Paul Thiebaut III, Founder & CEO of Thiebaut Method
For nearly 15 years, Paul have been teaching students categorized as high- and low-income, academically and socially-emotionally struggling, and special needs how to cultivate their passions (interests and curiosities) into practical, creative, and intellectual skills. Nearly every student Paul has worked with catches up to grade level and develops their unique gifts and talents. Paul has taught more than 1,000 students, trained more than 1,000 volunteers, staff, and parents how to cultivate passions, and founded a tutoring business, a home tutoring nonprofit, and an after school program - all designed to cultivate student passions. Most recently, Paul formalized his teaching approach for cultivating student passions into the education method, Thiebaut Method. In his 11 years as a Founder & CEO in the nonprofit sector, Paul has raised approximately $5M in grants and donations, developed lasting relationships with some of the Bay Area's most gracious foundations and philanthropists, built effective partnerships with educators, medical professionals, and other agencies that work with high need students, and led many successful marketing efforts, including front page coverage on the SJ Mercury News, video and print coverage in ESPN, and television coverage and financial support during multiple NFL 49er football games. Paul is a local hero for overcoming poverty through self-determination and creating educational innovations for low-income struggling students. He has given a TEDx Talk, among other presentations, about the effects of passion on human learning, performance, and achievement. Paul has also been the subject of several feature articles on his life. Paul researches and writes extensively about the science of passion. He loves to teach, innovate, research, write, think, exercise, and watch birds, documentaries and passionate people pursue their passions. Outside of education and psychology, Paul also loves learning about astronomy and evolutionary biology. His ultimate goal is to cultivate the passions of all humans.
For nearly 15 years, Paul have been teaching students categorized as high- and low-income, academically and socially-emotionally struggling, and special needs how to cultivate their passions (interests and curiosities) into practical, creative, and intellectual skills. Nearly every student Paul has worked with catches up to grade level and develops their unique gifts and talents. Paul has taught more than 1,000 students, trained more than 1,000 volunteers, staff, and parents how to cultivate passions, and founded a tutoring business, a home tutoring nonprofit, and an after school program - all designed to cultivate student passions. Most recently, Paul formalized his teaching approach for cultivating student passions into the education method, Thiebaut Method. In his 11 years as a Founder & CEO in the nonprofit sector, Paul has raised approximately $5M in grants and donations, developed lasting relationships with some of the Bay Area's most gracious foundations and philanthropists, built effective partnerships with educators, medical professionals, and other agencies that work with high need students, and led many successful marketing efforts, including front page coverage on the SJ Mercury News, video and print coverage in ESPN, and television coverage and financial support during multiple NFL 49er football games. Paul is a local hero for overcoming poverty through self-determination and creating educational innovations for low-income struggling students. He has given a TEDx Talk, among other presentations, about the effects of passion on human learning, performance, and achievement. Paul has also been the subject of several feature articles on his life. Paul researches and writes extensively about the science of passion. He loves to teach, innovate, research, write, think, exercise, and watch birds, documentaries and passionate people pursue their passions. Outside of education and psychology, Paul also loves learning about astronomy and evolutionary biology. His ultimate goal is to cultivate the passions of all humans.
Mariamne Borden, Director of Programs and Outreach
I have worked in the field of social services and education for the past nine years. I recently worked as a Family Advocate for Head Start for nearly four years. My past responsibilities included qualifying and enrolling families, maintaining health records and teaching families how to advocate for their children’s education. I graduated from San Jose State University with a degree in Psychology and Social Work. I grew up in a diverse community of low economic status. I am first generation in terms of American citizenship and college education, and was raised by my mother who immigrated from Panama with little means. Coming from a single parent family, I know the struggles of not having the financial support that I needed to overcome the cycle of poverty. My motivation is that all children from disadvantaged communities have the opportunities to become self-sufficient and successful without having to experience the same hardships that I went through getting to where I am today.
Faezeh Mokhtari, Curriculum and Lesson Planner, Cultivator
Faezeh is an instructor at Mathnasium of Hayward. She graduated in Agricultural Engineering from a University in Iran. She has worked as a researcher and lab assistant and currently she is a fellow with En-Corps specializing in STEM. She is an immigrant in U.S. so she understands immigrants’ problems and knows how much the life can become more difficult when people struggle with financial problems. She likes to help students with math by the method that is easy for them to understand.
