Our Founder/CEO Iris Rivera
Iris Rivera is a lifelong advocate for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) and has over 33 years of distinguished service in the New Jersey Court System.
Prior to founding Guiding Hands Guardianship Services (GHGS), she co-founded Passaic County Parents of Adults with Disabilities (PACOPAD), where she worked closely with families seeking support, resources, and community connections.
Through her advocacy, personal experience, and professional background, Ms. Rivera has gained extensive knowledge of the guardianship process and the challenges families face when a loved one with a disability turns 18, including HIPAA privacy laws, healthcare decision-making, and access to medical information.
She founded GHGS to provide families with the guidance, education, and support they need to successfully navigate the guardianship process.
As the mother of an adult son with autism who is nonverbal, Ms. Rivera understands firsthand the challenges families face when seeking services, support, and meaningful opportunities for their loved ones. Her personal experience has strengthened her commitment to helping families navigate complex systems and access the resources they need.
In addition to guardianship education, Ms. Rivera provides bilingual (English and Spanish) guidance, family support, educational workshops, and community outreach. Her work focuses on key areas such as the transition to adulthood, healthcare decision-making, access to community resources, and disability-related services.
Through her dedication and advocacy, Ms. Rivera has become a trusted resource for families seeking information, support, and guidance as they plan for the future of their loved ones with disabilities.
Our Team
At Guiding Hands Guardianship Services, we are proud of our team of dedicated professionals who are passionate about their work. With years of experience and a deep understanding of the industry, our team is committed to providing our customers with the highest level of service and support.
Celebrating Advocacy, Leadership, and Community Service
