REACH Foundation — Supporting PYLUSD Students
REACH Foundation students and community members engaged in enrichment programs

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 22,700 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.

Support Our Mission

28,000+

Students Served in 2025–26

44%

Socio-economically Disadvantaged

74%

Represent Diverse Backgrounds

80%+

Programs at No Cost to Families

What REACH Stands For

R

Resources for the Enrichment of

Real world relevance, hands-on learning

E

Academics, Arts, & Athletics for our

Entrepreneurial mindset, innovative thinking, and deep analysis

A

Children to

Artistic expression, communication, agency, and creativity

C

reach their

Collaborative leadership, critical thinking, cultural awareness, listening and inclusion

H

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.

REACH Foundation board members and community leaders collaborating on enrichment programs

Learning Skills

Critical thinkingCreativityCollaborationCommunication

Literacy Skills

Information literacyFinancial literacyMedia literacyEnvironmental literacyHealth literacyTechnology literacy

Life Skills

PerseveranceAgencyFlexibilityLeadershipInitiativeProductivitySocial skills

Core Values

IntegrityInnovationCollaborationFunEquityImpact

2024–2025

REACH Foundation Board Members

G

Gisele T. Nguyen

President & Executive Director

"Education is not the learning of facts, but training the mind to think."
— Albert Einstein

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.

M

Melina Michaels

Exec Advisor / Director Programs

"You make a life by what you give."
— Winston Churchill

The positive PYLUSD K–12 experience my kids had inspired me to volunteer with the foundation in 2014. Serving on the foundation's board has been rewarding. It is inspiring to see how the programs we offer students spark interest and encouragement in learning.

C

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.

V

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."
— Robert John Meehan

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.

A

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."
— John Wooden

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.

R

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."
— Anonymous

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.

V

Valerie Coulombe

Care Closet, Retired Educator from Glenknoll Elementary

"There is no power for greater change than a community discovering what it cares about."
— Margaret J. Wheatley

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.

J

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.

J

Jennifer DeBias

VP Academics, Retired Educator after 37 Years

Dedicated to academic excellence and student enrichment after a distinguished 37-year career in education.

C

Carrie Johnson

MSTM Athletic Director

Passionate about youth athletics and ensuring every student has the opportunity to participate in competitive sports programs.

D

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.

H

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.

A

Antonio Gei

Athletics / SRR Director

Directing athletics programming including the Shamrock 'n Run, our flagship annual fundraiser that supports programs across the district.

D

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.

D

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."
— Leonardo da Vinci

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.

A

Allyson Reeds

Athletics Director, OCDE

Bringing the resources and expertise of the Orange County Department of Education to support REACH athletics programming.

S

Stephanie Gormley

Internship Program Academics Director

Stephanie is a Senior Vice President and Private Client Advisor with Bank of America Private Bank in Newport Beach. An Orange County native and PYL parent, she is active in her community and volunteers with various organizations.

REACH Leadership Intern Team

Student Leaders Making an Impact

E

Elizabeth Chan

President

E

Evelyn Yao

Executive VP (Programs)

C

Carolyn Suh

Sr. VP (Events)

A

Angelo Messina

Treasurer

A

Angela Yao

VP Marketing

A

Aly Baranick

VP Development & Fundraising

M

Megan Wang

VP Communications

A

Ashley Gee

Secretary

L

Lauren Gei

VP People

M

Megan Tran

Director, Experimental Design

J

Jolie Yang

Director, First Lego League

J

Julia Wong

Director, From the Inside

E

Ella Wong

Director, Jog-a-thon

A

Aashna Patel

Director, Mentorship

A

Angela Yao

Director, Artworks

Program Coordinators & Volunteers

How We Deliver Our Programs

Academics

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.

Arts

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.

Athletics

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.

Community Outreach

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.

REACH Foundation volunteers and community members at a school event

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.

Students competing at a REACH Foundation Middle School Track Meet

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 & Volunteering

Together We Give

Help us expand our programs to more students. Thank you in advance for your support!