Sharmean Heffernan

Regional Director

Sharmean joined California MENTOR in 2010 with more than 20 years of experience in the human services field—ranging from management to direct care.  She currently serves as regional director for the Bay Area, where she oversees 962 Specialized Homes, Intermediate Care Facilities, day programs, and the Napa Family Home Agency program.  As a regional director, Sharmean provides leadership to staff and program oversight to ensure the health and safety of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities served by California MENTOR.

Before coming to California MENTOR, Sharmean lived and worked in Oregon, where she sat on the MENTOR Oregon Advisory Board from August 2008 to September 2010.  She began her human services career on the front lines of care as a direct support provider and worked in that capacity for seven years before being hired as a program supervisor for a day program.

Sharmean has a master’s degree in special education from Lewis and Clark College in Oregon.  She earned her bachelor’s degree of science in health services from San Diego State University.

“I believe individuals with developmental disabilities should have the opportunity to thrive in nurturing homes and inclusive communities, and have access to the support and resources necessary so they can independently shape their own futures.”