Our Team

Our Team

Our mission is to provide community programs that meet the unique challenges of children with cancer or special needs under the age of 21.

Bridget Ready

Co-Founder
Bridget Ready is the mother of Jack and co-founder, with her husband Paul Ready, of Jack’s Helping Hand, Inc. Bridget has always been a strong advocate for children with disabilities and their families and was the recipient of the California State Child Advocate of the Year Award given by the Epsilon Delta Society of Educators.

Paul Ready

Co-Founder
Paul Ready, the father of Baby Jack, is a native of San Luis Obispo, California, born in 1956. Mr. Ready is a principal of the law firm of Farmer & Ready. He is currently a member of the American Bar Association and San Luis Obispo County Bar Association.

Leslie Orradre

Chairman and Executive Director

Leslie Orradre is a retired Speech Language Pathologist who operated a private practice in San Luis Obispo for 28 years. She has been a part of Jack’s Helping Hand since its inception and is currently serving as the Executive Director. She has compassion for children with disabilities and their families as well as skills to navigate healthcare.

Adam Verdin

President
Adam Verdin is the co-owner of Old Juan’s Cantina in Oceano, and principal of Verdin, a marketing and public relations agency based in San Luis Obispo.

Fran Tognazzini

Treasurer
Fran Tognazzini has lived in North County for over 30 years and has spent at least half of those being an active volunteer with several organizations in the area.

Beverly Maguire

Director
Beverly Maguire, originally from Palos Verdes Estates, works with the San Luis Medical Clinic and has a passion for music. Her career took her in a different direction after obtaining her certification in echocardiology where she was employed for eight years at Centinela Hospital in Inglewood, CA.

Chris Hulburd, M.D.

Director
Dr. Hulburd works as an ophthalmologist at Pacific Eye, French Hospital Medical Center and Sierra Vista Regional Medical Center. He received his medical degree from Georgetown University School of Medicine and has been in practice for more than 20 years. Dr. Hulburd hopes to bring a unique medical background and fresh ideas to the board.

Russ Lovell

Director
Russ Lovell is president of IOS Telecom, an international telecom company based in San Luis Obispo, and is also partner/co-founder of RVPlusYou.com, an online sharing market for RV rentals by owner that can be delivered and set up at any destination.

Elaine Taylor

Director
Elaine Taylor is co-founder and president of The Taylor Family Foundation (TTFF), established in 1990, with a mission of preserving the wellness and enhancing the quality of life for children with life-threatening illness, developmental differences, chronic diseases, and youth at risk.

MIKE MCAUSTIN​

Director

Mike is a retired high school teacher and coach from Arroyo Grande High School and a friend of the Ready’s. When approached to help with the planning and building of the park in 2017, he graciously said yes and has donated countless hours of planning, meetings, manual labor, and determination to make this park a success. Mike demonstrates tireless devotion to the completion of this project as he sees the benefit of getting children and their families outside, regardless of ability level. Mike is a true hero for providing his dedication and volunteerism to this project.

Jill Bassi Gentilly

Program and Assistance Coordinator
Jill Bassi Gentilly is a lifelong resident of San Luis Obispo County with many family ties in the area. She owned her own business for 21 years and has been with Jack’s Helping Hand since 2011. She has served on the Board of Directors of The Robert H. Janssen Foundation supporting youth and youth sports since 2006.

Noelle Laird

Administrative Assistant and Marketing Coordinator

Noelle is a San Luis Obispo native and graduated from Cal Poly studying Sociology and Child Development. She enjoys spending time with family and friends, playing sports, and coaching Volleyball at Mission College Prep. Noelle has a strong connection to family and community and loves getting to know and assisting all of our Jack’s Helping Hand families.

Bonnie Burt

Equestrian and Imagination Park Coordinator
Bonnie has lived on the Central Coast since graduating from Cal Poly in Animal Science. She has enjoyed being involved with a large number of local organizations and non-profits over the years and understands the values of volunteering. She is certified as a therapeutic riding instructor and loves to contribute to the Little Riders program.

Riley Sherlock

Event and Volunteer Coordinator
Riley is a Paso Robles native and graduated from CU-Boulder studying Sociology and Psychology. Riley is passionate about her community, driven to help others, and committed to planning and facilitating logistics for all events.

Leah Nielsen

Financial Associate
Leah grew up in North Central Washington and graduated from Western Washington University in Bellingham. As a child, she would visit her grandparents in Cayucos and grew to love the Central Coast. She moved here with her husband and 3 children in 2014 and joined JHH in 2018. She has been volunteering with various non-profits and public schools since college. She now lives in North County with her family and their many animals. She loves to hike, garden and bake, but can often be found driving her kids around town to sports practices and dance rehearsals.

GABBY PEREZ

Assistance Program Translator

Gabby’s own experience with a child diagnosed with an unexpected illness allows her to understand the needs of children, families, and parents just like her. Gabby is able to provide information and reach out to families in their own language. She knows firsthand that it can be a barrier for many people to receive the services they need. Gabby’s experience, work ethic, and loving character allows her to excel in her position. She is a blessing to our office and our families.