Yazmine Patiño, Motivation Session Manager, Cultivator
Born and raised in the same community as many of the 10 Books A Home learners, Yazmine understands and in some cases, experienced many of the educational and personal struggles these children and their families face. As a young girl, her mother emphasized the importance of education, which encouraged Yazmine to read countless books, both in English and Spanish, to learn about the places, people and subjects those stories described. During her years in college, she rediscovered her passion for learning, focusing her studies on the culture, history and economic backgrounds of Latin American countries and Latino communities within the United States. She also discovered the importance of ensuring an individual is not only succeeding within their environment, but also thriving. 10 Books A Home truly builds on this statement, which was why Yazmine felt the organization was a great fit for her. She is eager to support every child within the program cultivate their own passion for learning and ultimately thrive within the education system, regardless of any barriers present.
Daisy Rosales, Cultivator
My unfortunate upbringing has inspired me to be better and to be of help to others. As an elementary school student I struggled through my classes and since then I always knew I wanted to be a role model to kids who lack one. I did take a bit of a detour before 10 Books A Home. For two years I have dedicated myself to the beauty industry but in the back of my mind I always had that image of a 10 year old girl playing teacher with her little sister and it constantly reminded me of my passion for teaching. While attending high school I tried to keep myself involved in my local schools. I tutored at Fair Oaks Elementary as I had grown up in this high-poverty area of Redwood City. I also volunteered at San Mateos Outdoor Education where I played the role of Cabin Leader for 15 little girls. I very quickly decided nothing beats a child’s smile or excitement over learning something new. I am excited for my journey here at 10 Books A Home. My hobbies include hiking, soccer, reading, and walks on the beach.
Carlos Tellez, Cultivator
Carlos is a local resident of East Palo Alto. He has encountered several obstacles that many low-income, and foreign families have faced in the land of the dreams. Growing up, assistance with school was a luxury, his parents worked two or more jobs to sustain the family, but there was always a strong support and push from the family towards education. As a child, books allowed Carlos to travel to a distant place, and live moments of many adventures. He is a AB540 student on his journey to obtain a B.A. in cognitive science with the focus on human-computer Interaction. Carlos believes that there is an immense power in books, and the knowledge obtained from them is the drive that allows many children to find their calling in life. Stories open doors to infinite pathways of learning and Carlos is determined to help those who want to learn to find the door that will optimize their method of seizing education.
Jazmin Castaneda, Cultivator
I was born and raised in East Side San Jose. Growing up in an abusive household the only real source of stability was found in books. I used reading as a form to escape and expand my knowledge. I was an inquisitive child and always wanted to know more. My family comes from a low-income background where English was a second language and it made school really rough for me to get through. In high school I was apart of the teaching academy program offered at my school and I focused solely on 1st graders. I also became a Girl Scout leader for young girls during my sophomore and junior year. I'm currently attending college with hopes to pursue law school and become a immigration lawyer. My passion has always been working with children and trying to give back into my community for people who may have lived the same struggles I have and give them the support and resources that I wish I had. I'm very excited about 10BH and feel that I have finally found a way to impact the community, especially children. I want to give them the opportunity that they deserve.
Ana Ontiveros, Cultivator
Being a Redwood City native and East Palo Alto resident, I am well aware of the struggles that kids in my community have with education. Knowing that I had to go through this unfortunate endeavor, I realized that I wanted to help make a difference. At first I thought I could help through different scenarios like being their nurse or maybe even a probation officer, but I soon realized that this wouldn’t teach much. I recently started working with special education students, teaching them how to be independent and it just warms my heart when they learn something new. Teaching my students has opened my heart and brought out my creative side. Growing up I was the oldest sibling and cousin, so I always was a role model to my younger family. They would always come to me for advice and help with homework. With 10 Books A Home, I feel like I can expand my teaching skills and find new creative ways to teach. I hope that at 10BH I can accomplish my goal of making a difference in a child’s life.
