Hi! My name is Laura Semmes, I’m the Self Determination Program Specialist (SDP Specialist) at Self Determined Futures, LLC. I’m a UCSD graduate with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology and an SDSU graduate with a Master of Arts degree in Sociology.

As the SDP Specialist, I work to connect clients with services and supports to enable them and their families to have the resources they need to make their lives better. This work involves person centered plan development, service provider outreach, spending plan development, among other roles and responsibilities.

I previously worked at Imperial Valley College teaching introductory sociology classes, focusing on social change and structural inequalities that exist in society. I really enjoyed connecting with students and helping them learn about society and helping them progress toward their academic and career goals. I’m very passionate about justice, diversity, equity and inclusion, and I’m proud to bring this passion to this position.

I also worked as an administrative analyst at Imperial County Behavioral Health Services. In this position, I provided staff training on security awareness, electronic health record systems utilization, cultural competence, helpdesk operation, report writing and others.

In my spare time, I enjoy working out, traveling, going to concerts and baseball games, learning to fly, and spending time with family and friends.