Emilio Sosa

Phone: 562-855-3461
Email: esosa@thearclaoc.org

Emilio has over 25 years of experience in Executive Management within nonprofit organizations. As the CEO of The Arc Los Angeles and Orange Counties, he brings a wealth of experience ranging from innovation and planning, effective teambuilding, data analysis and metrics, ensuring diversity and inclusion, and fiscal management. He is passionate about working with underserved, at-risk communities and strives to advocate, bring awareness, and increase access and resources to underserved communities through strategic planning, community engagement, board development, and fundraising.

Emilio holds a bachelor’s degree in human development from Pacific Oakes College. He has been elected to serve on the Los Nietos School Board in Whittier, CA for the past 9 years and is the current President of the Los Nietos School Board of Trustees. Emilio is an active member of the Rotary Club of Downey. In the past, he has served on various boards including The Long Beach Community College Foundation, Lakewood Chamber of Commerce, YMCA of the USA Hispanic/Latino Roadmap, as well as Bond Oversight Committees.

Emilio resides in Whittier, CA with his wife Laura and daughters Natalia and Iliana. He enjoys the outdoors, beaches, and spending time with his family and three dogs, Kooper, Lola, and Daisy.

Amy Scott

Phone: 562-855-3462
Email: ascott@thearclaoc.org

Over Amy’s extensive, 25-year+ career in the nonprofit sector, she has deftly handled Operations, Administration, and Accounting and Finance roles. Her expertise lies in budgeting, financial reporting, and software. Prior to joining The Arc Los Angeles and Orange Counties, she spearheaded software conversions and software integration for a $45M nonprofit. She started at The Arc in January 2022 as Controller; she settled in and proved herself indispensable as she navigated The Arc through post-COVID terrain, ultimately restoring its stability. She was promoted to CFO in September 2023 and looks forward to many more years of service to our participants and staff.

Amy holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Child Development from California State University, Fullerton where she also earned a Multiple Subject Teaching Credential, was an Honor Society member, made the Dean’s List, and belonged to Delta Zeta International Sorority. After several years working in Accounting, she added another achievement to her résumé with a Graduate Accounting Certification from University of Phoenix. Amy is currently a member of Kiwanis Club of Downey where she connects with likeminded individuals for the mutual benefit of The Arc and the local community.

Amy is fun in the streets, and a superhero in the spreadsheets. She’s generous to a fault, fair and even-tempered, and loves her family and friends fiercely. She lives in Placentia with her husband, a restaurant manager; their twins (a boy and a girl); a cat; and a dog that looks like a coyote.

Britny Javier

Phone: 562-855-3464
Email: bjavier@thearclaoc.org

Britny wears many hats* as the Administrative Manager at The Arc Los Angeles and Orange Counties. She keeps the day to day business running smoothly, answers the phones, ensures all programs are stocked with the supplies they need, performs light IT duties, helps out wherever she’s needed, and so much more. She previously worked at The YMCA and has 11 years of experience with nonprofits. Britny graduated from Cal State Fullerton with a degree in Health Science, now called Public Health, and has always felt passionately about helping others.

Britny played water polo and swam competitively for 8 years. She is also a competitive traveler; so far, her international trips include such destinations as China, Japan, Greece, Italy, and the Philippines. Within the United States, she has visited Massachusetts, Florida, Arizona, and Nevada. She also took a road trip to Portland, OR once. Her likes include grapes and board games; she hates olives. So really, she remains ambivalent with regard to spherical foods.

The second youngest of 7 children and aunt to 12 nieces and nephews, Britny has experience managing chaos and is certain that she will rule the world one day. When she’s not assisting somewhere else in The Arc, you’ll find her at the front desk, greeting all comers with a smile.

* Figuratively. Her hair is too pretty to hide under a literal hat.

Alison Stewart

Phone: 562-855-3473
Email: astewart@thearclaoc.org

Alison grew up in Fullerton, in the office supply and stationery store owned by her parents. She graduated from San Francisco State University with a Bachelor of Arts in English Literature and remains insufferable about correcting everyone’s grammar. After working in fields as varied as trade shows, newspaper ad trafficking, and real estate, she was fortunate enough to land at The Arc in 2022 where she does some accounting, writes and edits, and manages this very website.

After living in Long Beach for 13 years, Alison returned to Fullerton where she lives with her child and more rescued cats than she’s comfortable counting. She loves to read, adores all things vintage, is a little obsessed with office supplies (you can take the girl out of the stationery store…), makes jewelry, wishes she were a better artist but does her best, goes to concerts as often as time allows, and decorates her home in a style that can only be described as maximalist eclectic bohemian genie den.

