Bridging Horizons Conference

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My name is Jamie, and I have been an advocate and voice for my community for nearly a

decade.  I currently serve on the CVS Self Advocacy Executive Board and various committees and panels, using my voice to speak up for others, especially for those in my community who

cannot speak for themselves or are still learning how to use their voice.  Advocacy is important

to me because I know how powerful it can be when someone feels heard and respected.  

One of my goals is to show other individuals with disabilities that they can use their voice and

that their voice matters.  I try to lead by example and show that it is possible to speak up, take

part in decision-making, and create change.  I also want people outside of the IDD community to

understand that individuals with disabilities should be treated equally and given the same access  and opportunities as everyone else.  

I have been a member of the Community Vocational Services program for over ten years and a part of their Self-Advocacy group for over seven years.  I have worked multiple jobs, and when I speak, I share my experiences to show what someone with disabilities can do and to help people get to know me beyond a label.  Helping others and being there for those who cannot speak for

themselves brings me happiness and purpose, and it is what continues to drive my advocacy

work.

 Scott Johnston was born and raised in Fresno/Clovis. 

He graduated in 2011 from Fresno State in 2011 with a B.A. in Broadcast Journalism.  Scott is currently a Community Access Advocate Intern with Kings View. 

In addition to his work with Kings View, Scott is also a Certified Life Coach who is passionate about helping others and sharing the lessons and wisdom that living with a disability has taught him.

My name is Sammy, and I serve on the Bridging Horizons Executive Committee. I chose to be

involved because I want to advocate for people like me. I believe that when you can speak up,

you also have the responsibility to use your voice. Advocacy matters to me deeply, and I take

pride in standing up for the IDD community and helping others understand our experiences.

 I am an accomplished public speaker and have spoken many times about disability, advocacy,

and inclusion. One of the values I believe is especially important to highlight is patience—it’s a

virtue that can create understanding, connection, and respect. I carry an important message to

people both with and without disabilities: we are more alike than different, and everyone

deserves dignity, respect, and the opportunity to be an active member of their community.

I have been part of the Vocation Plus Program for over ten years and have worked multiple jobs

throughout my career. These experiences have helped shape who I am today and strengthened

my commitment to advocacy. Through my work, I hope to challenge stereotypes, open minds,

and show that individuals with disabilities are capable, valuable, and deserve full inclusion in all

areas of community life.

Federal Compliance Program Manager

Central Valley Regional Center

Dr. Anthony Ash is the Federal Compliance Program Manager at Central Valley Regional Center (CVRC), where he leads initiatives to uphold state and federal standards for programs supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. With expertise in Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS), Medicaid waiver compliance, and systemic reform, Dr. Ash has built a reputation for advancing regulatory excellence while centering the dignity and rights of those served.

A dedicated educator, Dr. Ash is also a professor of social work and human services at Fresno City College, where he teaches courses on counseling skills, macro practice, and social justice. His teaching style is known for being empowering, relational, and rooted in real-world application—especially for LGBTQ+ students and future helping professionals.

With a Doctorate in Social Work and a strong foundation in leadership, Dr. Ash blends policy knowledge, organizational strategy, and heart-led service. He is the founder of the Bridging Horizons Conference, a statewide event focused on elevating compliance, community voice, and professional development. He is also a former drag show host, softball coach, and proud advocate for inclusive practices across systems.

Dr. Ash is deeply committed to transforming systems from the inside out—with a focus on creativity, collaboration, and courageous leadership

Community Vocational Services, Inc.

Owner and Executive Director

My strongest desire is for individuals with developmental disabilities, to be empowered to live their best lives.   Early in my 21-year career in this field I learned that our understanding that we are “caretakers” was faulty.  My dream became focused on those who came to CVS would feel loved, supported and encouraged to discover and be fully engaged in their community of choice.  I celebrate each person’s individuality and want to honor them for who they are.   Should always be people over bureaucracy.

What I like the most is the smiles, acceptance and creating new experiences, actively creating a space where everyone’s voice matters.  My main drive is to advocate for individuals with I/DD and always strive to “do better” then where we stand currently; see things always changing for the better.    

And to keep the balance in life I love time with family, to travel, keep my body strong with regular workouts, get a very needed massage and spend time in nature.

