Leadership
Board of Directors
David Wilbur, chair
David Wilbur has been on the board of directors of Options for Learning since 2010, serving as the chair since 2017. With multiple degrees in engineering and training in management, he worked as an engineer, manager and director for a small aerospace firm for more than 35 years. In 2013, his wife and he founded a nonprofit company providing education and mentoring services to children and families in East Los Angeles.Margarita Buitrago
Margarita Buitrago has served on the board of directors since October 2019. She is the current audit chair and is also a member of the Strategic Planning Committee. Margarita was Options for Learning’s interim CEO from June 2018 to June 2019. She started her professional career in public accounting in Los Angeles and has worked in various organizations, leading change and innovation in accounting departments. Margarita is an executive business consultant. Margarita earned an MBA from UCLA's Anderson School and a bachelor's degree in accounting from Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles. She is a California-certified public accountant and a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants.
Peter Casciani
Peter Casciani is the CFO of Ticketmaster and is responsible for leading all aspects of the financial functions. Peter joined Live Nation in a finance leadership role in 2007. In 2010, Live Nation and Ticketmaster merged, creating the world’s largest producer of live events and the largest and most scalable ticketing platform.
Over the past 15 years, Peter has collaborated on and driven strategic initiatives, partnership investments, financial management, and operational modeling while navigating a fast-paced environment in a rapidly changing and evolving industry. He is a trusted business partner, leading the continuous evaluation of short- and long-term financial objectives while offering sound advice on the financial implications of business activities.
Prior to joining Ticketmaster, Peter spent 10 years with The Walt Disney Company in the Consumer Products Division, progressing through various finance leadership roles across the Video Game and Licensing groups. Peter is an engaging, collaborative, and influential leader who strives to be a mentor who cultivates a strong team culture.
Over the past 15 years, Peter has collaborated on and driven strategic initiatives, partnership investments, financial management, and operational modeling while navigating a fast-paced environment in a rapidly changing and evolving industry. He is a trusted business partner, leading the continuous evaluation of short- and long-term financial objectives while offering sound advice on the financial implications of business activities.
Prior to joining Ticketmaster, Peter spent 10 years with The Walt Disney Company in the Consumer Products Division, progressing through various finance leadership roles across the Video Game and Licensing groups. Peter is an engaging, collaborative, and influential leader who strives to be a mentor who cultivates a strong team culture.
Sandra A. Ell
Sandra Ell, CPA, spent 25 years at the California Institute of Technology (Caltech), culminating in her appointment as chief investment officer in 1998. Reporting to the Board of Trustees’ Investment Committee, she oversaw approximately $2.5 billion in endowment and other funds, as well as the university’s real estate portfolio. She led a team of investment professionals and served on multiple advisory boards. Prior to Caltech, she worked as an auditor for the U.S. General Accounting Office and the Internal Revenue Service. A licensed CPA in California, she earned a bachelor's degree with honors in Latin from UC Berkeley and studied at the Stanford University Center for Classical Studies in Rome.Now retired from Caltech, Sandra continues her commitment to stewardship and community through service on numerous nonprofit boards and investment committees, including the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, the Pasadena Community Foundation, the Getty Villa Council, and Options for Learning. She has also mentored student entrepreneurs at USC’s Viterbi School of Engineering, where she was named Mentor of the Year in 2017. A Pasadena native and John Muir High School graduate, Sandra lived and worked in Rome for four years before returning home, where she remains active in civic and cultural life.
Claire O. Florentin
Claire Florentin is a marketing strategist with more than 16 years of experience leading brand, communications, and digital strategy across health care, nonprofit, and real estate sectors. As principal of CF Consulting Services, she partners with mission-driven organizations to clarify their brand identity, strengthen community engagement, and align marketing efforts with organizational goals. Her clients have included Planned Parenthood Pasadena and San Gabriel Valley, Boys & Girls Club of Pasadena, the Child Education Center, Carmel Partners, and Huntington Hospital. She also provides pro bono marketing support to select nonprofit organizations.Previously, Claire served as director of enterprise marketing and digital strategy at Huntington Hospital, where she led systemwide marketing for the hospital, specialty centers, and physician network. Under her leadership, digital engagement and brand visibility expanded significantly, supporting the hospital’s affiliation with Cedars-Sinai. Earlier in her career, she led communications for Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital in Toronto and held marketing roles across the technology, multifamily real estate, and health care sectors in the United States and Canada. Claire holds a bachelor's degree with honors in history from the UC Berkeley. She lives in La Cañada with her husband and two children.
