The Orangewood team of staff, board members and volunteers is second to none. The longevity of our staff is a testament to our culture and our mission. More than half of our employees have been with us for five or more years and a quarter for 10 or more years. Our Board of Directors is comprised of leaders in all segments of the community. Not to be forgotten are our volunteers who give over 5,500 hours of their time to our youth.
Annie has been with Orangewood Foundation since 2019. She has worked with various nonprofits such as Olive Crest and Boys Town, prior to coming to Orangewood. “I’m glad to be a part of an organization that provides high-quality care and makes a difference in the community,” she says. As a part of the Foundation, Annie helps build and maintain the quality of programs and services Orangewood Foundation offers. She has a Bachelor’s in Public Management and a Master’s in Public Administration. Outside of work, Annie enjoys playing contact sports and hanging out at home with her Great Dane. She is also a diehard Pittsburgh Steeler fan.
Joy joined the Orangewood team in March of 2020. Her HR career started at a local Orange County non-profit and continued in the private sector at organizations such as Fidelity National Financial, CoreLogic, Blizzard, and Ambry Genetics. She is happy to return to where her heart is, supporting at-risk youth, saying, “I believe that everyone deserves an opportunity to succeed and we should do what we can to support them.” Joy has a Master’s degree in Public Administration with an emphasis in Human Resources from CSUF and a Master of Arts in Organizational Leadership from Brandman University. She holds two senior level HR certifications: SHRM-SCP (Senior Certified Professional) and an SPHR (Senior Professional HR) from HRCI. Joy is an adjunct professor at Brandman University. She and her husband are “fur parents” to two rescue pups.
Tami has been with Orangewood Foundation since 2021. Before Orangewood, she’s worked at Boys Town and Bellflower Unified School District helping youth in our community. Tami is excited to be part of a team where staff are walking alongside youth offering support when needed. “I love working with a team that is passionate about helping youth. Nothing beats seeing a youth achieving a goal they set for themselves.” Outside of work, Tami enjoys reading, traveling and visiting the beach with her husband, daughters and dogs.
Nikki joined the Orangewood team in early 2022. She has worked in marketing for over 20 years, first in the private sector and most recently with a youth-focused nonprofit, Girl Scouts of Orange County. Nikki was drawn to Orangewood because she believes every youth should have the opportunity to reach their full potential. In her free time, Nikki enjoys traveling and going on outdoor adventures with her two teenage daughters and husband. You can also find her reading science fiction and fantasy novels in her garden.
Tyler started in 2020 as Orangewood’s Director of Facilities and Construction, and prior to this role, he was a consultant for Orangewood Foundation since 2018. He has worked in the construction and real estate development industry for a little over 10 years, working on a variety of public and private projects from inception through facilities management. When asked what he liked about his job at Orangewood, Tyler replied, “I enjoy helping to make sure our youth have a nice and healthy facility for them to reach their goals.” On Tyler’s free time, he enjoys surfing and relaxing at the beach with family and friends.
Lee Fleming is thrilled to serve as Samueli Academy Head of School. After teaching high social studies in the classroom for seven years, Lee worked for the New Tech Network for nearly a decade, traveling to support school leaders in over 150 different schools across the country and internationally. Lee then became a principal at Bonsall High School in North County San Diego where she helped build and lead the school through the first graduating class that launched in June of 2018. Lee came to Samueli Academy in July 2018. She said, “I was moved by the mission to provide a quality education and personalized care to students who are thriving under the warm and collaborative culture at Samueli Academy.”
Enrique Montiel joined the Orangewood team in June of 2022. Before Orangewood, he worked at Nuevo Amanecer Latino Children’s Services Foster Family Agency for 16 years in various roles with his last being the Executive Director. Enrique holds a Bachelors of Arts in Sociology from California Polytechnic University of Pomona and a Master’s of Science in Psychology. Enrique is an active alumni of the Renaissance Scholars Program, a college program at Cal Poly Pomona designed to help former foster youth succeed in college. Having spent 11 years in foster care himself, he joined Orangewood to help at-risk foster youth reach success and overcome the difficult terrain of the foster care system.
