About the Author

Juan Medina retired from Mental Health Systems Inc. in June 2016 following more than 25 years in job development and employment support. During his career Medina was sought out by mental health providers for his expertise in employment-related services, specifically teaching about how employment can lead to a person's recovery from mental illness and other related disorders. A few of Medina's commitments during his career include chair of the Job Developer's Network, member of the Behavioral Health Adult and Housing councils in the area of employment, member of San Diego Workforce Partnership's Working Well Committee, member of the Mental Health Services Act Workforce, Education and Training taskforce, and advisory member for the county probation department training officers on domestic violence. Medina was voted the Vocational Support Person of the Year in 2015 at the 29th annual San Diego Behavioral Health Recognition dinner. In addition, he was selected for inclusion in the 2013 edition of The Latino American Who's Who, a New York-based biographical publication. In addition, Medina promoted awareness on disabilities and helped erase the stigma surrounding mental illness through employment. He now lives in San Diego with his wife, son and two grandchildren.