Marlen Gomez
Marlen Gomez is a principal with CliftonLarsonAllen LLP, a professional services network. She specializes in planning, directing, and supervising audits of charter schools, foundations, and nonprofits. She has more than a decade of experience and consults with nonprofits on a variety of accounting and tax-related matters. Marlen earned a bachelor's degree in accounting from the University of La Verne and is a CPA licensed in California.
Andrew Levey
Andrew Levey is a California licensed attorney with extensive experience in employment law and human resources management. He is the vice president of human resources and organizational development for Community Partners, a 501(c)(3) fiscal sponsor. Andrew provides leadership and guidance in all personnel matters, including employment/labor relations, training and development, talent management, and employment law.
Prior to joining Community Partners, Andrew was the chief human resources officer at Nigro, Karlin, Segal, Feldstein & Bolno, LLC, where he oversaw all human resource functions. He has also worked at Paramount Pictures, serving as the vice president of human resources (legal). He received a J.D. from the University of the Pacific, McGeorge School of Law, and a bachelor’s degree in political science from UC Berkeley.
Prior to joining Community Partners, Andrew was the chief human resources officer at Nigro, Karlin, Segal, Feldstein & Bolno, LLC, where he oversaw all human resource functions. He has also worked at Paramount Pictures, serving as the vice president of human resources (legal). He received a J.D. from the University of the Pacific, McGeorge School of Law, and a bachelor’s degree in political science from UC Berkeley.
Evan Pan, treasurer
Evan Pan has been a board member since 2016. He is the chief investment officer and managing partner for Pan Global Advisers, LLC, and is also the chief investment officer and partner of Tax Efficient Asset Management Solutions, Inc., a multi-family office RIA. Evan has more than 20 years of world-class investment experience, including his previous positions as chief investment officer for The Fuller Foundation and director of investments at Caltech Endowment.
Before that, he was a portfolio manager at Dimensional Fund Advisors and vice president at Pacific Investment Management Company (PIMCO). He is a chartered financial analyst and a member of the CFA Society of Los Angeles. Evan holds a bachelor’s degree in economics from UC Irvine and a master’s degree in business UCLA’s Anderson School of Business.
Heather Ransons
Heather Ransons is a communications professional and educator and a proud parent whose firsthand experience with early learning fuels her advocacy. Her daughter participated in Options for Learning’s home-based program at age 3, benefiting from individualized instruction and meaningful peer connections before transitioning to a center-based classroom at age 4. Today, she is a thriving first-grader with a love of writing and drawing. Heather has valued the opportunity to work part-time during her daughter’s early years, allowing her to stay closely engaged in her growth and development.Heather holds a bachelor’s degree in communications from Cal State Fullerton, a multiple-subject teaching credential, and a master’s degree in education from Cal State Dominguez Hills. She previously served as an elementary school teacher, taught English in Japan, and worked as a health education manager with a YMCA social services branch in San Diego, where she developed trainings for preschool teachers and workshops for parents focused on nutrition and physical activity. For the past three years, she has served on Options for Learning’s Policy Council, including two years as a Head Start parent and one year as a community representative. Through both her professional background and personal experience, she has seen the lasting impact of quality early education on children and families.
Joyce Robinson, vice chair
For more than 40 years, Joyce has been a passionate advocate for children, families, and the professionalism of the early childhood education field. After working many years as an elementary school teacher and then as a coordinator in Pasadena Unified School District’s Early Childhood Program, she moved to the private nonprofit ECE sector and Head Start. She is a senior program officer with the Low Income Investment Fund (LIIF), a community development financial institution whose mission is to build opportunities to help move people out of poverty in low-income communities through a focus on equity and racial justice. As a senior program officer in the early care and education department of LIIF, she assists ECE directors and family child care owners in implementing state funding for facility improvement. She has also worked with Opportunities Exchange, Inc. in partnership with First 5 LA, to establish ECE Shared Services collaborations throughout LA County.
