Students

Heather is pursuing her Masters Degree in Social Work at San Diego State University. Her broad area of interest are systems of care, particularly as they relate to children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD), the aging population, unpaid family caregivers, paid professional care workers, and the need to increase dignity, respect, and support for all involved.

As the part-time caregiver of her beloved sister with profound I/DD, and with work and volunteer experience in hospitals, nursing and rehabilitation facilities, and hospice settings, Heather hopes to bring the insights of her lived experience to programs, services and policies that will decrease stigma, increase inclusion and belonging, and build more robust and sustainable systems of care.

Luigi is pursuing his Master’s Degree in Social Work at San Diego State University. He is interested in supporting youth, especially as they navigate life transitions, with a focus on those from historically under-resourced communities. He has experience working with children with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD), youth in transitional housing, and children from military families, and in the coming year, he will be supporting children from refugee and immigrant backgrounds. Grounded in a commitment to meeting young people where they are, he hopes to offer the encouragement, tools, and stability they need to feel seen, supported, and empowered to spread their wings.