About Us
The Independent Living Center of Kern County, (ILCKC), is a consumer based, consumer directed, non-profit agency dedicated to empowering persons with disabilities to live independently in their community. The ILCKC advocates to effect positive changes in society, leading to the integration and acceptance of persons with disabilities in the community. ILCKC offers a wide range of services to a growing population of persons with disabilities. These services are designed to empower persons with disabilities to grow creatively, professionally, personally, and to educate the community on disability issues.
Staff Biographies
JIMMIE SOTO - Executive Director
Jimmie Soto is the ILCKC Executive Director, effective 4-1-2011. Jimmie has earned a Master’s in Education Administration/Supervision and a Bachelor’s in Social Work both from California State University, Fresno. He also has an Associate’s degree in Liberal Arts from Fresno City College. Prior to coming to ILCKC, he was the Director of Program Services at Resources for Independence - Central Valley (RICV) in Fresno, a position held since 2001.
VALERIE GUIDRY - Director of Finance
Valerie Guidry is the ILCKC Director of Finance since February 2007. Valerie graduated Cum Laude from California State University Bakersfield in 2006 where she earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration-Accounting. She also holds an Associate's Degree in Accounting from Galveston College where she graduated Magna Cum Laude. Before joining ILCKC, Valerie worked at a local CPA firm as a Forensic Accountant. Prior to coming to Bakersfield, Valerie held the title of Administrative Associate in the Office of the President and Pegasus Projects at the University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, TX. She held that position for almost nine years.
HARVEY CLOWERS - Special Projects and AT Coordinator
Harvey Clowers is our Special Projects Coordinator at ILCKC. Harvey has been with ILCKC since July of 2004. His backround includes training in Social Security benefits, ADA training, and issues related to Assistive Technology. The services that Harvey offers include: Locating Assistive Technology ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) related issues Managing, maintaining, applying for and appealing benefits applications These are just a few of the things that Harvey can assist with.
BRANDY MORGAN - Systems Change Advocate
Brandy Morgan has been with the ILCKC since 2007. As the Systems Change Advocate she enjoys working with local, state and federal governance on issues ranging from the budget, transportation, the Olmstead decision, to IHSS, and much more.
DANE GEER - AT and I&R Coordinator
Dane Geer is the Information and Referral Advocate at ILCKC. He assists consumers in obtaining information and or referrals for any services that they might need to improve their lives, including assistive technology. In addition to specializing in information and referrals Dane teaches our beginning and intermediate computer classes.
JAMES KULZER - Program Manager
James Kulzer is the Program Manager for the Independent Living Center of Kern County. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Management and an Associate’s Degree with an ECE Certificate, in Early Childhood Education. For the past ten years, James has worked with the Migrant Education Department’s “Kindergarten Readiness Program” as well serving as a Pre-k through 12th grade Substitute Teacher. A strong advocate for labor, James served as a Local Union President and Secretary Treasurer for the Oil, Chemical, and Atomic workers Union (AFL-CIO) working for several oil and gas companies, including Texaco E&P and was owner/operator of a small maintenance company. James is also a Viet-Nam “Era” veteran, serving three years with the U.S.ARMY as a unit supply sergeant (1966 – 1969).
CHRISTINE LOLLAR - Community Resource Specialist and Intern Coordinator
Christine Lollar is the Community Resource Specialist for the Independent Living Center of Kern. Christine coordinates: fund development (grants, donations, and sponsorships), social media, events, and outreach. Christine has a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Management from Fresno Pacific University and certificates in Grant Writing (Grant Institute – CSU, Fresno), Marketing Services (University of San Francisco - McLaren Graduate School of Management), Kern County Network for Children’s Leadership Academy, and the Master’s Plan School of Ministry. Christine brings to the staff 25 years’ experience in local marketing, public relations, and event planning with an emphasis on non-profits. She aims to live by Gandhi’s quote “You must be the change you wish to see in the world.”
JESSICA VILLAVICENCIO - Administrative Assistant and Volunteer Coordinator
Jessica Villavicencio is our Administrative Assistant and Volunteer Coordinator. She helps keep our office running effectively. As the Volunteer Coordinator Jessica assists our Volunteers to best utilize their skills.
JIM ALFORD - Independent Living Specialist
Jim Alford is a ten year long employee of the ILCKC, currently working as an Independent Living Specialist. He has worked in the areas of housing, benefits, and other areas related to Independent living for people with disabilities. He has a B.A. in Spanish.
LAURA RODRIGUEZ - Independent Living Specialist
Laura Rodriguez is the new Independent Living Specialist for ILCKC. Laura’s field work experience includes: two years’ experience working with individuals with disabilities in an educational and community setting providing both recreational opportunities and teaching independent living skills. She was involved in the recruitment and personal development of students in a Transition Program for Students with Disabilities by providing personal, academic, vocational, behavioral guidance and counseling services to students with disabilities. Laura has a Bachelor’s of Arts in Liberal Studies and a Master’s Degree in Rehabilitation Counseling Services from California State University, Fresno.
