Arek Nathanson
Program Director, Founder

I’ve been working in the field of intellectual and developmental disabilities since 1992, when I began my undergraduate fieldwork at UCLA’s Clinic for the Behavioral Treatment of Autism. Since then, I’ve provided case management and advocacy in both New York City and throughout California’s Regional Center system, including roles at Lanterman, Golden Gate, and Regional Center of the East Bay.

Over the years, I’ve focused on developing Supported Living Services (SLS), Independent Living Skills (ILS), and day programs—helping service providers navigate state regulations while centering the rights and goals of each individual. After more than a decade within the Regional Center system, I shifted into leadership roles with SLS and ILS agencies and now offer consultation to families, individuals, and prospective providers.

My work is rooted in the belief that every person deserves the tools and support to live a life they choose.​

MEET OUR TEAM

Our Approach to Services

AIMS Independent Living Skills delivers a sincere and effective service to individuals with intellectual disabilities who wish to live in the community.  We serve the counties of Alameda, Contra Costa, San Francisco, Marin, and San Mateo.  We believe that there is inherent potential in every individual we serve that may need inspiration or motivation to be sparked.  The circle of support comprised of the consumer, the family/conservator, the regional center case manager and our agency help support the individual in drawing a roadmap to living independently, as well as the resiliency and problem solving  needed for this endeavor.  
 
AIMS prides itself on clear communication with the above identified support team and collaborative planning provide the dynamic framework to understand an individual's desires and goals.
 
Our instruction is comprised of methods to promote active learning with full participation and involvement of consumers.   We never make decisions for consumers about what is best for their lives, rather allowing them to choose based on information provided by our instructors.  

RCEB Vendor Number: ILS HB0997; SLS HB1033
​GGRC Vendor Number: ILS HG0058

Brandy Zamora
SLS Supervisor

Rachel ​Orimo
Team Support Specialist

Jeremy Thomas
SLS Supervisor

Ashley Gurich
Housing Coordinator

Megan Gonzalez
ILS Supervisor

Olivia Page
ILS Service Coordinator