We are passionate individuals with a shared commitment to making a positive impact in 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’s passion for disability inclusion and neurodiversity advocacy led her to Sanford Autism Advocacy Group. 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. At Sanford, Kristine began supporting families throughout their IEP journey as an Autism/IEP Parent Advocate. She 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.
In her current role as the Community Engagement Liaison, Kristine partners advocacy with community outreach where she focuses on resource efficacy for families and makes meaningful connections with Community Partners offering ways for parents to empower their own advocacy journey. Three times a year, she is the co-host of the Thriving Autism Families Conference with Director, Crystal Sanford. Kristine is also a fiber/textile artist and volunteers at Revision Creative Workspace where she supports Resident Artists of all abilities, including Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities.
Kristine’s passion for disability inclusion and neurodiversity advocacy led her to Sanford Autism Advocacy Group. 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. At Sanford, Kristine began supporting families throughout their IEP journey as an Autism/IEP Parent Advocate. She 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.
In her current role as the Community Engagement Liaison, Kristine partners advocacy with community outreach where she focuses on resource efficacy for families and makes meaningful connections with Community Partners offering ways for parents to empower their own advocacy journey. Three times a year, she is the co-host of the Thriving Autism Families Conference with Director, Crystal Sanford. Kristine is also a fiber/textile artist and volunteers at Revision Creative Workspace where she supports Resident Artists of all abilities, including 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.
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 became certified through the University of San Diego school of 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 became certified through the University of San Diego school of 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!