Walden Family Services, a Southern California-based nonprofit foster care, adoption and transition-age housing agency,is proud to welcome four new members to its Board of Directors.
The members, Breanna M. Gooch, Amber Lopez Gamble, Jackie Helm and Janine Taylor, will serve three-year terms alongside a cross section of Southern California community leaders who oversee and support Walden’s operations, strategy and vision to serve children and families throughout the region.
“Our new board members will truly help Walden in its mission to further the interests of children and youth in foster care and to expand our capacity to deliver nationally-accredited programs and services to these kids and their families,” said Walden CEO Teresa Stivers. “These new board members have already hit the ground running and we’re thrilled to be working with them.”
Thousand Oaks resident Breanna M. Gooch is an accomplished communications specialist with a passion for philanthropy and giving back to California’s diverse communities. The Communications Manager at Arthur Consulting Group, Inc., she holds a bachelor’s degree in journalism and communications from the University of Southern California and master’s degree in Public Policy & Administration from California Lutheran University. She currently serves on the university’s MPPA Advisory Alumni Board.
While working for several foundations in Los Angeles, Gooch has grown her expertise in website design, event organization as well as researching and analyzing various client industries. She and her husband Ted, a Netflix executive, have strong track records of giving to and engagement with nonprofits.
Amber López Gamble, of Lakewood, is the acting director of grants management at The California Wellness Foundation. In her role, López Gamble oversees grant-making policies and procedures, records management, software implementation and compliance with IRS regulations.
Previously, she worked for the Four Bands Community Fund on the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe Reservation in South Dakota, teaching a course in entrepreneurship and aiding small-business owners, and with California Institute for Rural Studies promoting leadership and civic participation among the Central Valley’s immigrant communities. She earned a certificate in project management from UCLA Extension and a bachelor’s degree in development and cultural change from University of the Pacific.
A real estate professional with more than 30 years of experience, Jackie Helm has a rich background in philanthropy, nonprofit governance and fundraising. Helm, a La Jolla resident and University of California San Diego graduate, works with with Gallery Properties in San Diego. A Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) with Voices for Children, Helm has first-hand experience with the complexities of the foster care system.
Helm is an avid volunteer having served as Chair of the Las Patronas Jewel Ball and president of the Foundation of La Jolla High School. She has also been on the boards of the National Charity League National Cheers Foundation and Concours D’Elegance.
Janine Taylor, who resides in Cardiff by the Sea, brings more than 25 years of business, financial and commercial operational experience to Walden’s board. With a bachelor’s in Economics and Business Administration and a master’s in Finance, she has served as chief financial officer for several start-ups and rapid-growth organizations specializing in industrial biotechnology and social change.
A dedicated adoptive parent, Janine is committed to breaking new ground and leading by example. As the current Vice President of Business Development and Commercial Operations at Nucelis, Janine continues to develop entrepreneurial strategies while positively influencing her colleagues.
ABOUT WALDEN FAMILY SERVICES
Walden Family Services provides foster care and adoption services for children and families throughout Southern California. Founded in 1976, Walden is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that addresses the unique needs of all children who are neglected and abused, including those who are medically fragile, have developmental disabilities and behavioral or mental health challenges as well as those who are in sibling groups or LGBTQ. The organization also provides transitional housing and programs for youth who have aged out of the foster care system, family visitation centers and parenting programs that focus on stopping the cycle of child abuse. For more information, visit www.waldenfamily.org.