Leadership Team
Executive Director
Tara Bevington
Tara started with the organization as our Controller in 2010 and was chosen as our Executive Director in 2014. She received her BA in Accounting and has 20 years experience in finance and human resources. She has a genuine passion for the organization’s mission and empathy, which is demonstrated by her dedication and determination to ensure all students, at need, have access to Second Start’s nationally and internationally recognized programs.
tarab@secondstart.org
(408) 979-8210 #152
Pine Hill School Registrar
Araceli Torres
Araceli started with the organization as a Paraprofessional in 2016 and began working in our front office in 2017. She became our Registrar in 2018.
aracelit@secondstart.org
(408) 979-8210 #277
Director of Finance and Administration
Cherie Herbert
Cherie started with the organization as our Controller in 2018 and became our Director of Finance and Administration in 2020. She received her BS in Business Administration/Marketing in 1998 and her Master’s Degree in Accounting and Financial Management/CPA Emphasis in 2013. She has previous leadership experience with nonprofit and governmental educational institutions and has over 20 years of experience in finance, accounting, and business administration. She has understanding and dedication to the organization’s mission, which is demonstrated by her volunteer work in the community.
cherieh@secondstart.org
(408) 979-8210 #210
Director of Educational Programs
Greg Zieman
Greg has 29 years of experience in special education. He has been at the forefront of innovative programs for special education such as Workability, PAVA, and the MVLA Satellite program. He has written, lead, and managed state, local, federal and corporate grants all focused in support of education and employment of special needs students and teens at risk. He is a leading expert in special education.
Greg holds a Juris Doctor degree, is the current student attorney trainer for the Santa Clara County Peer Court Restorative Justice program, is a past Chairperson, and current appointed member of the Child Abuse Prevention Council of Santa Clara County and on the weekends invests his time coaching youth basketball.
gregz@secondstart.org
(408) 979-8210 #260
Human Resources Generalist
Monica Gorham
Monica started with the organization in 2017. She received her BA in Psychology and obtained her Professional in Human Resources-California Certification in 2019.
monicag@secondstart.org
(408) 979-8210 #212
Pine Hill South Site Manager
Ray Johnson
Ray started with the organization in 2018. He has over 15 years experience working in the education field. His Master’s Degree in teaching was conferred in March 2016. He also received his level II Mild to Moderate Educational Specialist Credential. In addition to an M.A. degree, he previously obtained an A.A degree, as well as a B.A. degree in Liberal Studies, Level I Preliminary Teaching Credential and CLAD certificate. His community involvement is spent by volunteering in various youth and community activities.
rayj@secondstart.org
(831) 236-8843
Newton Northern Nevada School Director
Rebecca “RJ” Larrieu
Rebecca “RJ” Larrieu has over 15 years of amazing success with Second Start working with and creating nationally recognized education programs. Rebecca focuses on providing teachers with effective academic, behavioral, and social strategies for achieving optimal student learning outcomes. She currently holds a Master’s Degree and is a Social Thinking® Clinical Trainee through Michelle Garcia Winner’s Social Thinking® clinic in San Jose, California. Her major areas of expertise are in leadership, interagency collaboration, and social skills training.
rebeccaj@secondstart.org
(775) 358-0808
Manager of Facilities and Transportation
Wayne Spurlock
Wayne Spurlock is the leading logistics expert for Second Start and brings decades of skill and expertise to his love for special needs kids.
waynes@secondstart.org
(408) 979-8210 #100