Our Program History
Established as a nonprofit California corporation in 1985, Independence Center operates a non-sectarian program for adults with learning and developmental disabilities.
The Program meets the needs of adults with learning differences who complete high school and need training for independent living while they work or continue their education.
Independence Center was established by Sandy Gordon and a group of parents looking for a program to help their adults transition from their homes into the real world.
With more than 35+ years experience, Independence Center strives to provide a stable environment for our residents. Highly qualified counselors carry out the Independence Center program weekdays and evenings with the residents.
Reach Your Full Potential
Individuality
Each person is unique. Each young person’s strengths, needs, style, personality and coping mechanisms are essential ingredients for program planning.
Supportive Group Setting
Learning to be independent is best ‘taught’ by living away from home where the adults gain the benefit of the peer group. Social skills and relationships are part of the everyday experience.
‘Hands-on’ Is the Best Way to Learn
We learn by doing. These concrete learning experiences are most beneficial and replace the classroom learning of previous school years.
The Family Context
Each adult is viewed as part of their family system, and this is reflected in our family-oriented support services. Families are helped to develop a new perception of their adult with learning differences: a competent, capable adult.
Meet The Team
Get to know the people behind IC Living.
Miriam Gonzalez-Coultas
As the new CEO of the Independence Center, Miriam Gonzalez-Coultas brings over 20 years of working experience in the social services field. In this role she, along with the Board of Directors, will provide leadership in furthering the mission of the Independence Center.
Previously Miriam held a Chief Program Officer position at Bienvenidos. There she oversaw Mental Health, Foster Care and Community Services Divisions. She also acted as a liaison for county social service entities and other community organizations. Throughout her professional career she has been able to successfully monitor multiple program budgets with annual revenues of $20+ million dollars.
Miriam began her career with Bienvenidos in 2003 as a Foster Care Social Worker. At Bienvenidos, Miriam’s career in management progressed from Program Manager to Director of Mental Health Services and ultimately culminated in her role as Chief Program Officer.
Miriam is very active in the community. She served six years as a board member for Valley of Hope Counseling Center in Mission Hills and has over ten years of service in children’s ministry at Rocky Peak Church in Chatsworth. She is a clinically licensed therapist (LMFT) and a member of the California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists (CAMFT). Miriam received her B.A. in Psychology from California State University Northridge and her M.A. in Clinical Psychology from Pepperdine University.
Sarah Landa
As Program Coordinator, Sarah supports Miriam in the day-to-day management of Independence Center, works directly with residents to provide 1:1 and group support, and works closely with our growing team of counselors.
Sarah received her B.A. in Child Development with a minor in Psychology from Mount Saint Mary’s University and her M.A. in Clinical Psychology from Pepperdine University. She is currently an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist (AMFT), receiving hours towards her Marriage and Family Therapy license under Miriam Gonzalez-Coultas’s supervision.
Sarah joined the IC in 2023 as an intern counselor and quickly found that the organization’s mission and values deeply aligned with her own. In 2024 she transitioned to the role of Program Coordinator, where she continues to create meaningful connections and provide individualized support in her hands-on work with the residents.
In addition to her role at the IC, Sarah is an associate therapist at The Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Center of Southern California where she specializes in using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), and play therapy in her work with children and adolescents with anxiety disorders.
Board of Directors
As a nonprofit, Independence Center’s Board of Directors oversees the fiscal operation of the program, sets overall program goals and policies, and engages in fundraising activities. The Board is not involved in the daily operation of the program, nor are they apprised of confidential matters.
The members of the Professional Advisory Board are prominent experts on learning disabilities who lend their expertise to the staff.
Sandy Driver-Gordon
Jill Greenspahn, Esq.
Michael J. Klag, M.D.
Anahita Naficy Lovelace, PhD
Melissa Tucker
Ray Craemer, MD
Fay Van Der – Levinson