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Welcome to
Spirit of Aloha Independent Living Solutions
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.
We’re Here to Help
For You
Do you need help navigating daily routines and building independence?
Would you like someone to accompany you to medical appointments or advocate for your needs?
Are you having trouble managing medications, schedules, or paperwork?
Are you Looking for support with community access and social participation?
Do you want help setting up systems that work for how your brain works?
For Your Family or Friend
Are you looking for help and support in helping your loved one?
Would you like an advocate who understands the Regional Center system?
Would you like to have someone checking in on your loved one to make sure everything is ok?
Do you need help navigating regional center services and benefits?
We’re that resource for you.
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.
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
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. Shari learned about this concept from her family, who were born and raised in Hawaii. This “spirit” or feeling she experienced when visiting her grandparents, friends and family always left her heart full. She felt welcomed and part of the community, even as a visitor. Everyone was generous with their hospitality, food and resources.
As a child, Shari couldn’t articulate what it was but now as an adult, she understands the true meaning of the Spirit of Aloha and is eager to share it with others.
Background
Shari earned her undergraduate degree in Bio/Chemistry with an emphasis on research and development, from Cal State University Fullerton. Later, she 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, she 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, Shari has been an administrator and program director in group homes and family home agencies, working with the Intellectually and/or developmentally disabled population. Her 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 working with the intellectually and developmentally disabled in all different settings.
Personalized Programs
We get to know you personally by 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.
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.
