Founder and Program Director
Joan T. Esposito

Joan was functionally illiterate until she was forty-four when she was diagnosed with dyslexia and attention deficit disorder. Joan founded DARC with her husband, Les Esposito, in 1991. Recognised as a nationally-known expert in the field of learning disabilites, Joan has lectured across the country advising national, state and local government agencies on the subjects of dyslexia and attention disorders, literacy, learning disabilities' educational programs and juvenile delinquency.

Joan has served as the State President of the California Learning Disabilities Association for two years and served as a consultant to the U.S. Department of Justice on Dyslexia and Juvenile Delinquency. Joan has also received numerous state and national awards, including two letters from First Lady Barbara Bush and a Commendation from President George Bush for her work. Rotary International has honored Joan with Multiple Paul Harris Fellows for her past achievements and the prestigious Jean Harris Award for outstanding service to the development and progress of women in society. Joan is recognized throughout the country as an expert in her field and has been requested to participate on state and national panels related to learning disabilities. Joan spends much of her time advocating for teenagers in the public and private school systems and the Juvenile Court system.

Send an email to Joan.

Executive and Development Director
Leslie V. Esposito, C.F.R.E

Les is a native of Southern California. Born in San Pedro and raised in Long Beach, Les completed a Bachelor of Arts Degree, in Philosophy, at St. John’s College; received a Master of Science Degree, in Administrative Management, from Mount St. Mary’s College; and is a Doctorate of Education Degree Candidate, in Institutional Management, at Pepperdine University. Les was ordained a Roman Catholic Priest in 1970 and ministered in the Archdiocese of Los Angeles until 1986. During this time he served as the Vice-Principal of Santa Clara High School in the City of Oxnard, the Vice-Principal of Bishop Montgomery High School in the City of Torrance, and the Principal of Daniel Murphy High School in the City of Los Angeles. In 1991 Les and his wife Joan founded the Dyslexia Awareness and Resource Center in Santa Barbara, California. He served as the first Chairman of the Board of the Center from 1991 to 1996. Presently he is the acting Executive Director and Director of Development for the Center. Les is Board Certified as a Fund Raising Executive Professional by CFRE. Les has given workshops on Dyslexia and Attention Deficit Disorder all over the country.

Send an email to Les.

Center Coordinator
Valerie Allen

Valerie came to DARC as a client seeking information and to understand more about learning disabilities because one of her grandchildren had recently been diagnosed with a learning disability. Observing the volume of pepole seeking help from the Center, she volunteered to answer the phones. In 2001, Valerie joined the center as a four-day-a-week staff member. While she still answers the phone, she now handles initial visits by new clients, provides access to resources and staffs the library.

Spanish-Language Coordinator
John Tissott

John has volunteered for the Center for the past 13 years and coordinates the Spanish-language program. John is a retired Spanish teacher who taught at Carpinteria High School for over 20 years. While serving on the Carpinteria Board of Education, John learned about the DARC and has been a volunteer ever since.