Jimmie Soto

Executive Director
Jimmie is an active member of the California Foundation for Independent Living Centers Board and their Executive Committee. He has been appointed to the State Independent Living Council (SILC) since 2013, and is on the State Plan for Independent Living committee with the SILC. He is a proud member of the local VOICED coalition, comprised of other non-profit Directors throughout Kern County. He is also a proud member of the Bakersfield East Rotary Club.
Before moving to Bakersfield, Jimmie held the position of Director of Program Services at Fresno County’s Independent Living Center, a position he held since 2001.
Jimmie is passionate about the independence of all people with disabilities. Disability has affected his own family with his own visual impairment and having a brother that is deaf. Therefore, Jimmie knows some American Sign Language. In his spare time, Jimmie likes to spend time with his wife and three brothers, exercise, and watch football.
Tammy Hartsch

Finance Manager
Santeri Salomaki

Accounting Clerk
Since becoming a member of the ILCKC team, Santeri has brought his knowledge of business to improve finance-related issues and procedures.
Jan Lemucchi

Resource Development Manager
Laura Rodriguez

Program Manager
Stephany Cisneros

Administrative Assistant
Stephany grew up in and graduated from Delano High School with an interest in working in the medical field. Stephany recently graduated from High Desert Medical School as an ultrasound technition.
Rennee Hernandez

Independent Living (IL) Specialist
Jessica Carrillo

Independent Living (IL) Rural Specialist
Harvey Clowers

Independent Living (IL) Specialist / Special Projects
Patty Grubbs

Receptionist
Carol Henry

CCT / Transitions Assistant
The Transitions program requires Carol to assist as support with In Home Support Services (IHSS), affordable housing, and housing set-up. Carol eagerly assists with transitioning individuals back into the community to live, once again, independently while managing their own lives. Assistance is also needed helping consumers meet personal goals of independence such as daily or weekly household duties.
Carol’s life skills makes her a good fit for the Transitions program as well as for ILCKC. She proudly enjoys working with the ILCKC team.
Luis Ortega

Assistive Technology (AT) Coordinator
At the moment, Luis continues to work with individuals with disabilities towards improving their independence.
David Hendrickson

AT Advocate
As owner/operator of Cyber Works Computers, Hendrickson specializes in small office networking. He found himself reaching out to the Blind and visually impaired community and individuals with cross-disabilities due to emerging technologies offering opportunities for education and employment. Today’s technologies are more attainable now than any time in history. David is currently a Bakersfield delegate for the California Council of the Blind and tech consultant for the Blind institute of Technology.
These experiences bring a wealth of experience for ILCKC’s Assistive Technology department. ILCKC welcomes David to our team of staff.
Susan Privett

Assistive Technology (AT) Specialist
Susan believes the OIB program (Older Individuals who are Blind and Visually Impaired program) is a good fit and will give her opportunities to serve consumers with knowledge and compassion. The ability to learn and teach different methods, tailoring OIB instruction to consumer-specific needs, and using the many types of assistive technology devices available are essential tools which enable others to preserve and enhance the visual acuity still possessed by our ILCKC seniors. “Where there is a will, there is a way”, is a motto Susan believes in to empower others to live fuller lives as independently as possible.
Stephanie Smart

ASL Interpreter
Alexandra Leyva

ASL Interpreter
Alex has been involved in the Deaf Community for over 15 years. She has interpreting experience predominantly in the educational setting but also has festival, concert, freelance, and religious interpreting experience as well. She is eager to collaborate with other professionals, consumers, and advocates to help improve and raise the bar for interpreting services provided here in Kern County.
Savanah Adams