Jazmin Martinez, Cultivator
Having grown up in local communities near 10 Books A Home, I have seen and experienced both the struggle and potential that our youth hold. Education has always been said to be the gateway for success, however living under crucial circumstances at times can make it difficult for a child to see it as anything other than an additional barrier. Looking back into my years of education, I realize that the times I've enjoyed learning is when I'm genuinely curious and passionate over a subject. I'm humbled, grateful, and excited to be a part of 10 Books A Home, who does exactly that for a child; sparking knowledge and growth straight from the individuals motivations. Being the oldest among my siblings, without doubt, has placed me in the position of a "role model." I am aware that through 10BH, not only will I continue to take on that position, but I will also become an influential figure to other little ones whom our world will soon be in the hands of. After having bounced around from babysitting, volunteering, to being an assistant soccer coach for kids, I have finally stumbled upon 10BH and I am more than thrilled to witness the infinite potential of our youth, when education is placed in their own hands.
Having grown up in local communities near 10 Books A Home, I have seen and experienced both the struggle and potential that our youth hold. Education has always been said to be the gateway for success, however living under crucial circumstances at times can make it difficult for a child to see it as anything other than an additional barrier. Looking back into my years of education, I realize that the times I've enjoyed learning is when I'm genuinely curious and passionate over a subject. I'm humbled, grateful, and excited to be a part of 10 Books A Home, who does exactly that for a child; sparking knowledge and growth straight from the individuals motivations. Being the oldest among my siblings, without doubt, has placed me in the position of a "role model." I am aware that through 10BH, not only will I continue to take on that position, but I will also become an influential figure to other little ones whom our world will soon be in the hands of. After having bounced around from babysitting, volunteering, to being an assistant soccer coach for kids, I have finally stumbled upon 10BH and I am more than thrilled to witness the infinite potential of our youth, when education is placed in their own hands.
Amy Arrellin, Program Assistant
Amy is a local resident of East Palo Alto. She is currently a senior in high school at EPA Phoenix Academy. Growing up in East Palo Alto, Amy knows the struggle kids face in education. When Amy heard about 10 Books A Home, Amy was interested in finding a way to help and is currently working as a Program Assistant for the organization. In the past, Amy has worked at other local nonprofits and looks forward to being a part of 10 Books A Home.
Amy is a local resident of East Palo Alto. She is currently a senior in high school at EPA Phoenix Academy. Growing up in East Palo Alto, Amy knows the struggle kids face in education. When Amy heard about 10 Books A Home, Amy was interested in finding a way to help and is currently working as a Program Assistant for the organization. In the past, Amy has worked at other local nonprofits and looks forward to being a part of 10 Books A Home.
Board of Directors
John Benjamin, Chief Financial Officer John Benjamin joined SD Mayer as the Director of Business Development after 30 years of entrepreneurship, real estate development, accounting and management consulting experience. He has worked within the fields of finance, real estate development and hospitality services. His specialties include fundraising, team development, and strategy consulting. His work at SD Mayer focuses on the relationship management of all client engagements as he leads the expansion and growth initiatives for the firm.
Kurtis Kludt, Strategic Advisor
Kurtis Kludt is a Managing Director at Silicon Valley Real Ventures and manages SVRV's Global Real Estate Segregated Portfolio. Kurtis was born and raised in Silicon Valley. Kurtis is a financial engineer in the public equity markets and residential property market. He is CEO of ANA Holdings (Angel Networking Access), a diversified management and consulting company. Kurtis handles public equities, real estate and start-up investments. Kurtis is an avid researcher and analyst of public equity markets, investment opportunities, and new technologies. He is an angel investor and a financial adviser. He is an avid follower of the real estate market in Silicon Valley and brings a strong track record in investor fund acquisition. $100M of public equities transacted since inception with Charles Schwab and Interactive Brokers. Specialty research areas of fund management: real estate, dividend income, growth stocks, commodities, IPOs, and the technology sector. Kurtis works with and supports non-profit organizations such as the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, and Poppy Foundation Animal Hospital. Kurtis graduated with honors from the UCLA College of Letters and Science in conjunction with the Anderson School of Management, where he earned his B.S. degree in Business Economics.
