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

Kylie Shellstrom

Program Coordinator

Inspired by the birth of her daughter in 2013, Kylie followed her calling into supporting other mothers with their birth journeys. Kylie believes in empowering, educating, and supporting all families. Her passion for supporting others dug initial roots as a Certified Medical Assistant, OR Technician and eventually led her to joining the Open Arms family. She is a DONA-Certified Birth Doula and Certified HypnoBirthing Instructor. Also certified in the Rebozo Technique and Health Provider CPR. Kylie has an ability to share her knowledge, compassion, humor and expertise in a way that is supportive and puts all of our clients and families at ease while making the days of all of our clients special and fun. She is our ZOOM expert and scheduling extraordinaire. She prides herself in being organized, being a wonderful friend, fantastic wife and the best mother. Like a true southern Californian, she enjoys being outside and relaxing at the beach. Her family is her utmost priority and she brings this mindset into each and every family and job coach that she supports.

You can contact Kylie directly at: kylie@openarmsvocational.com

Kylie Shellstrom

Administrative Assistant
Inspired by the birth of her daughter in 2013, Kylie followed her calling into supporting other mothers with their birth journeys. Kylie believes in empowering, educating, and supporting all families. Her passion for supporting others dug initial roots as a Certified Medical Assistant, OR Technician and eventually led her to joining the Open Arms family. She is a DONA-Certified Birth Doula and Certified HypnoBirthing Instructor. Also certified in the Rebozo Technique and Health Provider CPR. Kylie has an ability to share her knowledge, compassion, humor and expertise in a way that is supportive and puts all of our clients and families at ease while making the days of all of our clients special and fun. She is our ZOOM expert and scheduling extraordinaire. She prides herself in being organized, being a wonderful friend, fantastic wife and the best mother. Like a true southern Californian, she enjoys being outside and relaxing at the beach. Her family is her utmost priority and she brings this mindset into each and every family and job coach that she supports.
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