Dante wasn’t sure what he wanted to do with his life, so he moved to California at the suggestion of a friend. He enrolled in classes at Sacramento City College and after finding his voice and building confidence in a public speaking course, decided he wants to be a Communications major. With tuition assistance and textbooks from DOR, Dante can focus on getting good grades.

Jordan Gonzales spent much of his adolescence not knowing why he felt so sick, but a diagnosis brought some clarity and new opportunities. With assistance from DOR, Jordan is finishing his bachelor’s degree at San Jose State with a concentration in art and psychology, hoping to use his passion and talents to help others like him.

Jason Chu got a degree in Criminal Justice from San Jose State that led to a job at the US Department of Justice. Working with his DOR counselor, he explored other options related to his field of study and now has a dream job at Google.

Travis graduated from the University of Santa Cruz with assistance from Department of Rehabilitation and entered a training program through Expandability for job seekers with Autism Spectrum Disorder. He’s now living independently in Palo Alto working for SAP.

Jennifer Jones first exhibited signs of mental illness as young child, but she was not properly diagnosed until her 30s. Her high school years were very difficult and she ended up dropping out. Jennifer took a proficiency exam and started classes at community college. She did so well she was able to transfer to UC Berkeley, eventually earning her master’s degree in clinical psychology. California Department of Rehabilitation connected Jennifer to Momentum for Mental Health, and now she is the manager of Consumer Affairs in Santa Clara Mental Health Department, pursing a second master's degree in licensed clinical social work.

Alex Lee spent most of his childhood in Hong Kong, where he was first diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder. At two years old, he began receiving occupational therapy and his parents started noticing a difference in his behavior — specifically a budding artistic ability. Alex finished high school and college in the U.S. and worked with the Department of Rehabilitation to determine next steps. His counselor suggested working with a non-profit organization to get his foot in the door. Now he’s putting his artistic talent and graphic design skills to good use as a marketing intern for Goodwill.

James Donnelly studied communication sciences and disorders at California State University Chico. He also has cerebral palsy with spastic dysarthria. With financial help and guidance from DOR and a personal aid to help with the transition to college life, James looks forward to the next chapter.

After college, Elijah Martinez wasn’t quite sure what he wanted to pursue until his counselor Nicole Green suggested he work with Evolibri, an employment services provider geared primarily to individuals with Asperger's Syndrome, ADHD, Learning Differences, and Mood Disorders. Staff at Evolibri recommended Elijah for a month long training program through Expandability; he excelled in the program and was hired as a full time employee at SAP.

Andrew Shanley had a very active lifestyle, traveling the world as a cable splicer for AT&T, until a stroke led him to the hospital. He soon learned he had a rare degenerative disease - Inclusion Body Myositis. Rather than transitioning into early retirement, Andrew visited his local Department of Rehabilitation in 2011. With assistance from his counselor, he enrolled in college courses and is looking into opportunities in renewable energy.

Robby wanted to be a firefighter, but his mom Gail and teacher Barbara Schulman, knew that career goal was out of reach. With some hard work, the support of his family, Barbara, his DOR counselor Michele Kaplan (and natural charm of course) Robby landed his dream job at Albertson’s. He’s been there for three years now, and it’s not always easy, but he can’t imagine not working.