Stuart McCullough has served as the Executive Director of Youth Homes for over 12 years. During that time the agency has made significant strides in program development, clinical services, financial management and capital preservation. Youth Homes has developed many new strategic partnerships and negotiated three on-going contracts with Contra Costa County for the provision of very specialized mental health services. Stuart has increased the operation budget of the agency at a measured pace, allowing each new program component to become fully integrated a comprehensive system of care that now includes residential treatment, outpatient therapy and mobile support services. All program elements are designed to emphasize individual and family strengths and create safe and permanent living accommodations to children and adolescents who have been severely abused and neglected.

Stuart was one of the founding members of Phoenix Programs, Inc. and served as their Executive Director for 11 years. He was appointed as the Director on Contra Costa County's Division of Alcohol, Drugs and Mental Health and served in that capacity for almost 8 years. Stuart currently is on the Board of Directors and is the Treasurer of The Northern California Council for the Community, is on the Board of Directors of the California Alliance of Children and Family Services and is a member of the Board of Directors of the Martinez Community Foundation. He also volunteers as a member of the Rhodia Citizens Advisory Panel and does conflict resolution in support of the Center of Human Development, Conflict Resolution Panels. Stuart has B.A. in Psychology from San Francisco State University. He has been a resident of contra Costa County for over 55 years.

"While I am very proud of the accomplishments of the dedicated staff of Youth Homes, Inc, I believe we just beginning to achieve our potential. We are in the process of reinventing ourselves to become an agency that not only provides high quality residential treatment and support services but also assures permanent placement for children as they exit the foster care system."

Tim McCreery, President

Tim McCreery is the Founder and Chairman of WildPackets, Inc., a software company that delivers real-time solutions enabling the world's leading organizations to keep their networks running securely and reliably, day after day. He has three bachelor's degrees in Math, Psychology and Computer Science and a Masters in Electrical Engineering all from the University of California, Berkeley. He has lived in Contra Costa County for 25 years and enjoys music, sports and games as a participant and as an audience and fan.

His reason for involvement with Youth Homes, Inc.:
"I believe everyone should contribute to their community. Youth Homes attracted me because of my interest in children and my belief of their critical role in our society's future. We must be a positive, active force for children who are victims of unfortunate circumstance and unconscionable parenting."

Tom Blanks, Vice President

Tom Blanks brings a wealth of knowledge from the Mt. Diablo School District (MDSD) to Youth Homes, Inc. Tom has been a teacher in the MDSD for 35 years, and is currently a teacher at Horizon Center for Independent Study. Tom has specialized in teaching kids in foster care placement for 22 of his 35 years in education. Tom has a B. A. degree in English and a teaching credential from the University of California, Berkeley. His long-term involvement in both Youth Homes and the MDSD makes him an invaluable liaison between the school district and the Youth Homes' residents' need for help navigating the school system.

His reason for involvement with Youth Homes, Inc.:
"For over 30 years I have worked with Youth Homes and other group homes that facilitate and encourage students to complete high school and prepare them for success in life beyond their diploma. It is my way to give back to my students and the community in which I live."

Joanne Taylor, Secretary

Joanne Taylor has served on the Youth Homes Board of Directors, as a representative of the Youth Homes Auxiliary, for 14 years. She taught for over 30 years for the Walnut Creek Elementary School District. Joanne received a B. A. in Biology from the University of Michigan and a Masters in Education from the University of California, Berkeley. Joanne was a founder and the director of the California Academy of Sciences, Student Program. She has resided in Contra Costa County for over 50 years. Aside from being active in the Auxiliary, Joanne enjoys bird watching, stamp collecting and traveling the world.

Her reason for involvement with Youth Homes, Inc.:
"Having worked with the California Academy of Sciences Student Program and taught for nearly 30 years, I have always been interested in young people. When a friend (Mary Lockwood) told me of the work of Youth Homes and the role of the Auxiliary, I knew I wanted to join and do whatever I could to help these troubled kids and to let then know there are people who care about them."

Ann Appert

Ann Appert was recently elected to the Board of Youth Homes, continuing her extensive involvement in educational policy issues and local government. As a parent of three teens, she is committed to improving the possibilities for all of our community's children. Ann is a board member for the Lafayette Elementary School District and the Lafayette Community Foundation and is also a member of the Cabinet for the New Lafayette Library and Learning Center. She is a Girl Scout leader and active volunteer via the National Charity League.

Ann received her B.S. from Cornell University. Her work experience includes time spent in both municipal and corporate finance. She retired as Vice President, JP Morgan Securities, NY.

Her reason for involvement with Youth Homes, Inc.:
"From a very early age, the plight of foster children has touched my heart in a special way. Through many years I have weighed becoming a foster parent, but in the meantime I have been an ardent supporter of national organizations that provide for these kids without family, including Covenant House and The Fresh Air Fund. In Youth Homes I have found a way to contribute on a more personal level to an organization that is making a real impact locally. I believe in their mission and admire their work. I look forward to supporting Youth Homes however I can, in the hope that more kids can be provided with a safe harbor here."

