Meet the Get Fit! Program Project Manager Margarita Blanco

Margarita Blanco has found her way to the position of project manager at Lanterman Regional Center via Harbor Regional Center where she worked as a service coordinator for almost five years. Blanco comments: “As I got to know my clients, service providers and families, I saw the need for nutritional and physical fitness programming. Most of the adult clients that were on my caseload have serious weight and/or chronic health issues, such as diabetes, high blood pressure and high cholesterol, and they lead very sedentary lifestyles.”

Almost a lifelong resident of Los Angeles, Blanco spent a few years away living in the Bay Area. She obtained her bachelor’s degree in human biodynamics (formerly physical education) from the University of California, Berkeley. She has always led a very active lifestyle. In high school, Blanco played volleyball, soccer and softball. While in college she participated in intramural sports, coached a girl’s middle school volleyball team, and later went on to coach a high school volleyball club team. She has participated in volleyball and softball leagues, and has entered in numerous 5Ks and 10Ks, as well as two Los Angeles marathons. “It was one of my major life goals to run a marathon, and I felt a great sense of accomplishment,” notes Blanco.

Blanco hopes that she can help get Lanterman’s adult clients motivated and inspire them to take more control of their lives. She adds, “It’s just amazing how exercise/sports/physical activity can add to the quality of one’s life – it has for me. I really believe in this and I want to make it happen.”

For Blanco, the key to success is good nutrition, engaging in activities you enjoy, surrounding yourself with support and encouragement, and making a commitment to a lifelong goal.

 

Updated July 19, 2006