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Meet Our Staff

Mary Kaye Gerski, Executive Director

Mary Kaye Gerski has extensive experience directing youth mental health programs across the state. She joins RCS from southern California where she served as the Director of a 140-bed residential treatment facility serving adolescents with co-occurring disorders. Previous experience managing psychiatric and mental health services for major urban hospitals as well as extensive work in recreational therapy uniquely qualify her to lead RCS' residential, clinic, and community-based behavioral and mental health services.

Mary Kaye Gerski's history of successful leadership and program management has been built on strengths she developed both in the public and private sectors, which include strategic planning, policymaking, financial and program management, systems development and analysis, staff recruitment and development, and customer relations. Ms. Gerski received a BA from Chico State University and a Masters in Human Resources Management from Keller Graduate School of Management.

Mary Kaye Gerski has committed her professional life to serving youth with mental illness. At RCS, this commitment drives her to support and expand RCS' community services, mental health programs, fundraising, and community involvement, with the goal of appropriately addressing the needs of each child and family we serve.

Linda Haskin, Chief Financial Officer

Linda Haskin spent 10 years in for profit accounting and finance and then left the "rat race" to follow her dream of working for a nonprofit. She now has over 15 years experience managing nonprofit finance and accounting operations. Prior to her employment with RCS Linda was CFO at a nonprofit serving seniors and Director of Finance at EMQ.

Linda has a Bachelor's Degree and a California Teaching Credential; she earned a Masters in Business Administration, with a concentration in accounting, from California State University, Hayward and holds a California CPA license. She spent 3 years at Deloitte and Touche earning that license.

Randall Ramirez, Chief Clinical Officer

Randall Ramirez has more than 20 years of experience working with children and families. Prior to his employment with RCS in September 2002, he served as the Coordinator for a high-risk case management program at the High Desert Medical Group and Heritage Health Care in Southern California. He has worked as a clinical social worker, psychosocial consultant, social work supervisor, and psychotherapist in a variety of inpatient and outpatient settings. Randall has a Masters degree in Social Welfare, with a concentration in Child and Family, from UCLA and a Bachelors degree in Religious Studies and Education from Loyola University. He possesses both a License in Clinical Social Work and a License in Marriage and Family Therapy. He is bilingual in Spanish / English and bicultural. In 2002, Randall was awarded "Social Worker of the Year" by the National Association of Social Workers.

Robert "Smitty" Smith, Chief Operations Officer

Robert Smith has over three decades of experience working with kids and families. For eight years prior to coming to RCS, he worked as a court-appointed private social worker for the County of San Francisco, where he assisted families in obtaining reunification services. For six years, Smitty was Program Supervisor for the St. Vincent's School for Boys in San Rafael, a residential treatment facility serving seriously emotionally disturbed children and adolescents. Smitty has also worked as a counselor and head counselor at a residential summer camp, therapist/intern at a psychological counseling center, and case manager for severely emotionally disturbed adolescent girls in residential treatment, all in New York. He earned his Bachelors and his Masters Degrees in Psychology from State University of New York at New Paltz.

Jorge Montes, Chief Information Officer

Jorge Montes joined Rebekah Children's Services in 1999 as a Mental Health Specialist. It wasn't long before Jorge's broad expertise of regulatory requirements and technical knowledge cemented his role as the expert in Compliance and Information. Jorge's experience in Children's Mental Health spans three states and 20 years. He has been responsible for developing proactive processes and systems to maintain Rebekah Children's Services' compliance with federal, state, and local laws/ordinances. Jorge is instrumental in the development of risk management strategies for Rebekah Children's Services resulting in huge fiscal savings and near perfect audits. Jorge's responsibilities have grown to include compliance audits, claims auditing, contracts, policy and procedures and information technology. His broad knowledge base covers regulatory experience in psychiatric hospitals, residential facilities, and community based mental health. Jorge serves as a consultant to health care entities in several counties specializing in quality assurance, information systems and quality improvement.

Health Center

Ken Parker, PhD, MFT, Clinical Program Manager

Non-Public School

Rebecca Burdett, Director of Educational Services

Rebecca Burdett was hired in 2002 as Special Education Teacher for severely disturbed elementary students at RCS’ on-grounds Non Public School. In addition to teaching all subjects at the elementary school, she taught Introduction to Spanish to junior and senior high students and was a coach for the running club. She served as case manager for each elementary student, developing their Individual Educational Plans as well as behavior support plans. Rebecca was promoted to Assistant Director of Educational Services in July 2006 and Director of Educational Services in June of 2007. Prior to working at RCS, Rebecca taught English as a Second Language for three years in Seville, Spain. She holds a BA in Sociology from Grinnell College in Grinnell, IA, and has a Special Education Credential as well as a MS in Special Education from National University.

