ABOUT US
The Office Team
Mary Azula , Owner
A gentle, quiet yet solid and determined personality describes the fearless leader of the Executive Director of AES. With a background of working previously in a corporate world in her homeland, Kenya, Mary Azula had the opportunity to move to the U.S. to discover a new chapter in her career but led her to work in a “caregiving world”.
The inception of AES became into existence when Mary Azula responded to her personal conviction of creating an opportunity to adults with intellectual disabilities to have an option in their living arrangement.
As every SLS agency is characterized by its unique quality and specialty, Amani Exceptional Services (AES) shares the same concept as to its name origination. “Amani” is a Swahili word for “peace”; an inner peace that AES would like for every person receiving services to possess knowing that the services being provided to them meet their personal choice and expectation combined with “exceptional” standard.
Here at AMANI Exceptional Services, we provide exceptional support to Individuals with disabilities regardless of what their disabilities may be. Most importantly, we believe in providing exceptional support to the support teams/staff surrounding the client to ensure we are building a culture of reverence for the whole person, excellence in all areas, and passion for what we bring each day. Supported Living Services is designed to provide case management to individuals with disabilities allowing them to live independently in the home of their choice. Independent living means having control or a say of how their own world operates. Individuals in Supported Living benefit from assistance to explore options and to make informed decisions about who works for them and who is involved in their circle of support. Individuals are empowered to choose their own paths, including taking risks that promote growth and independence.
Kristina Mansfield , HR/Accounting
Kristina can be considered as one of the pillars in the establishment of AES. Kristina joined the AES Management Team on its first day of operations in 2020 working alongside with Mary Azula, Executive Director. She is the active Human Resources Coordinator and Payroll Administrator for AES.
Kristina has a deep understanding of supported living. Prior to her current role, she was immersed to performing the role of a direct support staff for about 10 years where she gained a high level of understanding of the client’s support needs and learning the job from the employee’s perspective.
This experience has become invaluable in order forKristina to be effective in fulfilling her current role. Although she still misses working directly with clients, she enjoys the challenges that HR and payroll administrator role brings. Kristina’s contribution to the company is essential to its stability.
Jennifer Wenger , Program Director
Jennifer has worked in the social services field for nearly her entire life and has always had a passion for helping others. Throughout her leadership roles, she has discovered a strong enthusiasm for teaching and supporting others as they work toward achieving their goals.
Jennifer believes in promoting independence and self-reliance while also building a strong community where people know they have support when they need it. She is passionate about creating opportunities for the individuals she supports to grow, try new things, and discover what they are capable of.
At Amani Exceptional Services, Jennifer is often behind the planning of events and activities that bring clients, staff, and the community together. She especially enjoys watching clients step outside of their comfort zones, experience new adventures, build relationships, and gain confidence along the way. For Jennifer, seeing someone accomplish something they once thought they couldn't do is one of the most rewarding parts of her work.
Nickole Flores , Community Support Facilitator
Melecia Onyango , Executive Director
Jenny Elliot , Community Support Facilitator
Jenny enjoys connecting with people and creating a supportive environment where everyone feels comfortable being themselves. She takes pride in helping the people she supports explore their interests, build confidence, learn new skills, and work toward the things that are important to them.
Outside of work, Jenny loves spending time outdoors, cheering on the San Francisco Giants, and getting creative with crafts alongside her friends and kids. She enjoys spending time with her husband and family, exploring new places, and making the most of everyday moments together. Jenny brings her easygoing personality, sense of humor, and genuine care for others into everything she does.
Terrie Pouncil Community Support Facilitator