Our Staff

Ivor Weiner, Principal Investigator and Professor of Special Education
818-677-2598
ivor.weiner@csun.edu
How did you find out about FFRC?
In 2001, Dr. Ann Bisno, professor emeritus, recruited me as the assistant director. Ann retired in 2007, and I assumed leadership of the FFRC in 2007.
What do you like best about working at FFRC?
Being able to help families and individuals and witness the incredible job the staff does.
What is the resource you share with families most often?
I share the North Los Angeles County Regional Center. A personal share with families is to always focus on the strengths of their loved ones!

Victoria Berrey, Director
818-677-7063
victoria.berrey@csun.edu
How did you find out about FFRC?
I came to FFRC as a parent looking for information about my son's transition from Early Start to preschool. Later, I started working for FFRC as a part-time parent support specialist, and I have never left!
What do you like best about working for FFRC?
I like continuing my knowledge of parent-to-parent support and disability-related issues by collaborating with local and statewide organizations and participating in legislative education and advocacy. I also love facilitating the Parents of Adult Consumers support group! 
What is the resource you share with families most often?
I'm a big supporter of the Special Olympics of Southern California, and Carousel Ranch's Ready to Work program.

Theresa Quary, Outreach Specialist Manager
661-294-9715
theresa.quary@csun.edu
How did you find out about FFRC?
I found out about FFRC when one of their staff provided a transition to preschool training at my child's Early Start program. The training was helpful and taught me how to keep my child's reports, immunization records and more in one place.  While I may not have had it well organized, I did become more mindful of putting items in a binder. 
What do you like best about working at FFRC?

I enjoy being able to assist families with supports that can help them raise their child with a disability.  These supports can be referrals to services but mostly making connections to other families that have experienced the journey.  
What is the resource you share with families most often?
Resource I share most:  Disability Rights of California Special Education Rights & Responsibilities  https://serr.disabilityrightsca.org/ 

Diana Chulak, Program Manager
818-677-5575
diana.chulak@csun.edu
How did you find out about FFRC?
When my first son was diagnosed with autism at age 3, I called FFRC desperate for help. I spoke with Theresa Quary, who helped me find some resources right away and gave me the support I needed to get to the next step. Six years later I was hired as a Family Support Provider at the CSUN office, and it has been one of the best decisions I ever made!  
What do you like best about working at FFRC?

I like being able to say "Yes, we can help you find what you need." At previous jobs, I could not help everyone who needed it, but here I can always help. Sometimes it may be just to listen to a parent, and I am so happy to do so. 
What is the resource you share with families most often?
My support group! Join Parent Check in & Chat once a month on Thursdays from 12:30 pm to 1:30 pm, meet other parents to share what is happening in your life and get resources and tips. I hope to see you there!

Connie Wong, Assistant Professor of Early Childhood / Special Education and Research Consultant
 818-677-2596
connie.wong@csun.edu
How did you find out about FFRC?
I found information online when I was applying for the faculty position in early childhood special education and thought it would be fun to collaborate with FFRC.
What do you like best about working at FFRC?

Bringing the CSUN teacher candidates to run a fun table providing information sheets to families and an activity for the kids at the All Abilities Resource Fair.
What is the resource you share with families most often?
The FFRC and the CHIME Institute Infant/Toddler and Preschool Inclusion programs.

Rebeca Diaz, Bilingual Family Support Provider
818-677-6854
rebeca.diaz@csun.edu
How did you find out about FFRC?
Before joining the FFRC as part of the staff, I was a member of their Cultivar y Crecer support group.
What do you like best about working at FFRC?

 I like to support other families, listen to them, make them feel that they are not alone and that we truly understand them. I like to see how the families we help become empowered little by little and begin to advocate better for their children.
What is the resource you share with families most often?
IEP workshops

Jen Burns, Early Start Family Support Provider 
213-761-5615
jennifer.burns@csun.edu
How did you find out about FFRC?
I found out about FFRC from my friend Tammy, who has a son with Down Syndrome. She is good friends with Theresa Quary and told me there was a job opening. 
What do you like best about working at FFRC?

I let families know that we are an emotional support for them, because we all understand the challenges that come up while raising a child with a disability. 

Noli Wiesen, Administrative Assistant  
noli.wiesen@csun.edu
How did you find out about FFRC?
I found out about FFRC from other a mom of my son's friends.
What do you like best about working at FFRC?

The best thing about working for FFRC is seeing how many people we help by answering questions and providing resources. I also love knowing that everyone who works for FFRC has a child or family member with a disability. We truly invest in our work.
What is the resource you share with families most often?
The resource I share most often is our support groups.

Morgan Skeries, Social Media Specialist  
morgan.skeries@csun.edu
How did you find out about FFRC?
I found out about the FFRC through a family friend connection! 
What do you like best about working at FFRC?

I love feeling like I am making a difference in the lives of families!
What is the resource you share with families most often?
Our YouTube page! It's a wonderful resource to find any recent and past workshops, with access to lots of helpful information!

