About Us

Scott Barela

Office Manager

I enjoy being the Office Manager at Hearts of Hope because of the compassion my team provides. We are a very person-centered agency and allow individuals to make real life decisions. I love that every single individual on my team has a passion for this field. I’ve worked on the DD Waiver for 5 years and before that I worked in a Intermediate Care Facility for 3. At Hearts of Hope we are dedicated to making a difference in the lives of the individuals that we support.

Virginia Flores

Assistant Office Manager

I love working at Hearts of Hope because of the love and support that everyone has for the individuals. I have worked for the DD Waiver for 14 years. I have held numerous positions from administrative assistant, biller, office manager, and now as Service Coordinator. My superpower is compassion.

Maria Mendez



Office Supervisor/Service Coordinator

I love being a part of Hearts of Hope. The character of the individuals here and the positive atmosphere truly inspire me every day. It is incredibly rewarding to know that we are all working together to help others. As a new member of the waiver team, I am eager to grow and learn in this role. I believe my unique superpower of mind control will allow me to help others tap into their potential and provide support to enhance their mental well-being. 

Hazel Valles

LPN

I genuinely enjoy being part of the Hearts of Hope team. The compassion and understanding my colleagues demonstrate each day create a supportive and collaborative environment that makes our work deeply meaningful. I’m passionate about helping others—especially those who may not be able to advocate for themselves—and I find great joy in seeing the smiles on our individuals’ faces.
This is my first experience working within the DD Waiver program, and it’s been incredibly rewarding to learn about each client and their unique needs. Every interaction is an opportunity to grow and make a difference. As Scott says, my superpower is “I’m Google” because I can always figure out an answer to his questions.

Xochitl Hernandez

Rep Payee/Accounts Payable/ Service Coordinator

I enjoy working for Hearts of Hope, LLC because the company’s mission aligns with my personal values, providing compassionate, person-centered care that truly makes a difference in people’s lives. I appreciate the supportive team environment, the emphasis on professional growth, and the opportunity to build meaningful relationships with clients and their families. Every day, I feel like the work I do has a purpose, and that’s incredibly fulfilling. I’d say my super office power is staying calm under pressure. When things get hectic or unexpected problems pop up, I usually the keep a level head, staying organized, and stay focused. It’s like my internal chaos filter kicks in so I can keep things moving forward smoothly.

Minerva Maese

Agency Trainer / Service Coordinator

I love working at Hearts of Hope because it is a family-oriented agency. They care not only about the individuals but staff as well. I enjoy being a part of any agency that makes a difference in the lives of those we serve. I have 25 years of experience working with individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities. My super power is having compassion and a big hearts for all the individuals we serve.

Erika Ortega

Residential Coordinator

I love working at Hearts of Hope because of the amazing people. The management is top-notch and they are very passionate about each and every individual we provide support to. I’m fairly new to the waiver but I have years of experience working with Individuals with developmental disabilities. My super power is my ATTITUDE, you won’t see me without a smile on my face!! 🙂

Christina Mendez

Medical Technician

I find deep fulfillment working at Hearts of Hope, where compassion is more than a value—it’s a daily practice. Surrounded by nursing colleagues who are genuinely caring and supportive, I feel empowered to give my best and contribute to a culture of kindness and excellence.
My superpower is connection. I get along with everyone, which helps foster a positive, collaborative environment. Whether I’m coordinating care, supporting a teammate, or handling tasks efficiently, I bring a calm, can-do attitude that keeps things running smoothly.

Herlinda Jauregui

Administrative Assistance

   I enjoy working at HOH because our Executive Directors treat us like family, our managers show great leadership, our admin work together to make our clients happy. I love the relationship we get to have with our clients. This company really makes a difference in our clients life’s and ours. I’d say my super power is always be happy and willing to help no matter what is going around me.

John Romero

Service Coordinator

I like to work with Hearts of Hope because it feels more like a family. The supportive and caring environment makes a big difference to me, and I feel like I do my best work when I know I have that kind of support around me. My superpower is that I don’t mind taking on the tasks that others might avoid. I’m happy to do the behind-the-scenes work and handle the runaround jobs that keep everything running smoothly. I take pride in supporting the team and making sure things get done efficiently and well.

Desiree Diaz

Staffing Coordiantor

Working with the DD Waiver program is deeply rewarding because it emphasizes a person-centered approach, enabling me to support individuals in creating truly meaningful lives within their communities. The best part of this work is witnessing the progress and unique personalities of the people I support, celebrating their successes both big and small.My ultimate office superpower is the genuine ability to turn complex situations into seamless, positive experiences. By combining excellent customer service with my high-level organizational skills, I can navigate even the most challenging requests with a calm and proactive approach. My genuinity  shines through in every interaction, building trust and rapport with colleagues and clients alike. I don’t just solve problems; I anticipate needs, streamline processes, and maintain a clear, efficient workflow, all while ensuring that every person feels heard, valued, and genuinely helped. This creates an environment where everyone feels confident and supported, ultimately contributing to a more productive and harmonious workplace.

Alicia Arevalo

LPN

I truly enjoy working for Hearts of Hope, LLC. My passion for supporting individuals with intellectual disabilities began in childhood, growing up surrounded by this incredible community. From an early age, I found joy in spending time with them at school—sharing laughs, smiles, and meaningful moments. These experiences left a lasting impression on me and shaped the path I’ve chosen as a nurse.
Now, as an LPN, I feel honored to care for and advocate for these individuals. The knowledge that I’m making a difference in their daily lives brings me immense joy and fulfillment. Nursing isn’t just a career for me—it’s a calling rooted in compassion, understanding, and a lifelong connection to a community that holds a special place in my heart. My super office power is going above and beyond for the clients.

Geronimo Benavidez



Service Coordinator

I love being a part of Hearts of Hope. The character of the individuals here and the positive atmosphere truly inspire me every day. It is incredibly rewarding to know that we are all working together to help others. As a new member of the waiver team, I am eager to grow and learn in this role. I believe my unique superpower of mind control will allow me to help others tap into their potential and provide support to enhance their mental well-being. 

Celia Acosta

Service Coordinator
Internal Incident Manager

I enjoy working with Hearts of Hope because this agency treats the individuals we serve as family. They are constantly looking for ways to better serve the individuals and their staff. Hearts of Hope has a welcoming atmosphere and I am happy to be apart of it! My office superpower is connecting with everyone and staying calm under pressure. I believe communication is key, so no matter how busy the day gets, I try to stay grounded and focused, making sure the task gets done. 

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