A.S.I. Team

What inspired you to be in this field?

Elizabeth has always been passionate about serving people with disabilities. As a self-advocate, she advocates for equal rights and opportunities for others. Her goal is to inform the community about the importance of the inclusion of people with diverse abilities.

What do you like about working at A.S.I. Advocates Searching for Independence?

Elizabeth is a Self-Advocate coordinator and trainer at Advocates Searching for Independence LLC. She is passionate about working at ASI because she assists young adults with disabilities discover their full potential. She shares ASI’s mission: Open doors to opportunities for people with disabilities.

Could you describe your educational background? (Credentials, Licenses, and Certifications)

• B.S. Rehabilitative Services – 2007
• M.S. Rehabilitation Counseling – 2014
• CRC Certified Rehabilitation Counselor – 2014
• Texas Partner in Policymaking – 2021

What has impacted you through the A.S.I. training?

Elizabeth has been most impacted by the young adults she serves through ASI! Her definition of success is when a person with a disability realizes all the potential they have. She enjoys sharing her own Self- Advocacy experience with the clients she serves.

“I love building trust with our participants and working together to turn their goals into reality.”

A proud graduate of the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, Cathy Guzman earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Rehabilitation Services with a Concentration in Deaf Studies in 2020. With a passion for hands-on service and inclusive support, Cathy chose this field to empower individuals across the community to thrive in their unique strengths and interests.

At A.S.I., Cathy values the opportunity to build trust and meaningful relationships with participants. By getting to know them personally, she helps guide each individual toward their goals through collaboration, shared learning, and mutual respect.

Working with A.S.I. has also fostered her own professional growth, reinforcing the importance of advocacy and teamwork in creating positive, lasting change for participants and their families.

“I believe every student has the potential to succeed — we just have to help them discover it, nurture it, and build the confidence to pursue it.”

Yaneli Peña is a passionate advocate and dedicated professional with a strong foundation in social work and a deep commitment to empowering young adults with disabilities. She earned her Associate Degree in Social Work from South Texas College in 2014 and went on to complete her Bachelor’s in Social Work at The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley in 2017.

To further expand her impact, Yaneli completed specialized training through the University of North Texas Workplace Inclusion and Sustainability Employment (UNT WISE) program, gaining essential skills to support job readiness for young adults with diverse abilities. She recently completed the U.N.T. Elevar Transition Pathway Summer Institute for Educators. This experience broadened her knowledge of post-secondary education opportunities for individuals with intellectual disabilities.

Yaneli is driven by a strengths-based approach, believing in every individual’s potential. With her background in social work, she not only provides critical support and advocacy but also helps students recognize their unique abilities and envision a future filled with possibility. She is known for her compassionate, non-judgmental support and her belief in meeting people where they are to guide them where they want to go.

At A.S.I., Yaneli finds great fulfillment in supporting students on their path to independence. Her holistic and inclusive approach makes her a valued member of the Pre-ETS training team.

“Watching our participants grow and step confidently into their futures is the most rewarding part of my work.”

Cinthia Alvarado brings a deep passion for education and advocacy to her role as a Pre-ETS Trainer with A.S.I. She holds a teaching certification for Early Childhood through 4th grade and a Master’s Degree in School Guidance and Counseling. With this strong academic foundation, Cinthia combines her knowledge of early developmental needs with a holistic approach to student support—fostering both academic and emotional growth.

Her journey into education began as a college reading tutor, where she discovered the profound joy of helping students succeed. This formative experience ignited a lifelong commitment to empowering learners through guidance, patience, and encouragement.

At A.S.I., Cinthia finds purpose in watching participants grow in confidence and capability. She takes pride in helping them gain the tools they need to take meaningful steps toward independence and professional success.

“Every student has unique strengths. Supporting their growth — no matter how small — is what makes this work so meaningful.”

Damon Leal brings a unique blend of communication expertise and wellness training to his role as a Pre-ETS Trainer at A.S.I. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Liberal Arts with a major in Communication from the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV) and is a Certified Personal Trainer through the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM). His background equips him with strong interpersonal skills and a passion for promoting physical and emotional well-being.

Driven by a deep commitment to equity and inclusion, Damon chose to work with students with special needs to help foster their confidence, development, and independence. His empathetic approach, combined with his communication and fitness knowledge, allows him to create inclusive learning environments where every student feels supported and empowered.

At A.S.I., Damon finds daily fulfillment in helping students grow — adapting strategies to meet their needs, celebrating their progress, and building meaningful connections along the way. His work is guided by a sincere belief that every student deserves the opportunity to thrive.

“Witnessing our students grow through ASI training continually reaffirms why I do this work — to support others as they move toward independence.”

Cruz Aleida Torres-Martinez brings a compassionate and healthcare-informed perspective to her role as a Pre-ETS Trainer at A.S.I. A registered nurse credentialed in Mexico, she is currently expanding her expertise by pursuing certification as a Medical Assistant. This commitment to continuous learning reflects her deep dedication to offering well-rounded, high-quality support to those she serves.

Motivated by a lifelong desire to provide resources to individuals in need, Cruz finds purpose in helping others thrive. Her healthcare background uniquely equips her to support participants with empathy, patience, and attention to their holistic well-being.

At A.S.I., Cruz values the opportunity to collaborate with a dedicated team and contribute meaningfully to students’ journeys toward greater independence. She is especially inspired by witnessing their growth and development, which continually reinforces her mission to uplift and empower every individual she works with.

“It’s a privilege to witness the growth of our students — their strength, resilience, and confidence remind me every day why I chose this path.”