Assistant Director of I/DD Services

Kings View

Cameron’s personal commitment to the field of developmental disabilities is evident by her long career of over 25 years. She is currently the Assistant Director of I/DD Services for Kings View. Her true passion is to support individuals with I/DD to become active and engaged members of their community; to be given opportunities to do things they never experienced before. And to ensure they have a voice with anything that may affect their lives. Cameron’s knowledge of the DDS Service Codes avails her to be very creative and “think out of the box” to develop services that truly meet the needs of the individual.

She loves the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of those she serves daily and she feels her leadership positions have been instrumental in making that happen. And to keep herself grounded she likes to swim, take long walks, play cards and be with family whenever possible.

CEO Chance Dobbins Sr. Charity/ Club 67

I’m Elisabete “Liz” Dobbins, a mother, grandmother, and lifelong advocate for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. I immigrated to the United States from the Cape Verde Islands in 1985 and later made Atwater, California my home, where I joined my  husbands family’s residential care business founded in 1971. It was there that I discovered my purpose and passion for service.

With nearly 30 years dedicated to supporting individuals with special needs, I became Director of The Haven in 2014, a community-based day program focused on empowerment, inclusion, and meaningful life experiences. My work centers on ensuring people feel valued, heard, and fully connected to their communities.

In 2022, I founded The Chance Dobbins Sr. Charity in loving memory of my late husband, expanding support to individuals with special needs, veterans, and others in need through essential services and educational programs. In 2023, I launched Club67, a first-of-its-kind inclusive nightclub designed to create safe, joyful social experiences for the special needs community.

At the heart of everything I do is the belief that people should always come before bureaucracy. I strive to create spaces where individuality is celebrated, voices are respected, and opportunities for growth, connection, and joy are accessible to everyone.

Reva Guimont is a parent of a 44-year-old daughter, Tash, who lives with the diagnosis

of Autism along with her ongoing medical condition hydrocephalus.

Reva has successfully received quality services for her daughter as she has collaborated with the

School District, Regional Center, Medical Field, In Home Support Services, CCS, and

more. If not too cliché’, Reva states, Tash definitely is her greatest teacher in learning

about the achievements of individuals who live with Intellectual and developmental

disabilities.

It was through the concept of building a Circle of Support for Tash that successfully

transitioned her from her parent’s home into her own home with the support of both

professionals, family and an amazing staff. Over 20 years ago, Reva learned the

Person-Centered Approach was the most effective way to discover what was best for

her daughter to grow and live her best life.

Reva worked for 17 years as an advocate for family members of individuals with

intellectual and development disabilities at Exceptional Parents Unlimited (EPU). EPU

encouraged her to go on a path of continued Person-Centered Learning through

Cornell University’s Citizen Centered Leadership Development Course and then to

continue training others in our community in Person-Centered Approach. This has

been well received by many families and other agencies in the Community.

After retiring from EPU, she became certified as a Person-Centered Thinking trainer

contracting with Central Valley Regional Center with a team of another 8 skilled

Person-Centered Thinking trainers from CVRC, who continue to train the Person-

Centered Thinking skills throughout the CVRC 6 County catchment areas.

In addition, Reva is a Person-Centered Consultant working with other agencies in our

Community. She also works as an Independent Facilitator for Self-Directed Program

and continues to provide Supported Living Services for her daughter as a Parent

Vendored Supported Living Service Provider.

These have been magical years to share with others as well as her own personal

growth and discovery. Reva has learned from all the Learning Partners she has

partnered with. Her personal quote is, “I love this work and will continue until my heart

stops.”

AMVA, Corp

Chief Executive Officer

Vartan Hekimian is the Chief Executive Officer of AMVA Corporation, a company he founded in 2005 with the support of his family to serve adults with severe behavioral challenges. Growing up in California’s Central Valley after emigrating from Armenia in 1980, Vartan developed a deep commitment to community service and advocacy for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

He earned his degree from California State University, Fresno in 2000 and entered the health and human services field in 2004. His journey began as a volunteer with the Special Olympics, where he first discovered his passion for supporting individuals with unique needs. Building on that experience, he dedicated the next two decades of his life into expanding opportunities for some of the most complex and underserved populations.

