Our Team
"Our team brings together diverse expertise and firsthand experience to ensure that every family has the tools and advocacy they need to help their children thrive."
Becka York
Executive Director
Becka has been a longtime supporter of SPIN, bringing both professional and personal experience to her work as a former Special Education Teacher and as a parent of a child with a learning disability. After 17 years with the Santa Cruz County Office of Education, she transitioned into the role of Executive Director of SPIN in January 2025. Becka is deeply committed to helping families find support, connection, and community as they navigate the journey of raising a child with a disability.
In her spare time, Becka enjoys going on day trips and traveling with her husband and three children, going on walks with her dog, and listening to wellness podcasts.
Ricardo Cornejo
Ricardo has dedicated 23 years to providing community outreach, individualized support and service coordination. His commitment to this field is deeply rooted in personal experience, having a family member who was enrolled in Early Start services. This unique perspective fuels his passion for supporting individuals with disabilities, their family members, and ensures a compassionate, informed approach to supporting their needs and objectives.
In his spare time Ricardo enjoys barbecuing/grilling, spending time with his family and rooting for the San Francisco 49ers.
Sonia Plageman
Sonia came to SPIN as a parent seeking support and community for herself and her young son living with Down Syndrome - She was encouraged to join the SPIN team by then Director Mary Balzer. She enjoys supporting families by helping them navigate special education services and connecting them with other organizations and families in the community. She remembers those early years and wants to give back to a community that has given back so much to her and her son.
Angie Gallo
Angelica is a seasoned special education professional with over 20 years of experience supporting children, adults, and their families. In her dual role at SPIN, she leverages her bilingual fluency and background in behavioral therapy to provide essential advocacy and administrative clarity. Angelica is deeply committed to ensuring that every family feels empowered, heard, and supported throughout their journey.
When she isn’t supporting SPIN families, Angie loves spending quality time with her own family—whether they are cooking together, playing games, or cheering on her young adults at their sporting events. She also loves gardening and taking her boxer dog on daily walks.
Marcela Rosales
For over three years, Marcela has worked closely with families to provide guidance, advocacy, and meaningful resources tailored to their unique needs.
She is especially committed to reducing stress for Spanish-speaking families by increasing awareness of available community resources and improving access to support. Through her work, she promotes empathy, inclusion, and a judgment-free approach so that every family feels informed, supported, and valued.
Yoli Gallardo
With nearly 20 years of experience in special education, Yoli has dedicated her career to supporting children with disabilities and empowering their families. At SPIN, she partners with Spanish-speaking families, providing the guidance, resources, and confidence they need to navigate the special education system and advocate for their children.
Yoli is passionate about building trusting relationships, ensuring every parent feels heard, welcomed, and equipped to make informed decisions.
Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her family, cooking, gardening, reading, and traveling—bringing the same warmth, compassion, and dedication to her personal life as she does to her professional work.
Sonia Diego
While navigating the system and seeking support for her child with disabilities, Sonia Diego discovered a passion for supporting families of young children with disabilities. She says, “Special Connection found her,” and since 2007, she has been part of an incredible web of support for families with infants and toddlers beginning their journey in the disability world.
Her commitment, alongside many other professionals, has endured for years, supporting and empowering families with empathy and respect. Her hope is to continue serving families for many years to come and to guide them as they navigate the unknown future of raising a child with disabilities.
She enjoys outdoor activities and sharing time with her son and daughters.
