Our Team

Sarah Macy
Founder / CEO

After graduating from UCSC with a degree in sociology, Sarah began working with the developmentally and intellectually disabled community and has done so for 25 years. In 2008, Sarah founded Monarch ILS, Inc. where she brings a sense of community through regular contact with the people Monarch serves and provides a caring face to all who interact with Monarch. Sarah enjoys spending time outdoors playing beach volleyball and trail running.

Sandra Aguilera

Sandra started working at Monarch ILS in 2019 as a DSP and recently got promoted to the coordinator position. She graduated from CSUMB in 2021 with a bachelor’s degree in Psychology. Sandra has always been interested in a career where she is making a difference and helping others. She hopes to earn her Master’s degree in Occupational Therapy to continue helping individuals with disabilities. Sandra is really grateful to be a part of a dedicated team and continues to learn and grow every day. In her free time, Sandra enjoys spending time with her family and her dogs and spending time indoors enjoying a good show or movie.

Wendy Alcala

Wendy graduated from University of California, Merced in 2016 with a major in Sociology and minor in Spanish. She lived in Mexico most of her childhood, and took Spanish courses all throughout her academic career, this has allowed her to better support Spanish-speaking individuals.  In her free time, Wendy enjoys dancing, going on hikes with her furry companion, and drawing.

Jamie Baker

Jamie joined Monarch ILS in 2024, bringing with him a passion for person-centered support and a fun-loving, engaged approach to working with others. Jamie enjoys fostering meaningful connections and helping others thrive through active, hands-on support. He earned his degree in Psychology from UC Santa Cruz, where he developed a strong foundation in understanding human behavior and supporting diverse needs. Outside of work, Jamie stays energized through surfing, mountain biking, and exploring the outdoors – always up for a new adventure!

Ivonne Banuelos

Ivonne started working at a day program 5 years ago, which sparked her interest and furthered her passion in advocating for people with disabilities. Although this was not her initial career choice, she is very thankful it is now. Ivonne enjoys piña coladas and getting caught in the rain.

Alyssa Guzman

Alyssa has worked for Monarch ILS for the past 2 1/2 years, during this time Alyssa has completed her AA in Human Services and has graduated from Cabrillo. Alyssa is in the process of transferring to CSUMB to further her career in Human Services. In her free time enjoys spending time with her 3 cats and going on hikes on the weekend.

Flannery La Grua

Flannery joined Monarch as a DSP in August of 2024. She has an MS in Library Science and MA in History from Simmons University. She received her BA in Literature from UC Santa Cruz. Flannery enjoys the outdoors, especially camping and hiking with her dog, Rowan. She also enjoys painting with watercolor, going to baseball games, and cozying up with a good book.

Kat Slaughter

Kat has been living in Santa Cruz since November 2016, and had been working full time with individuals in Supported Living recently before coming to Monarch as a coordinator in July 2021. She went to school for a B.A. in Social Work at Humboldt State University. Kat has a learning disability and had great support through special education from grade school up through college. She feels these experiences have drawn her into the desire to work within our community at Monarch to support others with their own goals! Kat loves traveling, dance class, paddleboarding, volunteering at SPCA and is a CASA advocate!

Ruby Sortino

Ruby began working with Monarch ILS as a DSP in 2024 through the UC Santa Cruz internship program. After graduating that spring with a B.A. in Psychology, she jumped at the opportunity to join the Monarch team full-time. Following a brief hiatus to work in hospice care, she returned to Monarch as a DSP and recently stepped into the coordinator role in the summer of 2025. Ruby is passionate about supporting people with disabilities by emphasizing self-advocacy, compassionate communication, and building meaningful connections within their communities. She hopes to one day earn a Master of Social Work and continue working in disability services. In her free time, Ruby enjoys collaging, printmaking, and spending time outdoors river and beach combing.

Sandy Trageser

After graduating from Michigan State University with a degree in exercise physiology, Sandy worked as a teacher/coordinator for United Cerebral Palsy’s largest afterschool program in Florida. She has over 14 years experience working with the developmentally and intellectually disabled community. She began working with Monarch in 2019 as a DSP, and in 2023 moved into her current role as coordinator. Sandy enjoys spending time with her friends, family, animals, being outdoors, sports (especially soccer), movies, listening to music, reading, and making art.

Brenda Vega

Brenda graduated Cabrillo College with an AS Degree in Culinary Arts & Hospitality Management with a couple of certificates in Baking and Catering. Her passion for Culinary stems from enjoying helping her family in the kitchen at a young age. This inspired her to want to contribute to her community by providing nutritional meals to Seniors and the unhoused of Santa Cruz County for over 9 years while also teaching young adults the fundamentals of working in a kitchen and providing meals for families in crisis. She continued furthering her education in nutrition and psychology. She joined Monarch in 2023 as a DSP. In her free time Brenda enjoys all things Disney, outdoor activities, dancing, traveling, creating baking recipes, crafting, spending time with her family, friends and her dog.

Abby Walker

Abby began working with Monarch part time as a DSP and worked her way to a full time coordinator. She has experience from both sides of the industry, having been a caregiver for her uncle. This led her into a career working with individuals with disabilities. In her spare time, Abby is active and enjoys hiking, swimming, and beach walks. Her hobbies include needlework, macrame, playing the French horn, and tinkering with Arduino/Raspberry pi kits.