Niria Alvarez – Founder / CEO
Niria is a graduate of the UCLA School of Theater Arts. She has always had a
passion for choreographing and acting in musical theater. In her professional
career, she encouraged underprivileged youth to achieve self-realization and
creative expression through the performing arts. Niria worked as a Visual
Performing Arts Instructor at St. Mary’s Academy in Inglewood CA and at the
Kepler Neighborhood School in downtown Fresno CA. She also excelled as a
Site Project Coordinator for the non-profit organization Owens Valley
Career Development Center in Fresno.
In 2015, Niria redirected her passion for creative expression to assist families
impacted by Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). She envisioned an accessible,
center-based , and judgment free facility where ASD families could enjoy sensory
friendly recreational activities. The center would also provide critical caregiver
resources and services. In October 2019, Niria founded the Facebook Group, Ivan
and Friends – Fresno Uniting ASD Families. Group members have a forum for
meaningful communication and opportunities to coordinate community-based
activities. In August 2021, Ivan and Friends has exceeded 600 members,
demonstrating the growing need for Autism resources. Ivan and Friends has been
a strong arm of support for the Possibilities Center. The Possibilities Center
received 501 c(3) nonprofit status in December 2020.
Niria is a devoted wife and mother to two beautiful children, including Ivan “the
Hulk” Alvarez (the inspiration for Ivan & Friends and The Possibilities Center).
Patricia Sandoval, MPA – Board Member/ Vice President
Patricia is a long-time community health advocate, with more than 20 years of
leadership, non-profit, strategic development and program operations experience.
She is committed to helping vulnerable, low-income communities to access
comprehensive and high-quality health care services. Patricia also served as a
Court Appointed Special Advocate for children between 2014 and 2017.
Since 2019, Patricia has been an active member of Ivan and Friends, Uniting ASD
Families and was part of the development team that helped to attain non-profit
status for the Possibilities Center. Patricia holds a Master’s Degree in Public Administration from the University of San Francisco.
QUOTE: “My beloved nephew Ivan is on the Autism Spectrum. I know firsthand
how difficult it is for families to access diversified and individualized ASD
services. I am privileged to have the opportunity to serve as a Board Member and
to be inspired every day by amazing, resilient and loving families. In its first year,
the Possibilities Center has hosted several community events and has positively
impacted many ASD families. I will do everything within my ability to see the
Possibilities Center become a center-based entity and to generate critical funding
that is essential to sustain premiere ASD services.”
Bobette Smith- Board Member/ Secretary
Bobette Smith is a mother of two autistic children. She also has a nephew, two cousins that are autistic and a sister that is mosaic down syndrome. She was born and raised in Fresno, Ca. Has twenty-one years of experience with the Veterans Administration Hospital (VA). During her time at the VA she performed multiple duties. Such as a certified nursing assistant, program support assistant and administrative support assistant. She was chair member of the Employee Incentive Awards Committee for three years. She medically retired in April 2021. She has dedicated herself to her children, church and community. Volunteers at Valley Christian Center. Been a member of Ivan and Friends since 2021. Advocates for her children to receive a successful education and adequate therapy. Bobette educates, provides assistance and supports other mothers with disabled children. She is honored to be a part of a community that inspires others.
Kathy Reynaga – Board Member/Treasurer
My 501(c)(3) experience began when I served on the Clovis East Boys Basketball Booster Committee. During my fourteen years of volunteer service, I had the pleasure of serving as Treasurer and then Booster President, as well as serving on the Fundraising Committee. The Booster and Fundraising committees were, and continue to be, vital to the program, as it bridges the gap between the limited school funding
available to them and the actual needs of the program.
I have been a member of the Fresno State community for the past 31 years. I began my first job as a cashier in the Accounting Department at age 20, where I remained for the first three years. I then began my work with Fresno State Programs for Children, Inc., which is a 501(c)(3) daycare center that is funded by federal and state grants, and serves mostly low-income student families with affordable, subsidized childcare, so that they may have the opportunity to continue their higher education and pursue their undergraduate degree. During my eleven years with Programs for Children, I had the honor of meeting and assisting many young families and many single mothers with qualifying for childcare services as well as providing community resources, such as food security and health care assistance. I currently work for the CSU, Fresno Auxiliaries, as the Association Staff Accountant, which provides direct support to the university and handles such entities as Student Housing, University Dining, and the University Student Union. Personally, I am a strong believer in service to others, so I am truly grateful to be a member of the board. I am very excited to see the Possibilities Center grow and serve this wonderful community and the many families that seek the support and resources that the Possibilities Center will bring to them.
Laura Sandoval -Board Member/ Outreach Member
Ms. Sandoval has over forty-five years of experience working with non-profit organizations. She brings her devotion to serving the underserved to her role as a board member of the Possibilities Center, a non-profit 501 c(3) organization recently incorporated in the State of California to provide a myriad of communities. Her professional background includes the areas of post-secondary education, middle school migrant programs, federal employment and training programs, teaching entrepreneurship, and as an executive working in the health care system.
She began her professional career in 1976 working for the University of California-Los Angeles (UCLA) as Counselor for their Educational Opportunity Center (EDC). Later, she was a Migrant education tutor for the Central Unified School district. Her tenure a Financial Aid director cover employment with Chavez & Associates Institute and United Education Institute. Employed five years by the United Auto Workers (UAW) Labor and Training Corporation as a Contract Specialist her duties included grant writing, proposal preparation, contract compliance, Director of their Post-Secondary Education and program director. In the late nineties Mrs. Sandoval provided business entrepreneurship classes for The Women’s Enterprise Development Corporation serving women and minorities while also teaching entrepreneurship and grant making classes throughout the Los Angeles County. She entered the health care system in the year 2000 working for Alta Med Health Services Corporation rising to the rank of Vice President of Grants Development. During this time, she also served as Board Treasurer for Plaza de La Raza, one of the largest head -start organizations in Southern California. Upon moving to Fresno in 2008, Mrs. Sandoval worked for West Care as Director of Grants Development . Mrs. Sandoval takes pride in all the professional and volunteer activities that have allowed her to be a voice for the under-served.
Libby Perez – Board Member/Parent Advocate
Libby has over 25 years of experience in child development and as a daycare provider. She also has been a preschool teacher and a foster parent. Throughout the years, she has seen how unique every child is. She loves finding the child’s strength and allowing them to be themselves. Libby has navigated the complex system that is involved in having a child on the spectrum. She also has a passion for helping parents receive the services and support for their family. Libby started Girl Scout Troop 5165 in the Central Valley Fresno Area; that focuses on inclusion for children with special needs. She has loved seeing the girls interact and fellow parents connect. She looks forward to working with new families and helping new parents connect.
POSSIBILITIES CENTER 