Enrich, Inspire & Engage at REACH
Our Mission
Creating a Climate that Contributes to Learning
Our mission is to enrich, inspire and engage learners through educational experiences in collaboration with PYLUSD and our community.
The foundation of our activities, programs, and events is to advocate for 21st-century learning skills, promoting the 4 C’s: Critical thinking, Creativity, Collaboration, and Communications. These key skills that are a part of our Mission statement are broken out into three categories:
- Learning Skills - Critical thinking, Creativity, Collaboration, Communication
- Literacy Skills - Information literacy, Media literacy, Environmental literacy, Health literacy, Technology literacy
- Life Skills - Flexibility, Leadership, Initiative, Productivity, Social skills
The REACH Foundation uses 21st Century learning skills as the tool to measure the value of the programs we support.
Empowering Hearts, Enriching Lives: the REACH Foundation is Certified for the Prestigious President's Volunteer Service Award.
2024-2025 REACH Foundation Board Members
Gisele T. Nguyen, President
Gisele T. Nguyen, President
Gisele T. Nguyen, President
"Education is not the learning of facts, but training the mind to think." - Albert Einstein. As a PYLUSD parent for 21 years, I'm thankful for our educators and partnerships with Parents, Community Partners, District, and local businesses to promote programs that prepare our children for their future. It is an honor to be apart of this awesome team!
Claudia Beckman, Secretary
Gisele T. Nguyen, President
Gisele T. Nguyen, President
Mary Ahn, Treasurer
Gisele T. Nguyen, President
Melina Michaels, Director
Melina Michaels, Director
Anne San Roman, Academics Advisor & Elementary Programs
Melina Michaels, Director
"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. "
Vivian Cuesta, Kids In Need/Vintage Promwear
Anne San Roman, Academics Advisor & Elementary Programs
Anne San Roman, Academics Advisor & Elementary Programs
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.
Anne San Roman, Academics Advisor & Elementary Programs
Anne San Roman, Academics Advisor & Elementary Programs
Anne San Roman, 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.
Carrie Johnson, Middle School Track Meet
Carrie Johnson, Middle School Track Meet
Carrie Johnson, Middle School Track Meet
Seeing the potential in every child, the REACH Foundation was a natural fit for me. As one of founding board members for REACH and a PTA/PTSA 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.”
Diane Adamson, SCAC
Carrie Johnson, Middle School Track Meet
Carrie Johnson, Middle School Track Meet
I became a PTA volunteer in 2007 when my Grandaughter 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.
Valerie Coulombe, Care Closet
Carrie Johnson, Middle School Track Meet
Valerie Coulombe, Care Closet
"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.
Roy Gill, ShamRock ’n Run
Jennifer Bolanis-Rogers, Finance & Special Projects
Valerie Coulombe, Care Closet
"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, I have experienced the value and impact of sports. The discipline, perseverance, and teamwork learned on the trails have shaped my journey, teaching me to navigate challenges and push beyond limits. This is my hope for my daughters and the next generation of students.
Jennifer Bolanis-Rogers, Finance & Special Projects
Jennifer Bolanis-Rogers, Finance & Special Projects
Jennifer Bolanis-Rogers, Finance & Special Projects
Jennifer DiBias, Academics - FLL Explorer
Jennifer Bolanis-Rogers, Finance & Special Projects
Jennifer Bolanis-Rogers, Finance & Special Projects
Heather Siemons, Arts & Seat Dedication
Heather Siemons, Arts & Seat Dedication
Heather Siemons, Arts & Seat Dedication
Joanne Combs , Vintage PromWear
Heather Siemons, Arts & Seat Dedication
Heather Siemons, Arts & Seat Dedication
Antonio Gei, Academics
Heather Siemons, Arts & Seat Dedication
David Huizar, Academics
David Huizar, Academics
David Huizar, Academics
David Huizar, Academics
Amy Spillane, Marketing
David Huizar, Academics
Amy Spillane, Marketing
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. Overtime, students are more likely to continue engaging in community service throughout their lives, becoming positive contributors to osociety.
