About Us..
Oasis was founded in 2026 and believes every person deserves the opportunity to live a meaningful, independent, and fulfilling life. Our mission is to empower individuals with developmental disabilities by providing compassionate, person-centered services that build confidence, strengthen life skills, and encourage meaningful participation in the community.
We recognize that no two people are alike. That's why we take the time to understand each individual's strengths, goals, interests, and support needs. By working closely with individuals, families, and community partners, we create personalized services that promote growth, independence, and lasting success.
At Oasis, relationships come first. We strive to create an environment where individuals feel respected, valued, and supported every step of the way. Our team is committed to providing reliable, high-quality services while celebrating each person's unique abilities and accomplishments.
We also believe that exceptional care begins with exceptional staff. By fostering a positive, collaborative workplace where employees are respected, supported, and encouraged to grow, we create a culture that allows our team to provide the highest level of care to the individuals and families we serve.
Whether we are teaching independent living skills, supporting families, assisting with employment goals, or helping individuals become more involved in their communities, our focus remains the same: helping people build the confidence, skills, and opportunities they need to live the life they choose.
Meet our team
John Linnell, Founder & Executive Director
John has dedicated more than 20 years to supporting individuals with developmental disabilities and their families. Throughout his career, he has worked in residential services, case management, job coaching, Independent Living Skills (ILS), Coordinated Family Support (CFS), and education, giving him a broad understanding of the unique needs and goals of the individuals he serves.
John founded Oasis Independent Living Services with one guiding belief: every person deserves the opportunity to live with dignity, independence, and purpose. He is committed to providing individualized, person-centered services that help people build confidence, develop life skills, strengthen community connections, and achieve meaningful goals.
Equally important to John is creating a workplace where employees feel valued, supported, and empowered. He believes that when staff are respected and encouraged, they are better able to provide compassionate, high-quality services to the individuals and families they support.
Originally from Santa Rosa, California John is passionate about his Italian heratige and enjoys spending time with his wife, Karyn, and their daughter, Anna. A lifelong San Francisco Giants and 49ers fan, he is known for his compassion, dependability, and genuine commitment to helping others build fulfilling, independent lives.
Michelle Saucier, Program Manager
Michelle Saucier is a Program Manager and experienced Independent Living Skills Instructor with more than 10 years of experience supporting teens and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. She has helped individuals build practical skills in cooking, cleaning, budgeting, transportation, personal care, communication, safety, self-advocacy, and employment readiness.
Before joining Oasis Programs, Michelle and John successfully led a support group together that encouraged self-advocacy, personal growth, community involvement, and meaningful life experiences. Michelle brings creativity, compassion, and a trauma-informed approach to her work. She is CPI certified and experienced in behavioral support, crisis prevention, de-escalation, and helping individuals with complex support needs.
As Program Manager, Michelle helps guide services, support staff, and ensure each person receives respectful, person-centered support based on their individual goals. Her patience, experience, and ability to build trusting relationships make her an important part of the Oasis Programs team.
