Wayfinders at Fresno State
Meet Our Core Team
Shail Lopez-Ortiz
Executive Director
slopezortiz@csufresno.edu
559.278.0353
Shail has 18 years of experience as a rehabilitation counselor. Her background as a business owner for 10 years has enabled her to gain unique insight leading effective teams and organizations. She is passionate about pushing her team to think outside the box and embrace unique strategies when working with students with ID/DD.
"The only limit to your impact is your imagination and commitment." Tony Robbins
Alma Her
Residential Coordinator
amessillas@csufresno.edu
559.278.0173
Alma's team teaches Wayfinders students how to perform and master tasks as they relate to time management, hygiene, chores, meal preparation, grocery shopping, cooking, personal finance, and self-advocacy. She conducts weekly 1-on-1 personal finance workshops to help students practice financial concepts they may be struggling with.
Macy Pereira
Vocational Coordinator
mpereira@mail.fresnostate.edu
559.278.0224
Our Vocational Coordinator teaches our students appropriate work skills and attitude in Career Development Class and places them in work internships both on the Fresno State campus and out in the community.
Brandon Gonzalez
University Inclusion Coordinator
brandon1280@mail.fresnostate.edu
559.278.0356
Brandon works with our students to develop academic goals and to foster inclusion opportunities on campus by assisting with enrollment and participation with Fresno State courses. He leads workshops to help participants develop academic skills they need to be successful students. He also assists students in accessing accommodations to support them in the classroom and work setting.
Jada Beacom
Community Inclusion Coordinator
559.278.0058
Jada teaches our Social Interaction Workshops which covers topics such as quality
of friends, electronic communication, appropriate use of humor, handling bullying,
dating, and more. In addition to this workshop, she makes sure that the students have
an active social life, are involved in the community and campus, and have healthy
fitness routines. Jada also oversees our Peer Mentor program.
Ryan Wilson
Transition Coordinator
559.278.1390
Ryan supports students in developing transition plans that will enable the students to have productive and fulfilling lives in the setting of their choosing. He also supports and encourages students to participate in and plan a range of activities that will provide them with skills to independently develop a rewarding social life after Wayfinders. He enjoys witnessing each student's journey toward independence and tracking the success of students who have finished the program.
Gabriel Diaz
Case Manager
gadiaz@csufresno.edu
559.278.0020
Gabriel supports Wayfinders students by helping promote independence and self-efficacy. He collaborates with staff, parents, regional center service coordinators, and individual students to implement action plans to address and support student goals. Gabriel finds building a strong rapport with students, witnessing daily growth, and working with an innovative team are the most rewarding aspects of his work.
Mariah Ramos
Case Manager
mariahr@csufresno.edu
559.278.0394
Mariah supports Wayfinders students by helping promote independence and self-efficacy. She collaborates with staff, parents, regional center service coordinators, and individual students to implement action plans to address and support student goals.
Mackenzie Burke
Administrative Coordinator
mackenzieb@csufresno.edu
559.278.0503
Mackenzie ensures the efficient day-to-day operation of the Wayfinders office. She provides support to staff, manages the program calendar and events, oversees correspondence, assists with the financial management of the program, and oversees the admissions process. Mackenzie has a deep appreciation for working with a team of passionate and driven individuals who provide quality support to Wayfinders students.