Beverly Lazo-Gonzalez

Phone: 562-855-3479
Email: bgonzalez@thearclaoc.org

When asked what she’d like included in her Bio, Bev demurs and says, “I’m boring.” As if. Our rockstar Chef is anything but.

Chef Bev has been in the restaurant industry since the age of 16 and attended Long Beach City College’s Culinary Arts program. She trained under Food Network’s “Too Hot Tamales,” Chefs Susan Fenigar and Mary Sue Milliken, as well as Chef Gordon Ramsay of “Hell’s Kitchen” fame. She has worked at the Disney Resorts, SlapFish truck and restaurant with Chef Andrew Gruel, as a stagiaire for “Great Food Truck Race” Winner Jason Quinn, Chef Consultant for 99 Ranch, and was Executive Chef for Wine Lab in Costa Mesa and The Rusty Monk in Whittier. Chef Bev lived in Ketchikan, Alaska for two years where she was a Consulting and Executive Chef for Cape Fox Corporation, AJ’s Gourmet Burgers, and Baranof Fishing Excursions.

If she looks familiar to you, you’ve probably seen Bev on TV. She has appeared on “Cutthroat Kitchen” season 9 episode “Veni, Vidi, Ceviche,” “Man Vs. Child: Chef Showdown” season 2 episode “Cake Walk,” and she was a contestant on season 12 of “Hell’s Kitchen.” The fish tacos she made for Chef Ramsay helped her win the 2017 Super Girl Pro Surf Cookoff. Bev also hosted Ketchikan, Alaska’s KPUtv’s “Taste of the Southeast.” A true foodie, she enjoys traveling and trying different restaurants with her family. Southeast Asian food is her favorite.

As Executive Chef and Director of Programs at The Arc, Bev has introduced innovative and exciting ideas to the Culinary Arts and Catering programs. The Arc’s staff and participants are the grateful recipients of her delicious creations and can’t wait to see what she cooks up next.

Margoritt Aquije

Phone: 562-855-3467
Email: maquije@thearclaoc.org

Margoritt started at The Arc in 2017 as a Job Coach where she spent 5 years supporting participants in the workplace by fully integrating them into their work environment. She was promoted to Director of Career Development and Supported Employment in 2022, then in 2023 took the Creative Arts Program under her direction as well. She previously worked as a Behavior Interventionalist for children aged 6-13 with autism; it was during this time that she developed her interest in assisting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Margoritt finds her work truly rewarding and loves that she can make a difference in the lives of our participants.

A graduate of UC Riverside, Margoritt holds a BA in Sociology. She is the elder of two siblings and has two children herself. She is of Peruvian descent and lives in Downey, where she loves to spend time with family and friends. She is especially close with her sister, aka her personal stylist, with whom she enjoys shopping. She also loves milk tea boba and discovering new boba spots. Margoritt’s motto is, “Life is too short… make the best of it!” 

Emily McCreary

Phone: 562-855-3465
Email: emccreary@thearclaoc.org

Emily joined The Arc as Director of Programs in 2024. Her aims align with The Arc’s mission perfectly as she strives to build confidence in participants and help them achieve their goals, live fulfilling lives, and maximize their potential. She values communication, forming strong relationships, and understanding participants’ individual needs and desires.

Emily holds a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from Buffalo State University and a Masters Degree in Special Education with an emphasis in Behavior Analysis from Arizona State University, where she graduated with honors. Her background prior to The Arc includes over five years of providing behavioral therapy to adults with developmental disabilities, partnering and working closely with various day programs in this capacity. She taught independent living skills, coping strategies, and maintaining overall health and a positive mindset.

Originally from Buffalo, NY (Go Bills!), Emily moved to Ventura County, California in 2018, in search of sunnier climes. As of March 2024, she resides in Fullerton with her husband. Emily loves to travel; she treasures time spent with family and friends whenever she makes it back to New York. Her hobbies include reading; thrillers and historical fiction are her favorite genres and she adores anything by Kristin Hannah. She also loves drinking coffee, enjoying good food, and building her California cred by relaxing at the pool.

Carlos Martinez

Phone: 562-955-5039
Email: cmartinez@thearclaoc.org

As Director of Transportation, Carlos keeps things moving at The Arc LAOC. He coordinates the transit of participants; maintains our fleet of minivans and keeps them serviced, safe, and roadworthy; and assists in the warehouse and in other programs as needed. Carlos was promoted to Director in January 2023 but he’s been with The Arc since 1994, working in a variety of positions over the years.

