About Us

In 1950, the Rehabilitation Institute of Southern California began providing therapy to children with disabilities.  The location was a farmhouse surrounded by avocado fields in the City of Orange. Since then, we have expanded our abilities to embrace and uplift all people—from infants to seniors—with unique needs.

Now in our 7th decade, Reimagine offers an array of specialized therapies, enrichment services, independent living support and more; with the purpose of enabling all participants to live an enhanced quality of life.

Our mission is to relentlessly pursue possibilities throughout the lifespan of every person with disabilities.

Our vision is to create a world in which all people with disabilities have equal opportunities to thrive in healthy, inclusive communities.

Reimagine Staff Leadership

Sofia Martinez

Chief Executive Officer

Sofia joined Reimagine over 20 years ago after completing her Masters in Social Work with a concentration in Health at the University of Southern California.

Sofia is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with two decades of experience working with children and adults with developmental disabilities. Formerly serving as Reimagine Chief of Services, Child Development Programs and North County Operations, Sofia led the Children’s Services programs at both the Orange and Fullerton campuses, successfully expanding the program to serve more children in the Orange County Area. She brings her longtime management and direct experience working with children and adults with disabilities to a community that knows her well.

Sofia has been teaching social work for over 15 years and she is an Adjunct Associate Professor of Social Work at the USC Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Social Work. She is also a member of the Network for Social Work Management and National Association of Social Workers.

smartinez@reimagineoc.org

Lynn Janzen

Chief Financial Officer

Lynn recently joined Reimagine as their Director of Business & Finance. She, along with the Board of Directors, helps to monitor the organization’s financial strategic planning, conducts financial analysis on an ongoing basis, and develops budgets tailored to the needs of the many departments inside the Organization.

She is a Certified Public Accountant in the state of California. She has over 15 years of experience as an auditor with public accounting firms in Orange County concentrating in attestation in construction, non-profit organizations, and employee benefit plans.  She graduated from Cal State Fullerton with a BA in Accounting.

She is a member of CalCPA (California Society of CPAs), AICPA (American Institute of CPAs) and Employee Benefit Plans Audit Quality Center (EBPAQC), and the Orange County chapter of WP&BC (Western Pension & Benefit Council).

ljanzen@reimagineoc.org

Jason Leavell

Director of Operations

Jason Leavell graduated from California State University, Long Beach with a BA in Human Development, followed by earning a Master of Social Work with a concentration of integrated health.

Jason started with Reimagine as an intern in 2014, while working on his Masters in Social Work. He established a deep connection with the individuals he was working with at Reimagine and at the end of his internship joined the Reimagine family as a Social Work Assistant. After completing his MSW, Jason transitioned his role and became the Medical Social Worker at our Fullerton campus. Since then, Jason has worked in and supported many facets of the organization. He has served as the Director of Admissions and Training, oversees recruitment and our Electronic Medical Record’s system and is currently the Director of Operations, where he provides support to the Chief Executive Officer with programs and operations.

jleavell@reimagineoc.org

Yung Min

Director of IT

Yung joined Reimagine in 2018 where he designed and implemented the multi-campus network infrastructure and oversaw the administration of new charting and records-keeping software as Reimagine continues its data migration toward an all-digital future.

In 2016, he joined with a major managed services provider in Orange County to provide all levels of technical support to various non-profit and healthcare organizations such as the Girl Scouts of Orange County, Girl Scouts of Downtown Los Angeles, OneOC, AltaMed, and HealthView Home Health.

Yung Min graduated cum laude from University of California San Diego, with a Bachelor’s degree in Visual Arts-Media with an emphasis in Computing. He then attended Cisco Network Academy where he received multiple technical certifications including CCNA and CCENT. Yung is currently attending Western Governor’s University to earn his Master’s Degree in IT Management.

yung@reimagineoc.org

Saad MK

Senior HR Generalist

Bringing Saad onto our team was no small move, but rather, part of a conscious effort to invest more time and resources into the quality of life of our employees, and the return has been tangible. In the time that he has been a part of Reimagine, Saad has tackled projects ranging from new HR training programs to the enrichment of our organizational culture. His dedication to making enhancements in these areas has been received with positivity across the organization.

