ABOUT US
Sonni Charness
Founder & CEO
Sonni Charness is the founder of Guidelight Group, where she serves as CEO and works directly with clients throughout its various services. Sonni has more than 15 years of experience serving individuals with developmental disabilities, and specializes in working with transition-aged teens and adults. She is an expert in navigating disability services systems, in particular the California Regional Center system, and employment for people with disabilities.
Sonni is a leading voice on the Self-Determination Program in California. Sonni is also the creator and lead instructor of Guidelight Group’s Essential Independent Facilitator Training Program, the only program of its kind in California. Sonni has been a featured expert at the Statewide Conference on the Self-Determination Program, trained the Disability Rights California staff on the Self-Determination Program, and is a regular contributor to webinars, conferences, and other educational presentations on the Self-Determination Program statewide.
Sonni’s work on transition-to-adulthood and employment has been published in the Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation and in Research and Practice for Persons with Severe Disabilities. She has been a featured expert on several podcasts focused on the disability community, as well as at countless conferences, including the Support Life Conference, TASH Conference, and the Statewide Conference on the Self-Determination Program. Sonni served as a member of the Board of Directors for California APSE, the state chapter of the nation’s leading advocacy organization promoting employment for people with disabilities. Sonni is a Certified Employment Support Professional (CESP), and holds certificates in Person-Centered Thinking and Independent Facilitation.
Sonni obtained her master’s degree in special education at Vanderbilt University, and her bachelor’s degree in child development at Tufts University.
Debra Jorgensen
Director of Training and Innovation
For over 20 years, Debra Jorgensen has focused her career on advocating for the rights of the disability community, and she carries that same focus to her role as Director of Training and Innovation at Guidelight Group.
As a former attorney at Disability Rights California and the Children’s Advocacy Institute at the University of San Diego, Debra has deep knowledge of disability, employment, and public interest law and expertise supporting underserved communities. As a consultant, she continued to collaborate with self-advocates, families, providers, and government and other non-profit agencies to identify the needs of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and tackle system reforms to increase access to those services and supports.
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Debra is a member of the Board of Directors for California APSE, the state chapter of the nation’s leading advocacy organization promoting employment for people with disabilities. She is also a member of San Diego's Local Advisory Committee on Self-Determination Program (SDP) implementation and the Cardiac Family Advisory Council at Rady Children's Hospital. Debra is trained in Customized Employment by the Association of Community Rehabilitation Educators (ACRE), Person-Centered Thinking and Independent Facilitation.
Taleen Khatchadourian
Director of Client Services
As a parent of a transition-aged teen and seasoned Independent Facilitator, Taleen brings a personal touch to her role as a Director of Client Services at Guidelight Group. Advocacy is a critical component to her work with clients, focusing on bridging the gap to meet each client’s unique needs. As a result, Taleen has successfully transitioned numerous clients into SDP and continues to support them and their Circles of Support by creating a collaborative, person-centered environment.
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Since entering the world of the Self-Determination Program, Taleen has taken the stance that “it takes a village” and has shared her knowledge on SDP topics for the regional centers, Disability Voices United (DVU), Foothill Autism Alliance (FAA) and the Armenian Autism Outreach Project (AAOP). She has been invited to moderate panels, contribute to focus groups and assist in sharing best practices to FMSs, fellow IFs and other relevant providers and agencies.
Taleen has had the privilege to sit on the Board of the Frank D. Lanterman Regional Center (FDLRC).
In addition to her years of service, Taleen currently serves as a Peer Support Partner and an active member of three parent support groups. She is a parent member of the FAA, and on the Board of Directors for AAOP, where she supports families throughout their journey and helps the community promote an atmosphere of inclusion. Taleen spent ten years as a leader in supplemental education, contracting with school districts to provide specialized programs, working with families to tackle the effects of learning and developmental delays, supporting them through the IEP process.
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Born and raised in Los Angeles, Taleen received a B.S. in Business Administration from the University of Southern California. She is certified in Person-Centered Thinking and has completed all relevant training for Independent Facilitation in California. Taleen also holds certifications from FDLRC, DVU, State Council on Developmental Disabilities (SCDD), Autism Society of Los Angeles (ASLA), Council of Parents, Attorneys & Advocates, and Guidelight Group (COPAA) and Parents-Helping-Parents (PHP).
Rebecca LaBoriel
Client Coach & Independent Facilitator
Rebecca LaBoriel is a Client Coach and Independent Facilitator at Guidelight Group. With over 30 years of experience in the disability services field, Rebecca LaBoriel is a dedicated professional committed to providing high-quality, individualized support to individuals with disabilities and their families. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Psychology and a Master's degree in Educational Counseling, providing a strong foundation for her work in understanding and addressing the complex needs of individuals with disabilities.
Rebecca has played a pivotal role in the development and management of a wide range of services, including crisis support, employment assistance, day programs, supported living, and housing supports. Her extensive experience extends to her involvement with the Self-Determination Program (SDP) from its inception, where she contributed to shaping a person-centered approach that prioritizes choice, control, and independence for individuals with disabilities. Through these programs, Rebecca has empowered individuals to live more self-directed, fulfilling lives, guiding them to make informed decisions about their services.
Rebecca has also worked closely with many Regional Centers and the Department of Developmental Services (DDS), leveraging her expertise to help individuals and families navigate and access critical services. This collaboration has further enhanced her ability to provide tailored, effective support that aligns with state and regional resources, ensuring individuals receive the best possible services available.
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As an experienced program developer and grant writer, Rebecca has successfully secured funding for innovative projects aimed at enhancing services for individuals with disabilities. She is a strong advocate for person-centered services, ensuring that each individual receives services tailored to their unique needs, preferences, and goals.
Jessica Crain
Client Coach & Independent Facilitator
Jessica Crain is a dedicated Client Coach and Independent Facilitator with over five years of experience supporting individuals with developmental disabilities. She has a strong background working with California’s Regional Centers, the Department of Developmental Services (DDS), and the Self-Determination Program (SDP), helping clients navigate complex systems to get the services and supports they need.
Jessica’s career has been dedicated to supporting transition-aged teens and adults in achieving their personal goals and enhancing their quality of life. Her experience as a Transition-Aged Youth Service Coordinator and a SDP Service Coordinator developed a deep knowledge of the SDP, helping empower her clients to take control of their services and budgets. Her work has been consistently focused on delivering person-centered, high-quality services that align with the needs of each client. Jessica has been instrumental in advocating for clients within the regional center system and other service entities, ensuring they receive the appropriate resources and support.
Jessica holds a Master of Science in Psychology (Applied Behavior Analysis) from Purdue University Global and a Bachelor of Science in Psychological and Brain Sciences from the University of California, Santa Barbara. She is a passionate advocate for individuals with disabilities and continues to pursue innovative solutions to support their independence and growth.