Carlos considers it a privilege to work with individuals with IDD and is passionate about serving the IDD community. A genuine lifer, Carlos started out working part-time for The Arc while completing his GED at Paramount High School, then while attending Compton Community College. He is grateful for all of the people he’s worked with along the way, as they have all made a positive impact on his life and, as a consequence, on the lives of our participants.

Over time, Carlos upgraded his driver license first from class C to B with a “P” (for passengers) endorsement, and then to class A with all five endorsements. Safety is his first concern and his driving record proves it. Carlos has taken many courses and trainings in different areas and aspects related to the community he is proud to serve. His ongoing mission is to continue improving himself so he can keep up with the demanding but rewarding work that our participants deserve.

On a personal note, Carlos has practiced deadlifting for many years. He loves taking long walks at the park or beach with Ophelia, his spoiled Yorkie. A travel enthusiast, he has visited ten states and plans to explore the other forty.

Julie Garcia

Phone: 562-855-3466
Email: jgarcia@thearclaoc.org

The Love Boat had Julie the Cruise Director; The Arc has Julie the Events Director — arguably the superior Julie. Our Julie started with us in 2024 after working as a freelance Event Planner, mostly coordinating parties and events for family and friends. She has spent her entire adult life in the nonprofit sector. Her experience includes 16 years at Calvary Chapel Downey as Coordinator and Activity Director; 5 years as a Recruiter for private security company RMI International; 5 years at TELACU Property Management, assisting anywhere from 60-150 residents at a time with affordable housing options; and a stint as Club Operations Director for the 10-20 Club, a local organization working with at-risk youth. Additionally, she holds an Office Management Certificate.

Passionate about helping at-risk youth, Julie remains involved in multiple organizations whose missions are close to her heart: Gangs Out Of Downey (GOOD), Columbus School, Rotary Club of Downey, and Soroptimist International. At The Arc, she loves seeing the joy experienced by our participants. Watching staff engage with participants is the highlight of her job.

Born and raised in Downey by a mother who was also raised in Downey, Julie now resides in Santa Fe Springs with her husband. Their hobbies include riding Harleys and going to concerts — most recently, they got to see The Rolling Stones. Legendary. She adores her close-knit family which includes her two adult boys, both married; five grandchildren; and her German Shepherd, Zeenah.

Carla Reyna

Steve Guzman

Steve Roberson

Texas native Steve Roberson moved to Bell Gardens, CA when he was 7 years old. He earned a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from California State University Los Angeles. He moved to Downey in 1976 and has been an active and respected member of the community ever since.

In 1986, Steve went to work for CENTURY 21 My Real Estate Company in Downey. He helped establish the company as a prominent figure in the CENTURY 21 system. After quickly rising from agent to manager to Broker/Owner, Steve expanded his business by opening an escrow company and a real estate school. He maintained approximately 100 agents throughout his 24-year-tenure as Broker/Owner, during which time he was awarded Broker of the Year and Large Office of the Year three times each by the Downey Association of Realtors. He was also awarded Real Estate Office of the Year and Business of the Year by the Downey Chamber of Commerce, and received the highest honors CENTURY 21 bestows — the Ambassador’s Award, President’s Award, Hall of Fame Award, and Marsh Fisher Award. Steve was very proud to own a company that promoted excellence in providing quality customer service within his community and supported many organizations in the Downey community, but after 38 years in the business he was ready to pass the baton. He sold the office but remained for a year as a consultant, and continued listing and selling homes through mid-2024. Not one to rest on his laurels, he is currently setting up a new Downey office to continue serving past clients and referrals.

Though he and his wife now live in Fullerton, Steve remains active in the Downey community. In addition to serving on The Arc’s Board of Directors, he is active with the Downey Chamber of Commerce and Downey Second Century Foundation, a member of the Kiwanis Foundation Board of Directors, past president of the Downey Association of Realtors, past president of Kiwanis, and past NBCC Representative for CENTURY 21 Corporation. He is also the Chairman of the Downey YMCA Financial Development Committee. Steve has received the prestigious Kiwanian of the Year Award, been named Distinguished President of the Year by Los Amigos Kiwanis, and received the Kiwanis George F. Hixson Fellowship Award. The Downey Chamber of Commerce twice named Steve Volunteer of the Year.

Steve and his wife Darlene have two sons and three grandchildren. In his spare time, he enjoys golfing, fishing, riding horses, and spending quality time at the small ranch he owns near Amarillo, TX with horses, cows, and a bull.

