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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Enrollment for 2026 now open!
2026 Schedule
Spring Session: January 20 - June 12, 2026
Fall Session: August 10 - December 18, 2026
SDRC Vendor #: PY1700, Code: 102, Subcode: Expl
To be added to Explorer's interest list, please click here.
Explorer is a 2-year vocational training opportunity consisting of a series of
four 5-month sessions for individuals interested in exploring community or self-employment.
Explorer is a post secondary vocational training option to help individuals with developmental disabilities learn workforce skills in a small setting in order to explore and obtain employment when the time is right for them. Explorer incorporates daily community integration and volunteer opportunities with local nonprofit organizations and businesses to build vocational skills and prepare trainees for work. Staff works with trainees in the classroom and in the community in order to help trainees learn and develop skills. Explorer teaches a wide variety of vocational skills for up to 80 weeks (four 5-month sessions over a 2-year period, or longer depending on the IPP team and workshop availability).
Headed by a credentialed special education teacher, Explorer blends hands-on learning with exciting subjects such as Creative Design, Customer Service, Restaurant, Retail, Entrepreneurial Skills, and Soft Skills. To build stamina and self-regulation capabilities, Explorer also integrates fitness to help prepare our trainees for the rigors of employment. Explorer also hosts Makers' Markets and other fun activities to help trainees build competency in working with actual customers, taking orders while learning how to use cash registers, and much more! (Check out our calendar for upcoming event dates to visit and learn more!)
Explorer focuses on building community connections to help trainees find fields of work that interest and motivate them to find employment. Our program will help trainees find a path of their choosing based on their interests and abilities.
Workshop hours: Skills are taught in 45 - 60 minute increments between 9 am to 2 pm over four 5-month sessions 2, 3 or 5 days a week depending on schedule and space availability. Mornings usually include community-based learning, and afternoons usually provide onsite instruction (e.g. creative design, entrepreneurial skills, etc.)
Ratio: Explorer has a ratio of 3:1.
Total Hours: 240 hours per 5-month session (with up to a total of 480 per IPP team agreement).
SDRC vendor number:
Vendor Info: PY1700, Code: 102, Subcode: Expl
Steps Needed
Please start by reviewing our entrance criteria to see if Explorer is a good fit for your applicant.
1. Interest List: . If you are interested in applying for Explorer please let us know by filling out our Interest Form. An Explorer staff member will contact you for an interest interview to discuss current availability and Explorer's program requirements.
2. Application/SDRC (or Independent Facilitators) follow-up: After the interest interview, if it determined that the applicant is a good fit for the program, you will be sent the Explorer application. You will also need to contact your service coordinator to have their IPP and CDER sent. Note: In order to meet the requirements for Explorer, it is necessary for the applicant to have a vocational goal in their IPP.
3. Screening/Intake Meeting: After the application, IPP, and CDER have been received by Beacons, our Explorer team will contact you to set up an intake meeting to meet the applicant and make sure the workshop supports the applicant's IPP goals, and that the applicant is interested in the vocational purpose of PathFinder Explorer.
4. Forms: If accepted into Explorer, the applicant will then need to complete and submit the following:
General Information
Training overview: The Explorer option offers approximately 80 weeks (four 5-month sessions) of vocational exploration and training over a two-year period using a schedule that introduces and teaches skills in a wide variety of areas (e.g. creative design, customer service, entrepreneurial skills, soft skills, job getting and keeping skills, and more!)
The curriculum and instructional model for Explorer uses pacing designed for individuals with developmental disabilities who need more time to learn and practice skills than what the original PathFinder program option offers. Each workshop session includes pre-and post assessments for each unit to measure progress, extra hours for additional instruction if needed or wanted to meet a level of proficiency, materials and/or licenses needed for a subject area, soft skills training, creation of person-centered plans for post-workshop transitioning, job application and employment placement support, and much more! One of the 5-month sessions will supplement vocational training with robust person-centered planning to support transitions from Explorer and equip the trainee and trainee's team with information on post-Explorer options.
Ratios & Enrollment: 3:1 ratio with no more than 15 trainees per workshop module.
Devices: Trainees may bring their own device, but Beacons also has available 15.6" yoga touchscreen Chromebooks with a mouse accessory, 12.9" iPads, an interactive 65" touchscreen monitor, and other devices as needed.
Materials: Each trainee will be provided with his/her own materials and desks and chairs are sanitized for safe learning onsite.
Contact Information: Explorer@BeaconsNorthCounty.com
Instructor Information
Questions? Email:
Pathfinder Explorer
Director: Kendall Miller, BS
Kendall is a San Diego native and supports Beacons as the Assistant Director for the Explorer vocational training program. Prior to joining the Beacons team, Kendall was a member of the San Diego Teach For America Corps, serving diverse and low income student populations. Kendall taught middle school Special Education for three years within the San Diego Unified School District, primarily focusing on English and Math. Kendall graduated from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo with a BS in Liberal Studies, and a double minor in Child Development and Women's and Gender Studies.
Outside of Beacons, she works as a caregiver for a family in Point Loma and spends time spoiling her cat at home. Kendall is very passionate about education and excited to share her expertise with the trainees and team at Beacons.
