We are passionate individuals with a shared commitment to making a positive impact on the lives of those we serve. With diverse backgrounds and expertise, our team members bring a wealth of experience and knowledge to help our clients and their families.
Here we believe in a collaborative and compassionate approach, working closely with families and individuals to provide personalized support and IEP empowerment.
Get to know the faces behind our mission and discover the caring hearts and skilled hands that drive our commitment to you and your children. We look forward to working with you soon, and learning more about you!
Kristine Domingo - Community Engagement Liaison
Kristine firmly believes that true inclusivity can happen when people are open and empathetic, offering insight that is free of judgment. As a parent of an autistic child who was identified at 2 1/2, Kristine knew that she wanted to help create spaces for her son to exist as his amazing, authentic self and thrive not only in school and in the home, but in the community as well. Her passion for disability inclusion and neurodiversity led her to Sanford Autism Advocacy.
At Sanford, Kristine supported families throughout their IEP journey as an Autism/IEP Parent Advocate. In her current role as the Community Engagement Liaison, she partners advocacy with community outreach where she finds resources for families and makes meaningful connections with community partners offering ways for parents to empower their own advocacy journey.
Kristine earned her (SELAS) Special Education Law & Advocacy Series certification through University of San Diego and is a member of the Counsel for Parent Attorneys & Advocates (COPAA). Kristine is well-versed in collaborating with school teams and navigating the IEP process with a strength-based approach, awareness of equitable practices, and understanding support services. Three times a year, Kristine is the co-host of the Thriving Autism Families Conference with Director, Crystal Sanford.
Kristine has a B.A. in Literature and Creative Writing, and has a background in publishing. She is also an experienced arts educator, and enjoys working and teaching in various creative modalities. She is a fiber/textile artist and spends most of her time creating art or having fun with her wonderful family. Currently, Kristine volunteers with Revision Creative Workspace where she supports Resident Artists with Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities.
Kristine firmly believes that true inclusivity can happen when people are open and empathetic, offering insight that is free of judgment. As a parent of an autistic child who was identified at 2 1/2, Kristine knew that she wanted to help create spaces for her son to exist as his amazing, authentic self and thrive not only in school and in the home, but in the community as well. Her passion for disability inclusion and neurodiversity led her to Sanford Autism Advocacy.
At Sanford, Kristine supported families throughout their IEP journey as an Autism/IEP Parent Advocate. In her current role as the Community Engagement Liaison, she partners advocacy with community outreach where she finds resources for families and makes meaningful connections with community partners offering ways for parents to empower their own advocacy journey.
Kristine earned her (SELAS) Special Education Law & Advocacy Series certification through University of San Diego and is a member of the Counsel for Parent Attorneys & Advocates (COPAA). Kristine is well-versed in collaborating with school teams and navigating the IEP process with a strength-based approach, awareness of equitable practices, and understanding support services. Three times a year, Kristine is the co-host of the Thriving Autism Families Conference with Director, Crystal Sanford.
Kristine has a B.A. in Literature and Creative Writing, and has a background in publishing. She is also an experienced arts educator, and enjoys working and teaching in various creative modalities. She is a fiber/textile artist and spends most of her time creating art or having fun with her wonderful family. Currently, Kristine volunteers with Revision Creative Workspace where she supports Resident Artists with Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities.
Jackie Chan - Executive Assistant & Employee Relations Specialist
Jackie is a wife and a mother to two wonderful children. Her advocacy journey started in 2015, navigating services for her Autistic son, who is now 12 years old. She is continuously eager to learn and adapt to the ever-changing needs of her family. With a professional background in corporate learning and development, strategic communications and behavioral change, she is passionate about developing opportunities where all families can thrive. As an Executive Assistant and Employee Relations Lead, she is happy to serve as the backbone of Sanford Autism Advocacy Group and is referred to as “Jackie of all trades” among the team.
You can typically find her planning her next family adventure, working on a 1000-piece jigsaw puzzle, or finding ways to reorganize the house. She loves a good taro milk tea with boba on the side of a pork bao bun.
Susan Rothman - IEP Advocate
Susan began her career as an art teacher. As she experienced teaching students with autism, she discovered that art gave those students a bright enthusiasm for learning, and observed how art engaged the whole student and promoted higher levels of achievement. The experience inspired her to go back to school and obtain her special education credentials and masters degree in education/autism.
Susan then spent the next ten years teaching in a mild/moderate Special Day classroom, which included Transitional Kindergartners through 2nd graders. She worked with a very diverse group of students and became passionate about inclusive classrooms and recognizing the possibilities of all students. Inclusion has always been Susan's focus because she understands the beauty of creating a rich, diverse class community.
However, after becoming frustrated with education and its current challenges, Susan's special education advocacy journey began. She retired as a teacher and followed her passion of supporting families and representing the best interests of the students.
Susan received her Special Education Advocate Training with COPAA (Counsel for Parent Attorneys & Advocates) and keeps current with her advocacy development. In her free time Susan enjoys painting, doing mosaics, photography, reading, writing and camping. She also enjoys spending time with her children and grandchildren, and walking her dog on the beach.
Desiree Sorgini - IEP Advocate
Desiree is a proud mother of two amazing children. She found her passion for advocacy while facing struggles with her own child. Finally finding the appropriate setting and services for her son and then watching him thrive was a life changing moment for her. That's when everything clicked and she decided to take a new path in life. She attended the special education law and advocacy series and got certified through the University of San Diego school law.
After being certified in special education advocacy, she began working with parents to help achieve an appropriate IEP. Desiree works hard and feels success from assisting other parents through a journey that seems so alone. Her bubbly personality, loving soul and knowledge of parents' rights is what brings a valuable asset to Sanford Autism Advocacy Group.
Desiree is a proud mother of two amazing children. She found her passion for advocacy while facing struggles with her own child. Finally finding the appropriate setting and services for her son and then watching him thrive was a life changing moment for her. That's when everything clicked and she decided to take a new path in life. She attended the special education law and advocacy series and got certified through the University of San Diego school law.
After being certified in special education advocacy, she began working with parents to help achieve an appropriate IEP. Desiree works hard and feels success from assisting other parents through a journey that seems so alone. Her bubbly personality, loving soul and knowledge of parents' rights is what brings a valuable asset to Sanford Autism Advocacy Group.
Gaby Pierce - Customer Care Associate
Gabrielle was drawn to Sanford Autism Advocacy Group due to her personal connection to the work their company does. Her younger brother, who is neurodivergent, encountered issues with his IEP when he entered middle school. With the help of an experienced attorney, her brother was able to receive access to an appropriate education. He is now thriving as a freshman in high school! Reflecting on her family's experiences, she wished her family had had a company like Sanford Autism Advocacy on her brother's team. Now, she assists them in helping families just like her own.
Gabrielle is a senior this year at San Diego State University looking forward to graduating this spring! When she isn’t working or studying, you can find her reading a book. She also enjoys playing with her orange tabby named Boo or exploring new places in San Diego!
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