Prevention & Education

Andrew Day, Prevention & Education Program Manager

Andy Day has managed RCS' Prevention & Education Program since August 2005. Prior to working at RCS, Andy worked on a number of public health initiatives including work at Denver Public Health and the Denver Youth Survey. He has eight years experience teaching young adults both in the US and abroad. Andy is a Certified Health Education Specialist and holds a Master of Public Health Degree from the University of North Carolina; a Masters Degree in Education with a focus on teaching English to speakers of other languages from the University of Pennsylvania; and a BA in English Literature from the University of Pennsylvania.

Margie Allen, Prevention & Education Program Supervisor

Margie Allen has worked with RCS’ Prevention & Education Program since January 2006. She was hired as a Facilitator for curriculum-based classes and groups, and as a Site Supervisor for Family Workshops. Margie joined RCS' Finance Department in 2003 as a Billing Specialist and was promoted to Program Supervisor in 2006. Prior to her employment at Rebekah’s she worked as a Campus Supervisor at San Benito High School for seven years. Margie holds three AA Degrees and is currently pursuing a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Science.

Monique Mitchell, Bilingual Prevention & Education Program / Evaluation Supervisor

Monique Mitchell has worked with RCS' Prevention & Education Program since 2002 when she began as a volunteer for school groups. In 2003, she was hired as a Facilitator for curriculum-based classes and groups, and as a Data Input and Research Evaluator. In 2004, she was promoted to Program Coordinator, responsible for working with 11 Gilroy schools on scheduling, logistics, accounting, orientation and administration of the program. In 2008, Monique began working as the Mentor Program Coordinator, responsible for recruiting and mentor support as well as the general operation of the program.  Prior to her employment at RCS, Monique worked in accounting and business for more than 15 years. Monique, who is fluent in Spanish, holds an AA Degree with honors and is currently pursuing a Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration.

Residential Treatment

Dr. Ronald Van Williams, Director of Campus Services

Rohn Van Williams has extensive experience working with diverse populations in both outpatient and residential mental health treatment programs. His experience includes working as a Counseling Coordinator with the NFL Players Association, a Mental Health Counselor in a hospital setting in Massachusetts, the Clinic Director at Concord-Assabet Family & Adolescent Services in Massachusetts and working with CPS in Orange County. Most recently Rohn served as Clinical Director/Program Supervisor of the Clint Eastwood Youth Program through the Community Hospital of Monterey. Rohn has extensive supervision experience, and is a professional who genuinely likes kids and is passionate about the work RCS does. Rohn has a BS in Sociology, an MS in Counseling and a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology.

Support Services

Linda Spence, Client Services Manager

Linda Spence has worked at RCS since 1988 in a variety of service related positions. She was Administrative Coordinator for the RCS Residential Program, and her position and responsibilities grew as the agency expanded into other service areas. Prior to her current positions, Linda was Admissions Manager, facilitating admissions of children into all RCS programs.

Dr. Ahsan Shaikh, Psychiatrist

Soon after admission, our children see Dr. Ahsan Shaikh, for a medical assessment. Dr Shaikh grew up in Michigan. He likes to run and play Tennis, has three children and coaches soccer. Dr Shaikh joined RCS in early 2006 and through his dedication and kindness, he has already become the heart of our team.

A few days after each child settles into the Residential Program, Anita takes each new resident to a local doctor for a complete history and physical exam and to our local dentist for a dental exam and cleaning when it is time. The children usually enjoy these appointments because they get one-on-one nurturing and, of course, another crack at the Pirate’s Treasure Chest upon their return.

Sometimes the children view Health Services staff through half opened eyes when they are not feeling well and get a visit in their cottage for a medical assessment and some TLC (nurse language for “tender loving care”).

There are also the more dramatic moments when the Nurses come running across the ball field, gripping their First Aid Kits, to assess a child or staff member’s twisted ankle, or the days when someone walks into the Clinic with a cut or a splinter, discreetly eyeing the ever-popular treasure chest.

Celia Sigala, RN, Manager of Health Services

Celia grew up in Maine, lived in Chicago and New Jersey and has worked in several areas of nursing including CCU, ICU, teaching re-motivation, prison nursing, and Job Corps. She has worked for more than 30 years in the nursing profession, and has been at RCS for 19 years. Celia enjoys the unique opportunity at RCS to mix leadership and organizational skills with frequent opportunities for direct care, her first love. She greatly enjoys the beauty and sunshine of California, arts and crafts, reading, creative writing, and playing with her grandchildren.

