Our Staff

Beth Burt
Executive Director
Board of Directors
Leadership
Staff
Beth is a parent of an adult with Autism and co-author of two books on inclusion. She has been working to improve the lives of all affected by Autism for the last 26 years. She is currently the Executive Director of the Autism Society Inland Empire and past President of the Autism Society of California. She has served on several Task Forces, Collaborations on Housing, Employment, and Public Policy issues related to Autism. She is currently the co-chair of the Autism Society of California Public Policy Committee.
Clara Garcia
Director of Programs
Leadership
Staff
Clara has been active in the field of social services for the past 21 years in the areas of mental health and drug treatment counseling, gang prevention/intervention programs and has spent the last 9 years serving those in the disability community by promoting inclusion, advocating and educating. Clara has created and implemented inclusive programs for special needs children and their typical peers which include a Summer camp, play dates, outings in the community. What stands out most about Clara is the special relationships she builds with families. Because of her genuine care for families, they turn to her for assistance with advocacy, share important family issues and best of all invite her to gatherings where there is always great food!
Anel Ibarra
Program Coordinator
Staff
Anel is the mother of three beautiful children, one of them who has autism. Previously to joining ASIE, Anel volunteered to help the Spanish speaking community. Anel is responsible for keeping the Autism Society Inland Empire going! Among her many responsibilities, Anel coordinates all of our events and programs – which averages over 20 a month. This includes finding locations, speakers, supplies, creating the electronic registrations, and notices, answering the emails about the events as well as creating our newsletter.
Arman Khodaei
Education Specialist 1
Staff
Arman is an adult with Autism who has over 14 years’ experience as a Community Organizer, creating connections with community partners, public speaking, teaching workshops, running, and coordinating events, and helping adults on the autism spectrum reach their full potential. You can reach Arman at education@ieautism.org
Flora Martinez
Education Specialist II
Staff
Jennifer Elliot
Bookkeeper
Staff
Juanita Hernandez
Program Specialist
Staff
Juanita has been supporting families living with autism in the Coachella Valley and Inland Empire with vital resources and services since 2015. She is a proud parent and a long-time advocate for the community.
Julie Price
Social Media
Staff
Liliana Alvarado
Resource Specialist
Staff
Liliana is the mother of twins on different levels of the Autism Spectrum Disorder and two typical children. Liliana is the Adult Resource Specialist and is bilingual. She has coordinated our food program and provides support, information, and resources for all ages of individuals and families with a loved one with autism.
Melissa Cardona
Senior Resource Specialist
Staff
Melissa graduated from Florida Atlantic University and has a Bachelor of Health Services. She is a mother of 4 boys, 2 who are on the spectrum. Melissa is joining the ASIE Team to fill a new position as a resource specialist, she will be helping parents with questions, resources, find events and lend a listening ear. She will also continue to improve our website resource pages. Melissa is a great addition to ASIE and is also bilingual, please say hello to her when you are calling in or emailing us!
Virginia Sosa
Program Specialist
Staff
Virginia is the mother of 2 boys, one of whom has autism. She is a member of her local school district’s Community Advisory Committee (CAC) for Special Education where she provides input, recommendations, and enjoys coordinating donations to give to special needs students and their families at the district’s celebrations. She has a Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice and an Associate’s degree in Social and Behavioral Sciences and is passionate about helping and improving the lives of vulnerable individuals and their loved ones.