Our Staff

We hope this helps you get to know us a little bit and we look forward to working with you and your family!

Mary Barnett

Program Director

Mary loves to spend time with her large family; she and her husband have five young girls and one son. They love pretty much anything outdoors, all sports, going to church, anything that creates fun family memories and laughing until the sun comes up. When Mary was just 10 years old her family adopted her younger brother; Gregory, who has multiple disabilities and significant behavior challenges. It was that experience that began to pave Mary’s journey for more than 30 years. Working with, advocating for, and helping people with disabilities became Mary’s passion. Her family owns and operates a successful day program in Riverside County that has won numerous awards for the services provided and philanthropy for adults with developmental disabilities. Since 1999, Mary served under many different capacities such as Job Counselor, Behavior Specialist, Assistant Program Director and most recently as a consultant to help develop and train staff on behavior management, using people first language and general education on different disabilities.

Mary’s journey led her to Portland, Oregon where she earned her Bachelors of Science in Psychology from Portland State University. Upon graduation, Mary’s interest in mental health led her to an amazing career working in substance abuse research at Oregon Health and Science University. After a few years of working in this sector, Mary wanted to return to school and to sunny Southern California to pursue her passion of working with children and adults whom have disabilities. Mary earned her Masters of Arts in Educational Psychology with a Credential in School Psychology, later becoming a Nationally Certified School Psychologist. Mary has provided a unique experience for the families and students she serves. She not only has knowledge of the school district and laws that help protect students who struggle or have a disability, but she provides them with great compassion and empathy since she has been through these processes with her younger brother.

Mary saw a great need for a day program for adults with developmental disabilities in North County San Diego and is excited to work with you and your family to help the people you love most in your life!

You can contact Mary directly at: mary@openarmsvocational.com

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