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      • About Us
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    • Academics
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      • FLL Challenge Grade 4-8
      • FLL Explore Grade 1-4
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      • Shamrock'n Run
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      • MS Cross-Country Meet
    • Donate
      • Donate TODAY
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  • Home
  • About Us
    • About Us
    • Newsletter
    • Sponsors
    • Community Service & PVSA
  • Academics
    • CWC Learning Labs
    • FLL Challenge Grade 4-8
    • FLL Explore Grade 1-4
    • Internship Program
    • From the Inside Speakers
    • Experience Environment
    • STEAM Club
  • Arts & OutREACH
    • ArtWorks
    • Seat Dedication
    • Vintage Prom Wear
    • Care Closet
  • Athletics
    • Shamrock'n Run
    • Middle School Track Meet
    • MS Cross-Country Meet
  • Donate
    • Donate TODAY
    • Educator Grants
  • Contact Us
REACH Foundation

Enrich, Inspire & Engage at REACH

Enrich, Inspire & Engage at REACHEnrich, Inspire & Engage at REACH

Our Vision

"To support and provide learning opportunities for students in the

Placentia -Yorba Linda Unified School District." 


Founded in 2012, the REACH Foundation, an education non-profit, was created to support enrichment programs in Academics, Arts and Athletics for 34 schools (Grades K-12) in PYLUSD.

A Milestone Moment!

REACH Foundation, a 2025 California Nonprofit of the Year!

According to the Causes Count New Findings report, "California’s nonprofits bring more than $40 billion into California each year from out-of-state sources, and one in every 14 California jobs is at a nonprofit. California’s state, county, and city governments rely heavily on nonprofits to serve communities."  

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 partners.


The foundation of our 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 - Perseverance, Flexibility, Leadership, Initiative, Productivity, and Social skills


The REACH Foundation uses 21st Century learning skills as the tool to measure the value of the programs we support in Athletics, Arts and Academics. 


Empowering Hearts and 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

Melina Michaels, Exec Advisor/Director Programs

Melina Michaels, Exec Advisor/Director Programs

"Education is not the learning of facts, but training the mind to think." - Albert Einstein. As a PYLUSD parent for 22 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!   

Melina Michaels, Exec Advisor/Director Programs

Melina Michaels, Exec Advisor/Director Programs

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. "

Mary Ahn, Treasurer

Melina Michaels, Exec Advisor/Director Programs

Vivian Cuesta, Kids In Need/Vintage Promwear Director

Vivian Cuesta, Kids In Need/Vintage Promwear Director

Anne San Roman, Academics Advisor & Elementary Programs

Vivian Cuesta, Kids In Need/Vintage Promwear Director

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.

Claudia Beckman, Secretary

Anne San Roman, Academics Advisor & Elementary Programs

Anne San Roman, Academics Advisor & Elementary Programs

Roy Gill, Athletics Race Director MSTM, MSXC & SRR

Roy Gill, Athletics Race Director MSTM, MSXC & SRR

Roy Gill, Athletics Race Director MSTM, MSXC & SRR

 "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, teaching me to navigate challenges and push beyond limits. This is my hope for my daughters and the next generation of students.

Valerie Coulombe, Care Closet

Roy Gill, Athletics Race Director MSTM, MSXC & SRR

Roy Gill, Athletics Race Director MSTM, MSXC & SRR

"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.



Jennifer DeBias, VP Academics

Roy Gill, Athletics Race Director MSTM, MSXC & SRR

Jennifer Bolanis-Rogers, Finance & Special Projects



Jennifer Bolanis-Rogers, Finance & Special Projects

Jennifer Bolanis-Rogers, Finance & Special Projects

Jennifer Bolanis-Rogers, Finance & Special Projects



Carrie Johnson, MSTM Athletic Director

Jennifer Bolanis-Rogers, Finance & Special Projects

Carrie Johnson, MSTM Athletic Director

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, PTA Council Director

Jennifer Bolanis-Rogers, Finance & Special Projects

Carrie Johnson, MSTM Athletic Director

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.

Heather Siemons, Arts & Seat Dedication Sr. Director

Heather Siemons, Arts & Seat Dedication Sr. Director

Heather Siemons, Arts & Seat Dedication Sr. Director

Joanne Combs , Vintage PromWear Asst. Director

Heather Siemons, Arts & Seat Dedication Sr. Director

Heather Siemons, Arts & Seat Dedication Sr. Director

Antonio Gei, Athletics/SRR Director

Heather Siemons, Arts & Seat Dedication Sr. Director

David Huizar, Academics/FLL Director

David Huizar, Academics/FLL Director

Amy Spillane, Community Liaison Director

David Huizar, Academics/FLL Director

Amy Spillane, Community Liaison Director

Amy Spillane, Community Liaison Director

Amy Spillane, Community Liaison Director



Allyson Reeds, Athletics Director

Amy Spillane, Community Liaison Director

Amy Spillane, Community Liaison Director

is a passionate advocate for health, wellness, and inclusive education. A marathon runner, cross country coach and USC doctoral candidate, she inspires with Da Vinci’s words: "Iron rusts from disuse; water loses its purity from stagnation… even so does inaction sap the vigor of the mind,” integrating movement, reflection, and wellness into education for all.


Dr. Elizabeth Leon, PYLUSD Liaison

Stephanie Gormley, Internship Program Academics Director

Stephanie Gormley, Internship Program Academics Director



Stephanie Gormley, Internship Program Academics Director

Stephanie Gormley, Internship Program Academics Director

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,

California. Over the course of her career, she has developed a thoughtful understanding of the issues that can impact the financial

lives of high-net-worth clients and their families. Stephanie takes great satisfaction in making personal connections with clients

and helping to simplify the complexities of significant wealth.  Stephanie earned her Bachelor’s degree in economics and international studies from the University of California, Irvine. An Orange

County native and PYL parent, Stephanie is active in her community and volunteers

with various organizations.


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 society.

Capturing Our Mission: A Photo Story of REACH Foundation

    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

    Capturing Our Mission: A Photo Story of REACH Foundation

    1/6

    Program Coordinators & Volunteers

    ACADEMICS TEAM 

    • From the Inside - Carolyn Suh & Evelyn Yao Leads. Recent PYL alumni bring STEAM career insights to students at the District School Board Conference Room on May 30th from 6:00 pm-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. 
    • 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.

    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!

    Donate

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