Kurtis Kludt is a Managing Director at Silicon Valley Real Ventures and manages SVRV's Global Real Estate Segregated Portfolio. Kurtis was born and raised in Silicon Valley. Kurtis is a financial engineer in the public equity markets and residential property market. He is CEO of ANA Holdings (Angel Networking Access), a diversified management and consulting company. Kurtis handles public equities, real estate and start-up investments. Kurtis is an avid researcher and analyst of public equity markets, investment opportunities, and new technologies. He is an angel investor and a financial adviser. He is an avid follower of the real estate market in Silicon Valley and brings a strong track record in investor fund acquisition. $100M of public equities transacted since inception with Charles Schwab and Interactive Brokers. Specialty research areas of fund management: real estate, dividend income, growth stocks, commodities, IPOs, and the technology sector. Kurtis works with and supports non-profit organizations such as the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, and Poppy Foundation Animal Hospital. Kurtis graduated with honors from the UCLA College of Letters and Science in conjunction with the Anderson School of Management, where he earned his B.S. degree in Business Economics.
Kevin Ahlstrom, Member
Born and raised in Southern California, Kevin recently moved to the Bay Area, where he is an attorney at the law firm of Paul Hastings. Kevin developed a love for books as a child, when he and his dad read "The Chronicles of Narnia" together. Books have shaped his life, and he wants to help others experience the same excitement and satisfaction that he has found in reading. He believes that the most effective (and maybe only) way to help a person change his or her circumstances is to help that person learn how to read. Kevin is honored to assist 10BH however he can. He has an undergraduate degree from BYU in electrical engineering and a law degree
from The George Washington University.
Born and raised in Southern California, Kevin recently moved to the Bay Area, where he is an attorney at the law firm of Paul Hastings. Kevin developed a love for books as a child, when he and his dad read "The Chronicles of Narnia" together. Books have shaped his life, and he wants to help others experience the same excitement and satisfaction that he has found in reading. He believes that the most effective (and maybe only) way to help a person change his or her circumstances is to help that person learn how to read. Kevin is honored to assist 10BH however he can. He has an undergraduate degree from BYU in electrical engineering and a law degree
from The George Washington University.
Victor Shin, Strategy Adviser
Victor has over 20 years of experience in the financial industry in the San Francisco Bay Area, along with being a Senior Adjunct Professor since 2013. Currently he is the Vice President, Branch Manager for Bank of the West in downtown Oakland. He has held various senior positions amongst major institutions, such as Washington Mutual, Wells Fargo, Comerica Bank and First Republic. He also serves on the board of the Asian Business League of San Francisco and The Presidio Dance Academy, and in the past The Natural World Museum and Museum of Craft and Design. He graduated with an Executive MBA from Golden Gate University in 2004 and BA in Management and Accounting from Sonoma State University in 1996. Victor is an avid restaurateur, loves to travel, cook, read, run and spend time with his wife and two daughters.
Victor has over 20 years of experience in the financial industry in the San Francisco Bay Area, along with being a Senior Adjunct Professor since 2013. Currently he is the Vice President, Branch Manager for Bank of the West in downtown Oakland. He has held various senior positions amongst major institutions, such as Washington Mutual, Wells Fargo, Comerica Bank and First Republic. He also serves on the board of the Asian Business League of San Francisco and The Presidio Dance Academy, and in the past The Natural World Museum and Museum of Craft and Design. He graduated with an Executive MBA from Golden Gate University in 2004 and BA in Management and Accounting from Sonoma State University in 1996. Victor is an avid restaurateur, loves to travel, cook, read, run and spend time with his wife and two daughters.
Jonathan Thomas, Founding Member
Born in the Bay Area, Jonathan grew up in East Palo Alto during some of its worst years. He went to grade school and high school in East Palo Alto before going to Harvard University to obtain his undergraduate degree in English. Since Jonathan was thirteen, he has worked in a multitude of educational settings, working with children between the ages of preschool and high school. Jonathan found out about 10 Books A Home through its founder Paul not long after its creation in July 2009. He has been an active member of the organization ever since, serving as a board member and tutoring three children. Jonathan’s commitment to his community and his passion for education makes him a perfect fit with the mission and goals of 10BH. Currently, Jonathan is employed in the education and health care sectors.