Joanne Rodriguez, LVN

Joanne has worked for more than 25 years in the nursing profession and demonstrates great medical expertise and tenderness in her role as RCS staff nurse. She loves being a mother and a grandmother, camping, and traveling. Her "child within" inspires a love for holiday decorating, and enjoyment on the faces of family and friends. Joanne says that as long as she can remember she has wanted to be a nurse and take care of people. Her gift for nurturing also spills over into a love for gardening.

Anita Ramirez, Medical Aide II

Anita has worked at RCS since 2001. She grew up in California and has four children. Anita loves cycling, running, and weight lifting and met one of her major goals this year by completing the Big Sur Half Marathon. Her energy and kindness is truly an inspiration to the children and staff of RCS.

Human Resources

Kathy Schober, Human Resources Director

Penny Mount, HR Coordinator

Debbie Bradshaw, HR Assistant

John Manupella, Trainer

Fundraising

Eleanor Villarreal,Public Relations Director

Eleanor Villarreal has held her position at Rebekah Children's Services since 1989, directing several capital campaigns and overseeing fundraising activities that have generated millions of dollars for the agency. In 1997 the National Society of Fundraising Executives named her "Outstanding Professional Fundraiser". She is a tireless community volunteer who has served on the boards of numerous community-based organizations including Gilroy Garlic Festival, Gilroy Exchange Club, South County Housing, Gilroy Hispanic Chamber and Special Olympics. She was named "Woman of the Year" by the Gilroy Chamber in 1995 and "Santa Clara County Woman of Achievement" by The Women's Fund in 1996. Prior to joining the staff at Rebekah Children's Services, Eleanor worked at Hope Rehabilitation Services and Bank of America. Eleanor holds and Bachelor's degree in Business Administration from the University of San Francisco and is certified by the Association of Fundraising Professionals.

Michael P. Hayes, Fund Development Director

Mike Hayes has over 20 years experience in both social services leadership and private sector management. Most recently, Mike served as Chief Operating Officer and then Interim Executive Director of Rebekah Children's Services, where he successfully lead the agency in both positions due to his extensive mental health management experience and his comprehensive familiarity with social service provision in Santa Clara and surrounding counties.

Mike boasts a long history of service at Rebekah Children’s Services, including his role as Assistant Residential Director which he held while concurrently leading the on-campus Day Treatment program. During this period, he co-partnered efforts to transition the Residential program to campus-integrated services, increased program revenues and significantly enhanced the agency's profile with funders and donors. Mike furthered his experience at two leading community treatment agencies for seriously emotionally disturbed (SED) adolescents where he directed residential operations and programs including group homes, transitional housing units and level 14 treatment programs.

In the private sector, Mike’s role as General Manager for a high-volume medical facility entailed overseeing daily operations as well as all marketing and sales. Prior positions include hiring manager, social worker, CPS investigator, probation counselor, unit manager, on-duty supervisor, crisis care manager and residential counselor. Mike holds a Masters Degree in Social Work from San Jose State University and a Bachelor of Science Degree from California Lutheran University in Southern California.

Jack Foley, Grant/Development Coordinator

Jack Foley came to RCS in 2009 with a solid and highly successful background in grant writing, development, and communications/media relations in the nonprofit sector, and more than 25 years in print journalism. He and colleagues received a 1990 Pulitzer Prize for their reporting and he subsequently received a Pulitzer nomination for investigative journalism. A native of Brooklyn, New York, he attended Villanova University and Boston University and holds a Bachelor's Degree in Social Science and a Master's Degree in Journalism. A long-time Gilroy resident, he has a deep appreciation for RCS and the vital role it plays in the community and the lives of children and adolescents with very special needs.

Lulu Ramirez, Administrative Coordinator

Lulu Ramirez has worked in the Public Relations / Fund Development Department at RCS since 1991. She has extensive experience in business and behavioral healthcare. Prior to her position at RCS, she was Assistant Manager of the Gilroy Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. She worked for five years for Chamberlains Mental Health at the David Allen’s Boy’s Adolescent home and served as business manager for her family’s business. Lulu has an AA Degree from Gavilan College and is completing her BA Degree in HR Management at San Jose State University. She has held key volunteer positions with the Gilroy Garlic Festival, including Chair of Hospitality, and she serves on the City of Gilroy’s Oral Board. Lulu, who is fluent in Spanish, teaches bilingual certification classes for RCS staff, and administers the agency’s bilingual qualification test.

Julie Montoro, Event Coordinator

Julie Montoro earned her BS degree in Administration of Justice. She began her career at RCS as a Residential Counselor, and then advanced to Co-ed Unit Manager where she enjoyed working with children in RCS' Residential Program for more than five years. Julie brought her expertise to the Human Resources team where she recruited quality people for the Residential program. Participation in fundraising events throughout her tenure at RCS prepared her to step into the Event Coordinator role, where she currently orchestrates community and fundraising events that garner vital support for RCS programs.

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