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 Mission28,000+
Students Served in 2025–26
44%
Socio-economically Disadvantaged
74%
Represent Diverse Backgrounds
80%+
Programs at No Cost to Families
What REACH Stands For
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.
Melina Michaels
Exec Advisor / Director Programs
"You make a life by what you give."
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Jennifer DeBias
VP Academics, Retired Educator after 37 Years
Dedicated to academic excellence and student enrichment after a distinguished 37-year career in education.
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.
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.
Antonio Gei
Athletics / SRR Director
Directing athletics programming including the Shamrock 'n Run, our flagship annual fundraiser that supports programs across the district.
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.
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
Athletics Director, OCDE
Bringing the resources and expertise of the Orange County Department of Education to support REACH athletics programming.
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
Elizabeth Chan
President
Evelyn Yao
Executive VP (Programs)
Carolyn Suh
Sr. VP (Events)
Angelo Messina
Treasurer
Angela Yao
VP Marketing
Aly Baranick
VP Development & Fundraising
Megan Wang
VP Communications
Ashley Gee
Secretary
Lauren Gei
VP People
Megan Tran
Director, Experimental Design
Jolie Yang
Director, First Lego League
Julia Wong
Director, From the Inside
Ella Wong
Director, Jog-a-thon
Aashna Patel
Director, Mentorship
Angela Yao
Director, Artworks
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!