Sunita UpchurchMember at Large

    Sunita brings over three decades of experience in aging services, long-term care advocacy, and public-sector program leadership. As Program Coordinator for the County of San Diego’s Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program, she has dedicated her career to protecting the rights, dignity, and well-being of older adults and individuals with disabilities in residential care settings.

    Her background reflects a strong blend of direct advocacy, policy implementation, and cross-sector collaboration. She has led efforts to strengthen person-centered care practices, improve quality of life in long-term care facilities, and expand systems-level protections for vulnerable populations. Her work includes close coordination with regulatory agencies, service providers, and stakeholders—ensuring the voices of residents are central to decision-making processes.

    Sunita holds a Master’s degree in Rehabilitation Counseling with a concentration in Psychiatric Rehabilitation from San Diego State University, and a Bachelor’s degree from Ohio University. She also holds certifications in Gerontology and Senior and Disabled Services Case Management, reinforcing her expertise in aging and disability services.

    Her commitment to ethical oversight, inclusive service delivery, and policy advocacy aligns strongly with CLTCOA’s mission to promote excellence in long-term care ombudsman services statewide. Sunita brings to the board a grounded, community-focused perspective, informed by decades of field experience and a deep understanding of California’s long-term care system.

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