Board of Directors
A tireless group of dedicated indviduals, the REACH Board works to ensure we maintain our mission of creating inclusive communities and independent living for individuals with developmental disabilities through quality and affordable housing in the Tri-Valley.
Kay King, Chair
Kay King is a retired national account manager with Siemens ICN and has been actively involved with various non-profit organizations. She is a year round coach for R.A.D.D., Pleasanton’s Special Olympics Northern California team. She served on the board of Castlewood Women’s golf group, Valley Christian School PTF and made several trips with Cornerstone Fellowship’s Mission Teams to Kenya in support of the Nakuru Children Trust organization. Kay is committed to enhancing the lives of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities in the areas of independent living, sports activities and social events.
Sharon Almeida, Vice Chair
Sharon is the CEO of Cents & Sensibility, Inc. located in Pleasanton. With more than 30 years of experience in financial and investment advisory services, Sharon continues to guide local families by providing clarity and instilling the confidence necessary to make important wealth decisions. Sharon is an active member of the Tri-Valley community. Volunteering for REACH for nearly two decades has allowed her to help adults with developmental challenges enrich their quality of life. Sharon’s bonus son, Victor, previously lived in two REACH properties and is one of our Tri Valley athletes. Sharon also volunteers for the Sandra J. Wing Healing Therapies Foundation and previously served on the board of the HERS Breast Cancer Foundation.
Patrick O’Brien, Treasurer
Pat is currently the Chief Financial Officer for Leisure Sports and has been involved in many community service organizations in Santa Clara, San Joaquin and Alameda Counties. He has served on the Family Service Association Board in San Jose and Tracy High School Business/Education Partnership. He is a Director of Americans For Philanthropy, Chairperson of the Hacienda Child Development Fund, past President of the Alameda County Fair Association, Board Member of Cal Expo, State Fair and Member Axis Community Health Capital Campaign. Pat is very committed to advancing educational programs and promoting partnerships between Education and the Business Community.
Patty van Looy, Secretary
Patricia (Patty) van Looy is a retired school district employee whose past careers included Information Technology and Corporate Event Planning. She has volunteered for Pleasanton and Livermore Unified School Districts and various non-profit groups organizing events and fundraisers. She is a past volunteer for Amador Valley High School Athletic Boosters who partnered with Special Olympics to bring annual regional sports tournaments to Amador Valley High School in Pleasanton over the last decade. Patty is an advocate for people with developmental disabilities. She has first hand knowledge of their special needs from raising her son Daniel, who has Down syndrome and is now a young adult. Daniel recently moved into a REACH property and is loving his independence!
Brian Gentry, Board Member
Brian is a Senior Private Banking Officer and Ambassador with Fremont Bank in the Tri-Valley, having been in banking for over 30 years. He specializes in working with business owners and individuals on their loan and banking needs. He is active in the Pleasanton community, serving on the Board of Directors for Pleasanton Partnerships in Education and Keystone Adult Learning Center for the last ten years or more. He is also on the Board of the Las Positas College Foundation and the Pleasanton Chamber of Commerce. Brian is a Past President of the Rotary Club of Pleasanton, having been a member for over 15 years. He coached competitive youth soccer for 16 years for the Ballistic United Soccer Club of Pleasanton and coached Lacrosse for one season also.
Renee Kantor, Board Member
Renee is a strong advocate for individuals with developmental disabilities. For more than thirty-five years she has worked with various local, state and federal agencies to find the appropriate educational, medical, social and residential opportunities for her daughter. Renee holds a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology and Psychology, and she currently serves on the Parent Board at the University of San Diego as Philanthropy Chair. She has previously served on several Home Owners’ Association boards, and currently manages several personally owned properties. Renee has chaired many charity fund raising events and she has volunteered with numerous non-profit organizations. Renee is committed to improving the quality of life for individuals with disabilities.
Jamie Renton, Board Member
Jamie is currently the Adults with Disabilities Transition Specialist for Pleasanton Adult and Career Education, the Adult School for Pleasanton Unified School District. She coordinates a paid internship program for adults with disabilities. Jamie also works with community partners to develop job opportunities for people with disabilities. She is enthusiastic about helping her interns explore their skill sets and interests to find employment opportunities in our community. Jamie previously worked for many years as a Librarian, assisting under-served people in finding jobs and gaining independence. Jamie is an active member in the Pleasanton Chamber of Commerce, a Board member of HireAble, and a member of the Tri-Valley SELPA Community Advisory Council. She has won several awards for her work in Education.
Shelley Despotakis, Board Member
Shelley is an AVP Sales Executive at Fidelity National Title. Prior to joining Fidelity Title Company, Shelley was the CEO of the Danville Area Chamber of Commerce. Shelley worked in the nonprofit sector as the Manager of the Valley Care Charitable Foundation. She is currently on the Board of Directors for The Pleasanton Chamber of Commerce, and has also served for Leadership San Ramon Valley, and the Livermore Valley Chamber of Commerce. Shelley has deep roots in the Tri-Valley where her extended family also resides, including her teenage cousin with IDD. Shelley’s goal is to see all members of our community thrive and be represented. She wants all families to have the opportunity to relish the joy of seeing their children flourish into proud adults. Shelley volunteers for Homeless Refuge, Open Heart Kitchen, and Tri-Valley Haven.
Tamy Ratto, Advisory Board Member
Tamy has been with East Bay Innovations, a local non-profit working to facilitate Supported Living, Independent Living and Employment Services for individuals with developmental disabilities, for 25 years. She is dedicated to empowering others to live lives that are valued and purposeful. Tamy also has a special expertise in assisting people to secure affordable housing and public benefits (SSI, SSDI, MediCal and MediCare). In 2009, Tamy received the Diane Lipton Memorial Award for Outstanding Advocacy.