Jonathan joined Orangewood in 2020. Prior to the Foundation, he was a grant writer at UC Santa Barbara where he wrote proposals for scholarships and basic needs resources for low-income, first-generation, and underrepresented minority students. Jonathan earned his PhD while teaching university-level courses in writing, rhetoric and composition and more. He also conducted research on public writing and engagement and how people work with organizations to improve individual and community care practices. What he loves most about his job with Orangewood is the authentic and impactful relationships he builds with people in our community. In his free time, Jonathan enjoys talking and reading about politics. But most of all, he loves to spend time with his wife, Kristy, their two dogs and two cats.
Linda has been Orangewood’s Controller since 2016. Prior to the Foundation, she worked for two other non-profits in Orange County, serving the homeless. Linda loves to work for an organization that help youths reach their fullest potential, some youths have no idea how great they can be. She is inspired by the youth’s success and is proud to work with staff who does whatever it takes to make a difference. When she is not working, Linda spends time with her family and friends. Her favorite food is sushi.
John joined Orangewood in 2014. In his own small way, he helps the organization save money and run efficiently in order for front line staff to do their jobs to help youths in our community. His passions lies in the mission of Orangewood, to help youth reach their greatest potential. John was recognized by CALCPA and the Orange County Business Journal as the 2018 Not for Profit CFO of the Year. When he is not working, John loves to ride his bicycle around Orange County and do various outdoor activities with his wife and kids.
Rani has been in the social work field working with youth for over 20 years. She earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees in social work from New York (where she grew up) and began her career in California in 2004 working at Hillsides Home for Children, a group home for kids ages 6-18, providing therapy and case management to kids and families in foster care. Now at Orangewood Foundation, she is excited to provide youth transitioning into adulthood with an opportunity to heal in safe and supported spaces. She is married and has a 13-year-old son and a 10-year-old daughter. She is often cheering for her daughter at softball games and practices on weekends. She has a strong connection to her faith, loves listening to music, enjoys eating at new places, and traveling with family.
Dr. Mitchell joined the Orangewood team in December 2023. Prior, she was Executive Vice President, Chief Operating Officer at Lutheran Social Services of Southern California. As a seasoned leader in the social impact sector, Dr. Mitchell brings over 15 years of experience in developing and implementing innovative programs. She holds a Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy and a Doctorate in Applied Clinical Psychology. She is drawn to the mission of Orangewood because she wants to support youth in achieving self-sufficiency and empower them to become active participants in creating positive change within their communities, fostering a sense of agency and leadership that can have a lasting impact on their lives and the world around them. Dr. Mitchell is passionate about health and wellness. She loves to spend time with her family, engage in outdoor activities and learn new things.
Kendra joined Orangewood Foundation in April, 2019. Prior to working at the Foundation, she started her development career at Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) of Orange County. Since then, Kendra worked in various nonprofits such as Orange County United Way and The Raise Foundation. She was drawn to Orangewood because of the consistent caring relationships staff develop with youth. Kendra enjoys connecting people to causes that matter to them. “I love to watch people find meaning and personal fulfillment through giving back to their community,” she says. When Kendra’s not working, she enjoys reading inspirational books, paddle boarding and seeing musicals and operas with her sisters and mom.
Anthony started his career in education in the classroom, teaching business and math. He was named “Rookie of the Year” his first year of teaching. His success in the classroom propelled him into administration. Prior to joining Orangewood Foundation as Head of School of Samueli Academy in 2012, he was the principal of Frazier Mountain High School in Lebec, California where he created an environment where teachers can collaborate and form a common standard and curriculum for students. About working at Samueli Academy, Anthony says, “It’s truly an honor and a privilege to serve the students and families of Orange County, and together we’re building something very special. Samueli Academy is a school that has produced graduates who are knowledgeable and confident.” Originally from Bakersfield, Anthony now resides in Newport Beach with his wife and two children.
Chris started his professional career in various finance roles, from an accountant in a large accounting firm to CFO of Auto Club. Chris joined Orangewood in 2007 as the CFO and was promoted to CEO in 2014. He loves that the Foundation has a wide variety of programs that support youth in making improvements in their life. “Seeing a smile on a youth’s face after one of their success, no matter how large or small, it is always rewarding.” Chris loves music. He has seen his favorite band, Metallica, over 20 times.
