About Us

AAA TakeCharge was founded in 2000  by M.J. Willard, a behavioral psychologist with more than 25 years experience in working with people with disabilities who are seeking employment. 

We recognize that you oversee your own work attempts.  But our staff can support and guide you in job search efforts, interviewing skills, and dealing with Social Security rules both during your work attempt and long term.  Your participation with AAATakeCharge means you are not subject to medical reviews during your efforts to work provided that you meet Timely Progress Guidelines.   And we can provide emergency financial help for setbacks such as car repairs, lost cell phone, unexpected medical bills, child or elder care – as long as you’ve hit certain earning milestones.  We are your return-to-work partner ready to help you go the distance.    

Meet the Team

MJ Willard

MJ Willard

Founder

MJ Willard is a psychologist with more than 25 years’ experience in working with people with disabilities as a clinician, a researcher at Einstein College of Medicine and Tufts New England Medical School, and as a program administer. She founded TakeCharge in 2000 which became the first Social Security approved Employment Network in the country. Her doctorate from Boston University is in Behavioral Psychology.
Jackie Esparza

Jackie Esparza

Call Center Director / Benefits Counselor

Jackie Esparza joined TakeCharge in 2011.  Her experience in customer service and processing Individualized Work Plans prepared her for her current role as Call Center Director and Benefits Counselor.  She is a certified Benefits Counselor through Virginia Commonwealth University.  Helping family members navigate the Social Security system has given Jackie the hands-on experience needed to truly understand how to help our clients understand the impact work may have on their benefits.

Kristen Salazar

Kristen Salazar

Director TakeCharge Operations

Kristen Salazar has managed TakeCharge operations since 2007. She has over 15 years of experience in working with people with disabilities who are seeking self-sufficiency through employment. A graduate of Wayland Baptist University, Kristen has a Master’s Degree in Business Administration and a Bachelor’s Degree in Occupational Education.