Wayfinders at Fresno State
Meet Our 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.
Toni Talmage
University Inclusion Coordinator
559-278-0357
Toni 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. She leads workshops to help participants develop academic skills they need to be successful students. She also assists students in accessing accommodations to support them in the classroom and work setting. She believes watching the students learn and grow independent in all domains is the most amazing part about being a part of the team at Wayfinders.
Activities Coordinator
559.278.0224
Our Activities Coordinator teaches our Social Interaction Workshops which cover topics
such as quality of friends, electronic communication, appropriate use of humor, handling
bullying, dating, and other social interaction topics. In addition to this workshop,
they makes sure that the students have an active social life, are involved in the
community and campus, and have healthy fitness routines. They 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.