KAYLIN MOORE
Lead Instructor
Explorer Division
Kaylin Moore supports Beacons' Explorer vocational division where she uses her past sales and retail skills to help Beacons' trainees develop skills for community employment. Prior to joining Beacons, Kaylin worked as an Assistant Manager at Lazy Acres, where she helped to develop sales plans, generate sales production reports, goals and strategies to reach team goals and revenue objectives.
Prior to serving as an assistant manager, Kaylin worked in sales and uses her background in customer service to help shape and guide soft skills and customer service discussions to build workplace skills and confidence. Kaylin also has skills in culinary arts that supports Explorer's restaurant instruction and discussions. Kaylin also has an instructional background in water safety and is a certified water safety instruction though the American Red Cross. She served as a swim instructor for three years prior to entering the retail sector. Kaylin is committed to helping trainees develop vocational skills and confidence to enter the workforce.
ASHLEY EDGAR
Lead Instructor
Explorer Division
Ashley Edgar first joined Beacons as one of the two Administrative Assistants, with an extensive background in management of teams at a major retail corporation. Ashely later was recruited to join the Explorer team given her retail background, which includes having worked as a visual merchandiser and style team member. Ashley has also previously worked as a camp counselor for the YMCA and in childcare for a leading nonprofit and private in-home caregiving. Ashley will provide general support to all Explorer trainees to help them reach their vocational goals and purse a pathway of their choosing.
As a current Social Work and Human Services student at Palomar College, she has a desire to work in a profession that enhances clients' well being and utilizes her experience from leadership roles. Her favorite part about working at Beacons is building social connections with the trainees and making sure she creates a welcoming and positive experience for all. Ashley enjoys time with her family and dogs, reading and hiking!
SANDRA GUAJARDO
Associate Instructor
Explorer Division
Sandra Guajardo is an Associate Instructor for Beacons and joined Beacons as an accomplished preschool owner, director, and teacher bringing 30 years of experience of early childhood education, staff management, operations planning, and financial management. Sandra has training in ASL, special-needs education, Child Family Community, and Early Childhood Education.
Sandra has spent the last 2 years working with special-needs children and young adults, and she has a life-long passion for this community. Sandra joined Beacons this winter as an instructor in our Explorer program on Tuesdays and Thursdays and helps as needed in both the Pathfinder and Explorer programs.
When Sandra is not working she enjoys surfing, yoga, playing piano, singing, and spending time with her adult children and husband Joe.
TRACY D'AMBROSI
Associate Instructor
Explorer Division
Tracy D'Ambrosi plays a vital role in supporting the personal and professional growth of adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Her involvement at Beacons is fueled by a belief in the transformative power of job training and social opportunities to enhance lives, a commitment mirrored in her own experiences as a parent.
Transitioning from early childhood education to vocational training, Tracy has found her stride in engaging with a demographic that thrives under her guidance. She is known for her empathetic approach, listening keenly to the trainees and offering advice that resonates with their unique paths.
In her role, Tracy faces and overcomes challenges with a positive spirit, drawing inspiration from the resilience and achievements of those she mentors. Her personal joy comes from witnessing the direct impact of her work, whether it's through a trainee's smile or a problem solved. Beyond her professional life, Tracy’s heart lies in the simple pleasures of nature and self-sufficiency, with hobbies that range from gardening to biking, and aspirations that reflect her down-to-earth ethos.
Katie O’Brien holds a Bachelor’s degree in Social Science from California State University San Marcos, with an academic emphasis in psychology, communication, and anthropology. Her interdisciplinary background informs a collaborative, person-centered approach to instruction grounded in understanding human behavior and learning styles.
Katie also brings professional experience from fast-paced, service-oriented environments, where adaptability, patience, and emotional awareness are essential. She is committed to creating supportive, respectful spaces where individuals feel both valued and capable.
KATIE O'BRIEN
Associate Instructor
Explorer Division
Dan Amaya joins Beacons with a passion for helping individuals build confidence, develop real-world skills, and discover pathways to future success. With a background as both a Career Technical Education and Social Studies teacher, Dan enjoys creating engaging, hands-on learning experiences that connect education to life beyond the classroom.
His experience in project-based learning, media production, and career readiness aligns with Beacons' mission of empowering clients through meaningful learning opportunities. Dan is excited to collaborate with clients, families, and fellow team members to create positive, supportive environments where everyone can thrive.
DAN AMAYA
Associate Instructor
Explorer Division
Ellen Albistegui-DuBois brings extensive experience across a range of educational settings, with a strong focus on curriculum development and instructional adaptation. She is skilled at adjusting plans in real time to meet the evolving needs of learners and is known for her ability to anticipate challenges and respond thoughtfully before they become barriers. Ellen’s teaching approach emphasizes flexibility, problem-solving, and responsiveness, supporting meaningful learning experiences for individuals with diverse needs.
ELLEN ALBISTEGUI-DUBOIS
Lead Instructor
Explorer Division
Amanda C. joins Beacons with a passion for creating engaging, project-based learning experiences that empower individuals to build skills and confidence. She was drawn to Beacons because of its hands-on approach to education, commitment to client growth, and culture of mentoring and professional development.
Amanda brings experience as a Montessori teacher, and program coordinator supporting both at the Clubhouse International program and a college transition program for neurodivergent young adults. Throughout her career, she has enjoyed designing customized curriculum and interactive learning experiences that meet students where they are and help them succeed. She is excited to contribute her creativity and educational background to further Beacons' mission.