Bernadette is a dedicated professional with a diverse background in teaching, counseling, and supporting individuals of all ages and abilities. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Liberal Studies, a California K-12 Multiple Subject Teaching Credential, a California Pupil Personnel Services Credential, and a Master’s degree in Educational Counseling from CSU Bakersfield. She also earned a post-graduate Educational Therapy certificate from UC Riverside, further enhancing her expertise in supporting students with unique learning needs. Currently, she serves as an Adjunct Counselor for Disabled Student Programs and Services (DSPS) at Bakersfield College, where she is also the advisor for the DISC (Disability Inspires Support & Change) Club. As a completely blind individual, she brings a unique perspective to her work. Her personal experiences, combined with her professional training, fuel her passion for helping others. She strives to inspire hope, foster resilience, and make a lasting difference in the lives of the students she serves, encouraging them to never give up and to pursue their goals with determination and confidence.

She wanted to be involved with VCB because she deeply admires the organization’s mission and values. She is passionate about supporting individuals who are blind or have visual impairments, and she is eager to contribute to an organization that is dedicated to empowering and improving the lives of this community. Working with VCB allows her to continue making a meaningful impact and be part of a team that shares her commitment to inclusivity and accessibility.

Interests: Bernadette loves staying active and working out. She’s also an avid reader and enjoys attending concerts and sporting events. She also taught herself Braille in just three months after losing her vision.