Joyce has a master’s degree in human development from Pacific Oaks College and a master’s degree in business administration from Azusa Pacific University. She holds a California Teaching Credential, an Administrative Services Credential, and a Community College Instructor’s Credential. She continues to spread her ECE messages as an adjunct instructor at community colleges and Pacific Oaks College, sharing her passion for quality early learning programs and for advocacy engagement with her students.
She lives in Altadena and has two adult daughters and one grandson. In her personal time, she enjoys tending her outdoor yard, especially the vegetable garden and fruit trees. As time permits, she carves out moments for reading, expanding her computer skills, visiting with friends, shopping for her grandson, and singing in two gospel choirs.
José Sandoval, secretary
José has been a board member since 2019 and currently serves as secretary. He recently retired after serving 20 years as a Los Angeles County Superior Court judge. He served his entire career as a criminal court judge, primarily assigned to felony trial court. José remains active in alumni affairs for his college and is married.
Richard Tran
Richard Tran is a mission-driven nonprofit executive with more than 15 years of experience advancing educational equity and strengthening systems that support children and families. He currently serves as chief operations officer at School on Wheels, where he helps guide organizational strategy and ensures programs remain responsive to students experiencing homelessness. A first-generation college graduate, Richard has led organizations through strategic growth and change while expanding access and opportunity for marginalized communities.Raised in Whittier as the son of a Vietnamese refugee, Richard’s personal journey informs his commitment to service and social justice. His dedication deepened at age 21, while volunteering at an orphanage in Mexico. He holds both a bachelor’s degree in social justice and social change and a master’s degree in education from Whittier College. Richard and his wife share their home with a lively collection of pets and are preparing to welcome their first child this spring. Outside of work, he enjoys the outdoors and never passes up an episode of Bob’s Burgers.
Patricia Huffman, past chair, emeritus
Pat Huffman has been an integral part of Options for Learning since the formative years of the agency. Pat was hired as a nutrition outreach specialist for Options Family Day Care Food Program in 1981. Later, she became the first manager of the food program. After her resignation, she served on Head Start’s health council. Pat soon transitioned onto the Board of Directors.
Trained as a registered nurse, she has professionally worked in programs devoted to children and families. While working at other agencies, Pat collaborated with programs of Options for Learning. Pat has been an active volunteer in her community, serving on various committees and boards, working on education, advocacy, and health issues such as early childhood education, family issues, and mental health, including language development, medically vulnerable infants, substance abuse treatment, and family preservation.
Senior Leadership team
Paul F. Pulver | Chief Executive Officer
Paul Pulver has served as the chief executive officer of Options for Learning since 2019. As CEO, he oversees all programs, strategy, and operations related to the child care services provided to nearly 11,000 children annually at 75 sites and through 2,000 child care providers across the greater San Gabriel Valley area. He has worked in the nonprofit arena for more than 40 years and is widely recognized for facilitating organizational growth.Prior to joining Options for Learning, Paul served as the executive director of Pathways LA, vice president of development and communications at Maryvale, and executive director of United Cerebral Palsy (UCP) of Orange County. He has participated in numerous boards and committees at the county, state, and national levels. Currently, he serves as the vice president of the board of the Child Care Alliance of Los Angeles (CCALA), a unique partnership of 10 member agencies that deliver services to thousands of families and child care providers across Los Angeles County. Additionally, he serves as a board member of Su Misericordia, a faith-based organization that supports indigenous people in Maneadero, Mexico. His prior affiliations include serving on the UCP National Affiliate Services Committee, chairing the UCP National Affiliate Charter Task Force, chairing the Orange County United Way Council of Organizations, and serving as a board member for the National Catholic Development Conference.
Paul holds a bachelor’s degree in Christian ministries and a ministry credential from Azusa Pacific University. He is involved in his church, enjoys sports and gardening, and cherishes spending time with his wife, children, and grandchildren.
