About REACH Foundation
Our Vision
"To support and provide learning opportunities for students in the Placentia-Yorba Linda Unified School District."
Founded in 2012
An education non-profit supporting innovative enrichment programs in Academics, Arts and Athletics for 34 schools (Grades K–12) in PYLUSD.
Our Impact
Enriching, Inspiring & Engaging Students
The REACH Foundation is an educational nonprofit dedicated to enriching, inspiring, and engaging 22,400 Placentia-Yorba Linda Unified School District students through innovative programs in academics, the arts, and athletics, empowering learners to reach their highest potential.
In 2025–26, the REACH programs serve more than 28,000 students across Orange County, including multi-district youth athletic events such as the middle school cross-country invitationals, PYLUSD championships, track & field events and our flagship fundraiser, the Shamrock 'n Run 5K & 2K.
More than 80% of REACH programs are provided at no cost to students and families, eliminating financial barriers to participation. Thanks to valued volunteer coaches, parents, and students who contribute over 20,000 annually to REACH & PYLUSD.
Support Our Mission20,000+
Annual Volunteer Hours
44%
Socio-economically Disadvantaged
74%
Represent Diverse Backgrounds
80%+
Programs at No Cost to Families
What REACH Stands For
Resources for the Enrichment of
Real world relevance, hands-on learning
Academics, Arts, & Athletics for our
Entrepreneurial mindset, innovative thinking, and deep analysis
Children to
Artistic expression, communication, agency, and creativity
Reach their
Collaborative leadership, critical thinking, cultural awareness, listening and inclusion
Highest Potential
Holistic development, integrating the mind, body, and heart (Academics, Athletics, & Arts)
Our Mission
Creating a Climate that Contributes to Learning
Our mission is simple yet powerful: to enrich, inspire, and engage learners through educational experiences in collaboration with PYLUSD and Community Partners.
REACH Foundation provides equitable access to programs that foster 21st century skills, including communications, creativity, perseverance, and lifelong learning. Through strategic collaborations with best-in-class partners and community leaders, the REACH Foundation amplifies the resources available to students, ensuring they are prepared and positioned to reach their highest potential.
Learning Skills
Literacy Skills
Life Skills
Core Values
2024–2025
REACH Foundation Board Members
Gisele T. Nguyen
President & Executive Director
"Education is not the learning of facts, but training the mind to think."
As a PYLUSD parent for 23 years and Corporate Executive for two decades, Gisele brings her innovative business background to PYLUSD students. Gisele is thankful for dedicated educators and partnerships with Parents, Community Partners, District, and local businesses to promote programs that prepare our children for their future.
Vivian Cuesta
Former Principal & VP Arts, Kids In Need / Vintage Promwear
"Each child is unique, not only capable of learning… but also capable of succeeding."
As a former PYLUSD principal, teacher and parent, I have experienced and appreciated the uniqueness of children. I am inspired to be part of an organization that offers opportunities where all children learn and succeed.
Claudia Beckman
Former Educator & Secretary
Claudia is a member of the Executive Board. She has served as a 4th Grade Educator at the Santa Ana Unified School District. After 40 years, she retired and brings her humor and experience to support the REACH Foundation and the district that nurtured and supported her grown children.
Dr. Phil Duncan
VP Academics, Bio Medical Engineer & Entrepreneur
"You make a life by what you give."
I started as an FLL Coach and got hooked after supporting the students and seeing them grow along with my son. It is inspiring to see all the REACH Programs and how it sparks interest and encouragement in learning durable skills.
Anne San Roman
Fairmont Elementary Principal, Academics Advisor & Elementary Programs
"You can't live a perfect day without doing something for someone who will never be able to repay you."
Being a part of the PYLUSD family for the past 25 years has been a blessing. I am excited to have an active role in the REACH Foundation & hope to inspire students in PYLUSD to reach their full potential.
Roy Gill
Athletics Race Director MSTM, MSXC & SRR, Former VP & Financial Controller
"All dreams can come true if we have the courage to pursue them."
As a VP & Financial Controller of a Civil Engineering company for 25 years and a cross-country runner in high school & college, I have experienced the value and impact of sports. The discipline, perseverance, and teamwork learned on the trails have shaped my journey.
Valerie Coulombe
Care Closet, Retired Educator from Glenknoll Elementary
"There is no power for greater change than a community discovering what it cares about."
As an educator for 34 years, I saw firsthand that a strong school community provides the foundation for a productive, compassionate world. The REACH Foundation adds an important layer that ensures a positive future for the families we serve.