Daniel Martinez brings both academic expertise and lived experience to his role as a Pre-ETS Trainer and Self-Advocate at A.S.I. Holding a Master’s degree in Special Education, Daniel is deeply committed to advancing opportunities for youth with disabilities. His specialized training, coupled with his own journey as a self-advocate, enables him to provide thoughtful, evidence-based mentorship tailored to each individual’s needs.

Driven by a profound belief in the transformative power of education, Daniel has dedicated his career to fostering inclusive, empowering environments where every student can grow in confidence and pursue their aspirations. His approach is marked by compassionate guidance, personalized strategies, and a sincere commitment to helping others thrive.

At A.S.I., Daniel finds purpose in witnessing the personal and professional growth of the students he supports. Watching young individuals overcome challenges, develop resilience, and discover their potential is what continually inspires and motivates their work.

“We may come from different backgrounds, but at A.S.I. we’re united by one goal — helping our students grow, succeed, and feel seen.”

Carlos Reyes holds a Bachelor’s degree in Social Work and is actively pursuing licensure to further deepen his impact in the field. With a strong foundation in social work principles and a passion for advocacy, Carlos brings a thoughtful and compassionate approach to his work with students at A.S.I.

Prior to joining A.S.I., Carlos gained meaningful experience through Project H.I.R.E., where he supported students with their homework and collaborated with families to identify the accommodations needed for classroom success. His role involved gathering and documenting parent feedback to ensure that every student’s needs were communicated and addressed effectively — a role that left a lasting impression and affirmed his dedication to this field.

Carlos was drawn to this work by a profound desire to advocate for individuals with disabilities and to champion inclusivity. At A.S.I., he values being part of a team that shares a unified mission: to empower students and support their journey toward greater independence. For Carlos, the collaborative spirit and shared purpose among staff make the work not only fulfilling but also deeply impactful.

“We’re not just teaching skills — we’re showing our students that they matter, that they belong and that they have the power to shape their future.”

With a strong academic foundation and a deep commitment to advocacy, Samantha Lopez brings a unique blend of scientific education, nonprofit knowledge, and lived experience to her role at A.S.I. She holds two Bachelor of Science degrees — one in Marine Biology from Texas A&M University at Galveston, and another in Environmental Science with a minor in Geology from the University of Texas Pan American. Furthering her commitment to public service, she completed graduate coursework in Public Administration and Nonprofit Organization from the University of Texas at San Antonio.

Motivated by a growing passion for education and advocacy, she pivoted her career and earned several specialized certifications, including:

• Advocacy in the Deaf/Blind World (Helen Keller National Center, 2021)
• Deaf Support Specialist (South Texas College, 2022)
• Job Skills Training and Job Placement (UNTWISE)

As a dedicated self-advocate, Samantha is passionate about empowering others by sharing their lived experiences and encouraging individuals with disabilities to embrace their strengths. She strongly believes in fostering self-worth and helping people recognize their equal place in the community. Education and advocacy are not just professions — they are the heart of Samantha’s mission to uplift and include everyone.

At A.S.I., Samantha is deeply inspired by the organization’s diversity, collaborative spirit, and shared dedication to meaningful change. She finds joy and purpose in working alongside both staff and students, building inclusive spaces where everyone is supported in reaching their fullest potential.

“Empowering others through education isn’t just my profession — it’s my purpose. At A.S.I., I’m proud to be part of a team that uplifts individuals and helps them recognize their place in the world.”

Susana Ramirez is a seasoned educator and dedicated advocate whose academic and professional journey reflects a passion for lifelong learning and empowerment. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies with a Minor in Mathematics from the University of Texas-Pan American in 2000. Continuing her commitment to education, Susana completed a Master’s in Education with a concentration in Science in 2004 and later obtained her Administration Certification from the Region One Service Center in 2010.

With over two decades of experience in education, Susana has worked with both children and adults, driven by a desire to create a meaningful impact. Inspired by her own children, she began her career aiming to uplift and inspire young minds. Over time, her passion grew to include working with adults—supporting their efforts to build skills, achieve independence, and contribute confidently to their communities.

Now at A.S.I., Susana brings her leadership skills and educational insight to guide students and young adults through Pre-ETS programs. She is dedicated to helping participants discover their strengths and gain the tools needed to succeed in work and in life.

“Empowerment begins with self-awareness. I believe in helping students discover their strengths and use them to shape a future they can be proud of.”

Jesse Mendez brings a rich blend of lived experience, education, and professional dedication to his role as a Pre-ETS Trainer at A.S.I. With a strong academic background, Jesse holds an Associate Degree in Graphic Design from the Rochester Institute of Technology (2013), a Bachelor’s Degree in Rehabilitation Services with a concentration in Deaf Studies from the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (2016), and a Master’s Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Gallaudet University (2021).

His academic journey has been driven by a passion for empowering individuals in the Deaf and hard-of-hearing communities. Drawing on his education and real-world experiences, Jesse uses his voice and insight to promote self-advocacy, personal growth, and independence in others.

Jesse’s professional path includes meaningful work with Communication Axess Ability Group (CAAG) and South Texas College’s Project H.I.R.E., where he supported individuals in pursuing their goals and finding their place in the workforce. These roles deepened his commitment to advocacy and helped shape his strengths-based approach to training and mentorship.

At A.S.I., Jesse is known for creating a collaborative, engaging learning environment. He values the shared growth that takes place when both trainer and participant learn together. His goal is always to uncover the strengths within each student and to support their journey toward becoming confident, capable contributors in their communities.