Rick joined Orangewood Foundation in 2018 after four years at a nonprofit tech company in Silicon Valley. He has worked in IT for over 10 years, primarily in the nonprofit sector. Rick was drawn to his current position because of his interest in working with underserved and vulnerable communities. “I love getting to work with an amazing group of people and finding ways to improve the technology we provide to better serve our mission and the needs of our youth.” When Rick is not working, he loves traveling with his wife, Lauren, and their dog, Tiberius.
Tuesday, June 14, 2022 – 8:00 a.m. – Agenda & Zoom Link
Tuesday, June 8, 2021 – 3:30 p.m. – Minutes & Meeting Materials
Tuesday, April 13, 2021 – 3:30 p.m – Minutes & Meeting Materials
Tuesday, June 9, 2020 – 3:00 p.m. – Minutes & Meeting Materials
Tuesday, June 13, 2023 – 8:00 a.m. – Minutes & Meeting Materials
Board meetings are open to the public. If you wish to speak at a Board meeting or address the board, please contact info@orangewoodfoundation.org. The public can request meeting materials, and Orangewood Foundation will provide them when the materials are distributed to the majority of the Board.
Executive Chairman and Chairman of the Board, William Lyon Homes, Inc
Of Counsel, Buchalter
Vice President & Client Advisor, Whittier Trust
Managing Partner, Converze
Vice President, Fidelity National Title Company
Managing Principal, Windjammer Capital Investors
President, Glumac
COO, Passco Companies, LLC
President/CEO, First National Capital Corporation
Partner, Deloitte Tax LLP
CEO, Athletes First
Leadership Advisor to High Performers, EQ Thought Leader, Coach, Speaker
Regional Vice President, Relationship Manager Capital Group
Vice President, Fidelity National Title Insurance Company
President, Horowitz Group
CEO/President, Universal Asphalt Co., Inc.
President & CEO, Motive Energy, Inc.
Community Philanthropist
President & CEO, The CDM Company and Founding PALS Board Member
CEO & President, Kirksey & Co.
Co-Founder and Managing Partner, Optima Tax Relief
Vice President, Snyder Langston
President, RPL and Associates, LLC
President, Tangram Interiors
Tech Director, Toshiba
Director, SoCalGas
President, Klein Products
Founder & CEO of Titan HST, and Founder & Managing Partner, Kalfayan Merjanian, LLP
Managing Director, PIMCO
Vice President, Wilson Automotive
CEO, Cliq
Wealth Strategist, AdvicePeriod
Western Regional President, Lennar
President, Anaheim Arena Management and COO of the Anaheim Ducks
Co-Chair of the Board and Vice President of the Samueli Foundation and Founding Chair of 44 Women for Orangewood
CEO & Founder, My Private Professor Tutoring
President, HRS Commercial Advisory & Brokerage
Business Executive, Core Logic
President, Pacific Drive-Ins, and Senior Vice President, Lyon Living
Vice President, Disneyland Park
Chief Financial Officer, Nature’s Growers
CEO and CFO, A-Tech Consulting, Inc.
Director, Citi Private Bank
Community Philanthropist
Investor
Community Philanthropist
Founder, Davis Capital LLC
President/CEO, DeCinces Properties
Mediator and Ombuds, ProblemResolved.org
Retired Bank CEO & Founder, Orangewood Ambassadors
Corporate Business Manager, 3M Health Care and Founding PALS Board Member
Community Philanthropist
Business Executive
Retired business executive
Managing Director, SARES-REGIS Group
Community Philanthropist
Attorney-at-Law, Hughes & Hughes
President, Arcadia Chair Company
Community Philanthropist
Community Philanthropist
Attorney-at-Law, Law Offices of Thomas L. Powell
American River Bank
President, Winfield Management, LLC
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Lyon Living
CEO, Bellwether Financial Group
Orange County Bureau Chief, NBC4 Southern California
President and Owner, Wilson Automotive