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 Independent Living Services, 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.

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.

Jackson Brady

After living around the U.S. for the past 7 years, Jackson has returned back to living in his hometown of Santa Cruz in 2022. While away, he attended University of Colorado Boulder and completed a B.A. in Linguistics and Communications with a minor in Leadership Studies in 2018. He has always worked in people-centered roles, and has found Monarch ILS to be his perfect fit. He loves helping others, and doing what he can to make people’s lives better!

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.

Alex Hughes

Alex began working with individuals with Autism and developmental disabilities in 2016 at a non profit, nonpublic school. While there, she gained experience applying the principles of applied behavior analysis while working 1:1 with students ages 5-22. Alex supported her students to succeed in academic, self-care, vocational, leisure, and behavior goals. She began working at Monarch in 2021 as a DSP and in 2022 stepped into her current role as a coordinator. In her free time, she enjoys traveling, DIY home projects, lounging on the beach, and fostering kittens and dogs through the Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter. Alex aspires to travel the world, learn new languages and cultures, and lead a fulfilling life with diversity and inclusion at its center. 

Maira Rodriguez

Maira graduated from California State University, Monterey Bay obtaining a B.S. In Kinesiology with a concentration in Exercise Science and a minor in Spanish Language and Hispanic Cultures. After graduating, Maira was recruited to volunteer with a variety of High School students with developmental disabilities, which then lead to employment. Her passion for helping others has expanded throughout the years, resulting in her joining Monarch ILS as a Direct Support Professional and making her way up to Coordinator. On the other hand, Maira appreciates a good hike, camping, and most importantly spending time with her family. 

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!

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.

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.