Born in Iraq and raised in Dubai, Saad has the ability to speak over 100 dialects. After serving in the military where Saad helped American soldiers with translations on the battlefield, he graduated with his degree in Electrical and Electronics Engineering from the KLIUC. He then went on to start an impressive and successful career in Human Resources— one that would eventually lead him to Reimagine.

smk@reimagineoc.org

Eun Chong Kim

Program Director – Santa Ana Campus

Eun oversees all Clinical Services at Reimagine, including Speech, Physical and Occupational Therapies as well as Nursing Services Staff.

Eun joined Reimagine in 2015 as a Physical Therapist at the Fullerton campus. With two decades of experience as a Physical Therapist and as a consultant, Eun has provided consulting services for multiple Community Based Adult Services (CBAS) centers, social programs, the Regional Center of Orange County (RCOC) Early Intervention program, and various group homes. Her experience covers a diverse population, ranging from pediatrics to geriatrics.

Eun graduated from UCLA with a B.S. in Psychobiology and a B.A. in East Asian Studies. She received her Master’s in Physical Therapy from Chapman University, Orange, CA.

ekim@reimagineoc.org

Victor Perez

Program Director – Fullerton Campus

Victor began his journey working with individuals with Developmental Disabilities in 2014 after graduating with his Bachelor’s in Social Work. Victor’s experience has included working on social skills in various settings with children, young adults, and older adults. He had the opportunity to work with the families of the individuals with developmental disabilities by facilitating support groups.

In 2018 Victor began his journey with Reimagine, then known as Rehabilitation Institute of Southern California or more commonly known as RIO, as a master’s level Social Work Intern. His journey with RIO began with not only furthering his experience in working with individuals with disabilities but by understanding the framework and benefits of providing Community Based Adult Services (CBAS).

Since his transitioning from an intern to the Medical Social Worker position for Reimagine Fullerton, he now has had the privilege to transition to Program Director of Fullerton after working as the Medical Social Worker for 3 years. With this role Victor plans to further the benefits of services of Reimagine to our communities. As Program Director Victor will continue to pursue a passion in developing services that are geared toward enhancing and enriching the lives of people with disabilities.

vperez@reimagineoc.org

Ana Magdaleno

TAP Program Supervisor

Ana joined Reimagine in 2006 as a Job Coach working in the community. She has then served in several different departments as a Program Assistant, an ILS Case Manager, and as an Art Instructor. Her passion is working with people with physical and developmental disabilities and helping them reach their fullest potential. 

As the Supervisor of the Transitional Adult Program (TAP) it is her job to ensure that participants are continuing their education through life skills, social skills, academics and community integration. Ana is a skilled enthusiast in creating arts and crafts and fine cooking.

amagdaleno@reimagineoc.org

Erica De Leon

ILS Program Supervisor

Erica De Leon is the Independent Living Skills (ILS) Supervisor for Reimagine. She has been with the company for over 25 years. Erica was the director of the children’s program from 2005 to 2018, and in 2019 she began working in the ILS department.

Erica is responsible for the supervision of the ILS instructors and for ensuring that the participants in the program continue to receive the support that they need to live independently from assistance with budgeting and household expenses to nutrition and healthcare access, ILS staff partner with program participants to build the skills and confidence necessary to live safely and confidently on their own.

Throughout the years, Erica has continuously displayed a passion for serving those in the community with different abilities. Erica is inspired daily by the kindness of the participants in the ILS program. She feels proud to be a part of their accomplishments and seeing them achieve their goals brings her happiness. In her free time, Erica likes to meditate, go on hikes, and dance Flamenco.

erica@reimagineoc.org

Angie Medina

Children Services Program Coordinator

Angie Medina graduated from Russel Sage College, in Albany New York with a Master of Science in Applied Behavior Analysis with an emphasis in Autism & Development Disorders. Angie joined Reimagine in 2008, as an in home early intervention specialist and in 2010 became the children’s program director and early intervention specialist for the in-center global children’s program.