Born in the Bay Area, Jonathan grew up in East Palo Alto during some of its worst years. He went to grade school and high school in East Palo Alto before going to Harvard University to obtain his undergraduate degree in English. Since Jonathan was thirteen, he has worked in a multitude of educational settings, working with children between the ages of preschool and high school. Jonathan found out about 10 Books A Home through its founder Paul not long after its creation in July 2009. He has been an active member of the organization ever since, serving as a board member and tutoring three children. Jonathan’s commitment to his community and his passion for education makes him a perfect fit with the mission and goals of 10BH. Currently, Jonathan is employed in the education and health care sectors.
Carol Milstein, Accountant
During the past 29 years, my primary focus has been raising my three children. During this time, I also maintained a part-time practice, which provided accounting and bookkeeping services to a few small businesses. I was an active volunteer at my children’s schools, Congregation Beth Am, and in Scouting, knowing as I did the vital importance of youth education. More recently, I have been Membership Chair of the Beth Am Women’s Board and joined 10 Books A Home as a Role Model. Now that my children are launched (two working full timers and one in graduate school), I’m looking forward to using my experience in accounting, organizational skills and my passion for youth education to support 10BH in transforming the lives of families in our local underserved community.
During the past 29 years, my primary focus has been raising my three children. During this time, I also maintained a part-time practice, which provided accounting and bookkeeping services to a few small businesses. I was an active volunteer at my children’s schools, Congregation Beth Am, and in Scouting, knowing as I did the vital importance of youth education. More recently, I have been Membership Chair of the Beth Am Women’s Board and joined 10 Books A Home as a Role Model. Now that my children are launched (two working full timers and one in graduate school), I’m looking forward to using my experience in accounting, organizational skills and my passion for youth education to support 10BH in transforming the lives of families in our local underserved community.
Victoria Schultz, Secretary
Victoria, originally from a small town in Germany, has spent a good chunk of her life living in the Menlo Park, Redwood City and East Palo Alto areas in California. She developed a love for reading at an early age, devoured the Harry Potter series so fast that her parents didn’t believe her, and taught herself how to read in German. This passion translated into later life where Victoria worked as a Student Librarian during her four years at Menlo College. Victoria joined 10 Books A Home as a Role Model in March of 2015 with the hopes of giving back to the community she calls home to encourage more children to find the joy and value in reading. Victoria currently leads Marketing for a small start-up that provides a Learning Management System to businesses and other organizations. She is also putting her marketing skills to work by running the 10 Books A Home Twitter page.
Victoria, originally from a small town in Germany, has spent a good chunk of her life living in the Menlo Park, Redwood City and East Palo Alto areas in California. She developed a love for reading at an early age, devoured the Harry Potter series so fast that her parents didn’t believe her, and taught herself how to read in German. This passion translated into later life where Victoria worked as a Student Librarian during her four years at Menlo College. Victoria joined 10 Books A Home as a Role Model in March of 2015 with the hopes of giving back to the community she calls home to encourage more children to find the joy and value in reading. Victoria currently leads Marketing for a small start-up that provides a Learning Management System to businesses and other organizations. She is also putting her marketing skills to work by running the 10 Books A Home Twitter page.
Advisory Board
Leslie Johnson, Member
Leslie is a former early childhood educator and Special Education teacher who is passionate about children’s literature and early literacy. She recognizes the value of early education and intervention and the involvement of both parents and children in the learning process, thus is a strong advocate for what 10 Books A Home provides to families. Leslie has a B.S. degree in Child Development from Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo and a Master’s degree in Special Education from San Francisco State. She is an advisor to the Hurlbut-Johnson Charitable Trust, a 10 Books A Home contributor since 2012. In addition, she is founder and co-president of Epic Transitions, aka Trek Epic, a non-profit that supports young adults in discovering their authentic selves and unique gifts through guided, transformational trek experiences. A native of the Bay Area, Leslie is the mother of four young adult children who share her love of reading.
