Meraki's mission is to restore dignity to those with diverse needs.
This includes special needs, mental health, and those that are socially disadvantaged.
We carry out this mission by empowering families, community and educational partners through trainings, resources, and programs that celebrate the strength of every individual.
PROGRAMS
ADHD / AUTISM SUPPORT
Understanding the strengths & challenges of ADHD / Autism and how to identify their superpowers.
We will review your student‘s IEP services and provide recommendations to provide additional support
IEP ADVOCACY
Women & ADHD / AUTISM
Exploring the challenges & triumphs that neurodivergent women experience
Meraki Moments are small ordinary moments that allow differences to be celebrated.
MERAKI MOMENTS
Addressing food insecurities through community gardening partnerships
COMING SOON!
FLOURISH
“He’s Not an ASS, He Has ADHD”
Relationship support for those experiencing the challenges of being married to a neurodivergent.
GRIZZ
TEAM MERAKI
Basketball Skills for students with Special Needs
Want to help Meraki achieve
their mission of restoring
dignity to those with diverse needs?
Donate Now!
MEET OUR FOUNDERS
Steve and Elisabeth met as teenagers at church. They dated for almost 4 years and then married in 2001. Steve and Elisabeth have lived in Ontario with their two teenage boys since 2008.
Steve and Elisabeth have been serving the community together since 1996 by building homes for the unhoused community, feeding those with food insecurities, serving on the boards of multiple non-profits and community organizations, leading organizations that include parenting support for new mothers, parents that have lost children, and children in foster care with special needs.
Elisabeth has worked in Education and Non-Profits for the past 20 years. Currently, Steve and Elisabeth both work in Special Education in the local school district. Elisabeth is currently serving on the City of Ontario Library Board, where she is committed to strengthening the relationship between the city and school district to meet the needs of the community.
SPEAKER BIO
Elisabeth is Founder and Executive Director of Meraki. Meraki’s mission is to restore dignity to those with diverse needs, including neurodiversity, mental health and food insecurities. She and her husband, Steve, provide trainings and resources to parents, teachers and community members that celebrate the strength of EVERY individual.
Elisabeth’s oldest son has special needs, which encouraged Elisabeth to get involved in the OMSD Special Education department where she learned to advocate for students with special needs.
Seeing her passion and experience in Education, OMSD district staff recruited Elisabeth to go back to school and pursue a Special Education teaching credential in order to make a bigger impact. Elisabeth has worked as a Special Education Teacher for OMSD for the last 5 years.
In 2023, Elisabeth was selected by the OMSD Superintendent to showcase her unique teaching methods and perspective as an OMSD Spotlight Teacher. This inspired her to create her own business that meets the needs of her students and their teachers by equipping them with tools to see the strength of every individual.
Elisabeth also serves as a Community Schools liaison for the OMSD school district and the city of Ontario, as well as serving as the President of the Ontario City Library Board of Trustees, where she has helped develop programs for those with special needs.
Elisabeth, Steve (married for 23 years) and their 2 boys, 17 years and 15 years old, have lived in Ontario for 15 years.
ELISABETH ARMIJO
MERAKI
Executive Director
909.489.9726
@momentswithmeraki
www.merakinow.org
Meraki's mission is to restore dignity to those with diverse needs.
We carry out this mission by empowering families, community and educational partners through trainings, resources, and programs that celebrate the strength of every individual.
elisabeth@merakinow.org
CLIENT ENGAGMENT
Over the past 10 years, I have witnessed her (Elisabeth) consistent compassion for our community that has been contagious for many of our staff members.
D.D ~ Educational Leader
She (Elisabeth) has proven to be a dedicated parent and community member who strives for excellence and advocates for students with exceptional needs.
A.H.H. ~ Educational Leader
Not only is Elisabeth hardworking, ethical, detail oriented, and a critical thinker, she is always looking out for the best interest of the organization and holds the highest level of integrity.
M.T. ~ Non-Profit Leader
She (Elisabeth) is always eager to read, research, analyze and gain knowledge and perspective on issues, tasks, projects, and philosophies that she encounters. She is an amazing listener, a deep thinker and she exhibits a high level of skill when it comes to critical thinking.
D.B.S.~ Non-Profit Leader
Mrs. Armijo is one of the most positive and influential teachers in my son’s life. My son’s self-esteem and education has grown so much since working with Mrs, Armijo. Speaking to other parents of children in her class I know that all of the kids love her and “TRUST” her with their feelings and troubles.
M.V. ~ Parent
You (Elisabeth) have touched our lives in such a wonderful and special way. You give those children a safe and positive environment and we are so grateful to have met you.
G.C. ~ Parent
Her greatest strengths are her compassion for those less fortunate (especially children with learning differences), her choice to always use tact (talking after careful thinking) when communicating, her integrity to her morals and principles, and her unwavering commitment to doing a job well.
Another strength is her ability to recognize a need, find the resources to fill that need, network the necessary people, and benefit everyone involved.
In the process of all of that, she calls out the best in others and encourages them along the way. She serves tirelessly and with great passion.
T.D. Non-Profit Leader
I want to thank you (Steve) and Mrs. Armijo for everything that you guys do for the kids; you’re both amazing people. You guys are the kind of persons that special education parents want their kids to be around.
M.M ~Parent
Thank you Mrs. Armijo for everything. My son (Student) has been doing amazing and I know you are a great teacher to him. He always expresses his appreciation for you.
S.A. ~ Parent
She (Elisabeth) jumped right
in and began using her incredible skills of organization, recruiting, training and
leadership to build the volunteer team and create a top notch children’s program for the 200 kids and 40+ volunteers in her care. Throughout her time in the role, she was highly efficient, responsible, communicative, and encouraging of her co-workers, volunteers, kids and parents. Her demeanor in dealing with upset parents is astounding, as she is able to communicate with a grace and patience, unlike many other people that I’ve met.
S.S.~ Community Leader
CONTACT US
Want to help Meraki achieve
their mission of restoring
dignity to those with diverse needs?
Donate Now!
Email us now to inquire about upcoming workshops and speaking engagements.
