ABOUT US

About Us

At Exceptional Connections, we are dedicated to providing high-end disability advocacy and Independent Facilitation services with professionalism, expertise, and a deep commitment to our clients. Our core mission is to enhance the quality of life for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, ensuring they receive the support, services, and opportunities needed to thrive.

Our founder, Carla Lehmann, and her team of highly experienced professionals have successfully guided hundreds of individuals and families through the Self-Determination Program (SDP) in California. We specialize in seamless transitions, working closely with our clients from the initial application through full implementation and beyond. We don’t just help clients enter the program—we remain strong advocates and strategic partners, ensuring continued success.

We offer comprehensive services, including:
✔ Person-Centered Planning – Tailoring services to align with your unique needs and aspirations.
✔ Advocacy – Ensuring your rights and unmet needs are addressed with efficiency and expertise.
✔ Life Coaching – Supporting parents and caregivers in navigating the complexities of disability services.
✔ Training & Support Groups – Empowering individuals and families with knowledge and resources.

Our team is certified in Person-Centered Thinking and has completed all relevant Independent Facilitation training in California. We are well-versed in navigating IHSS, Medi-Cal, private insurance, DOR, school district services, and other critical systems, ensuring our clients receive the full range of support they deserve.

At Exceptional Connections, we believe in a stress-free, results-driven approach. By combining person-centered thinking with strategic intelligence, we empower our clients to make informed decisions that lead to greater independence and fulfillment. Our services are available statewide via Zoom and in-person in select areas, in both English and Spanish.

We are not just facilitators—we are dedicated advocates, problem-solvers, and champions for your success. Let us help you build the life you envision with clarity, confidence, and exceptional support.

Throughout California, our Independent Facilitation and Advocacy Services are leading the way in Self Determination.

CARLA LEHMANN

Sr. Independent Facilitator, Advocate and Founder

carla@exceptionalconnections.co

Carla Lehmann is an experienced Independent Facilitator and disability advocate dedicated to empowering individuals with disabilities and their families. As a parent advocate and mother of a Regional Center client, she brings both personal insight and professional expertise to her work.

Carla has been actively involved in California’s Self-Determination Program (SDP) since its inception, staying at the forefront of its rollout by educating herself and training individuals at Westside Regional Center (WRC). She began working as an Independent Facilitator in 2018, becoming one of the pioneers in the field and has since helped numerous clients successfully transition into Self-Determination. She has also mentored and continues to encourage many parent advocates to become Independent Facilitators, helping expand the availability of knowledgeable facilitators across California.

Carla holds a Paralegal degree with honors from LATTC and has completed extensive special education advocacy training, including SEAT 1, 2, and 3 through the Council of Parent Attorneys and Advocates (COPAA). She completed her practicum under David German at Vanaman & German LLP and earned an advanced advocacy certificate through the Learning Rights’ TIGER program. As a fellow at the Coelho Center for Disability Law, Policy, and Innovation at Loyola Law School, she deepened her knowledge of disability law and policy.

With over a decade of experience in project and account management, Carla previously worked in online marketing and advertising after earning her Digital Media degree at UCLA. She leverages her strategic planning and organizational skills to develop individualized, person-centered plans that not only help clients achieve their goals but also streamline their transition into Self-Determination with speed and efficiency.

Her deep understanding of the Regional Center system and advocacy strategies allows her to successfully address unmet needs, secure necessary services, and navigate changes in circumstances to ensure her clients receive the support they deserve. Carla stays at the forefront of policy and legislative changes by actively participating in meetings with DDS, Regional Centers Self-Determination advisory committees, and IF roundtables, enabling her to advocate effectively and adapt strategies to the latest regulations.

Carla is certified in Person-Centered Thinking and has completed extensive Independent Facilitator training through organizations such as the State Council on Developmental Disabilities, Autism Society of Los Angeles, Disability Voices United, and the Guidelight Group. She also served as Chair of the WRC Self-Determination Advisory Committee for over two years, leading efforts to expand Self-Determination access.

As the founder and administrator of three bilingual social media support groups, Carla provides education, resources, and outreach to families across California. She also assists clients in navigating IHSS, Medi-Cal, private insurance, DOR, and school district services, helping her clients access generic resources, engage in community activities, and coordinate essential supports.

Her commitment, expertise, and advocacy continue to make a lasting impact in the disability community.

CARLA GHIOTTI

Independent Facilitator and FMS Specialist

Carla Ghiotti was born in in Los Angeles, California. Raised in Argentina as of age 6, she came back to LA in 2022 with her husband to start their lives together in sunny California.

Carla went to college in Argentina, where she studied Business Administration. She graduated with honors in 2016.

Carla loves kids, and specifically helping people with different needs; that’s why she enjoys so much being part of Exceptional Connections