VESTIA Board of Directors

About VESTIA

Together, we can strengthen our communities and help our neighbors who fall on hard times. Many of the families we serve are the “working poor” – those who are barely able to scrape by and are transitioning from public assistance to self-sufficiency. We admire their persistence, and are here to offer a hand when help is needed. We are optimistic that VESTIA will again meet the challenges that face the families of Country Costa County because of the dedicated volunteers and generous supporters.

VESTIA Board of Directors

Judy Pieralde, President
Most of my professional career was spent working with children and working in hospitals. Upon retiring I continued the love of helping people when I started volunteering with VESTIA in 2001 for their Holiday Helpers Warehouse Program. In 2010 I joined the Board of Directors and have been the President from 2013 until present. It makes my heart sing to know that I am responsible for putting smiles on people’s faces and wiping some of their tears away.

Carolyn Harley, Vice-President
I have been an active member of the VESTIA Board of Directors since 1997. During the past 20 years I have served as President, Co-President, and Secretary. My interest in VESTIA was stimulated by membership on the Civil Grand Jury where I became familiar with the far reaching activities of Contra Costa Social Services (now Employment & Human Services Department). Prior to VESTIA, I served as President of the San Ramon Valley Education Foundation and was Run Chair for “The Run for Education”. My husband and I raised our three daughters in the San Ramon Valley.

Michelle Barnaba, Secretary
I’ve been volunteering with VESTIA since 1989. I was always active in my children’s school activities and programs when I discovered there wasn’t as much of a need for parent volunteers when they entered middle and high school. That’s when I found VESTIA, and the organization’s ability to reach out to so many in our communities in so many ways. It provided me with insight into some of the programs generated by the County to assist our neighbors. I joined the Board of Directors in 2007 and enjoy being hands-on with the Holiday Helpers Warehouse Program, Angel Tree Program, and as a “shopper” for used clothing for clients of Employment & Human Services Department. I like to think we’re giving a helping hand to future generations who, in turn, will reach out to those in need when the time comes.

Marilyn Lawver, Financial Reporter

I was introduced to VESTIA by Carolyn Harley years ago during a backpack drive. From there I started volunteering with Holiday Helpers. Previously I was a board member and financial reporter for VESTIA. I have since returned to VESTIA and am passionate about helping others. While my daughters were in school, I volunteered for their PTA and was on the board of the summer camp they attended. I spend tax season volunteering with TaxAide. I live in Danville with my husband. I am thankful that my daughters stayed close as it allows me to spend time with my three beautiful granddaughters.

Michelle Fullem

My relationship with Vestia began in 1997 when I moved to Contra Costa County. My first encounter was through my children’s school participation in Holiday Helpers Warehouse. Through the years our family has volunteered and donated to several of the Vestia supported programs. As a family we prepared meals for Shelter Inc. residents and made stockings for all the children. These experiences reinforced the vital resources Vestia provides to our community in need. I am honored to serve as a new board member and look forward to working with the Vestia Team to provide resources to our Contra Costa Neighbors in need.

Members at Large:

Virginie Descamps

I learned about VESTIA while doing volunteer work, right after moving to the Bay Area from NY. Community service has always played an important role in my life. I was fortunate to have teachers and mentors who encouraged me when I was a student. In turn, I focused my efforts in mentoring, training and creating opportunities for those I could help throughout my career as a global marketing executive. I believe that we can only thrive if we all invest in supporting each other and providing basic resources, education and job opportunities to those who need it most."

Pat Herrera, Financial Reporter
I was first introduced to VESTIA 29 years ago when my son was in 2nd grade at Green Valley Elementary School in Danville. I was the Homeroom mother and we were participating the in Adopt-A-Family Program. We provided clothes and toys for a needy Contra Costa Family. I made it a family project and we went out shopping together for the family. I used this time to explain to my kids about my childhood and how I grew up. My sister and I grew up in Oklahoma City with a single Mom who had mental health issues. My parents got a divorce when I was 6 years old and my mother worked part time jobs but always struggled to make ends meet. I remember one holiday when we stood in line at a Church for food and a toy. I could relate to the families that we support in VESTIA. My girlfriend and I have a Holiday Party each year and ask our friends to bring unwrapped toys and clothing for those Contra Costa families in need. We also collect back packs and school supplies each summer for the Back to School program. I have served on the board for the past 5 years and I am proud of the support we give to the local Contra Costa families and their needs.

VESTIA Logistics Team

Cynthia Smith
Coordinator

Alvaro Florez
Program Specialist