Angie is bilingual, her ability to communicate in Spanish has helped families with language barriers navigate through early intervention services and special educational needs. Angie has been at Reimagine for 14 years. She continues to bring her expertise and knowledge in the field of early intervention she understands the importance of empowering families in making informed decisions regarding their child’s developmental growth and education needs . Angie believes that all children deserve a quality education in an inclusive and supportive learning environment whether it be at school or in the community.

medina@reimagineoc.org

Jake Olson

Development Associate

Jake graduated from USC in 2019 with a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration. While at USC he became the first completely blind Division I college football player in NCAA history.

In his youth, Jake was diagnosed with a rare form of eye cancer, Retinoblastoma, which eventually led to blindness in both eyes. Jake persisted in his academic and athletic goals, and later gained recognition as an author, motivational speaker and champion of sports fitness and nutrition. His resilient, optimistic and generous spirit drive his commitment to building philanthropic relationships that connect Orange County leaders, businesses, schools and organizations toward common goals.

Joining Reimagine in 2021, he continues to cultivate relationships and build new partnerships as Director of Development. Jake truly understands the power behind Reimagine’s mission to relentlessly pursue possibilities and helps others in the community partner in support of that mission.

jake@reimagineoc.org

Board Leadership

The Reimagine Board of Directors is our governing body and includes family members, program participants and community business leaders who oversee the organization’s activities. Board members meet regularly to discuss and vote on the affairs of the organization, ensuring alignment with the stated mission, vision and values.

Donald Clem, D.D.S.

President

Dr. Clem is a periodontal specialist who has provided periodontal and dental implant specialty care in Fullerton for 35 years. He grew up in Chicago, attending Loyola University School of Dentistry followed by a general internship at the Veteran’s Administration and Great Lakes Naval Regional Medical Center. His specialty training was taken in periodontology at the University of Texas Health Science Center.

Scott Sellens, D.D.S.

Vice President

Dr. Scott Sellens practiced general dentistry in Anaheim for over 34 years. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in biology from UCLA and a Doctor of Dental Surgery degree in General Dentistry from USC. Following dental school, Dr. Sellens desired further knowledge and experience within his field; he completed a General Practice Residency program at the Veteran’s Administration Medical Center in Sepulveda, California and was awarded a Certificate of Residency by the Department of Medicine and Surgery of the Veterans Administration.

Dr. Sellens retired from practice in June of 2021 and now spends his time playing golf, traveling and coaching youth basketball at the YMCA.

Brenda Deeley

Development Committee Chair

Brenda Deeley brings more than 25 years of experience providing communications strategy to leading organizations. As the mother and co-conservator of a young woman with Down syndrome who is a Reimagine participant, she is a long-time advocate for people with intellectual/developmental disabilities. She previously served on the Irvine Residents with Disabilities Advisory Board, Down Syndrome Association of Orange County Board of Directors, National Down Syndrome Congress PR Committee and the CalOptima Whole-Child Model Family Advisory Committee.

Alex Cochran

Finance Chair

Alex Cochran joined Kairos in 2022 as a Senior Investment Manager. Mr. Cochran is responsible for the firm’s investor relations efforts including fund raising, client service, reporting, and investor education.

Prior to joining Kairos, Mr. Cochran led the West Coast business development efforts for Hirtle Callaghan & Co., an outsourced Chief Investment Officer for endowments, foundations, and philanthropic families. Prior to that, Mr. Cochran was a Vice President at Canterbury Consulting, where he built sophisticated investment programs for endowments, foundations, and family offices.  He was also a shareholder of the firm.

Mr. Cochran serves on the Board of Directors and as the Chair of the Finance Committee for Reimagine.

