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Welcome to
Spirit of Aloha Independent Living Solutions
Spirit of Aloha Solutions is your trusted friend and advocate working with individuals with intellectual disabilities and/or developmental disabilities. We provide practical help, hope and care so you can live as independently as possible.
We were founded on a simple belief: every person with a developmental disability deserves a trusted advocate in their corner — someone who shows up, speaks up and never stops caring. Aloha means love, peace and compassion. That spirit guides everything we do.
Thank you for all your feedback and updates on my mother. I recognize the value of Spirit of Aloha Solutions is not simply in having someone nearby to “do this” and “do that” but to bring real expertise, compassion and care to people like my mother.
— Nirmal K., Chicago, IL
Shari came and made my kitchen more efficient as my COPD has gotten worse. Now I’m able to use my kitchen without getting out ot breath. The changes made were amazing. She also adjusted and repositioned my shower chair so I feel more stable.
— Dian N. (Age 77)
Laguna Woods, CA
We’re Here to Help
For You
Need help navigating daily routines and building independence? Want someone to accompany you to medical appointments and advocate for your needs? Having trouble managing medications, schedules, or paperwork? Looking for support with community access and social participation? Want help setting up systems that work for how your brain works?
We’re that resource for you.
For Your Family or Friend
Hard to balance work and the responsibility of taking care of your loved one? Looking for an advocate who understands the Regional Center system? Want regular check-ins and updates on how your loved one is doing? Need help navigating regional center services and benefits?
We’re that resource for you.
I want to thank Dean for researching a cardiologist in my insurance network. I really felt comfortable with the doctor and confident he was the best specialist in the area for me.
— Peggy M. (Age 86)
Garden Grove, CA
I can finally get into the shower tub without fear of falling. The landlord said they wouldn’t allow grab bars to be installed and my shower chair was too big to fit. But Spirit of Aloha found a way!
— Tom S. Westminster, CA
Shari Panganiban, Founder
Hi, I’m Shari Panganiban, founder and owner of Spirit of Aloha Solutions.
Mahalo (thank you) for considering us.
A Passion Born from Personal Experience
Spirit of Aloha Solutions was founded by Shari Panganiban, a dedicated advocate with years of hands-on experience supporting individuals with developmental disabilities and their families across Orange County.
Shari’s journey began with a deep personal connection to the Developmental Disability community. She witnessed firsthand how difficult it can be for individuals and families to navigate a complex system — and how transformative it is when someone truly shows up for you.
That experience inspired her to create a service built not on paperwork and protocols but on genuine relationships, practical help and unwavering advocacy.
The Spirit of Aloha is fundamental to how we serve. I learned about this concept from my family, who were born and raised in Hawaii. This “spirit” or feeling I experienced when visiting my grandparents, friends and family always left my heart full. I felt welcomed and part of the community, even as a visitor. Everyone was generous with their hospitality, food and resources.
As a child, I couldn’t articulate what it was but now as an adult, I understand the true meaning of the Spirit of Aloha and I’m eager to share it with others.
Background
I earned my undergraduate degree in Bio/Chemistry with an emphasis on research and development, from Cal State University Fullerton. Later, I earned her Occupational Therapy degree from Loma Linda University.
While starting her career in skilled rehabilitation and assistive living facilities as an Occupational Therapist and Director of Rehabilitation, I then started working with the developmentally disabled population providing Occupational Therapy consulting. This led to serving in day programs and home facilities.
Over the last 25 years, I’ve been an administrator and program director in group homes and family home agencies, working with the Intellectually and/or developmentally disabled population. My role and specialty has always focused on developing programs to enhance independence and improve quality of life for the people we serve.
Our Philosophy
The word “aloha” is commonly associated with Hawaii and is often thought of as simply “hello,” “goodbye” and “I love you.” However, it holds a much deeper meaning. The spirit of aloha encourages living with kindness, fostering empathy and engaging in compassionate acts.
It isn’t passive; it’s an active participation to show love through listening, supporting and being present. Living aloha in our daily lives can contribute to a brighter future for those around us and can transform the lives of those we work with. It’s in this spirit of aloha that we strive to serve the people we work with.
Our Loving Team
50+ Years’ Combined Experience
We’re led by health care professionals specializing in with working with the intellectually and developmentally disabled in all different settings.