Dominic R. Alpuche | Chief Financial Officer/Chief Operating Officer
Dominic Alpuche joined Options for Learning in 2020, and currently serves as the organization's chief financial officer and chief operating officer. In this dual role, he oversees the Finance, Human Resources, and Business Services departments, managing the organization’s fiscal strategy, internal operations, and risk management efforts. Dominic is responsible for planning, reporting, record-keeping, and data analysis for a budget exceeding $100 million. He brings a collaborative, forward-thinking approach to the organization’s financial and operational leadership.
During his tenure with Options for Learning, Dominic led the acquisition of the organization’s new home office building and oversaw the construction and redesign of its office space, enhancing the infrastructure to better support staff and improve collaboration across departments. With more than 20 years of experience in grant management and financial administration, Dominic brings extensive knowledge of federal, state, and local grants, as well as foundation grants, having managed organizational budgets exceeding $90 million.
Prior to his role with Options for Learning, Dominic served as the director of finance and senior fiscal officer at the University of California San Diego's Alzheimer’s Disease Cooperative Study, chief business officer for the Leonard Davis School of Gerontology at the University of Southern California, assistant director of business and technology for the Center for Urban Education, and assistant director of budgets and compliance for the TRIO Programs and School for Early Childhood Education.
Dominic earned a bachelor’s degree in public policy management from USC and a master’s degree in business administration, accounting, and finance from the Florida Institute of Technology.
Dominic enjoys traveling and hosting family gatherings and is most proud of his two children, Nathaniel and Lilia. He has volunteered for his children’s activities throughout their early years, serving as board treasurer for their preschool, vice president and coach for Little League, and Cub Scout chief and den leader for the Boy Scouts of America. He is passionate about providing environments where all children can thrive.
Paola Alvarez | Vice President of Human Resources
Paola Alvarez joined Options for Learning in 2025 as vice president of human resources. She brings a wealth of experience across diverse industries — including hospitality, aviation, and retail — as well as a deep passion for helping teams thrive. A certified executive coach, Paola has also worked in aerospace, supply chain logistics, food and beverage, and real estate.
Paola holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration from The George Washington University and a master’s degree in adult learning and human resources development from Virginia Tech. She also holds multiple HR certifications, including SPHR and PHRca. In addition to her work in the field, Paola teaches human resources courses at UCLA Extension and Claremont Graduate University, where she enjoys mentoring the next generation of HR professionals.
Raised across Central America, Europe, and the United States, Paola relocated to Los Angeles from the Washington, D.C., metropolitan area in 2006. She is fluent in English and Spanish and is a proud wife and mother of two University of California graduates. Outside of work, she enjoys traveling, exploring new restaurants, practicing yoga, listening to music, visiting museums, playing tennis, and taking long walks with her rescue Chihuahuas, Lucy and Milo.
Johanna Atienza | Chief Growth and Innovation Officer
Johanna Atienza became the agency's first chief growth and innovation officer in 2022. She has worked in higher education for more than 15 years and has served diverse roles in advancement, admissions, marketing, external relations, and community-based curriculum and programming. Prior to her position with Options for Learning, Johanna served as the associate vice president of advancement and external relations at Pacific Oaks College and Children’s School, where she was a member of the executive cabinet and directed aspects of development, grants, community partnerships, public relations, and alumni relations.
She is passionate about educational equity and fostering communities that nurture children and families to reach their full potential. Her social impact areas of interest include early childhood education and care, mental health and wellness, foster youth, anti-bias education, diversity, inclusion, and belonging. Johanna is involved in local initiatives, including Growing Together PASadena and All Children Thrive Pasadena.
Johanna holds a bachelor’s degree in political science, with minors in film and sociology, from USC, as well as a Juris Doctor from Golden Gate University School of Law. She currently resides in Pasadena with her husband and son.
She is passionate about educational equity and fostering communities that nurture children and families to reach their full potential. Her social impact areas of interest include early childhood education and care, mental health and wellness, foster youth, anti-bias education, diversity, inclusion, and belonging. Johanna is involved in local initiatives, including Growing Together PASadena and All Children Thrive Pasadena.
Johanna holds a bachelor’s degree in political science, with minors in film and sociology, from USC, as well as a Juris Doctor from Golden Gate University School of Law. She currently resides in Pasadena with her husband and son.