Fatima Castaneda, Coordinator
818-374-9107
maria.castaneda@csun.edu
How did you find out about FFRC?
I found out through a teacher when I was taking a class at a Community College.  She encouraged me to apply when she found out I had a son with autism.
What do you like best about working at FFRC?

I enjoy empowering parents, making a positive impact on their child's education, and connecting them with community resources, other parents, and professionals. I also love that we always have the opportunity to learn something new.
What is the resource you share with families most often?
IEP information and Generic resources (specifically information about SSI, IHSS and Conservatorship) 

Minako Le, Library Assistant, Chatsworth Office
818-374-9107
minako.le@csun.edu
How did you find out about FFRC?
I met Theresa Quary at my child's infant & toddler program, and she introduced me to all the benefits of FFRC.
What do you like best about working for FFRC?
Connecting families with resources and other families.
What is the resource you share with families most often?
FFRC Recreation & Fun Activities Resource List.

Tim Carter, Family Support Provider, Chatsworth Office
818-374-9107
tim.carter@csun.edu
How did you find out about FFRC?
Googling local disability support resources.
What do you like best about working at FFRC?

The support and insight I receive from my co-workers.
What is the resource you share with families most often?Lately SDP comes up often, and I share information from NLACRC's site, including their orientation schedule.

Monica Garcia, Bilingual Family Support Provider
661-294-9715
monica.n.garcia@csun.edu
How did you find out about FFRC?
I found out about FFRC from my Caseworker at the Regional Center.
What do you like best about working at FFRC?

What I like best about working for FFRC is that I'm able to connect with families that are going through the same or similar challenges that I've been through and I'm able to help them to be an advocate for their kids. 
What is the resource you share with families most often?
The resources that I share with families the most are our Generic Services workshops, IEP Essentials workshops, and the K.E.N Project.

Lordie Honrado, Family Support Provider 
661-294-9715
lordeline.honrado@csun.edu
How did you find out about FFRC?
I learned about FFRC from a flyer I saw at McRory Pediatrics where my daughter attends for therapy. From then on, we always borrowed toys & books from the FFRC library.
What do you like best about working at FFRC?

What do you like best about working at FFRC? The people who work here! They are very passionate about what they do, they really go out of their way to reach out to families and provide resources to help them, especially those first-time families who have a child with a disability.
What is the resource you share with families most often?
 First, I always share what we offer, such as our IEP Essentials, Generic Services Workshops, and various support groups. I also always encourage them to sign up for our newsletter, so they are updated about any events happening in our community.  

Andre’ca Bass, Family Support Provider 
661-945-9598
andreca.bass@csun.edu
How did you find out about FFRC?
The North Los Angeles County Regional Center.
What do you like best about working at FFRC?

Helping families.
What is the resource you share with families most often?
Social recreation services.    

Lilah Sosa, Library Assistant
661-945-9598
lilah.sosa@csun.edu
How did you find out about FFRC?
I found out about FFRC through my grandmother. We were looking for resources for my brother and cousins, and she stumbled upon this site. Because of my work experience, she recommended that I apply.
What do you like best about working at FFRC?

I like being able to connect with families and share any knowledge I have gained along my journey. 
What is the resource you share with families most often?
I share recreation resources most often by request and IEP information.

Katharyn Sinelli, Coordinator, Community Navigator Program
818-707-5715
katharyn.sinelli@csun.edu
What do you like best about working at FFRC?

Family Focus is such a supportive team. We all have different experiences and can work together to help families.
What is the resource you share with families most often?
I often share SCDD's strategy guides for IEPs and IPPs.  

Kristie Lacy, Community Navigator
818-707-5715
kristie.lacy@csun.edu
How did you find out about FFRC?
I was connected by my son's service coordinator at the Regional Center.
What do you like best about working at FFRC?

I like using what I've learned as a parent to help other families. I've been there, I get it and I often learn new things from the families that I work with. I love the empowerment that comes with knowledge and getting to share that with each other.
What is the resource you share with families most often?
The FFRC YouTube channel for sure. 

Nathalie Ruiz, Community Navigator
818-707-5715
nathalie.ruiz@csun.edu
How did you find out about FFRC?
 I found out about FFRC through outreach done at Chime Preschool.
What do you like best about working at FFRC?

What I like best about working at FFRC is having the opportunity to learn about all the great resources that are available to our families and being able to share them.
What is the resource you share with families most often?
The resource I share the most with families is the generic services workshops.

Eva Erazo, Bilingual Community Navigator
818-707-5715
eva.erazo@csun.edu
How did you find out about FFRC?
Through my Consumer Service Coordinator at Regional Center.
What do you like best about working at FFRC?

I enjoy being able to help parents with services and I get the opportunity to make a difference.
What is the resource you share with families most often?
​​​​​​​How to obtain IHSS and Social Rec services.