Personalized Programs
We get to know you personally by your completing a functional skills assessment, then developing personalized programs in areas of need.
We treat each case as we would our own family and evaluate your needs through the “lens” of a therapist to maintain and increase independence
Our Commitment
At Spirit of Aloha Solutions, we’re committed to providing high-quality independent living skills training to the people we serve.
We understand the challenges that come with disability and are dedicated to helping individuals navigate them with ease. Our mission is to help you and your family manage everyday living systems — ensuring individuals are safe and staying on top of medical needs, while maintaining home systems like nutrition, budgeting, medication management, job security and more.
Explore Our Concierge Services
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Functional Skills Assessment
Identify your primary needs and develop an individual service plan.
Create a personalized care plan that may include (but isn’t limited to):
- Medical support and navigating MD appointments
- Medication management systems and oversight
- Home organization
- Community resources available for your situation
- Ongoing needs assessment (included)
One-time assessment fee
Life Skills Coach Visits
May include the following, based on plan:
- Medication review: organization and ensuring no errors
- Assist with scheduling appointments and tracking
- Accompany to doctor’s appointment, documenting events and follow ups
- Help to explain, in clear language, prognosis and relay to family as needed
- Secure prescriptions and refills
- Paper organization and billing systems
- Decluttering
- Walking/exercise wellness programs
- Meal planning, prep and grocery shopping
Home Safety Evaluation
Home safety fall prevention evaluation and analysis conducted by an Occupational Therapist.
Recommendations upon request. For example:
- Training in how to safely transfer in and out of a car, shower, bathroom, bed, etc.
- Adaptive equipment recommendations, set up and training
- Assistance with navigating placement in a nursing home, assistive living facility (ALF), Residential Care Facility for the Elderly (RCFE), long-term care in nursing homes and helping with insurance processes
What We Stand For
Our values aren’t a list on a wall — they’re the way we show up every single day.
Genuine Care
We show up as a trusted friend — not just a service provider. Every interaction is grounded in warmth, respect and real human connection.
Expertise You Can Trust
With deep knowledge of the Developmentally Disabled service system, regional centers and person-centered planning, we bring real expertise to every situation.
Partnership with Families
We work alongside families — not around them. Transparent communication and collaboration are at the heart of everything we do.
Why “Spirit of Aloha?”
In Hawaiian culture, Aloha is more than a greeting — it’s a way of life. It means love, peace, compassion and the spirit of giving without expectation. It’s about showing up fully for the people in your life. That’s exactly what we bring to every individual and family we serve. We don’t clock in and clock out. We invest in relationships, celebrate milestones and stand alongside our individuals through the hard days and the good ones.
The Spirit of Aloha is our promise to you: we’ll always show up with love, patience and genuine care — because that’s what you and your loved one deserve.
They went with my mother to her pulmonologist’s appointments and asked the right questions so that my mother could relay the info to me. I felt relief knowing that she wasn’t alone going to those appointments, which can be intimidating and scary.
— Cindy G., Denver, CO
Thank you so much for your kindness and paying attention to my needs: helping me set up my TV, arranging my medications. I really appreciate all of you and you are my new family.
— Vahid N., Laguna Hills, CA
I felt at peace that Spirit of Aloha went with my mom to the ER. I felt terrible I couldn’t be there. They explained the process and then stayed with her because she was very nervous. After she was discharged, they delivered her electrolytes and made her homemade soup.
— Shellie L., Pasadena, CA
So helpful, Shari came to unbox the tub bench, assemble and adjust it for me… I’m very short and my legs didn’t dangle! She showed me how to use it and practiced with me. It feels so good to take a shower again.
— Josie, Trabuco Canyon, CA
I asked Spirit of Aloha if they could help me organize my bills. I’m starting to get forgetful and had a couple late payments with fees. They helped me set up with a system to keep organized and track them so I don’t forget bills. They’re so friendly, I look forward to their visits.
— Jessica P.
I’m so thankful and relieved Spirit of Aloha came to my sister’s meeting at the nursing home. They asked all the right questions. They advocated for her, ensuring she was ready and prepared to come home. I couldn’t have done this without them..
— Joanna R., Riverside, CA
