Dayna Machuca
Lancaster,CA
Summary
Compassionate parent and advocate with firsthand experience raising three children, two with special needs, while navigating the Regional Center, education, and healthcare systems. Brings professional background in housing navigation and medical assistance, along with personal insight as a military spouse. Committed to empowering families through empathy, guidance, and strong advocacy.
Overview
13
13
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Parent and Advocate
Lived Experience
03.2012 - Current
- Parent of three children, including two with autism, receiving regional center services.
- Actively advocated for Individualized Education Plans (IEPs), therapies, and behavioral supports.
- Experienced as a military spouse, adapting to deployments, relocations, and unique family stressors while building support networks.
- Provided informal peer support to other parents, sharing coping strategies, resources, and encouragement.
Housing Navigator
HOLA HHSS
Palmdale, California
07.2024 - Current
- Supported families in crisis by securing safe housing and connecting them with resources and services.
- Advocated on behalf of parents with landlords, agencies, and community providers to reduce barriers.
- Collaborated with social workers, case managers, and healthcare providers to coordinate family-centered care.
- Empowered families with education on rights, budgeting, and self-advocacy.
Medical Assistant
HOLA recuperative care
Palmdale, California
07.2023 - 07.2024
- Assisted patients and families with medical procedures, education, and support.
- Maintained accurate documentation, and coordinated with providers and insurance to ensure continuity of care.
- Fostered a compassionate environment, building trust, and advocating for patients’ needs.
Education
Associate of Science - Medical Assisting
San Joaquin Valley College
06-2023
Skills
- Parent and family advocacy
- System Navigation (Regional Center, IEPs, Healthcare)
- Peer support and mentoring
- Crisis intervention and family engagement
- Collaboration with schools, providers, and agencies
- Active listening, empathy, and confidentiality
- Organizational and documentation skills
- Case management
Certification
- Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) – National Healthcare Association (NHA)
- HIPAA Training & Compliance Certified
- LAHSA Training – Homeless Service Systems Navigation
- CPR / First Aid / BLS Certified – American Heart Association
Timeline
Housing Navigator
HOLA HHSS
07.2024 - Current
Medical Assistant
HOLA recuperative care
07.2023 - 07.2024
Parent and Advocate
Lived Experience
03.2012 - Current
Associate of Science - Medical Assisting
San Joaquin Valley College
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