About us

Mission Statement

At EnGaged Services, our mission is to build an inclusive community by empowering individuals with special needs and their families. We are dedicated to upholding the principles of self-determination, ensuring that people of all abilities have the right combination of autonomy and support to make their own choices and the opportunity to take considered risks in the pursuit of meaningful life outcomes. We believe that all individuals need and deserve strong systems of support, and we are committed to ensuring that everyone we serve has access to one. We recognize that every individual has unique talents and qualities to offer, and we strive to create opportunities for each person to share their gifts with the world.

history

EnGaged Services was founded by Daniel and Paul Platner. Aware of the limited options available for Gage as he stepped into adulthood, Grandpa Paul and Uncle Danno set out to see what else was available. They discovered the Self-Determination Program (SDP)! Inspired by how impactful SDP was to Gage, they wanted to ensure other families were given the opportunity to participate in this wonderful program. EnGaged Services now has a growing team of Independent Facilitators.

Meet the team

Daniel Platner

Co-Founder & Independent Facilitator
daniel@engagedservices.org(530) 559-0441
Daniel Platner’s journey into the world of special education and support services is deeply personal and driven by a profound sense of purpose. Alongside his dad, Paul, Daniel co-founded EnGaged Services with a mission rooted in love and community. This endeavor began as a way to provide his nephew, Gage, and some of their family friends with services and supports to navigate life as adults with special needs. Growing up with Gage has been one of the most formative experiences of Daniel’s life. Their shared journey has fueled his passion for advocacy and support. Daniel holds a special education credential from Sacramento State, which has equipped him with the knowledge and skills to make a meaningful difference. Starting EnGaged Services is not just a professional choice for Daniel; it’s an expression of his faith in Bahá'u'lláh, his commitment to the community, and his love for those they serve.

Paul Platner

Co-Founder & Community Outreach
paul@engagedservices.org(530) 277-7251
Alongside his son, Daniel, Paul co-founded EnGaged Services with a mission rooted in love and community. This endeavor began as a way to provide his grandson, Gage, and some of their family friends with services and support to navigate life as adults with special needs. Being part of Gage's journey has been one of the most formative experiences of Paul’s life. Their shared journey has fueled his passion for advocacy and support. Prior to Engaged Services Paul operated his own construction management and development services.

Beth beswick

Program DirectorIndependent Facilitator
beth@engagedservices.org (530) 557-7182
Beth Beswick joined the EnGaged Services team after relocating to Grass Valley and obtaining her certification in Independent Facilitation. Drawing on her experience as the mother of a child with disabilities and a former Special Educator, she contributes a depth of knowledge to the team, particularly in the areas of Autism & ADHD and the essential supports needed for individuals with these disabilities to reach their full potential.
In her role as Program Director, she has become an invaluable asset, contributing to the organization's growth and operational efficiency. Her responsibilities span a broad spectrum, encompassing areas such as staffing initiatives, training & development programs for team members, and spearheading new business development ventures. Beth's expertise and leadership are instrumental in ensuring that EnGaged Services continues to meet its objectives and expand its reach within the community it serves.

Julie Davis

Lead Independent Facilitator
julie@engagedservices.org (530) 263-7274
Julie Davis joined EnGaged services as an Independent Facilitator, leveraging her personal experience navigating the challenges in accessing a diagnosis and the resources available for her special needs child. Born and raised in Nevada County, Julie is passionate about harnessing community resources and opportunities available to all participants. In addition to her core responsibilities, Julie also plays a vital role in the professional development of our Independent Facilitators. She provides comprehensive training support, ensuring that our team is equipped with the latest knowledge, best practices, and essential skills to effectively support our clients.
Julie is instrumental in our Garden Club!

Wren Rother

Independent Facilitator
wren@engagedservices.org (530)405-9977

Wren has been living in Davis for about 2 years, but grew up in Shasta County. Since they joined EnGaged Services in January of 2026, he's been helping the company expand into Yolo County and pioneering how remote/hybrid work might help EnGaged Services reach people in need all across the greater Sacramento area. Wren was diagnosed as an adult with both ASD and ADHD, and they use their lived experience to be a strong advocate for clients and an outside-the-box problem-solver for families. Wren's neurodivergent and Gen Z perspective has helped them find their unique niche on the EnGaged Services Team, and he's passionate about helping people set up the systems of support that work for them.

In his free time, you can find Wren painting, swimming, sewing, reading, or woodworking.

EMILY HUTCHINSON

Independent Facillitator

emily@engagedservices.org

(916) 382-2948

Born and raised right here in Nevada County, Emily brings over eight years of dedicated care-giving and client advocacy experience to the team. She is deeply passionate about helping individuals with disabilities thrive on their own terms. Emily believes that every individual deserves a strong advocate and the tools to achieve personal independence. She finds true fulfillment in watching clients overcome challenges and reach their goals. When not actively supporting clients, Emily can be found exploring local hiking trails or relaxing by the river.

Sarah Ford

Independent Facilitator
sarah@engagedservices.org (209) 426-0149

Sarah has been a resident of Auburn for about 2 years; she was a transplant from El Dorado County where she spent many years as a stay-at-home mom with one child diagnosed with ADHD and Autism, her youngest diagnosed with ADHD, and herself late in life diagnosis of ADHD. She graduated UC Davis with a degree in Sociology which has helped her deepen her passion for working with diverse and under-served communities.

Sarah has been helping EnGaged services expand into a wider geographic area (Auburn & Folsom) since she started in 2025.

When she is not working, you can find her on a lake paddle-boarding or taking a day trip to the ocean.

Vanessa Martinez

Independent Facilitator
vanessa@engagedservices.org(530) 443-0820

Vanessa Martinez joined Engaged Services in 2026. She has worked in Special Education and served as a case manager for over a decade. Vanessa is passionate about working with people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families to ensure they get the supports they need to live a full and meaningful life.

Kaity Wolfe

Billing & Accounting

kaity@engagedservices.org

Kaity handles all of EnGaged Services' invoicing, bookkeeping, and general accounting. She helps us stay on track behind the scenes so the rest of the team can stay focused on helping clients.

Kristine Alcamo

Case Coordinator

kristine@engagedservices.org

(530) 270-9228

Kristine Alcamo brings a compassionate and grounded approach to her work as a Case Coordinator. With a background in caregiving and community support, she understands the importance of meeting people where they are. She is committed to helping clients feel heard, supported, and connected to the services they need, while guiding them through systems that can often feel overwhelming.

Izzy Allen

Community Outreach Coordinator

intake@engagedservices.org

(831) 566-9346

Izzy enjoys simplifying complex systems and helping families feel informed, supported, and empowered throughout their journey. Her passion for advocacy began long before joining EnGaged Services, as years of supporting her own family inspired a deep commitment to helping others navigate disability services and community resources with confidence and hope.

Izzy continually expands her knowledge through self-directed education, community collaboration, and ongoing learning about California’s disability service systems, allowing her to connect families with practical resources while providing guidance grounded in both knowledge and empathy.

When she’s away from work, Izzy enjoys life in the Sierra foothills with her family, spending time outdoors, gardening, and exploring her interests in health, wellness, and personal growth.

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