Deena Henry

Deena Henry is a highly accomplished and seasoned property management professional with over 25 years of progressive work experience, currently working with Macerich Properties. She is the  General Manager for both the Stonewood Mall located in Downey and the Lakewood Mall in the City of Lakewood. She has been with Macerich for 8 years.

Deena is married to Wade and has three kids, Kyle, Logan, and Nicholas. She is active in the communities she represents. She has been part of various nonprofit boards and community service groups as well as local chambers of commerce.

Deena lives in Lakewood, CA and enjoys off-roading, visiting the mountains, and spending quality time with her family

Dianne Lumsdaine

Dianne Niethamer was born in Secaucus, New Jersey. She received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from the University of California, Berkeley, and a law degree from Golden Gate University in San Francisco. Dianne practiced law in Estate Planning, giving her clients peace of mind by carefully laying out their heirs’ inheritance as well as the care of their young children.

While in undergrad, Dianne met the love of her life, Joe Lumsdaine, and they were married shortly thereafter. Dianne and Joe started their family during Dianne’s 3rd year in law school. Their family consists of daughter Jodi and husband Richard with granddaughters Phoebe and Lorelei; daughter Jenny and partner Niles; son Paul and wife Tiffany with grandson Owen and granddaughter Juniper; and son Casey and wife Miki.

Dianne’s service to The Arc began in the 1980s, when Dianne was asked to serve on the Board of Directors. She has held various offices and committee assignments through the years, including the Board presidency. She counts her time spent working for and with The Arc’s participants among her fondest memories and recognizes that the gifts and heart they possess far surpass any “disability” society labels them with. Both she and Joe, also a past president and current member of the Finance Committee, consider their time spent in service to The Arc a true labor of love.

Dianne and Joe have always believed in volunteerism and service to their community and church. In addition to their long history with The Arc, organizations benefitting from their service include Girl and Boy Scouts, Kiwanis, Soroptimist, YMCA, Habitat for Humanity, Youth Baseball, and Kaiser Spiritual and Hospice Care, to name a few. Dianne was also a Planning Commissioner for the City of Downey in the late 1980s and 90s. She currently serves as a Personnel Commissioner for the Downey Unified School District, a position she has held for the past 30 years.

Nelson Castro

Ellie Eck

Gil Legaspi

Gil is an accomplished professional with an impressive track record in the real estate industry. He brings a wealth of expertise to his clients with over 23 years of experience as a real estate broker, 20 years as a general contractor, and 12 years as a certified property manager. Currently, Gil successfully manages a diverse portfolio of over 300 commercial and residential rental units.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Gil actively participates in various community service initiatives. As a member of the esteemed Downey Rotary Club, he finds great fulfillment in serving his community. Additionally, Gil contributes to the local Downey Chamber of Commerce as an ambassador, leveraging his expertise to support its endeavors. Moreover, he dedicates his time to working with nonprofit organizations that aim to address the issue of gang-related activities in Downey, reflecting his commitment to making a positive impact.

Gil’s personal life is equally fulfilling. He has been happily married for 9 years and is the proud parent of three children. His dedication to his family provides a solid foundation for his professional and community pursuits, demonstrating his ability to balance multiple responsibilities and commitments.

Andrew Prompongsatorn

Mel Sanchez

Lissette Rivera

A dedicated special needs advocate, helping parents navigate the complexities of EIPs and 504s within our local school districts, Lissette has a passion for raising awareness of mental health, ensuring early intervention for children with special needs, and providing essential social support for all children in our community. She also serves the City of Downey as a Public Works Commissioner and was recognized as the 2024 Woman of Achievement for the 30th Senate District.

With over 30 years of valuable management experience, Lissette proudly serves as the President of the War on Lethal Fentanyl (WOLF), a non-profit organization that partners with local cities and school districts in surrounding areas. She is also active in various organizations, such as the Assistance League of Downey, the Downey Chamber of Commerce, the Downey Association of Realtors, and the Rotary Club of Downey.

Alex Triay

With over 30 years of printing experience, Alex Triay is a third generation printer and owner of Rapid O Print, a full service printing company specializing in commercial and large format printing. With a client base which includes AT&T, Duty Free of America, T Mobile, Screen Actors Guild, CAA Agency, and Kaiser Permanente, Alex ensures high quality, efficient and trustworthy printing in all concepts.

Alex lives in Downey and is a community-serving leader, giving back to the communities he serves. He enjoys being of assistance to underserved communities, providing resources and opportunities where possible.