Teresa Mulcahy
VP Grant Writing & Fund Development
With over three decades of experience in education as a Principal, Vice Principal, and Educator, Teresa brings a wealth of knowledge and dynamic leadership to REACH. Her talented expertise in grant writing spans both education and business, making her an invaluable force in advancing our mission. We are truly grateful to have Teresa on our team.
Dr. Elizabeth Leon
PYLUSD Liaison, Exec. Director, Elementary Education
"Iron rusts from disuse; water loses its purity from stagnation… even so does inaction sap the vigor of the mind."
A passionate advocate for health, wellness, and inclusive education. A marathon runner, cross country coach and USC doctoral candidate, she integrates movement, reflection, and wellness into education for all.
Allyson Reeds
VP Athletics, OCDE & Coach
Bringing the resources and expertise of the Orange County Department of Education to support REACH athletics programming.
Gina Aguilar
Director Athletics & PYLUSD Director
Bringing three decades of PYLUSD experience as a Principal, Vice Principal, Counselor, and District Director to support REACH athletics and key strategic operations.
Heather Siemons
Arts & Seat Dedication Sr. Director, Public Relations
Leading arts programming and public relations efforts to amplify the REACH Foundation's mission across the community.
Jenny Gee
VP Special Projects & Librarian at Golden Elementary
Coaching, leading, and inspiring entrepreneurial thinking across our elementary programs. Jenny brings a rich blend of experience in business, academics, and library science to cultivate curiosity, creativity, and a growth mindset in every student she serves.
Jennifer Bolanis-Rogers
Finance & Special Projects, Entrepreneur / Get Organized Inc.
Seeing the potential in every child, the REACH Foundation was a natural fit for me. As one of the founding board members for REACH and a PTA/PTSA volunteer for the last 13 years, I have had the honor and privilege of helping students see their potential within our three core goals: Academics, Art, Athletics.
Tracey Igawa
Treasurer & FLL Communications Coach
Tracey serves as REACH Foundation Treasurer, managing financial operations and budgeting while also coaching FLL teams while communicating & coordinating activities with parents.
David Huizar
Academics / FLL Director, Former Disney Project Manager
Bringing his background as a former Disney Project Manager to lead the First Lego League robotics program and broader academics initiatives.
Carrie Johnson
MSTM Athletic Director
Passionate about youth athletics and ensuring every student has the opportunity to participate in competitive sports programs.
Diane Adamson
PTA Council Director
I became a PTA volunteer in 2007 when my granddaughter started Kindergarten and served in numerous positions over the years. I have continued as a REACH Foundation volunteer since 2017 because I love the opportunities REACH provides to our schools.
Jennifer DeBias
Director Academics, Retired Educator after 37 Years
Dedicated to academic excellence and student enrichment after a distinguished 37-year career in education. Jennifer facilitates and leads the FLL Robotics Explore program.
REACH Leadership Intern Team
Student Leaders Making an Impact
Bella Huang
President
Collin Shum
Executive VP (Programs)
Makhayla Gill
Sr. VP (Events)
Cheryl Ho
VP Marketing
Zachary Chen
VP Development & Fundraising
Zoe Ahn
VP Communications
Aarav Patel
VP Technology
Emily Chi
VP Public Relations
Nathan Tang
VP Human Resources
Jyllian Panya
VP, Social Media
Presley Langworthy
VP Videography
Elliot Walker-Kim
Treasurer
Hannah Sohn
Secretary
Cayden Shum
Asst. Secretary
Chloe Lee
Director, Experience Environment
Allyson Tam
Director, Jog-a-thon
Riley Salvador
Director, Experimental Design
Samuel Huizar
Director, Shamrock 'n Run
Aroosh Jha
Director, STEAM Club
Michael Di Bias
Director, SRR
Daisy Ramirez
Director, SRR
Keya Ghadia
Director, SRR
Daria Kebria
Director, FTI
Jayveer Basu
Director, FLL/FTC
Katherine Pak
Manager, FLL & FTC
Samiham Shaligram
Manager, FLL
Kaley Carpenter
Manager, STEAM Club
Elise Park
Manager, ITM
Avaneesh Nangare
Manager, FLL
Madison Webb
Manager, ITM
Bella Ajmera
Manager, Comm
Januarii Walker
Manager, Video
Henry Hoang
Manager, FTI
Raina Patel
Manager, FTI
Theodore Tran
Manager, STEAM Club
Zoia Patel
Manager, Social Media
Program Coordinators & Volunteers
How We Deliver Our Programs
From the Inside
Carolyn Suh & Evelyn Yao
Recent PYL alumni bring STEAM career insights to students at the District School Board Conference Room.