Shirley Fulcher

Shirley Fulcher is a native of Sparrows Point, Maryland, a suburb of Baltimore, where she attended elementary school and high school, followed by two years of college at the University of Pittsburgh. Her late husband's job transfers have given Shirley the experience of living and working as a secretary in Baltimore, Los Angeles, Pittsburgh and Atlanta. She has two sons, five grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. Son Bill, who lives in San Ramon, CA has joined his mother in supporting Youth Homes by serving on the fundraising committee. She was elected Youth Homes Auxiliary President in 2007 when she also became a member of the Youth Homes, Inc. Board.

Her reason for involvement with Youth Homes, Inc.:
"My passion has always been directed toward the welfare of children. I do not accept that any young person is a 'throwaway.' There is no better way to spend my energy than on behalf of children and youth whose families have failed them. We need everyone to do the real work of meeting some needs of troubled young people."

Kang Lim

Kang Lim owns and operates Lim Legal, a private practice law office that consults high-tech companies with regard to strategic IP planning, including creating patent portfolios. Kang was raised in Singapore where he attended Raffles Institution, Singapore's oldest high school, before completing his National Service in Army Intelligence. He has a B. S. in Computer Engineering from Manchester University in England and a M. S. E. E. at University of Southern California. After a decade of hands-on research and development at various high tech companies he acquired a Juris Doctor from the University of California, San Francisco. Kang has been an in-house patent counsel at both large and small high tech companies including Sun Microsystems, Microsoft, and Scientific Learning Corporation. A 10+ year resident of Contra Costa County, Kang is a volunteer pro tem Family Law Judge and presides over settlement conferences. He is also a Contra Costa Sheriff's Posse member, Sheriff's Search and Rescue Team member and a graduate of Leadership Contra Costa.

His reason for involvement with Youth Homes, Inc.:
"As part of the Leadership Contra Costa program, I attended Stuart's discussion about troubled youth and what Youth Homes is doing for them. I was impressed by the organization and wanted to help. Matt Guichard introduced me to Stuart and that is how I got started."

Barbara Marsh-Wetherell

Barbara K. Marsh-Wetherell (commonly known as "BMW") is the founder of Marsh-Wetherell Market Relations, which provides marketing programs and expertise in public relations, advertising, product acquisitions and launches, web design, market development and trade events to a wide variety of hardware and software manufacturers, e-commerce and high technology service organizations in local, domestic and global markets. Barbara brings the experience of over 20 years in the high tech industry providing hands-on marketing and public relations services. BMW has a B. A. degree in Political Science, with a minor in Journalism, from the University of California, Berkeley. She has sat on the Board of Directors of the Mt. Diablo Technology Association, a non-profit technology user's group in the San Francisco East Bay, and is a Charter Sponsor of the Women's Business Network of Oakland.

Her reason for involvement with Youth Homes, Inc.:
"Although the Bay Area is known for its high standard of living, it is not reflected in the lives of everyone who resides here. By example, I want to demonstrate to my community the need for involvement, that there is more to life than simply the support of those whom we know. I feel it is imperative to be active in, and to provide encouragement to those who face greater challenges in their lives. Youth Homes is instrumental in leveling the playing field for young adults. Youth Homes provides a more equitable and supportive environment, and gives the less fortunate an opportunity to succeed in life."

Lorna Martyn

Lorna Martyn has been an integral part of the Youth Homes Auxiliary since 1999. A native of New Zealand, she graduated from Ardmore Teacher's College and has taught grade school including the mentally and physically handicapped. She served as Director of the Northwest Suburban Aid for the Retarded, and at another time, Secretary and Vice President of the Granada Hills Women's Club. Until she retired, Lorna was a member of Dances of the Pacific, teaching Maori songs, dances and culture and she continues to perform for occasional programs. A resident of Walnut Creek since 1974, Lorna has been a volunteer, active force and merit award winner for Boy Scouts of America and the Vestry of St. Paul's Episcopal Church and the Altar Guild. When she worked for the Walnut Creek School District, Lorna was an ESL instructor for over 10 years in Special Education. She was elected Youth Homes Auxiliary President in 2005. Her interests are people, music and sports.

Her reason for involvement with Youth Homes, Inc.:
"Youth Homes is the vehicle which provided a fulfillment, after retirement, of a lifetime commitment and dedication to youth. This segment of society cried out for love and caring - the forgotten youth. Boy Scouts have families and organizations to support them, our residents have no one. Coming from another culture, it behooves me to do all that I can for those less fortunate."

Linda Peterson

Linda Peterson is the Managing Partner for Peterson, Skolnick & Dodge, a communication consulting and creative services firm with clients throughout the United States. Linda is an award-winning writer, and a frequent speaker and lecturer on writing, communication and marketing topics. She was the recipient of the International Association of Business Communicators' first Distinguished Communicator award. Linda's first novel, Edited to Death, was recently published and she is a regular contributor to publications, including the Chicago Tribune. She co-founded the popular Sweet Thursdays literary salons for the Lafayette Library, has been a garden columnist for Diablo Magazine and was a regular contributor to The San Francisco Review of Books.

Her reason for involvement with Youth Homes, Inc.:
"When our son went away to college, I realized that I missed the noise, excitement, and adventure of being around teenagers. I was looking for an opportunity to volunteer as a mentor, and Youth Homes was open to starting a program. I can't imagine anything more important than supporting the kinds of young people who come to us with tragedy, neglect, abuse, and hopelessness in their background. Youth Homes gives our residents a chance to live healthier, stable, and satisfying lives."