Wayfinders at Fresno State

Meet Our Team

Shail Lopez-Ortiz

Executive Director

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.

Leslie Shirakawa

Vocational Specialist

lshirakawa@csufresno.edu
559.278.0223

Leslie 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. Leslie has expressed that her favorite part of working for Wayfinders is seeing how much each student has learned, progressed, and grown in their independence and confidence.

Ashley Abrahamson

University Inclusion Coordinator

aabrahamson@csufresno.edu
559.278.1390

Ashley works with our students to develop academic goals and helps foster inclusion opportunities for our students on campus by assisting with enrollment and participation in typical Fresno State courses.

Macy Pereira

Activities Coordinator

mpereira@csufresno.edu
559.278.1390

Macy is a PEERS® Certified Provider who teaches our students the UCLA PEERS® Curriculum going over 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, Macy makes sure that the students have an active social life, are involved in the community and campus, and have healthy fitness routines. Macy also oversees our Peer Mentor program. Macy's favorite part about working at Wayfinders is seeing the students get out of their comfort zone to grow their interests through activities, volunteering, and new friendships.

Ryan Wilson

Transition Coordinator

rywilson@csufresno.edu
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.