By: Christina Hawthorne
Community Support Coordinator

I never thought I would be in the field of serving adults with developmental disabilities. My experience had always been working with children. While attending CSU Sacramento some of my classes required observation hours in many different home and educational settings for children. I found a position working with children in group homes and specialized foster care through Alta Regional Center while continuing to work on my degree. Educating myself in the field and working with children with disabilities was a very humbling and life changing experience for me. I felt as though I had discovered my passion- I loved working with children and had a significant interest in the counseling and teaching atmosphere. I continued my education in Behavioral Science with a focus on teaching Special Education with a Minor in Psychology. After obtaining my degree in 2002, I moved to Temecula (Riverside County) and taught Special Education in the Temecula Valley School District working in the middle schools and high schools. Eventually, I began to transition to a Behavioral Interventionist position for district and local families of children with Autism. As budget cuts started to erode many of the programs I was involved with, I began to consider other employment options. A friend who was a Coordinator with another supported living agency told me about a potential opening with Networx. After interviewing with and being hired by Networx I discovered my passion was not just for supporting children. It is related to the experience I have when supporting people of any age to be part of community life. I have been with Networx since June 2008 and have since relocated with my family to the San Diego area. I am excited to continue to grow with Networx.

In addition to my passion for serving people with disabilities, I also have a passion for personal fitness and being a mother. I have two fantastic children, Mario and Janessa. I am also a certified personal trainer kick-box instructor and love most outdoor exercise activities.

Phone: 619-572-9167
Email: chris@networx-sls.com