Ife Aka

Ife is the managing partner of Citrus Care Group, which operates ICFs in Northern California and the Central Valley. His deep commitment to strengthening the community of providers who serve individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities is why he joined the DSN.

Ife believes strongly in the power of collective advocacy—especially the voices of small providers—in today’s challenging healthcare environment. He views trade organizations such as DSN as vital platforms for education, empowerment, and collaboration, enabling providers not only to meet today’s needs but also to prepare for the future.

David Bernstein

David Bernstein is the Executive Director of Hope House, an organization dedicated to providing care for individuals with disabilities and has traditionally served very challenging, dually-diagnosed individuals with behavioral issues.  At the helm of Hope House David values an environment where employees can grow, develop, and progress through life, and nourishes a culture where employees want the most for the people they’re working with and serving. 

David holds a Master of Social Work from the University of Maryland. His early experiences working with children with disabilities shaped his career path. Having been with Hope House for over 46 years, David has remained passionate about his work and as a member of the DSN Board of Directors will further make a difference in the field.

Kyle Brandt

For the past 30 years Kyle Brandt has been Owner, CEO, Administrator, QIDP (Qualified Intellectual Disabilities Professional) and Recreation Therapist at Brandt Group Homes, Inc (specializing in developmentally disabled individuals that are deaf and deaf / blind with severe behavior challenges) and Alta's ICF, (specializing in developmentally disabled individuals with severe behavior challenges and limited medical issues. Kyle has served on the Board of Directors of DSN (Developmental Services Network) for the last 14 years.

Edward Hershey

Edward Hershey is the President and CEO of Home of Guiding Hands, leading services for more than 5,000 individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities across San Diego and Imperial Counties.

He has over 25 years of leadership experience, including senior roles at Father Joe’s Villages and the Employment Development Department. A U.S. Navy veteran, Edward serves on the Boards of the California Disability Services Institute, The Lanterman Coalition, and the California Disability Services Network.

He holds graduate and undergraduate degrees in leadership and human resources, is a certified John Maxwell leadership coach, and lives in El Cajon with his wife and three children.

Dennis Mattson

P. Dennis Mattson, Ph.D., is a recognized leader in the field of intellectual and developmental disabilities, with more than five decades of experience in psychology, special education, and program administration.

Dr. Mattson is the founder and President of Independent Options, Inc., a California-based organization founded in 1984 that provides residential, day, behavioral, and community-based services to over 370 individuals with developmental disabilities.

He is also a founding member and longtime President of the Developmental Services Network (DSN), California’s only nonprofit association dedicated exclusively to ICF/DD-H and DD-N providers. He led DSN as President for two decades and continues to serve on its Board of Directors, contributing his expertise in service delivery and advocacy.

Matt Mouer

Matt Mouer brings over 25 years of dedicated service and expertise in disabilities services to his role.  Matt is the Vice President and COO of The Arc of San Diego.  Matt's journey in the non-profit sector has been marked by a steadfast commitment to achieving mission-driven results while ensuring fiscal and organizational stability. 

With a proven track record as an innovative leader, Matt has successfully led change initiatives, created new programs, and expanded existing lines of business. His expertise in service contract management and negotiation, spanning federal, state, local, and commercial contracts valued at over $60 million, underscores his ability to drive operational efficiency and ensure financial strength.

Beyond his contributions to DSN and The Arc of San Diego, Matt also serves on the Executive Committee of the National Council of SourceAmerica Employers as the elected Representative for the Pacific West Region of the United States.  

Stacy Sullivan

Stacy Sullivan has dedicated over thirty-one years to Mountain Shadows, where she now serves as Executive Director. Her leadership journey includes a successful tenure as Director of Operations.

Besides her role at Mountain Shadows, Ms. Sullivan has been the President of the Developmental Services Network since 2019. Before becoming president, she spent 18 years on the DSN board as a QIDP Basic Training instructor.

Wade Wilde

Other Participants

Eric Goodman

Eric Goodman serves as President/CEO of MVS, Inc. (Mountain View Services), a leading healthcare supply and distribution company serving more than 500 care facilities for developmentally disabled adults and children, home care facilities, hospice care companies, non-profit organizations, schools, care centers, and homeless shelters, Eric and MVS’ mission is to provide the highest quality products and services available to their clients, so they in turn can provide the highest quality service to the residents they serve.

Eric fosters his core belief in building relationships within the community. He has served on the board of directors for several prominent non-profit organizations, including the American Heart Association and Ronald McDonald House Charities. Both MVS and Eric have been recognized in the community for their outstanding works. Most recently in 2024 MVS was named Orange County National Philanthropy Day Outstanding Small Business and Eric was honored as the Greater Irvine Chamber Philanthropist of the Year.

Kathy Mossburg

Kathy Mossburg is a partner with Mosaic Solutions and Advocacy, a Sacramento based lobbying firm.   Kathy has been representing clients since she first formed her own lobbying firm in 1998.  Her advocacy work broadly encompasses public health and safety net issues, including policy and budget issues concerning child nutrition and food insecurity, elder care, access to health care services, early childhood education, and public health issues generally.  She has extensive experience in navigating legislative, administrative, and budget processes in California state government