La Vida Felicidad employs about 200 employees and many independent contractors. While we employ administrative staff for oversight and coordination of our services, the majority of our staff work in early childhood services, adult services, or senior services, mostly providing services in the home or in the community.
Key Staff
Kathey Phoenix-Doyle, Executive Director
La Vida’s Executive Director, Kathey Phoenix-Doyle, has over 20 years of experience in the social services field and has in depth knowledge of children and families who are identified as “at risk” populations. Kathey holds a Master’s Degree in Sociology and is a Licensed Social Worker. She has many prior years of experience management, training, and consulting.
Gina Newman, Director of Finance and Administration
Our Director of Finance and Administration, Gina Newman, has been employed with La Vida since December 2008. Gina holds a degree in Accounting. She is responsible for accounts payable, accounts receivable, and payroll related functions, as well as benefits data collection and reporting.
Selma Dodson, Director of Adult Services
Our Director of Adult Services, Selma Dodson, joined La Vida in January 2014. Selma comes to La Vida with a wealth of knowledge and experience in developmental disabilities services. She is responsible for oversight of the DD Community Living Services, Community Inclusion Services, and our adult day program in Socorro.
Katie Otero, Quality Assurance Director
Our Quality Assurance Director, Katie Otero, has been employed with La Vida since April 2002. Katie is responsible for developing and implementing a comprehensive quality assurance plan, ensuring compliance with all funding rules and regulations, and management of the agency’s strategic plan. Katie also serves as the agency Critical Incident Coordinator.
Adria Duran, Director of Community Outreach and Development
Adria Duran is our Director of Community Outreach and Development who has been employed with La Vida since October 2004, formerly a Director for our Early Childhood program. Adria holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Communication and is a licensed Developmental Specialist II. Adria brings strong dedication and effective leadership skills to our early intervention team.
Clarissa Franco, Early Childhood Services Director
Clarissa Franco is our Early Childhood Services Director who has been employed with La Vida since April 2005. In addition to her licensure as a Developmental Specialist, Clarissa is also a licensed social worker with experience in a variety of education and human service settings.
Stephanie Hurbina, Early Intervention Manager
Stephanie came to La Vida in May 2007 and prior to being hired as the Early Intervention Program Manager, was an Educator and then a Service Coordinator/Developmental Specialist in the EI program. In addition to her licensure as a DS, Stephanie also holds a Bachelors degree in Nutrition/Dietetics.
Ramona Chavez, DD Program Manager
Ramona Chavez, DD Program Manager, has over 18 years of experience working in the DD field. Past roles in the field have been DSP Community, working 1:1 with individuals and Independent Living, Residential Service Coordinator and Residential Program Manager. Ramona Chavez has been employed with La Vida since September 2016 and is currently the Adult Day Services Program Manager. Ramona holds an Associate’s Degree in Human Services.
Our Team
La Vida Felicidad employs about 200 employees and many independent contractors. While we employ administrative staff for oversight and coordination of our services, the majority of our staff work in early childhood services, adult services, or senior services, mostly providing services in the home or in the community.
Key Staff
Kathey
Phoenix-Doyle, Executive Director
La Vida’s Executive Director, Kathey Phoenix-Doyle, has over 20 years of experience in the social services field and has in depth knowledge of children and families who are identified as “at risk” populations. Kathey holds a Master’s Degree in Sociology and is a Licensed Social Worker. She has many prior years of experience management, training, and consulting.
Gina Newman, Director of Finance and Administration
Our Director of Finance and Administration, Gina Newman, has been employed with La Vida since December 2008. Gina holds a degree in Accounting. She is responsible for accounts payable, accounts receivable, and payroll related functions, as well as benefits data collection and reporting.
Selma Dod
son, Director of Adult Services
Our Director of Adult Services, Selma Dodson, joined La Vida in January 2014. Selma comes to La Vida with a wealth of knowledge and experience in developmental disabilities services. She is responsible for oversight of the DD Community Living Services, Community Inclusion Services, and our adult day program in Socorro.
Katie Otero, Qu
ality Assurance Director
Our Quality Assurance Director, Katie Otero, has been employed with La Vida since April 2002. Katie is responsible for developing and implementing a comprehensive quality assurance plan, ensuring compliance with all funding rules and regulations, and management of the agency’s strategic plan. Katie also serves as the agency Critical Incident Coordinator.
Adria Duran is our Director of Community Outreach and Development who has been employed with La Vida since October 2004, formerly a Director for our Early Childhood program. Adria holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Communication and is a licensed Developmental Specialist II. Adria brings strong dedication and effective leadership skills to our early intervention team.
Clarissa Franco is our Early Childhood Services Director who has been employed with La Vida since April 2005. In addition to her licensure as a Developmental Specialist, Clarissa is also a licensed social worker with experience in a variety of education and human service settings.
Stephanie came to La Vida in May 2007 and prior to being hired as the Early Intervention Program Manager, was an Educator and then a Service Coordinator/Developmental Specialist in the EI program. In addition to her licensure as a DS, Stephanie also holds a Bachelors degree in Nutrition/Dietetics.
Ramona Chavez, DD Program Manager
Ramona Chavez, DD Program Manager, has over 18 years of experience working in the DD field. Past roles in the field have been DSP Community, working 1:1 with individuals and Independent Living, Residential Service Coordinator and Residential Program Manager. Ramona Chavez has been employed with La Vida since September 2016 and is currently the Adult Day Services Program Manager. Ramona holds an Associate’s Degree in Human Services.