Valley Light Industries

INDEPENDENCE THROUGH EMPLOYMENT

Employee List

Each of our employees embody the corporate philosophy, social responsibility and high ethical standards that define VLI.

Ivan Campos

IVAN has worked in the human services field since 1992, the last ten with VLI.  His involvement with both segregated and integrated vocational service gives him a unique perspective into the benefits of a variety of options for consumers seeking work experience.  Ivan loves the fact that he has "a part in creating new and exciting work opportunities for our consumers."

Denise Paller

DENISE has worked as a Job Coach, Counselor, Case Manger, Program Coordinator and Quality Assurance Director, all during her 16 years of service with VLI....starting as our Receptionist!  Denise "loves the freedom to be creative in working with people with disabilities; although it is challenging at times, it is also the most rewarding type of work I know of.  The people we work with are a pleasure to be around and make each day fun and exciting." 

Nick Swinehart

NICK , who often reminds us that he has been doing job development for "104 years or so" has been associated with VLI since 2004.  He studied Behavioral Sciences at Cal Poly Pomona, and worked for five years as a psychiatric social worker.  Among the reasons he stays in the field is "to educate the business community about utilizing supported employment services as a viable and valued employment solution" while making a difference in the lives of our clients.

Job Developer

Eduardo DelRio

EDUARDO is working towards a degree in Social Work at CA State University Los Angeles.  His experience as  Job Coach, Case Manager, and Program Director for services with a behavioral emphasis support his success "helping individuals with disabilities and their families" seeking community based employment.

Susan Hernandez

SUSAN came to VLI with an abundance of experience working with individuals with behavior challenges.  During her first few years as a Community Team Leader, Susan demonstrated the leadership skills that supported her promotion to a Ventures Program Coordinator. She also is a certified instructor for the American Red Cross, and maintains certification for all our staff.

Julie Garcia

JULIE celebrates a decade of service at VLI this year.  She has 15 years experience in Finance and Human Resources and enjoys "seeing the beautiful smiles of the clients we serve every day...it reminds me why I'm here!"

Jeannette Lyons

VLI’s new team member comes to us with over 15 years of experience in the financial field.  She was initially attracted to our agency by the opportunity to work with a non-profit organization where she can see that her work allows her to give back to the people we serve and not feel like she is just “punching numbers” all day.  She states that she is “happy to be a part of such a caring organization!”

Melissa Macias

MELISSA came to VLI as a "temp" in 2005 shortly after graduating from CSULB with a degree in Communication Studies, and has been here since!  She coordinates both client services and marketing ventures for the agency, but states that her favorite part of working here is "being able to see the clients smile when they achieve something!"

Diane Herrera

DIANE came to VLI in early 2008 as a Job Coach with experience in Marketing and Sales Management; it quickly became clear to us, however, that Job Development is her true calling.  "What I like the most is seeking new work opportunities for our consumers and make sure they are very happy.  If they are happy with the job I find for them, it makes me even happier!"

AnaRosa Aguirre

ANA ROSA supports clients working in individual placements in the community.  She completed her studies in Psychology/Law and Society at Mt. SAC and the University of CA-Riverside, and has been with VLI for more than 4 years.  She "enjoys helping our consumers with any issues or concerns; it makes me very happy when I know I satisfy their needs when I go out and visit in the community and see them so happy. It motivates me to work harder to help them as much as I can."

Melissa Perez

MELISSA came to VLI in 2007 after working for 5 years as a group home manager.  Her previous experience with a community based program as a Job Coach and Case Manger led to her current position, where she "enjoys working with my clients and being able to help them succeed in their work environment and in their community."

Raudel Delgado

RAUDEL came to VLI from the "other side", working as a Production Manger in the private sector for 10 years.  Starting in 2004 as our Workshop Manager, Raudel transitioned into community based services to strengthen his service to clients through experience and advocacy.

Patricia Garcia

PATRICIA  balances a career with VLI while studying to become a registered nurse.  She came to VLI in 2007 after four years in the field, and likes being involved with  Ventures as it "teaches independent living skills and assisting people with developmental disabilities."

Steve Castanon

STEVE worked as a Job Coach with VLI for over 7 years; prior to that, he worked as a painter and warehouse manager for Builder's Emporium.  Steve says that it "touches his heart every day to see those guys working so hard" when asked how he likes his current position as Workshop Manager, a job to which he was promoted in 2007.

Johnny Camacho

JOHNNY began his tenure with VLI over ten years ago in our workshop, and was promoted to Case Manger with our Supported Employment Program based on his vast experience with direct care and penchant for the written word.  He "enjoys the clients and likes feeling that I've made a difference in their lives."