Mildred Balderrama | Vice President of Educational Programs
Mildred Balderrama joined Options for Learning as a site director with the Surround Care
program in 1989. Throughout her years of service, she has also had the opportunity to provide leadership to staff within the Enrichment Program and Head Start South El Monte division, where she served as the division director.
Mildred's goal is to continually equip her staff with the tools to become the leaders of tomorrow. For the past 20 years, she has actively participated in church and community activities, raising funds to support at-risk youth and women. In her spare time, she enjoys cooking for her family and friends.
Leslie Carmell | Vice President of Communications and Public Relations
Leslie Carmell joined Options for Learning as the director of communications in 2020, and became the organization's vice president of communications, marketing, and outreach in 2022. With the migration of marketing and outreach to the new Admissions Department, her role was changed in 2025 to vice president of communications and public relations to reflect the department's expanded focus.
Having worked in the nonprofit arena for more than 30 years, she has experience with a range of organizations, including K-12 independent and religious schools, a cancer support organization, and Catholic and Episcopal churches. Before joining the Options for Learning team, Leslie served as the director of communications for nearly 12 years at the nationally top-ranked Polytechnic School in Pasadena. She has also worked on a freelance basis, writing and editing for several San Gabriel Valley newspapers, book publishers, and other organizations.
Leslie earned a bachelor’s degree in journalism with a minor in the study of women and men in society at the University of Southern California and a master’s degree in management with an emphasis in information systems from the University of Redlands.
Chad Detloff | Vice President of Strategy
Chad Detloff is a career educator and nonprofit leader focused on culturally responsive strategic organizational development. As the vice president of strategy at Options for Learning, Chad is committed to providing equitable, high-quality early education and child care services to children and families across the San Gabriel Valley by supporting teams focused on business development; data, evaluation, and impact; educational partnerships; external affairs; and project management.
Prior to working with Options for Learning, Chad was the senior director of strategic initiatives with the Institute for Global Learning, a network of approximately 400 schools around the world, where he led an organizational re-branding initiative and oversaw and evaluated programming expansion, stakeholder growth, resource development, partnership cultivation, data collection and research, and communications related to key strategic projects focused on climate/sustainability education, student action on local issues of global significance, intercultural competence and dialogue, and program- and risk-management of off-campus learning.
During his nearly 20 years in the field of global education, Chad has presented in 17 countries, authored numerous publications on topics related to intercultural and experiential learning, and worked directly with nearly 200 schools to collaboratively develop, grow, or assess their initiatives. Earlier in his career, Chad strategically developed Chadwick School's signature global programs across campuses in the United States and South Korea, ensuring that all students graduated with global competencies through a K-12 curriculum and accessible travel-based programming.
As a volunteer, Chad has served on the board of the Global Education Benchmark Group, including leading its Strategic Planning Committee, and currently acts as the inaugural executive director of the L.A. Choral Lab, a nonprofit dedicated to innovating within the choral music genre through working with living composers and artists of diverse backgrounds and identities. As a classroom educator, Chad has developed and taught a wide variety of humanities and global languages courses at the high-school level, as well as media and cultural studies at the University of Barcelona, and writing courses at the community college level. Chad graduated cum laude from Dartmouth College with high honors in comparative literature (Spanish and Italian).
Alice Lai | Vice President of Admissions
Alice Lai joined Options for Learning as the vice president of enrollment in 2025. A seasoned education leader and strategic partner, Alice brings more than 20 years of experience driving innovation, school improvement, and organizational growth across public and nonprofit sectors.
Before joining Options for Learning, Alice served as director of partnerships and client development at District Management Group, where she led national strategy for client engagement, revenue expansion, and cross-sector collaboration, achieving a 240% year-over-year increase in sales and closing more than 250 partnerships.
Previously, Alice was the founding principal at KIPP Academy of Innovation in East Los Angeles, where her leadership propelled the school to outperform state and district averages in math and English language arts. Her expertise includes recruitment and enrollment, instructional coaching, leadership development, strategic budgeting, and academic return on investment. She has guided school systems through transformative initiatives aimed at improving student outcomes and operational excellence.
Alice began her career in the classroom and rose through instructional and leadership roles, including assistant principal, instructional coach, and teacher leader. She holds a bachelor's degree in history with high honors from UC Berkeley, a master's degree in education and an administrative credential from UCLA’s Principal Leadership Institute, and a second master's degree in education from UCLA’s Teacher Education Program. She is also a National Board Certified Teacher and a passionate advocate for equity and innovation in education.
