In this episode of A Side of Hope, Melanie sits down with Beth Gallagher, CEO of Life Works in San Diego County. Beth leads an organization committed to providing customized supports for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities—helping them live in their own homes, shape their own futures, and thrive in community.
Beth shares her journey into leadership, the values that guide her work, and the everyday stories of resilience and possibility that keep her inspired. From navigating challenges to celebrating small victories, this conversation is a reminder that true leadership is about empowering choice and honoring dignity.

Beth Gallagher is the founder and CEO of Life Works, an organization she launched in 2004 to serve people with developmental disabilities who have often been overlooked by traditional systems. Since beginning her career in 1986, Beth has spent more than three decades designing innovative support strategies that highlight individual gifts and create meaningful opportunities for contribution.
Her approach centers on curiosity—asking *“what more is possible?”*—and on collaboration, ensuring that both individuals and communities benefit from inclusion. She co-created the **Liberty Plan**, a facilitation tool for personalized planning, and co-authored *Intentional Teaming: Shifting Organizational Culture*, which explores how to value the unique strengths of direct support professionals.
At the heart of Beth’s mission is a commitment to crafting **customized, fully realized lives—one person at a time**—through partnership, creativity, and respect for every individual’s story.