Administrators
Executive Director
Barbara Nelson
Community Integration Program Facilitator
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Barbara has been a part of the DCC for 20+ years and was one of our original Co-Founders. She was first inspired to create the program because she grew up seeing her aunt, who had a developmental disability, suffer through an institution called Atascadero.
Later, she had two children who each had intellectual disabilities of their own. In order to provide a nurturing environment for her children post-high school, she teamed up with other Eel River Valley Parents to create the DCC.
Prior to creating the DCC, Barbara was part of the Family Resource Center. Before that she worked in child development and spent time working as a preschool teacher.
ILS Vocational
Director
Indo Moran, CJD
Certified Job Developer | ​Career Coach |
Breaking Barriers Program Facilitator
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Indo first joined the DCC team as a Care & Support worker in March of 2010. Over the years they worked thier way up through the company and went through the Griffin Hammis Job Developer Certification Program. Once their certification was complete, they became the original Employment Outreach Coordinator and a Co-Founder of the Breaking Barriers ILS program.
They were inspired to join the company because they watched their brother spend his youth in special day classes and grow up being bullied for having disabilities. They find fulfillment in knowing they are helping individuals like their brother know their rights, stand up for themselves, and realize their own potential. They believe all people, regardless of ability, deserve the opportunity to achieve their dreams.
Employment Outreach
Coordinator
Ryan Johnson, CJD
Certified Job Developer | ​Career Coach
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Ryan joined the DCC-Breaking Barriers team in November of 2019 as our new Employment Outreach Coordinator. He has always had a special place in his heart for working with those who live with disabilities. His ideology toward those with disabilities was inspired by his aunt, Mila. Although Mila required the use of a wheelchair, she never let that stop her. Ryan wants to help other individuals who have disabilities learn how to live with the same zest for life his aunt had.
This inspiration eventually lead Ryan to begin working in the Disabled Learning Center at the middle school he attended. As an adult, he joined the Opportunity Foundation where he began working in their Children's home and eventually moved on to their employment program. At Opportunity Foundation he developed a love of seeing the looks on his clients' faces when they achieved a goal they set for themselves. Now, being a part of our team, that love has grown into a passion for helping individuals living with disabilities receive an equal chance at employment.
The Diane Cathey Center-Breaking Barriers is a 501 c(3) nonprofit that is governed by a Board of Directors. For more information regarding our Board of Directors, please visit our Contact page.