Leslie is a former early childhood educator and Special Education teacher who is passionate about children’s literature and early literacy. She recognizes the value of early education and intervention and the involvement of both parents and children in the learning process, thus is a strong advocate for what 10 Books A Home provides to families. Leslie has a B.S. degree in Child Development from Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo and a Master’s degree in Special Education from San Francisco State. She is an advisor to the Hurlbut-Johnson Charitable Trust, a 10 Books A Home contributor since 2012. In addition, she is founder and co-president of Epic Transitions, aka Trek Epic, a non-profit that supports young adults in discovering their authentic selves and unique gifts through guided, transformational trek experiences. A native of the Bay Area, Leslie is the mother of four young adult children who share her love of reading.
Seth Gottlieb, Strategy Adviser
Seth Gottlieb is a Partner at Cooley LLP where his practice focuses on representing private and public companies, entrepreneurs and venture capital investors in a broad range of corporate transactions. He counsels high growth companies throughout their lifecycle and guides them from startup through IPO or acquisition. His clients are primarily in the technology space as well as other high growth industries, including software, social media, medical device and biotechnology. Seth has advised clients in over 150 private financings, 20 M&A transactions and 30 public offerings, including IPOs for Pure Storage, ServiceNow, Control4, Epocrates, Adamas Pharmaceuticals, Calithera Biosciences and Intersect ENT. Seth’s corporate clients have also included Platfora, Roku, Snowflake Computing and Stemcentrx. Seth was the recipient of numerous awards in law school and has been named a Northern California Super Lawyers Rising Star since 2014.
Seth Gottlieb is a Partner at Cooley LLP where his practice focuses on representing private and public companies, entrepreneurs and venture capital investors in a broad range of corporate transactions. He counsels high growth companies throughout their lifecycle and guides them from startup through IPO or acquisition. His clients are primarily in the technology space as well as other high growth industries, including software, social media, medical device and biotechnology. Seth has advised clients in over 150 private financings, 20 M&A transactions and 30 public offerings, including IPOs for Pure Storage, ServiceNow, Control4, Epocrates, Adamas Pharmaceuticals, Calithera Biosciences and Intersect ENT. Seth’s corporate clients have also included Platfora, Roku, Snowflake Computing and Stemcentrx. Seth was the recipient of numerous awards in law school and has been named a Northern California Super Lawyers Rising Star since 2014.
Sean Murphy, School Teacher Adviser
Sean is currently a Special Education teacher at AchieveKids in Palo Alto. He studied Special Education with an emphasis in Specific Learning Disabilities (SLD) at Michigan State University. Before moving to the Bay Area Sean was a Special Education Teacher in the greater Phoenix, Arizona area. Sean founded Good Humans Tutoring LLC in Tempe, Arizona with the goal of providing quality special education services to home schooled children with mild to moderate disabilities. Sean is passionate about inclusive and equitable education for individuals with disabilities, and individuals from underserved communities. When he’s not in the classroom you can find him pursuing his passion for adventure through travel, hiking, camping, or reading. Action Sports such as skateboarding and snowboarding have been long-term passions of Sean’s that continue to motivate and challenge him.
Sean is currently a Special Education teacher at AchieveKids in Palo Alto. He studied Special Education with an emphasis in Specific Learning Disabilities (SLD) at Michigan State University. Before moving to the Bay Area Sean was a Special Education Teacher in the greater Phoenix, Arizona area. Sean founded Good Humans Tutoring LLC in Tempe, Arizona with the goal of providing quality special education services to home schooled children with mild to moderate disabilities. Sean is passionate about inclusive and equitable education for individuals with disabilities, and individuals from underserved communities. When he’s not in the classroom you can find him pursuing his passion for adventure through travel, hiking, camping, or reading. Action Sports such as skateboarding and snowboarding have been long-term passions of Sean’s that continue to motivate and challenge him.
Nancy Kludt, Strategy Adviser
Nancy Kludt, a lifelong entrepreneur, practices her passion for ongoing education. She spends her days as a youth business consultant, inclusive of movement curriculum author, world level gymnastics coach, events coordinator, tutor, student and working artist. Nancy brings over forty years of foundational business systems knowledge to learning experiences for youth. She is a staunch advocate of right to education for children in low-income environments and those living with special needs. During her years as owner of Twisters Sports Center Nancy taught at Head Start and conducted free "Instructor Seminars" for early childhood and elementary educators. Her award-winning nonprofit governing and advisory board positions include Stand for Children, City of San Jose Month of the Young Child, Santa Clara County Child Care Coalition, Special Olympics, USA-Gymnastics, Movement Matters, Twisters Kids With Special Needs, and Wipeout Cancer, to name a few. A proud alumni of San Jose State University, Nancy is the mother of two children and two grandchildren.
