Team
Team
We believe…
That all people have a unique and precious essence and raison d’etre to be honored, supported and cultivated.
That all lives have purpose and meaning, and that the role of Living Unlimited is to allow and encourage all people to find themselves and fulfil their destinies.
In providing an opportunity for all our participants to develop a sense of self-esteem and self-worth.
That everyone has unique interests and aspirations, which they approach in their own way and own pace.
In creating and promoting opportunities for our farmers and ranchers to grow socially, emotionally, intellectually, culturally and spiritually by encouraging them to make their own decisions as to interests, activities and friends.
That all people, regardless of their abilities, have innate value and dignity and will be treated with respect.
In the the concept of self-determination. All people, including those with disabilities, have the right to establish their own friendships and to choose the environments in which they live, work, and play.
That the rights, interests and preferences of all should be honored, including the right to be fully included in the mainstream of society, the right to associate with others with special needs, and the right to solitude.
In helping the people with whom we work to develop self-reliance and independence and also to learn interdependence and the ability to work with others.
That the programs at Living Unlimited should be molded to fit the needs of the people we serve, rather than demanding them to mold themselves to fit the program.
In the concept of a hierarchy of needs. Each day and for each farmer and rancher, we will strive to ensure the fulfillment of basic physiological and safety needs, promote opportunities for love and belonging. At the same time, we will address esteem needs, such as freedom of choice, competence, pride in achievement, mastery, independence, self-respect, respect from others.
In person-centered planning, where the needs of the individual are paramount.
In creating a place for exceptional people to be themselves, free of the pressure to be someone other than who they are.
Join our team
Everyone involved with Living Unlimited is a volunteer. Our ability to deliver on our mission is directly related to the available resources, which are limited. If you have some time, the talent and a commitment to LU’s mission, please consider adding your talents to this important effort.
It is not upon us to finish the work.
Neither are we free to desist from it.
— Rabbi Tarfon (70-130 AD)
Board of Directors
Katie Carney
BOARD PRESIDENT
Katie Carney - BOARD PRESIDENT
Katie has retired from the aerospace industry, performing mission analysis and systems engineering on space and missile programs. She is a managing partner in RC Group, LLC an investment and consulting company. RC Group, LLC has invested in Concussion Mitigation Technologies (CMT) to develop a Smart Cap to measure and record data associated with Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI) providing management and engineering consultation to CMT with plans for expansion to other areas of technology.
Since 1986, Katie has held numerous positions on fundraising committees, including chairperson raising from $50K to $400K, based on the demographic and has authored numerous grant proposals for specific projects; i.e. building a science and math lab.
Katie understands good care for children and adults with special needs is lacking and families are responsible for providing quality care for children and adults in a safe and secure environment.
Katie is married, with 3 adult children, 2 grandchildren and her dog, Jack.
She has Bachelor degrees in Mathematics and Computer Science from San Francisco State University.
Maureen McLean
Maureen McLean
Creating safe, comfortable and lasting housing for young adults with developmental disabilities is vitally important to Maureen especially as the parent of a 28 year old with autism and OCD. Like many parents, she wants to ensure that her son is well cared for throughout his life. Making this happen is primarily up to parents and other caring folks because very limited housing opportunities currently exist.
After a career and retirement in academic administration with the University of California, Maureen joined the board of Living Unlimited in 2023. Living Unlimited provides one simple and effective model of creating housing opportunities. Maureen would like to contribute to the success and growth of Living Unlimited.
Maureen currently lives with her son, Hershey the chocolate lab, Max the ginger cat, two lop bunnies called Hei Hei and Pua, four feisty hens named Wynona, Fava, Mamselle and Spice Girl and one cantankerous rooster dubbed Chico.
Mary Beth Herner
Mary Beth Herner
Mary Heller
Mary Heller
Mary is the mother of a 26 year old man with autism and two younger daughters. She spent many years working as a human rights attorney and has over the years narrowed her focus to autism advocacy, with specific emphasis on creating awareness of communication methods for non and minimal speakers.
As most autistic adults live at home with their aging parents, and realizing she will not live forever, Mary recognized the significant need for safe, permanent housing for autistic adults. She is committed to working on the solution, not only for her son but for all those families in need of safe, forever homes for their loved one.
Jackie JacksonDaley
Jackie JacksonDaley
Jackie is a mother to two children, one of whom is a young man with developmental disabilities. She became interested in the Living Unlimited concept after seeing the sense of community her son experienced at Camp Krem and realizing that her son would benefit from the opportunity to live independently with peers. Jackie has a passion for fundraising and sharing the dream of secure and safe adult housing with as many families as possible. She believes that providing housing and long-term safety is one of the most important ways we can support individuals with I/DD, their caregivers and families, and in fact our entire society.
Jackie holds degrees in Clinical Psychology from Stanford University and the California School of Professional Psychology and works as a Sex and Relationship Therapist and Sexual Wellness Educator.
Susan Riggle Waterson
FOUNDER
VICE-CHAIRMAN
Susan Riggle Waterson - FOUNDER, VICE-CHAIRMAN
Susan co-founded Living Unlimited with Alex Krem to work on solving the problem of where her son and others like him will end up once parents are gone. She realized that this isn’t just a dilemma for her family, this is a challenge for others too. Banding together to pool resources, share skills and impart knowledge to each other is invaluable and powerful. Knowing that your special child will have a safe, secure and accommodating place to be after you are gone is more than comforting, it is empowering and provides an amazing sense of relief.
Advisory Council
Mindy Szalay
Mindy Szalay
She wants her participation to make a difference by:
– Raising public awareness of the needs of individuals with disabilities.
– Advocating for the rights and well-being of the disabled community and their families.
– Continuously learning about and promoting laws, protections, and technologies that benefit those living with disabilities.
Maia Asiano
Maia Asiano
Maia is a dedicated registered nurse specializing in pediatric psychiatric nursing and is a disabilities advocate in her work and social communities with a passion for ensuring culturally competent care. With experience in inpatient and clinic settings as well as summer camp and in-home support, Maia is solution-focused and creative.
Over the years, Maia has made many connections in her community and will often see someone she knows on the street. With a focus on cultural awareness, Maia can make a connection with people from all over the world. During her free time, she likes to make pottery, enjoy new food at street fairs, and play softball.
Lilian P. Ansari, MS
Lilian P. Ansari, MS
Lilian is parent to two children with special needs.
She is an advocate at CASE (Community Alliance for Special Education) as well as the Parent Education mentor and Community Alliance Chair at Tuberous Sclerosis Alliance of California.
She is a SEAT (Special Education Advocacy Training) Graduate and a member of COPAA (Council of Parent and Attorney Advocates).
After earning her Master of Science degree in Psychology, Lilian spend nearly 20 years working with various non-profits and school districts. She has spent the last 12 years advocating for the needs of both her children as well as other children with special healthcare needs.
Mary Henderson
Mary Henderson
Mary has served on the Board of Family Support Services of the Bay Area (since 2004, immediate past Board President), Lawrence Hall of Science at UC Berkeley and Camping Unlimited. She is an active volunteer with neighborhood boards and AFS intercultural exchange program. She lives in the Oakland hills with two of her sons.
Mary has a vested interest in housing and services for people with disabilities. Living Unlimited is developing amazing communities in the Bay Area and serving on the advisory committee enables Mary to contribute and learn about options.