Tracy Lynch | Chief Program Officer
Throughout her 30-year career in the child development sector, Tracy Lynch has held various roles, including preschool and after-school teacher, education coordinator, education manager, director, and currently, chief program officer. She has actively participated in several child development committees within her community and school district and has presented at various conferences.
During her college years, Tracy worked in after-school and preschool programs while majoring in business marketing. She soon discovered her passion for serving children and families, which led her to pursue a minor in child development. After earning her degree, she worked as the student services director at a private school in Orange County for several years.
Tracy was later hired as an education coordinator with Options for Learning's Surround Care program, where she worked for seven years before taking a leave to care for her newborn daughter at home. During this time, she started her own landscape and design business, allowing her to run a business and work creatively while having the flexibility to care for her daughter. Some of her designs can still be seen throughout the Burbank and Toluca Lake neighborhoods.
Tracy enjoyed running her business and being at home with her daughter for the first six years of her life. However, she eventually returned to her true passion: making an impact on children and families. She rejoined Options for Learning in the School-age Program, where she developed a "Character Counts" curriculum and later became the director of the Enrichment Program in 2014. In 2022, Tracy became the organization’s first chief program officer, focusing on uniting and integrating center-based programs to effectively meet the needs of families, staff, and community partners.
Melissa Shu | Vice President of Finance
Melissa Shu joined Options for Learning as the vice president of finance in 2025. With more than 20 years of finance leadership experience across the media, entertainment, and technology sectors — including roles at 2K Games, NBCUniversal, and Warner Bros. — Melissa has focused on building strong teams, driving strategic planning, and aligning financial operations with mission-driven goals.
Melissa was born in Burma (now known as Myanmar), grew up in vibrant San Francisco, and now calls Southern California home. She lives with her husband and their two adult children. As a first-generation immigrant and former young working mom, Melissa deeply connects with the mission of Options for Learning and is honored to contribute to its continued success.
Outside of work, she enjoys traveling, discovering new restaurants, and celebrating cultures through shared meals with her family.
Jake Thompson | Vice President of Learning and Engagement
Jake Thompson joined Options for Learning as the vice president of learning and engagement in 2025. He brings more than 18 years of experience in early childhood education, instructional design, and school leadership. Jake is deeply committed to equitable, high-quality learning experiences and has led efforts in curriculum development, instructional coaching, and professional learning.
Before joining Options for Learning, Jake served as director of academics for a charter network in San Jose, where he supported transitional kindergarten through 12th grade instructional teams, expanded elementary programs and led initiatives focused on developmentally informed teaching practices. He began his career teaching pre-K and kindergarten in Atlanta, later transitioning into curriculum coordinator and teacher trainer roles with a focus on brain-based learning and child development.
Jake is also passionate about the arts and community engagement. He serves on the board of the San Pedro Waterfront Arts District and is part of the event planning committee for the Grand Vision Foundation. Outside of work, he enjoys paddleboarding, discovering new restaurants, and traveling with his husband, Pete.
He holds a bachelor’s degree in public health from the University of Georgia and a master’s degree in early childhood education.
Leeann Yu | Vice President of Business Services
Leeann Yu joined Options for Learning in 2025 as vice president of business services, where she oversees the Purchasing, Information Technology, Business Operations, and Facilities departments.
Prior to joining Options for Learning, Leeann spent 13 years working in K–12 education, most recently serving as chief operations officer at Bright Star Schools, where she led strategic operational initiatives across the charter school network. She has also worked internationally as an English teacher in Taiwan and previously served as a financial advisor for Ameriprise Financial.
Leeann holds a bachelor’s degree in international development with a minor in education from UCLA and a master's degree in business administration from the University of Minnesota. An avid traveler, she has visited more than 40 countries across allHeather Ransons seven continents.
Options for Learning
2934 E. Garvey Ave. South, Suite 301
West Covina, Calif. 91791
West Covina, Calif. 91791
Monday through Thursday
9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
To promote a healthy work-life balance, Options for Learning offices are closed Fridays.