Liliya Peterson - MA, Executive Director
Liliya earned her BS degree in Health Science from Fresno State University in 2001 and worked as Administrator of elderly residential homes in Clovis through 2006.
In 2006 she moved with her husband to San Rafael, CA and worked on Adult Day Health Center "Your Health" in the 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. From 2011 through 2014, Liliya ran the Healthy Minds – Healthy Aging community program (MHSA funding) for individuals 60 + in Napa Valley California. From 2014 - 2016 Liliya was a professional Gerontologist and Administrator Consultant for Residential Homes for Elderly in Sonoma county. From 2016 – 2020, she worked as a Case Manager at the GGRC serving individuals ages 3+ who were diagnosed with developmental and intellectual disabilities. December 15, 2020 Liliya became an Executive Director at Opportunity for Independence.
David J Hiller - S.T.E.P. Program Manager
David J. Hiller, but please call me D.J., I am the S.T.E.P. Program Manager at Opportunity for Independence. I have been working in the Health and Human Services field, specifically with individuals or persons diagnosed with Developmental disabilities (and intellectual), for about 15 years now. I began in this field as a DSP (Direct Support Professional) and have worked my way up as an Assistant Director and Program Coordinator Assistant.
Primarily, I am an advocate who wants to help implement positive changes for the Individuals I work for and with. I have helped Programs become CARF accredited and have made my voice heard in Sacramento to help pass legislation for our folks to improve their lives and ensure that our politicians “keep the promise”. I enjoy the peace and serenity of the outdoors, the comfort of a good book, the fulfillment of “pushing others to excel” through sport. Mainly, my goal is to make certain that these rights continue to exist for everyone to enjoy. May our pursuits find us smiling as we greet them.
Ambur Gastelum - Programs Senior Manager
Ambur has worked at OFI since March 2009. She began as skills instructor, later becoming Manager. She is currently the Senior Programs Manager for all OFI Programs. While at OFI, Ambur became a licensed massage therapist and certified health educator. During her off time, Ambur loves to spend time with her five children, hiking, going to the river or the beach.
Tristan Overgaard - OFI SLS Lead Trainer/ SLS Instructor
Tristan Overgaard was born in Novato, but moved to Sweden when he was 10 years old. He returned to California in 2007 and began working with the special needs population. He has spent 17 years working as Instructior. Hi has been the lead trainer for all staff since February 2021. His compassion and commitment continued to positively impact both clients and staff of OFI.