Nancy Kludt, a lifelong entrepreneur, practices her passion for ongoing education. She spends her days as a youth business consultant, inclusive of movement curriculum author, world level gymnastics coach, events coordinator, tutor, student and working artist. Nancy brings over forty years of foundational business systems knowledge to learning experiences for youth. She is a staunch advocate of right to education for children in low-income environments and those living with special needs. During her years as owner of Twisters Sports Center Nancy taught at Head Start and conducted free "Instructor Seminars" for early childhood and elementary educators. Her award-winning nonprofit governing and advisory board positions include Stand for Children, City of San Jose Month of the Young Child, Santa Clara County Child Care Coalition, Special Olympics, USA-Gymnastics, Movement Matters, Twisters Kids With Special Needs, and Wipeout Cancer, to name a few. A proud alumni of San Jose State University, Nancy is the mother of two children and two grandchildren.
Kimberly Carpenter, Research Committee Member
Kim returned to the Bay Area eight years ago with a passion to work for equity in early education. Coming from the perspective that children who start Kindergarten with the skills to achieve academically and socially are more likely to continue to succeed throughout their formal education and beyond, she is thrilled to play a role in 10BH efforts to unlock ILMers’ limitless potential to learn and thrive. Kim holds a PhD in Developmental Psychology from Vanderbilt University and has extensive project management and data analysis skills, including conducting county-wide school readiness assessments in the Bay Area. The work of 10BH is a natural extension of her work as a Project Manager at a community-based research firm in San Jose (ASR) where she helps improve the wellbeing of children and families by engaging local programs and service delivery systems in strategic planning, program evaluation, and collective impact efforts.
Kim returned to the Bay Area eight years ago with a passion to work for equity in early education. Coming from the perspective that children who start Kindergarten with the skills to achieve academically and socially are more likely to continue to succeed throughout their formal education and beyond, she is thrilled to play a role in 10BH efforts to unlock ILMers’ limitless potential to learn and thrive. Kim holds a PhD in Developmental Psychology from Vanderbilt University and has extensive project management and data analysis skills, including conducting county-wide school readiness assessments in the Bay Area. The work of 10BH is a natural extension of her work as a Project Manager at a community-based research firm in San Jose (ASR) where she helps improve the wellbeing of children and families by engaging local programs and service delivery systems in strategic planning, program evaluation, and collective impact efforts.
2018 Gala Planning Committee
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Committee Chairs
Victor Shin (VP, Bank of the West) - Victor has over 20 years of experience in the financial industry in the San Francisco Bay Area, along with being a Senior Adjunct Professor since 2013. Currently he is the Vice President, Branch Manager for Bank of the West in downtown Oakland. He has held various senior positions amongst major institutions, such as Washington Mutual, Wells Fargo, Comerica Bank and First Republic. Sheri Sobrato (Trustee, Sobrato Organization) - Eldest daughter of John and Sue Sobrato, Sheri recently coauthored and is distributing Digging Deep: A Journal for Young People Facing Health Challenges, which helps children and teens build emotional strength and resilience through journal writing. Other philanthropic priorities include small arts organizations, brain tumor research, and global programs including education and women and children’s issues. Sheri is a current member of The Philanthropy Workshop, a Dame of Honor of the Knights of St. John, and an alumna of the Pipeline Fellowship. Committee Members Kevin Ahlstrom (Associate, Baker Botts LLP) - Born and raised in Southern California, Kevin recently moved to the Bay Area, where he is an attorney at the law firm of Paul Hastings. Kevin developed a love for books as a child, when he and his dad read "The Chronicles of Narnia" together. Books have shaped his life, and he wants to help others experience the same excitement and satisfaction that he has found in reading. Arum Lansel (Program Operations Manager, David & Lucile Packard Foundation) - Prior to joining the Packard Foundation, Arum was a Senior Project Officer for Tetra Tech