DIALOGUE A Quarterly Publication of the Regional Center of Orange County VOLUME 40 NO. 2 • SPRING 2026
IN THE SPOTLIGHT
2026 Spotlight Award Honorees REGIONAL CENTER OF ORANGE COUNTY HOSTED ITS 29TH ANNUAL SPOTLIGHT AWARDS CELEBRATION on April 17 at Garden Grove’s Embassy Suites, with around 400 people attending, including Pete Cervinka, Director of California’s Department of Developmental Services (DDS), and DDS Chief Deputy Director Yang Lee. Special guest emcee Michele Gile, Orange County Bureau Chief and reporter at CBS Los Angeles, joined RCOC Board Chair Sandy Martin and Executive Director Larry Landauer to present the awards. Here are snapshots about the honorees. Self-Advocate: John Correa John was honored as an individual with a developmental disability who has brought greater awareness and recognition about the abilities of people with developmental disabilities in Orange County. Throughout his two decades as a person served by RCOC and service provider Project Independence, he has shown that anyone and everyone is capable of thriving in the community with the right supports. John has had an amazing, steady career working at Sprouts Market for many years. While easy-going and laid-back, he also has a spunky personality that brings warmth and energy to every room and his workplace. He’s also been a dedicated fundraiser for the non-profit Project Independence, bringing in support and contributions from his network of family, friends and others. L-R: Sandy Martin, Michele Gile, John Correa and Larry Landauer Direct Support Professional: Martha England As a job coach with Westview Services for more than 25 years, Martha has helped individuals achieve employment success, developing both job and interpersonal skills. Martha has also built strong relationships with employers, RCOC service coordinators, care providers, and members of the community as she consistently demonstrates patience, empathy, and integrity.
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