Healy MacPhail

Secretary

Ms. MacPhail is currently Senior Vice President, Human Resources, at Alliance HealthCare Services. Her 25 years of experience across multiple industries for national and global enterprises leverages her extensive management and leadership work, as well as her specific expertise in HR recruiting, executive coaching and HR information systems, plus benefits and compensation strategy. Healy earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Management as well as her Master of Human Resources and Master of Management and Leadership degrees from Webster University, St. Louis, Missouri.

She is the proud mom of three children, two of whom are young high-school students with developmental disabilities.

“I am thrilled to be part of an organization that is building possibilities and futures.  I believe in the value our members bring to the community by facilitating dignity through lifelong learning for all, striving towards a more inclusive and equitable future, and I look forward to being part of those continued efforts,” she says.

Ron Murray II

 

Ron is a senior business development and sales management executive at American Advisors Group, a leader in the retail mortgage industry based in Irvine, CA. Ron brings his extensive experience building and leading sales teams to the Reimagine board, providing cohesion, guidance and vision garnered though his professional career which also includes membership in the California State Bar and as a California Real Estate Broker. A volunteer since 2017, Ron also advances the mission of Reimagine through his extensive links to the Orange County business community.

Eben Frisbie

 

Eben Frisbie is a specialist in the business of investigating and underwriting the financial health and structural safety of condominium projects, and their associated HOA’s across the nation.

Before joining Bank of America in 2004, Eben worked as a special effects and make-up artist on haunted houses and various horror themed projects with several effects studios. In his early 20’s he started to notice that something was changing with his sight, and he was eventually diagnosed with a condition known as Retinitis Pigmentosa. This meant that his photo receptors were failing and causing him to have “Tunnel Vision” or a loss of peripheral vision, as well as night blindness, and photophobia, or sensitivity to bright light. This loss of sight caused Eben to reconsider careers, and seek employment in an office environment.

After a long search and many interviews, Eben eventually found opportunity at Bank of America, but he also learned a tough lesson about unconscious bias along the way. He found that too many interviews ended before they even started, with the interviewer observing his cane and sunglasses and immediately looking disappointed because they did not think a blind person had value to offer. It was these experiences that drove Eben to try and make a difference in the community.

Eben has dedicated his career to proving just how valuable a person with a disability is, by competing with and even out performing his non-disabled colleagues. In addition to his work duties, Eben has been recognized as a leader in Bank of America’s Southern California Disability Action Network, helping to spread awareness and promote diversity and inclusion throughout the bank, and the local community, as well as on a national level.  Eben hopes to impact the community by bringing a sense of value, and inclusion to all those with disabilities.

Ultimately, Eben’s goal is to spread awareness to people… if you encounter someone that has a disability, realize that it is not weakness that brought that person in front of you that day, but rather it is strength, and that strength is indomitable, and an incredible asset. Take a moment to think about all the hurdles that person must have overcome, just so they could have the opportunity to be there, or to perform, or to compete with everyone else. Understand that disabled people are often working towards, and achieving the same goals as everyone else in life, except they are doing it on hard mode. Eben wants people to know that he’s not just good for a blind guy, he’s just good!

Renee Hellman

Renee Hellman joined Marsh McLennan Agency’s Business Insurance Division in 2015 as a Client Executive for the Healthcare Practice Group. In her current role as Principal, she provides strategic guidance for the overall service delivery to her clients . Renee is involved with the National Healthcare Practice Group, helping coordinate communication and collaboration across colleagues nationally.

In Memoriam of

Patricia Burnes

July 19, 1930 – December 31, 2020

Patricia’s distinguished career as a retailer and professional in Design and Couturier Construction began with her graduation from Traphagen School of Design, New York. She was employed by Oleg Cassini, and later Mr. John, Inc., milliner and clothing designer.

Patricia has served in leadership positions on many non-profit boards at the local, state and national level. With honor Patricia was the Recording Secretary and Chairman of Governance for Reimagine.