About Esperanza
At Esperanza Community Services, our mission is to empower people with developmental disabilities to reach their full potential and lead fulfilling, independent lives. We strive to achieve this through innovative education, effective advocacy, and compassionate support while fostering a supportive community where everyone can thrive.
Our History
Esperanza Community Services began as a school in 1969, created in response to the lack of services available to students whose learning needs were not being met in traditional classrooms. Our founder, Guadalupe Reyes, was driven to help her son Bobby, whose developmental disabilities were caused by spinal meningitis. Guadalupe Reyes made Esperanza School a place where students with developmental disabilities found a solid foundation of education, support, and encouragement upon which they could grow.
Finding a place like Esperanza was absolutely wonderful for me because it made me realize I wasn’t going through this alone.
— Esperanza School parent
Executive Leadership
For more than 50 years, Esperanza has built a strong and positive reputation among our families as a trusted and caring service provider. The Esperanza team is uniquely positioned to support our rich and diverse community. Esperanza is an anchor for the people we serve and their families by providing the help and hope that many have been unable to find elsewhere.
Jayne Drew
Chief Executive Officer
Jonathan Gonzalez
Director of Finance & Administration
Anne Hellmer
Principal, Esperanza School
Mike Jersey
Chief Program Officer,
Adult Programs & Services
Jess Lynk
Director of Marketing
Dave Walters
Director of Facilities Management