Beacons, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) public benefit nonprofit
empowering adults with diverse intellectual abilities!
SIGN UPs & Upcoming Dates
7/13/26 - 12/19/26: Voyager Fall Groups SIGN UP
8/15/26: Club Beacons theme "Hollywood Nights" (5:30 - 8:30 pm)
8/29/26: Club Beacons theme "Surfs Up" (2:00 - 5:00 pm)
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Creative Arts Enterprise (CAE)
Where Creativity Inspires
Confidence
and
Possibility
Creative Arts Enterprise (CAE) is a hands-on program where creativity meets entrepreneurship. Whether participants already have a microbusiness, have an idea they'd like to explore, or are still discovering what they want to create, CAE provides the support and encouragement to help them grow. Through creative projects, business education, community experiences, and individualized goal setting, participants develop vocational skills, confidence, and independence while exploring meaningful pathways toward employment, self-employment, or lifelong creative pursuits. Our program empowers individuals to discover their strengths, build practical skills, and turn their creativity into opportunities for the future. 3:1 participant-to-instructor ratio
Instructor Information
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Director
Alexia serves as the Director of the Pathfinder and Passport divisions at Beacons, where she brings her expertise in individualized education to help trainees achieve their personal and professional goals. With a strong background in teaching and curriculum development, Alexia is dedicated to creating engaging, effective learning experiences tailored to diverse needs.
Alexia began her career as a high school math teacher in Las Vegas, where she developed strategies to make complex concepts accessible and meaningful for students. After relocating to her hometown of Carlsbad, California, she transitioned to individualized education, spending the next ten years helping students with diverse learning needs build confidence and reach their full potential. She holds a B.S. in Secondary Education and an Adult Education Certification, further strengthening her ability to create learning environments where everyone can succeed.
Beyond education, Alexia is passionate about personal growth and self-discovery. She takes pride in helping others navigate their paths, whether through tailored instruction, mentorship, or innovative teaching strategies.
Outside of her professional role, Alexia is a creative at heart. Having attended art school, she enjoys painting, sketching, and crafting as outlets for self-expression. When she’s not engaged in her artistic pursuits, she loves spending time outdoors, especially at the dog beach with her beloved Goldendoodle. Whether she’s exploring new creative projects or enjoying the San Diego sunshine, Alexia finds balance between her passions and professional commitments.
Janet is a dedicated professional with a profound commitment to empowering adults with developmental disabilities. With a strong foundation cultivated over 16 years in customer-facing roles within the food and service industry, as well as memory care retirement homes, Janet possesses a unique ability to connect with individuals from diverse backgrounds. Her genuine passion for making a difference led her to four impactful years at another local service provider, where she played a pivotal role as a Resource Counselor, nurturing essential life skills and fostering independence among her participants.
Janet's expertise is complemented by her ACRE certification in Community Employment Services, a testament to her dedication to tailored job placements. At Beacons, she has taught a wide variety of vocational workshops, skillfully guiding individuals to overcome challenges and supporting them on their path to purposeful and rewarding careers. She will lead PathFinder's expansion in fall 2025 to include a "Sous Chef" workshop to help trainees develop skills for the cottage industry and food handling generally.
Janet's empathy-driven communication and unwavering commitment to inclusivity exemplify her mission to create a positive, lasting influence on lives, making her an indispensable asset to the team.
Lead Instructor
Britney is a dynamic and innovative professional with over six years of experience in both childcare and retail management. She is passionate about leveraging her creativity and leadership to inspire positive change and foster meaningful connections. Her career has been driven by a deep commitment to empowering others and creating inclusive environments where individuals can thrive.
Throughout her professional journey, she has worked with diverse groups, including children of all ages and those with disabilities, tailoring her approach to meet the unique needs of each individual. She started the first B.I.O.N.I.C. Club in California, an impactful initiative designed to cultivate kindness and strengthen community ties within school environments to help combat bullying and thoughts of self-harm. B.I.O.N.I.C. helps create a more caring climate in schools through activities to help students develop lasting empathy and compassion. Additionally, she launched a 3D program for middle school students through the Boys and Girls Club, providing them with hands-on learning opportunities to foster creativity and critical thinking.
Britney's entrepreneurial spirit is reflected in her artistic achievements, including the publication of a coloring book featuring her original hand-drawn artwork, available on Amazon. This venture underscores her ability to combine creativity with business acumen, as well as her dedication to sharing her work with a broader audience. In her personal life, she embraces mindfulness practices such as meditation and hiking, which help her maintain a balanced, grounded perspective. These passions fuel her creativity and enhance her ability to connect with others on a deeper level.
AHMAD GARLAND
Associate Instructor
PathFinder Division
Ahmad brings over a decade of leadership experience as a project manager, along with a distinguished career in the military, to his role as Associate Instructor in the Pathfinder Division. Throughout his career, he has led cross-functional teams and delivered complex, high-impact initiatives by translating strategic goals into clear, actionable plans.
He is skilled in both Agile and Waterfall methodologies, with expertise in risk management, process improvement, and stakeholder engagement. He is known for his strong communication, emotional intelligence, and ability to remain adaptable in dynamic and fast-paced environments.
CREATIVE ARTS ENTERPRISE