Welcome

All Individuals First

Where life-changing moments turn into echoes that shape the soul.

All Individuals First is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit day program serving adults with developmental disabilities. We are committed to providing compassionate, individualized support through high-quality services and dedicated staff.

We accept DD Waiver, Mi Via, Supports Waiver, and private pay options. Rates vary based on each individual’s needs and level of support. Participants can choose schedules that fit their goals and preferences, ranging from one hour per week up to four full days per week. Our services are designed to meet each individual where they are.

Participants spend about half of their time engaged in community activities such as shopping, hiking, fishing, dining out, mini golf, movies, museum visits, and volunteering at local thrift stores. The remaining time is spent at our facility enjoying arts and crafts, social activities, games, puzzles, and other fun and enriching experiences. Most importantly, individuals have the freedom to choose whether they would like to participate in community outings or remain in the building.

We are the only day program for adults with developmental disabilities in Los Alamos County. We strive to meet individual needs, wants and desires, and offer a safe, caring atmosphere for our clients.

Our Mission Statement

All Individuals First will improve and/or maintain the quality of life for individuals with Developmental Disabilities by advocating and promoting them as successful individuals in their communities.

Our Vision Statement

All Individuals First will provide a safe, caring place for adults with Developmental Disabilities and encourage their participation within their communities.

Our community has continually shown incredible support for our individuals and staff by welcoming us into every part of the wonderful place we all call home. We are deeply grateful for the kindness, encouragement, and generosity we receive each and every day.

100+ Women Who Care of Los Alamos selected All Individuals First to receive a $2,300 grant in support of our mission.

The Los Alamos Community Foundation Board awarded AIF a $1,000 grant in recognition of our efforts to provide opportunities for community engagement, programs, and support for adults with developmental disabilities. The board also described Doris Roberts as “proof that angels roam among us.”

Valley Lodge Masons #69 generously awarded AIF $10,000 to help provide a safe, enriching, and enjoyable environment for our participants. These funds help cover expenses such as field trips, craft supplies, vehicle maintenance, and many other program needs.

Kroger–Smith’s has also supported our cooking program, where participants prepare simple, healthy meals twice each month using picture-and-word recipes. This program helps individuals build independence and confidence in the kitchen. We sincerely appreciate Kroger–Smith’s and all they do for our community.

Thank you for visiting our website. We invite you to explore our programs and services, and please feel free to contact us with any questions or comments. We look forward to hearing from you!

Doris Roberts

Director/Job Coach

Doris has been teaching individuals with special needs for 30 years. She retired from the New Mexico School for the Deaf in June 2013 after 24 years of working with multiply disabled deaf individuals ranging from 6 - 22 years of age. She has two MA degrees, one in Deaf Education and the other in Visual Impairment, and is also a specialist in Special Needs. She is the daughter of two Deaf adults and a legal guardian of a Deaf Down Syndrome individuals. It was her dream to open this business when her two daughters had no where to go during the day that would provide the necessary communication needs for them to be included in meaningful day activities. She is very excited for this business to be open and she can not wait to meet any new individual who wants to attend.

Edith Danielson

Director-in-training, Direct Support Staff

Edith has 30 yrs experience in healthcare. She recently transitioned to work with adult special needs individuals. On a personal level She enjoy hanging out with her special needs son and seeing him grow as an individual. She always had an affinity towards job coaching, and acts of service. Working at AIF has been humbling to say the least. She enjoys crafting projects with the clients. She says the individuals teach her patience, and it shows her the beauty of being uniquely gifted in many different ways.

Susanna Roberts

Office Manager, Job Coach and Direct Support Staff

Susie has been around individuals with disabilities her whole life. She grew up with 2 deaf down syndrome sisters, and her mother worked with disabled individuals in the school system. She has an extensive work history in different living and day systems within the DD Waiver and Mi-Via programs. Her daughter, Aurora, has been a part of AIF since the beginning in 2014. The clients love her and enjoy the time she spends with them. In Susie's free time she enjoys riding her motorcycle, dancing, camping, fishing, spending time with her American Legion family, and most of all spending time with Aurora.

Jessica Roberts

Lead Counselor

Jessica has a long and inclusive background in working with the Developmentally Disabled, as well as, degrees in Family and Consumer Economics and Culinary Arts. She grew up with two Deaf, Downs syndrome sisters, as well as a sister who is medically fragile. She loves working within the community that she lives in. She is bi-lingual speaking both English and ASL and is picking up Spanish with the help of some of our clients. She has worked on and off at AIF since it opened and says there is something magical about this place that makes her keep coming back.

Ashlee Velarde

Direct Support Staff

Ashlee was born and raised in Espanola, NM. She loves to write, draw, play games with her son, and laugh until it hurts. She has worked with individuals with disabilities for over 2 years and she has loved every second. She hopes to improve the lives of our clients through their artwork and building strong life skills. We are so very lucky to have her on our team!

Don Bjarke

Direct Support Staff

For 15 years Don worked at Los Alamos High School in the Special Ed and Severe Special Needs department. He retired from LAPS and has since joined our team. He is a proud member of the teams, which he says is more of a family. Our clients are a joy and a privilege to work with for him. In his free time he enjoys doing artwork, cooking, baking and spending time with friends, family and most importantly his fur baby Apollo.

Harrison Stephens

Direct Support Staff

Harrison loves anything and everything about being outdoors. He is a fan of hiking, backpacking, camping and so much more. Harrison has been in boy scouts his whole life and now contiunes to work with them. Harrison grew up with a sister who has Down Syndrome and has always had a special place in his heart for special needs individuals. He is loving his position here and hopes to continue improving the lives of our individuals.