DPK, a consulting firm that helps developing and transitioning countries establish the rule of law. She also previously worked for International Justice Mission (IJM), a non-profit organization working to protect the poor from violence in the developing world. Kurtis Kludt (Managing Partner, Silicon Valley Real Ventures) - Kurtis Kludt is a Managing Director at Silicon Valley Real Ventures and manages SVRV's Global Real Estate Segregated Portfolio. He is CEO of ANA Holdings (Angel Networking Access), a diversified management and consulting company. Kurtis works with and supports non-profit organizations such as the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, and Poppy Foundation Animal Hospital. Seth Gottleib (Partner, Cooley LLP) - Seth Gottlieb is a Partner at Cooley LLP where his practice focuses on representing private and public companies, entrepreneurs and venture capital investors in a broad range of corporate transactions. He counsels high growth companies throughout their lifecycle and guides them from startup through IPO or acquisition. Seth’s corporate clients have also included Platfora, Roku, Snowflake Computing and Stemcentrx. Seth was the recipient of numerous awards in law school and has been named a Northern California Super Lawyers Rising Star since 2014. Ankesh Kumar (Serial Entrepreneur, Currently building out Personic and Shartivity) - Ankesh Kumar is a serial entrepreneur who has incubated numerous companies, taken 2 companies from inception to $20m in revenue. Raised $50m along the ways and sold patents to Google. Apart from currently growing two start-up's, Ankesh is also running a CEO Think Tank group. Connie L. Ellerbach (Partner, Fenwick & West LLP) - Connie Ellerbach’s practice focuses on trademark and trade name counseling, including the development and management of trademark portfolios, resolving conflicts over disputed marks and names, and establishing and enforcing rights in trademarks used on the Internet. She advises clients from start-ups to multinational corporations on the selection, enhancement and enforcement of trademarks and brands, and regarding securing and protecting domain name rights. Tarah Evans (Executive Director, Franklin and Catherine Johnson Foundation) - Tarah has more than 15 years of experience with non-profits. Tarah was a consultant to the Job Corps division of the U.S. Department of Labor in Washington, DC. and the director of New Ways Workers, a San Francisco-based youth program for high school students. Working with the mayor’s office and the San Francisco school district, she designed and launched a variety of mentoring and school-to-career programs. Youth education programs are her passion – she currently serves on the board of the East Palo Alto Youth Court, one of the newest additions to the portfolio. Eric Forgaard (Civic Engagement Specialist, San Mateo County Manager's Office) - Eric Forgaard is the Civic Engagement Specialist in the San Mateo County Manager’s Office and is proud to serve as a Role Model in the 10BH program. Prior to joining the County he served as Director of Administrative Services at JobTrain, managing the HR function and overseeing IT, volunteers, facilities and the website. He also served as the Preschool Director. He previously served on the County’s Fatherhood Collaborative Board, and has volunteered in various capacities to promote youth education and literacy. Lisa Chaberlain (MD, MPH, Associate Professor of Pediatrics, Associate Chair, Policy & Community Engagement, Stanford School of Medicine) - Lisa worked in East Palo Alto for 14 years as a Pediatrician, and she is proud of the fact that she referred the very first kid to 10 Books A Home. At Stanford she does research examining child health disparities in California and teaches courses on how poverty and health intersect. She is often in Sacramento bringing the best evidence to child health policy discussions. Jennifer E. Villa (Trustee, Villa Family Foundation) - Originally born in Miami, FL, Jennifer moved out to the Bay Area to pursue joint master's degrees in business and computer science at Stanford. Prior to graduate school, she worked as a hardware engineer at Intel in Austin, TX. Although her career and education have focused on STEM fields, she enjoyed reading novels from a young age. Series like Harry Potter and Nancy Drew were an important part of her childhood, and by working with 10BH, she hopes to help Palo Alto kids find books that delight and inspire them. Claire Chang (Startup Investor) John Delaney (Software Engineer, Salesforce) Henry Kim (Founder & CEO, Luminous Talent) Gisela Bushey (Fellow, San Jose Mayor’s office, former director of SanDisk Foundation) |