Communicating with Confidence
Evelyn Yao, VHS REACH Intern
These Learning Labs bring a hands-on approach to communication skills.
REACH Foundation Internship Program
Gisele Nguyen, Chair
An immersive hands-on work experience program developing leadership, communications and project management skills for PYL students.
First Lego League Team Competition
Jolie Yang, Megan Wang, YLHS REACH Intern Chair
A robotics program that allows students grades 5–8 to explore STEM in a hands-on manner.
Experimental Design
Natalie Tang & Megan Tran, VHS REACH Interns Co-Chairs
Science experiments brought to local elementary schools presented by PYLUSD high school students interested in STEAM.
Experience Your Environment
Anne San Roman, Chair
Inside the Outdoors award-winning environmental science program for PYLUSD students at Carbon Canyon Regional Park.
Seat Dedication
Heather Siemons
Adding the Valencia Auditorium in addition to the Performing Arts Center for Performing and Visual Arts fundraising.
ArtWorks
Vivian Cuesta & Joanne Combs, Co-Chairs
The foundation assists in opening night for this district-wide art show and coordinates docents for the duration of the exhibit.
Middle School Track Meet
Roy Gill, Chair
Middle school students across the district compete in this timed track and field event.
Shamrock 'n Run & SQUARE Course
Roy Gill, Race Director
Our biggest community event, raising funds for the Middle School Track Meet, Jog A Thon PTA sponsorships, teacher grants and more.
Jog A Thon PTA Sponsorships
Elizabeth Chan & Ella Wong, REACH Intern Co-Chairs
Our tradition of supporting PTAs with a sponsorship and delivery of bottled water, now in its 5th year.
Care Closet
Valerie Coulombe
Providing essential resources to students and families in need.
Vintage PromWear
Claudia Beckham, Vivian Cuesta, Joanne Combs
Providing prom attire to students who need it.
REACH Foundation Teacher Grants
Gisele Nguyen & Vivian Cuesta
Funding classroom innovation with teacher grants across the district.
Kids In Need
Vivian Cuesta
Connecting students with essential school supplies and resources.
Our Story
Resources for Our Students
In 2012, the ripple effects of the great recession were felt across the California education system with pervasive cuts to educational enrichment programs. The Placentia-Yorba Linda Unified School District's long tradition of hosting a district-wide Middle School Track Meet was canceled due to budget cuts.
Seeing a need to be filled, a group of action-minded parents organized and created a 501(c)(3) on a shoestring budget and founded the REACH Foundation — an education foundation to provide enrichment programs for PYLUSD students.
We have expanded our Healthy Lifestyles program beyond the Middle School Track Meet to hosting an annual Shamrock-n-Run 5K, 2K & SQUARE Obstacle Course. The funds raised support the Middle School Track Meet along with our support of over 22 elementary school PTA Jog A Thons.
The foundation also funded $13,900 in Teacher Grants in 2023. In recent years, we have accelerated our support of STEM by offering coding classes, bringing students and families together for outdoor environmental experiences, and offering students the ability to work in teams, develop communications and leadership skills, and prepare for the 21st Century.
In 2022–2023, the foundation logged over 3,900 volunteer hours. Academics, Arts and Athletics/Healthy Lifestyles are key to becoming well-rounded students and community members. The REACH Foundation continues to support the students of PYLUSD.
Our Milestones
2012
REACH Foundation founded as a 501(c)(3) by action-minded PYLUSD parents.
2014
Expanded programs to include Arts and Academics alongside Athletics.
2019
Launched the Shamrock 'n Run 5K & 2K as the annual flagship fundraiser.
2022
Logged 3,900+ volunteer hours; expanded STEM and environmental programs.
2023
Awarded $13,900 in Teacher Grants; three FLL robotics teams at UC Riverside.
2025
Named 2025 California Nonprofit of the Year; serving 28,000+ students.
Certified Organization Volunteer at REACH!
We believe the PVSA sets the foundation for a lifelong commitment to philanthropy. Students who serve the REACH Foundation can receive recognition for their volunteer efforts. Over time, students are more likely to continue engaging in community service throughout their lives, becoming positive contributors to society.
Learn about PVSA & VolunteeringTogether We Give
Help us expand our programs to more students. Thank you in advance for your support!