| The Advocate of the second quarter of fiscal year 2006 is Irene Soto.  Irene sees her responsibility as way beyond providing skills training and assisting consumers with daily supports to ensure they can manage the symptoms of their illness.
Irene works hard to help consumers reach goals in their lives, be safe in their surroundings, integrate into the community and realize their dreams. Irene is very aware that she is a role model for consumers and helps them advocate for themselves in a positive manner. She provides consumers with the supports they need, but never forgets that consumers are adults who want to make their own decisions and choices. Irene also makes herself available to family members who need assistance in understanding the symptoms of their loved-one's illness and who want to become involved in the life of their family member without being overbearing or intrusive. Being an advocate is not just part of Irene’s job; she treats it as a way of life. | 