RENEE MAESE - Independent Living Specialist and Accounting Clerk
Renee Maese is our Accounting Clerk. She assists the Director of finance in running day to day operations of the office.
Board of Directors
KRISTY RAPLEY - President
Kristy is currently the Acting President of the ILCKC Board of Directors and is Chair of the Budget and Finance Committee. She has been a board member of the ILCKC since 2006. Kristy is employed by Chevron as the Air Reporting Team Lead in the Health, Environment and Safety department. She has a strong passion around employment of people with disabilities. She established the local chapter of Chevron ENABLED, an employee network for people affected by disabilities, and serves as the Chair of that organization. She is also the Treasurer of Chevron’s NAN (Native American Network) employee network. She has served as a STARS mentor and as a member of the STARS Advisory Board (Chevron’s Students Training for Achievement, Reward, and Success program). Kristy has participated on the board of Bakersfield College’s Workability III program and participates in the HIRE Committee (Helping Incorporate Reliable Employees). Recently, she was an integral part of the “Talent Knows No Limits” campaign to inform and educate the public on services and resources available to the disabled job-seeking community.
STACY SANDERS - Secretary
Stacy is currently the Secretary of the ILCKC Board of Directors and is the Co-chair of the Program Committee. She has been a board member of the ILCKC since 2008. Stacy has mentored adults and children with disabilities for many years. She has served as Secretary and Treasurer for the Rolling Chariots of Bakersfield, as a camp counselor for the Crippled Children Society in San Jose, and as a volunteer for the Bakersfield Parks and Recreation Department. She has vast knowledge of issues effecting the disabled community and strong ties to athletes with disabilities. Her outstanding skills in organizing, communicating and listening have been important assets to the numerous people and organizations she serves. Stacy is employed at Physician’s Automated Laboratories, Inc.
PENNY VALDOVINOS - Treasurer
Penny is currently the Treasurer of the ILCKC Board of Directors and is the Chair of the Fund-Raising Committee. She has been a board member of the ILCKC since 2008. Penny has worked with the disabled and aged for approximately ten years and has participated in advocacy events for both the blind and disabled with legislators in Sacramento for the past five years She has volunteered with the Salvation Army in their Community Care Ministries for the past ten years. She started the Salvation Army program “In-Sight In-Touch” which is an outreach group for families and people who are affected by visually impairments and/or blindness. She is a member of the Guide Dog Users International, Guide Dog Users of California, and is the President of the Greater Bakersfield Council of the Blind. She works for Kern County Department of Human Services as a Human Services Technician III. She has worked for the county for the past twenty years. Penny has been involved in fundraising with both the Salvation Army and the Greater Bakersfield Council of the Blind for the past eight years. She is legally blind and has been visually impaired since birth.
DIANE DEUTSCH - Chair of Personnel Committee
Diane is currently the Chair of the ILCKC Board of Directors’ Personnel Committee and was the past Chair of the Budget and Finance Committee. She has been a board member of the ILCKC since 2007. Diane is also a member of the California Council of the Blind, Greater Bakersfield Chapter; Redwood Empire Council of the Blind; Council of Citizens with Low Vision International; Large Print Committee; Guide Dog Users International; and Guide Dog Users of California. Diane has taught Independent Living Skills from December 2005 through August 2007. Prior to that, she taught adult learning disabled students for the California Department of Corrections for fifteen years. She has advocated for disabled adults in many settings for the past twenty years and has taught them to advocate for themselves. She has participated in advocacy events for both the blind and disabled with legislators in Sacramento for the past five years. Diane is visually impaired and uses a guide dog.
EMMA PERRY - Liason/Co-Chair of Program Committee
Emma is currently the ILCKC Board of Directors’ liaison to the Rolling Chariots (a sports focused advocacy group for people with disabilities), and the Co-chair of the Program Committee. She has been a board member of the ILCKC since 2008. Over the years, Emma has served as multiple rolls within the Rolling Chariots structure, most recently as President. She has knowledge of different disabilities and understands the challenges of being disabled. She is employed with the Social Security Administration.
HEATHER WEST - Board Member/Fundraising Committee
Heather is the newest member of the ILCK Board
of Directors beginning in December 2010. She is
currently serving on the fundraising committee.
Heather is a Senior Public Health Programs
Administrator for Health Net of California. The Public Health Programs department has been instrumental in bringing Seniors and Persons with Disabilities into Medi-Cal managed care in California. Before joining Health Net, Heather worked as the Coordinator of
Family and Community Services for the Greenfield
Union School District for nearly eight years. Under
her direction, many new programs and services were
brought to low income families in the Greenfield
community. Many of those advocacy programs are
still a vital part of the community today. Heather has
lived and worked in the community for 25 years,
allowing her the opportunity to collaborate with many
organizations that serve families in Kern County.
She has a Bachelors of Science degree Business
Management from the University of Phoenix. She
also enjoys volunteering on the Highland High School
Parent W.A.T.C.H. board and the Athletic Booster
Club. Heather is married with three children, a son-in-
law and one granddaughter.