The Embrace Life team believes by introducing the team who are essential to the support of the day-to-day operations of the agency, also provides transparency to the community and guides trust to those looking for these types of services. With multiple years of experience over a variety of departments, together, Embrace Life strives to reach our Mission, Vision and Values for the members who are supported, and for the inclusive community to grow together for years to come.
Operations Team
Office Management Team
Operations Team
Gloria
Director of Residential Programs (Phoenix area),
3 years
Gloria is the Director of Residential Programs at Embrace Life Services, where she brings her passion for helping others. Gloria is known for her dedication to fostering meaningful connections and driving impactful change within the community. Outside of work, she delights in traveling, exploring new cultures, and indulging in matcha lattes. A lifelong learner, Gloria is always seeking new knowledge and experiences. She also cherishes her time with her beloved dog, Chispas, who brings joy and companionship to her daily life.
Amber
Director of South District (Tucson and surrounding cities),
3 years
Amber has been a part of this field for almost 20 years. She was introduced to this field at the age of 13 when her sister started out volunteering at Park and Rec. She learned at a young age that just because a person has a disability, it does not mean they should be treated differently or secluded from society. Amber enjoys helping others and watching them grow as independent individuals. Amber thrives in watching the joy of them reaching their goals. She has discovered over the years that the best approach to being able to help anyone is to spend time with them, getting to know them, and building a bond. Amber applies the same principles at work as she does in her home life. If you want to succeed, you must have a positive support system. Amber believes in positive encouragement. Amber is very family-oriented and considers her members and staff family. Amber is excited to get to know new people and build what she always hopes to be long and lasting friendships. Amber has a beautiful and amazing son whom she adores and spends her time off with.
NEW Position
Assistant Director of West Valley Residential Programs
NEW Position
Assistant Director of East Valley Residential Programs
Office Management Team
Jose
Human Resources
5 years
Jose began his journey with the agency in 2020. Originally from California, he moved back to Arizona in 2018 to be closer to his family and for the birth of his daughter. As a Human Resources professional, Jose is dedicated to fostering a positive and supportive work environment, ensuring that team members feel valued and empowered. His role involves guiding staff through their professional journey, from recruitment to development, while upholding the agency’s commitment to excellence in care and service.
Pamela
Quality of Care Supervisor
4 years
Pamela is a Quality of Care Supervisor for the agency. Pamela has been working in the field for three years. Pamela moved to Arizona from Rochester, New York in 2022. Pamela is the 3rd generation in her family to be profoundly Deaf. Pamela is strongly passionate about helping our Deaf/IDD community. Pamela is an instructor for Article 9, Positive Behavior Support, CPR/FA and Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation. Lastly, Pamela is also a Behavior Treatment Plan writer for the agency. Pamela is excited to be part of the success and growth of the agency.
Karen
Network Manager
Vacant Position
Director of Training
Justin
Project Manager
7 years
With nearly a decade of experience at Embrace Life, Justin Gregory has been instrumental in driving projects that enhance the quality of life for our community. As a dedicated Project Manager, Justin's commitment to excellence and innovation has consistently delivered outstanding results.
Justin has worked with individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) for more than 10 years, demonstrating his deep commitment to creating inclusive and supportive environments for all.
When he's not managing projects, Justin enjoys spending time with his family, particularly going off-roading, traveling, and engaging in various outdoor activities.
Ruth
Administrative Assistant Supervisor
2 years
Ruth is a dedicated employee with a Hispanic background and is fluent in both English and Spanish. As a single mother, Ruth understands the importance of resilience and determination, which she brings into her work every day. Currently, Ruth works with the Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD), where she applies her skills and passion to support and empower individuals with disabilities. Ruth is committed to continuous personal and professional growth, and always striving to enhance her knowledge and abilities to deliver the highest quality of service.
Carrie
Agency Compliance Officer
5 years
Carrie has over 15 years of experience in the DDD community primarily in the residential department and as a former ADH provider. Carrie stepped into the I/DD industry for the first time as a new college graduate because she saw an opportunity to learn something new. Carrie worked as a coordinator and moved up to a director position overseeing residential programs for a large reputable agency. Carrie absolutely loved what she did and the members she supported. She found her career for life. After 10 years, Carrie resigned from her position to focus on her family and provide support to Embrace Life. Carrie has a passion for quality assurance and making sure programs under her care are in compliance with state standards. On Carrie’s off time, she enjoys spending time with her family, which includes her husband, 4 children and a dog, traveling to new places, and enjoying life to the fullest.
Joseph
Owner/Chief Executive Officer
10 years
Joseph has been employed with a variety of agencies for many years in different roles and has participated in multiple volunteer organizations supporting members. Joseph has had a strong passion for the I/DD community since he was 15 years old. Joseph always has goals to provide what the members need to be successful in life. Joseph is Deaf and was born to Deaf parents. After attempts to try to move up to higher management at former agencies with no success, it motivated him to take the big leap to venture out on his own and open his own agency. Joseph began the journey with Embrace Life in 2014 with the support of many long-term employees who are still employed with him today. Joseph is married to Carrie, who is Deaf as well, and they have four children, two of whom are Deaf. When Joseph isn’t working, he enjoys a variety of building projects with his children, traveling and indulging in his many hobbies.