Liliya Peterson - MA, Executive Director
Liliya earned BS degree in Health Science from Fresno State University in 2001 and worked as Administrator of elderly residential homes in Clovis through 2006.
Then in 2006 she moved with her husband to San Rafael, CA and worked at Adult Day Health Center "Your Health" in Presidio park of SF as a Program Director.
In 2010, Liliya earned Masters in Arts graduate degree in Gerontology, Long Term Care Administration from San Francisco State University. In 2011 through 2014, Liliya ran Healthy Minds – Healthy Aging community program (MHSA funding) for individuals 60 + in Napa Valley California. Liliya has been a professional Gerontologist and Administrator Consultant for Residential Homes for Elderly in Sonoma county. From 2016 – 2020, worked as a Case Manager at GGRC serving individuals ages 3+ diagnosed with developmental and intellectual disabilities and Dec 15, 2020 Liliya has become an Executive Director at OFI, Opportunity for Independence.
Ambur Gianni - SLS Program Director
Ambur has worked at OFI since March of 2009. She began as a skills instructor, later becoming an sls manager, and now the director of supported living services. During her time at OFI, Ambur became a licensed massage therapist and certified health educator. During her off time, Ambur loves to spend time with her two children, hiking, going to the river or beach.
Guadalupe Jimenez - STEP Program Director
Guadalupe comes to Opportunity for Independence with 30 years of experience assisting people with intellectual and physical disabilities, as well as the dually diagnosed population. After graduating from Cal State Fullerton University with a Bachelor's degree in psychology, Guadalupe began working with people with developmental disabilities at a Special Ed campus in Buena Park, CA. When he moved to the Bay Area, he worked as a job developer for a non-profit organization that provided services to people with severe physical disabilities at Las Trampas Inc. After Las Trampas he became a Case Manager with Regional Center of the East Bay, where he provided case management services for people with disabilities and their families. After several years of case management, he realized that he missed working with participants on a daily basis, providing hands-on type of care and decided to return to programming. Subsequently, he received his Master's degree in Special Education.
His experience in managing staff and running adult day programs included planning, coordinating and overseeing the activities within the programs. He has been involved in many aspects of the clients' program process, ranging from collaboration with other agencies, to reporting on progress and providing resources for services they may need for a better quality of life.
Guadalupe has had the opportunity to interact with many people involved with his clients. This has given him experience with and access to services and benefits within the community. He has assisted seniors and people with disabilities to access service through IHSS in Alameda County. He collaborated with the Regional Center of the East Bay and Golden Gate Regional Center to provide resources for people in need. These include doctors, welfare agencies, government agencies (SSI), and agencies that provide services for people with severe physical and intellectual disabilities.
Through his experiences, Guadalupe has become committed to promoting dignity and self respect for persons with disabilities, as well as, a lifestyle that offers choice for each individual.
Erica Richards - SLS Lead Trainer / LAAP Coordinator
Erica Richards came to Opportunity for Independence in 2017 as a supported living services provider and took on the role of SLS Manager one year later. Since 1991, she has served those with autism, intellectual disabilities, traumatic brain injury, mental health issues, and physical disabilities. Most recently, she spent nearly ten years working at a small non-public school in Marin for children with autism and other learning differences. From supporting her students participating in Special Olympics on the weekends, she developed relationships with several adults in the community and is delighted to be working with her new individuals at OFI.
Tristan Overgaard - OFI SLS Lead Trainer/SLS Supervisor
Tristan Overgaard was born in Novato, but moved to Sweden when he was 10 years old. He returned to California in 2007 and began to work with the special needs population. He has spent 13 years working in SLS and recently was promoted to be a staff trainer. His compassion and commitment continued to positively impact both clients and staff of OFI.