Under his leadership, AMVA Corporation has grown into a comprehensive provider of residential and day program services, with a portfolio that includes:

- Ten adult residential facilities, including 8-CPP projects.

- Two licensed adult behavioral day programs.

- Transportation services designed to increase access to the community.

- An Enhanced Behavioral Support Home (EBSH).

- Two New Day Program locations scheduled to open this year.

Vartan has personally overseen the successful transition of 38 individuals from California’s State Developmental Centers into community-based settings, emphasizing integration, individualized treatment, crisis stabilization, and skill-building opportunities tailored to each client.

For the past fifteen years, Vartan has also served as a certified Crisis Prevention Institute (CPI) instructor, providing critical training in behavioral intervention and crisis prevention both within his agency and in partnership with the Central Valley Regional Center and other provider organizations.

Through his vision and commitment, Vartan has established AMVA Corporation as a leader in the Central Valley and Valley Mountain Regional Center catchment areas, shaping systems of care that prioritize dignity, independence, autonomy, and quality of life for individuals with developmental disabilities.

Educator

Central Unified School District

Meagan Barrientos is a Special Education teacher in her 12th year of service, currently working in the Adult Transition Program with Central Unified School District in California’s Central Valley, where she was born and raised. Her passion for working with individuals with disabilities began at a young age—starting in elementary school, when she launched a buddy program at her school that paired students with disabilities with peer supports during recess.

Meagan continued volunteering in Special Education throughout her academic journey and went on to work as both a paraprofessional and a Behavioral Therapist before beginning her teaching career. These experiences have shaped her strong belief in inclusive practices, meaningful community connections, and preparing students with disabilities for successful, independent adult lives.

Throughout her career, Meagan has focused on life skills instruction, community-based learning, and advocacy for students, families, and educators. She is passionate about expanding opportunities and access for individuals with disabilities across all age levels and is honored to serve on the Board for the Bridging Horizons Conference, supporting its mission to connect, educate, and inspire.

Outside of the classroom, Meagan is married to her husband, Isaac, and is a proud stepmom to two boys. She also shares her home with three beloved fur babies—Salt, Pepper, and Ginger.

AMVA, Corp

Aren Hekimian is the Chief Operating Officer of AMVA Corporation, an company founded in 2005 by his brother Vartan Hekimian. Growing up in California’s Central Valley Aren developed a passion for expanding music and arts culture along with providing community service and advocacy for

individuals in need.

He earned his AA degree from California State University, Fresno and while pursuing his

communications degree was approached by Grammy award winning artist Kanye West to work for his newly started record label G.O.O.D. Music through Sony Music. From 2004 until 2019 Aren

produced, managed, and promoted events throughout the US. His unique skill of being a connector has seen him transcend into consulting professional sports athletes, organizing over 2 dozen charity events in the Fresno area for underserved populations, along with producing the Central Valley’s largest music and arts festival (Grizzly Fest) for 7 years with his partner Vartan Hekimian.

His journey working with individuals with Intellectual Disabilities began as a volunteer with the Special Olympics in 2004 when his then girlfriend asked him and his brother to volunteer. At that event they first discovered working directly with individuals with unique needs. AMVA began in 2005 and through that experience and supporting the family business in 2014, Aren came on board full time as the COO and has dedicated the last decade of his life into expanding opportunities for some of the most complex and underserved populations.

AMVA Corporation has grown into a comprehensive provider of residential and day program services, with a portfolio that includes:

- Ten adult residential facilities, including 8-CPP projects.

- Two licensed adult behavioral day programs.

- Transportation services designed to increase access to the community.

- An Enhanced Behavioral Support Home (EBSH).

- Two New Day Program locations scheduled to open by Spring of 2027.

Working alongside Vartan, they have overseen the successful transition of 38 individuals from

California’s State Developmental Centers into community-based settings, emphasizing integration, individualized treatment, crisis stabilization, and skill-building opportunities tailored to each client.

Following the vision and commitment AMVA was founded on, Aren has worked diligently to make

AMVA Corporation a leader in the Central Valley and Valley Mountain Regional Center catchment

areas, shaping systems of care that prioritize dignity, independence, autonomy, and quality of life for individuals with developmental disabilities.