About Us

Matt Williams is the founder of Aya Living Inc. and brings more that than 10 years of executive experience and leadership in developing and managing residential services. Prior to starting Aya Living Inc. Matt held a number of management positions within the industry coordinating, developing and directing services and has more than 20 years of experience.

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Matt’s vision for Aya Living Inc. is to provide a tailored service that is flexible enough to evolve as our client’s ideas of what they want for their life evolves. Matt earned his B.A. in Psychology from San Diego State University.

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Dan's career in supporting individuals with special needs began at the age of 16 during his high school years. It was there that Dan discovered a passion for helping people, thanks to a special needs day program where Dan volunteered. This early experience ignited a profound commitment to assisting others and set the foundation for Dan's future career.

Upon graduating fromhigh school, Dan joined a Supported Living Agency where Dan had the privilegeof working with numerous clients. One of the most impactful roles Dan held wasworking with a client who had significant behavioral challenges. This position,which Dan maintained for over 20 years, was both challenging and rewarding.During this period, Dan also took on roles as a Team Leader and as a Support TeamCoordinator, further honing skills and deepening his understanding of the field.

In 2016, Dan began hisjourney with Aya Living, holding various positions, including Direct SupportProfessional (DSP) and Team Lead. This progression has allowed Dan to learnextensively from his peers and through the robust training regimen and learningmanagement system (LMS) programs offered by the company.

Dan's dedication tosupporting individuals with special needs is unwavering. Each day presents newopportunities to make a positive impact on the lives of those served. Theexperiences and knowledge gained over the years have equipped Dan with theskills and compassion necessary to excel in this field. Dan looks forward tocontinuing the journey and contributing to the well-being and growth of theindividuals in his purview.

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Brittni Ellis studied at the University of Phoenix and obtained her B.S in Psychology. Her career started in social services in 2009 supporting individuals with developmental disabilities in group homes and day programs. In 2012, she began her career in education serving youth on the Autism Spectrum. She joined Aya as a support team coordinator in 2018. She enjoys working with Aya and believes in their mission to adapt and tailor all services to the needs of the client, being person-centered and focused on self-fulfillment. Brittni is passionate in helping those achieve what they want in life and living a life of enjoyment.

McKenna earned her Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Grand Canyon University, where she began her career as an ABA behavioral therapist, working with children who had been diagnosed with autism. Her passion for helping others led her to return to Grand Canyon University, where she obtained her Master of Science in Mental Health and Wellness. McKenna then transitioned into management in foster care as a Family Visitation Coordinator, a role that deepened her commitment to supporting families. Eager to expand her expertise, she earned a Post-Master's degree in Family Therapy and went on to become a Social Worker for foster youth. In this role, she worked closely with children who had experienced trauma and faced various disabilities. Seeking to broaden her experience further, McKenna transitioned to working with adults at AYA Living, where she continues to be dedicated to building strong relationships with individuals who need extra support.

Charlotte graduated from San Diego State University with a bachelor’s degree in Communication and a master's degree in Educational Counseling. She also earned two graduate certificates in Mental Health Recovery and Trauma-Informed Care. Additionally, Charlotte is a certified Life & Success Coach who believes that the key to change starts from within, taking small steps that lead to something greater.

Charlotte is passionate about empowering clients to achieve their goals, lead fulfilling lives, and create meaningful relationships. Her commitment to transparency, accountability, and effective communication is at the core of her professional philosophy.

Charlotte has a background in working with the homeless population, foster youth, and individuals with disabilities. She is culturally competent and sensitive to diversity, exhibiting self-awareness, and leadership in all her endeavors.

Winsome Douglas studied nursing in the United Kingdom, earning three nursing registrations in the fields of Mental Health, Pediatric and General Nursing. She has spent her career at some point specializing in all three areas. She supervised and taught nurses in each area as her career progressed. Mrs. Douglas immigrated to the United States where she successfully earned a B.A in Management and Organizational studies and a Masters degree in Leadership and Organizational studies at Fresno Pacific University. She has held various positions as Charge Nurse, Quality Coordinator, Department manager, and Risk Coordinator.

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She joined Aya in 2017 as a Nurse Consultant. She enjoys being a resource for the personnel who support Aya’s clients and supports the company’s mission to assist clients with various challenges to live to their maximum capacity. Mrs. Douglas is passionate about staff development by assisting them to practice treating others as they want to be treated.