Gabriela is the Founder and Executive Director of Human Connections, which she launched in 2017 with a vision to create more meaningful, effective support systems for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

With over 15 years of hands-on experience in the field, Gabriela has worked in a variety of roles- from Direct Support Professional to Program Director- giving her a well-rounded and deeply personal understanding of both the challenges and opportunities within the system.

She earned her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Social Work and went on to complete a behavioral analysis certification, along with leadership training through the University of Washington. Throughout her career, Gabriela has been especially passionate about supporting individuals with complex behavioral needs and addressing the barriers that often limit access to quality care.

Driven by the belief that every person can thrive with the right support, Gabriela continues to lead Human Connections with a focus on compassion, growth, and empowerment. She remains actively involved by providing behavior consultation and guiding the development of her team.