Doug Middleton, CEO of Vocation Plus Connections, Inc. (VPCI) holds a Master's degree in Clinical Rehabilitation and Mental Health Counseling. Having studied and worked with people with disabilities since his youth, Doug has a passion for working alongside and seeing his peers succeed, recognizing the unique challenges and opportunities they face. Doug finds tremendous fulfilment collaborating alongside the truly dynamic staff of VPCI with the common goal of offering individualized supports across all areas of life with emphasis on independence, socialization and work. Doug’s daily focus to keep VPCI attentive to the needs of community members living with a disability and remaining progressive in an ever changing environment drives him to see the positive and view challenges as opportunities for continued growth. When Doug is not singing out of tune in the hallways at work, he takes great joy in his family, including; his wife, three children, dog, tortoise, parakeet and guinea pig. The Middleton crew can often be found enjoying the backyard of their Fresno home together or venturing to the mountains or beach to take in the great outdoors. Contact information: dmiddleton@vocconnect.com / (559) 940-6621

Hello, my name is Amie Cullen. I’m the Business Manager of Vocation Plus Connections Inc. I oversee the financials and day to day bookkeeping of VPCI. I assist in HR, providing guidance to staff and persons served alike. I worked in the food industry, managing a restaurant, while simultaneously working hands on as a job coach with our amazing persons served of VPCI in 2014/2015. I rejoined the VPCI family in 2016 as the Business Manager with my certification in Computerized Accounting & Business Management. I love working with our persons served and can honestly say working with the VPCI team, in this industry, is the most rewarding job I’ve ever had. In my spare time I enjoy decorating, crafting, reading and gardening. I have a spoiled cat that I adore and many nieces and nephews that occupy my time outside of the office. Contact information: acullen@vocconnect.com / (559) 940-6789

Hi, my name is Dan Silva. I am the schedule coordinator for Vocation Plus Connections and part of our Social Media team. I can't imagine working anywhere else because, helping our persons served with learning, making good choices, or just having a good time at one of our parties, makes everyday a blessing. The best part of my weekend is when I get to roller skate or go cruising on my sports bike. I have been married for over 20 years to my beautiful wife and have two awesome sons. My goal in life is to make a difference with my personal and professional family. Contact information: dsilva@vocconnect.com / (559) 940-6784

Hello, my name is Valerie De La Rosa. I am Vocation Plus’s first and only Case Management Director. I have a Bachelor's degree in Human Services, because I have always had the desire to help others. I have a deep passion for working with the special needs population. I am a huge advocate for person-centered services. I love music, bubblegum, & Pizza. My favorite color is Dodger blue. My spirit animal is the flamingo. I love laughing, especially at my own jokes. Doug Middleton & I are secretly obsessed with Chuck Norris. I exude positive vibes and firmly believe that kindness is contagious. I am happily married with 3 beautiful children, 2 dogs and 2 cats. If I could, I would change our company name to Valcation Plus Connections. I am so glad to be working at Vocation Plus. There is no place I’d rather be… Contact information: vdelarosa@vocconnect.com / (559) 940-6862

Hello, my name is Kashee Xiong. I have been with Vocation Plus since 2016, as a Case Manager since August 2020. I graduated with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Health Science: Community Health options. In my spare time, I like to go bowling and binge Netflix. I am a fur mom with two Pomeranian dogs that cause me to have to vacuum my rugs every day. I also love to play board games and do karaoke at home. Contact information: kxiong@vocconnect.com / (559) 940-6859

Hello! My name is Gloria Valdez. I enjoy spending time with my family and going to baseball games!! I LOVE my dog, she is my 4th baby. If the 49ers are playing...I’m watching. I’m so excited to be a part of VPCI! Contact information: gvaldez@vocconnect.com / (559) 201-8503

Hello! My name is Sophia Ebenezer and I am the Vocational Case Manager for VPCI. I hold a Masters degree in Clinical Rehabilitation and Mental Counseling from California State University, Fresno. I am very committed to my job and find fulfillment in advocating for job placement for persons served with disability and ensuring they are successful and happy. I strive for excellence in whatever I do. It is my desire to continue to positively serve and foster success in the lives of the individuals with cognitive disabilities. Contact information: sebenezer@vocconnect.com / (559)940-6858

Hello, My name is Mai Vang. I am the Program Support Specialist here at VPCI. One fun fact about me is that I like to watch Christmas movies starting in October and keep watching until Christmas (my highest record is 50 movies within those three months). In my free time, the hobby that I enjoy is crafting. The quote I live by is "Don't wait for the right opportunity: create it," by George Bernard Shaw. Contact information: mvang@vocconnect.com / (559) 940-6857

My name is Sara Singleton, program assistant at Vocation Plus Connections, Inc. I love being a part of the VPCI family because we are a person-centered program. I am passionate about helping others and am grateful to be able to do that every day at VPCI. Some of hobbies include exploring nature trails with my husband, spending time with my family, and traveling. Contact information: ssingleton@vocconnect.com / (559) 940-6856