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Family Support Services
Support for your whole family — every step of the way.
When your child is receiving medical care, life doesn’t stop. You may be balancing hospital appointments, work, finances, siblings, travel, relationships, and your own well-being — all while trying to be there for your child.
Our Family Support team is here to help you navigate your Ronald McDonald House stay and everything happening around it. Whether you need practical resources, emotional support, help solving a problem, or simply someone to talk to, you do not have to figure it out alone.
A “no wrong door” approach
You do not need to know who to call or where to start. Any Ronald McDonald House team member — at the front desk, in an activity room, during a meal or program, or around the House — can help connect you with a trained member of our Family Support team. If we are not the right resource, we will help you find the person or service that is.
How We Can Help
All family support services are available at no cost.
Resource Navigation & Basic Needs
We can help connect your family with food, transportation, financial assistance, community resources, benefits, and other essential supports.
Emotional Support
Individuals, families, and children can meet privately with a trained Family Support team member for compassionate support, problem-solving, stress management, and help navigating difficult moments.
Case Management
Our team can help you identify priorities, develop a plan, coordinate services, and navigate challenges during and after your child’s hospital stay.
Peer & Support Group
Connect with other caregivers and families who understand the challenges of caring for a child with serious medical needs.
Family Fun and Wellness
Take part in wellness activities, recreation, creative programs, special events, and opportunities to rest, recharge, and spend time together.
Sibling and Caregiver Support
We offer resources, activities, and support designed for siblings, parents, caregivers, and the whole family.
Connect With Us!
Email: familycare@rmhcbayarea.org to request a private meeting.
Visit the Front Desk
Schedule an appointment or ask to speak with someone right away.
Talk to any team member
Just let us know you would like Family Support. There is no wrong door.
Manuel Gomez Tlacoxolal, LCSW
(Pronunciation: tlah-koh-shoh-lahl)
Director of Family Services
Manuel is a licensed clinical social worker who leads our Family Support team. He and his team provide individual and family support, case management, care coordination, and clinical guidance while helping families navigate the emotional and practical challenges of caring for a child with complex medical needs. Manuel earned his Master of Social Work from the University of Michigan and supervises our team of Family Support interns.
Languages: English & Native Spanish
Xiadani Juarez, MS, MHRS
(Pronunciation: shah-DAH-nee)
Associate Director of Family Care
Xiadani is a certified mental health rehabilitation specialist and helps families connect with resources, navigate hospital and community services, and access the support they need throughout their stay.
She earned her Master’s of Science in Community Health and Prevention Research at Stanford University School of Medicine.
Languages: English & Native Spanish
Karla Venegas
Associate Director of Program
Karla leads our front desk, guest services, and programs team. She is often one of the first people families meet and is always happy to answer questions, connect families with House programs, or help you reach the Family Support team. Karla earned her Bachelor’s of Science in Human Development at University of California, Davis.
Languages: English & Conversational Spanish
Andrea Carpano Vasconcelos
Family Care Coordinator
Andrea welcomes and works alongside families to provide support, resources, and connections to programs and services that help reduce stress during a child’s medical journey.
Languages: English & Native Spanish
Preparing the Next Generation of Family Support Professionals
Ronald McDonald House Bay Area partners with leading university schools of Social Work to train the next generation of family support professionals. Our Master of Social Work (MSW) students are supervised by a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and work alongside experienced staff to provide compassionate, family-centered support while completing their professional education.
