Dr. Luciana Profaca

Commissioner Dr. Luciana C Profaca has been committed to the equality, independence, and employment of people with disabilities for over 5 decades.  She began her career with the CA Department of Rehabilitation (DOR) in 1972 and served in several roles at DOR until her retirement in 2010 including Interim Director, Chief Deputy Director, Deputy Director, Habilitation Specialist and Senior Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor.  During her time at DOR, she was able to implement initiatives aimed at enhancing the lives of individuals with physical, sensory, mental health, intellectual and developmental disabilities.  In 2013, she established her counseling practice to provide essential therapeutic support to individuals experiencing anxiety, depression and various challenges in life. 

In addition to her government responsibilities, Dr. Profaca contributed her knowledge and expertise as an Adjunct Professor in the Rehabilitation Counseling Program at San Francisco State University, the Counseling Psychology Program at the University of San Francisco, and Consultant with the Technical Assistance in Counselor Education Program with San Diego State University Foundation’s Interwork Institute.

She has served on various boards and councils including the Private Industry Council, County and State Workforce Investment Boards, CA Mental Health Planning Council, and Lighthouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired.

Dr. Profaca earned a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from San Francisco State University in 1970, a Master of Science in Rehabilitation Counseling from SF Sate in 1972 and a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology from the CA Institute of Integral Studies in 2000.  She is licensed by the CA Board of Behavioral Sciences as a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor and certified by the Commission on Rehabilitation Counselor Certification.

In addition to family, her passions include travel and music.