REACH Leadership Intern Team
Natalie Tang, President
Evelyn Yao, Executive VP (Programs)
Carolyn Suh, Executive VP (Events)
Carolyn Suh, Executive VP (Events)
Evelyn Yao, Executive VP (Programs)
Carolyn Suh, Executive VP (Events)
Evelyn Yao, Executive VP (Programs)
Evelyn Yao, Executive VP (Programs)
Evelyn Yao, Executive VP (Programs)
Angelo Messina, Treasurer
Evelyn Yao, Executive VP (Programs)
Evelyn Yao, Executive VP (Programs)
Ashley Gee, Secretary
Aly Baranick, VP Development & Fundraising
Aly Baranick, VP Development & Fundraising
Aly Baranick, VP Development & Fundraising
Aly Baranick, VP Development & Fundraising
Aly Baranick, VP Development & Fundraising
Elizabeth Chan, VP Marketing
Aly Baranick, VP Development & Fundraising
Emily Pasillas, VP Communications
Emily Pasillas, VP Communications
Aly Baranick, VP Development & Fundraising
Emily Pasillas, VP Communications
Lauren Gei, VP People
Megan Tran, Director Experimental Design
Jolie Yang, Director First Lego League
Jolie Yang, Director First Lego League
Megan Tran, Director Experimental Design
Jolie Yang, Director First Lego League
Megan Tran, Director Experimental Design
Megan Tran, Director Experimental Design
Megan Tran, Director Experimental Design
Julia Wong, Director From the Inside
Megan Tran, Director Experimental Design
Megan Tran, Director Experimental Design
Carolyn & Aly, Experience Your Environment
Carolyn & Aly, Experience Your Environment
Carolyn & Aly, Experience Your Environment
Ella Wong, Director Jog-a-thon
Carolyn & Aly, Experience Your Environment
Carolyn & Aly, Experience Your Environment
Aashna Patel, Director Mentorship
Carolyn & Aly, Experience Your Environment
Aashna Patel, Director Mentorship
Angela Yao, Director Artworks
Carolyn & Aly, Experience Your Environment
Aashna Patel, Director Mentorship
Program Coordinators & Volunteers
ACADEMICS TEAM
- Experience Your Environment - Anne San Roman, Chair : Inside the outdoors award winning environmental Science program for PYLUSD Students at Carbon Canyon Regional Park 10-28-2023 4:40pm-6:30pm.
- From the Inside - Julia Wong Chair: Recent PYL alumni bring STEAM career insights to students on a Zoom meeting. November 15 6:30pm-7:30pm
- Communicating with Confidence - Evelyn Yao, VHS REACH Intern, Lead: These Learning Labs bring a hands on approach to communication skills.
- REACH Foundation Internship program - Gisele Nguyen Chair: This is a hands on work experience opportunity for PYL students who want to make an impact on their community.
- First Lego League Team Competition- Jolie Yang, Megan Wang, YLHS REACH Intern Chair: A robotics program that allows students grades 5-8 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.
ARTS
- Seat Dedication - Heather Siemons : We are 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. We also coordinate docents for the 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 : This is our biggest community event and raises funds for many programs, the Middle School Track Meet , Jog A Thon PTA sponsorships, RTeacher grants and more.
- Jog A Thon PTA Sponsorships- Elizabeth Chan & Ella Wong, REACH Intern Co-Chair: Our tradition of supporting PTA's with a sponsorship and delivery of bottled water is going on it's 5th year.
COMMUNITY OUTREACH
- Care Closet - Valerie Coulombe
- Placentia Chamber Representative for REACH Foundation - Gisele Nguyen
- Yorba Linda Chamber Representative for REACH - Amy Spillane
- PYLUC Representative for REACH - Diane Adamson
- Vintage PromWear - Claudia Beckham, Vivian Cuesta, Joanne Combs
- REACH Foundation Teacher Grants - Gisele Nguyen & Vivian Cuesta
- Kids In Need - Vivian Cuesta
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 long tradition of hosting a district wide Middle School Track Meet was canceled due to budget cuts. Many 6-8 grade students over the years have good memories and experienced the positive effects of being part of a middle school team, practicing and training to compete in a track and field sport that kept them interested in school and healthy lifestyles.
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.
This year, we begin our eleventh year as an all volunteer non-profit. 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 from Shamrock-n-Run supports the Middle SchoolTrack meet along with our support of over 22 elementary school PTA Jog A Thons. The foundation also funded $13,900 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 preparing them for the 21st Century.
We continue to be an all volunteer non-profit organization. In 202-2023, the foundation logged in over 3,900 volunteer hours. This year, we provided in-person experiences and continued a few of our virtual programs.
The sentiment of the founders of REACH remains steady in 2023-2024. 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
Together we give
Help us expand our programs to more students by clicking on the Donate button below. Thank you in advance for your support!