Our Staff

Beth Burt

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

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

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

As a parent of special needs children, she developed a passion for assisting families. She was recently elected to the Ontario-Montclair School District Board of Trustees and has dedicated time and energy to different leadership roles throughout the community. She has served on the Early Dispute Resolution Committee (EDR) and the Special Ed Advisory Committee (CAC), is a PTA/PTO representative and participated in DELAC, ELAC, and DAC meetings. She is also the San Bernardino County IHSS Advisory Committee Chair since 2019. 

Jennifer Elliot
Bookkeeper

Staff

Developing strong relationships is the foundation of everything Jennifer does, both professionally and personally.  She brings her knowledge and experience of project management, bookkeeping and human resource administration to the team. She has a strong passion for helping others always, whether it is working with animal rescues or within the core structure of a company. She has even volunteered as a youth soccer league President/coach and referree. Her favorite role is that of a wife, a mother of 3 grown kids (and 3 four legged kids), and a new grandmother, so work life balance is something she treasures.  
Juanita Hernandez

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

Julie brings her passion for helping others to our Autism community. While not new to our organization, we have officially made her part of the team. Julie creates most of the graphics you see on our social media channels and has helped us reach new families. She can be reached at socialmedia@ieautism.org
Liliana Alvarado

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

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

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.