for 6 years. She trains dogs to work with people with disabilities. Michelle wants to improve her typing skills.

My name is Lydia Peterson. I am 31 years old and have Downs Syndrome. I am honest, responsible, and independent. I take the bus to and from CNM, where I am attending classes so I can get my GED. I want to get my GED because I am going to go to massage therapist school because I want to become a massage therapist. I also take the bus to VSA for all of my special talents. Some of my special talents as an artist include singing, poetry, drawing, painting, dancing, sewing, and quilting. I used to take Shakespeare, poetry class, and creative writing as well as spoken word. I have reached out to others through my time spent volunteering at the public libraries in Oregon. I volunteered with Parks and Rec. Department in Oregon, working as clerical staff labeling and stuffing envelopes. In Albuquerque, I have participated in community events, including Tuesday Night Dinner Club. I helped others carry their food trays when they were unable. I participate at VSA as a client; however I assist my instructors and fellow apprentice artists in cleaning up and organizing their craft. It makes me feel good to know that I am helping other people to achieve their dreams. I have learned respect for myself and others regardless of their circumstances or ability levels. I believe that everyone should have dreams and goals and everyone should have the right and the chance to reach them. Some things I want people to know about me are that I am a good cook. I enjoy relaxing at home, and hanging out with my family and friends. I am a good advocate because I like helping people, I am comfortable speaking in front of large groups, and I have not let my disability hold me back from achieving my dreams.

Luis Vasquez is involved with Special Olympics. He is very reliable and liked by most people. He enjoys having good conversations that involve world issues and local issues. He likes going to the movies and playing video games. Luis would like to get a job.

David Tinoco is very active in Special Olympics and others sports in Albuquerque. His favorite sport is basketball, with bike racing a close second. David works part time at Dairy Queen. He enjoys going to the casinos and playing video games, especially Tiger Woods. He has a cat named Scruffles. He wants to learn the computer and how to access the internet.

My name is Kasandra Real. I am 35 and have been involved with the Center since August 2008. The module I helped create is “Internet Safety.” I have worked at Blockbuster Video as a store clerk. I worked at McDonald’s as a dining room attendant, and I have worked at Rowland’s nursery, helping to take care of plants. I have volunteered at the Ronald McDonald house in Albuquerque, NM. I was also a volunteer with Americorps at VSA arts of New Mexico, assisting with the Exploratory Arts Program. I was involved with the self-advocacy class as VSA. Topics we addressed included Sun Van rider’s rights, Medicaid access, and making plans to live on my own. I like unicorns, reading, and talking on my cell phone. I enjoy sewing and have taken more than 5 sewing classes at VSA. Projects I have completed included a crazy quilt pillow and cell phone covers. I am working on two projects right now, including a patchwork quilt using red, blue, and white fabric, as well as cell phone covers which I have been commissioned to create. I enjoy watching TV, and like the show Full House. I enjoy watching movies, and especially like dramas. My family is very important to me, and includes my brothers, my nephews and nieces, my aunts and uncles, and my mom. I am interested in learning to cook better, and want to learn how to make Chinese food. My goals include getting a job and maybe working with children. I would like to meet new people and expand my circle of friends. I am exceptionally friendly and can start a conversation with anyone. Because I am involved with the Center for Self-Advocacy, I have made new friends who share similar ideas about life. I have learned skills which will help me work better in groups and am working on my public speaking skills to be able to give my module to large groups of people. I want to continue working with the Center to make people’s lives better.