The Meals That Connect Team
People are the most valuable asset of any organization, and our team(s) are no exception
Terry Greene
Board Secretary
As 1 of 6 children, founding principal of the Grizzly Youth Academy, KCBX Live Oak Music Fest volunteer coordinator, service dog trainer, and Marine Mammal Center crew supervisor.
Justin Vanderlinden
Treasurer
Member Since 2023
As Vice President/Relationship Manager at Banc of California, Justin provides excellent financial oversight for the company.
David E. Grim
Vice President
Member Since 2024
David E. Grim is a Development Services Manager for SLO County, managing engineers and surveyors for local land development projects.
Alissa Maddren
Board President
Member since Jan. 2020
A California native, Alissa received her bachelor’s degree in fine art from UCSB in 1986 and continues to practice art in a variety of forms.
Jeff Schmoll
Member Since June 2025
A Cal Poly engineering grad with a passion for service, Jeff retired after 38 years in industry, most recently as General Manager of Projects and Company Director in Australia.
Eric Blanco
Member Since May 2024
With 20 years of professional food service, Eric has supported many local organizations such as the Good Samaritan Homeless Shelter.
Marla Kraft
Member
A central coast native, Marla began her local professional life in food service. Her time in the hospitality business connected her to people.
Candace Splivalo
HR Professional
As an Office Administrator and HR professional for the SF office of a large international law
firm, Candace has made it her mission to bring the human element back to the workplace
Interested in becoming a board member? Have any questions and want additional information? Contact info@mealsthatconnect.org
Brian McAdam
Digital Systems Admin
brian@mealsthatconnect.org
Brian McAdam brings a unique set of skills to his job as Digital Systems Administrator, a position he describes as marrying two of his passions—tech and culinary arts.
Laura Kelsay
Executive Director
laura@mealsthatconnect.org
Laura joined Meals That Connect in September 2022 as Resource Manager. Within 8 months she was promoted to Executive Director, after the retirement and 17-year tenure of Elias Nimeh.
Ashley Murphy
Admin Operations Manager
ashley@mealsthatconnect.org
Ashley Murphy has been a dedicated team member since March 2024. A Central Coast native and proud Cal Poly graduate with a degree in Graphic Communication.
Timothy Ames
Staff Accountant
accounting@mealsthatconnect.org
Having grown up on California’s Central Coast, Tim has a deep-rooted connection to the community he now serves.
Barbara Horne
Registered Dietitian (R.D.)
barbara@mealsthatconnect.org
Barbara grew up in SLO County. She graduated from Cal Poly of SLO with a degree in Nutritional Science and completed the first dietetic internship there.
Scott Bullock
Talent and Culture Manager
scott@mealsthatconnect.org
Scott Bullock is a seasoned HR and leadership professional with a passion for fostering positive workplace cultures and empowering teams.
Josh Howell
Kitchen Manager
josh@mealsthatconnect.org
Josh is a dedicated and experienced food service professional with a strong background in restaurant management, customer service, logistics, and community involvement.
Carmelita Lara
Program Manager
carmelita@mealsthatconnect.org
Originally from the Central Valley, many years of experience in Customer Service and Management. My passion is Culinary and had the amazing opportunity to attend Culinary school, from prep to Banquet Chef.
Emilia Bucklew
Nutrition Intern
admin.intern@mealsthatconnect.org
Emilia is a fourth year Nutrition Major at Cal Poly with aspirations to become a registered dietitian. She is involved with general administrative and nutrition actions here at Meals that Connect.
Lance Simpson
Kitchen Manager
lance@mealsthatconnect.org
Lance is a restaurateur, who has owned 3 restaurants at one time. He has been running kitchens for 40 years and he now works at our main kitchen. He is a great manager, boss, and friend. He has diverse experience in food and has always loved working in the industry.
Jaclyn Bartholomew
Admin & Digital Outreach Coordinator
jaclyn@mealsthatconnect.org
Jaclyn’s passion for community and communication brings energy and creativity to our team. She is a Cal Poly graduate with a degree in Graphic Communication and has a strong background in marketing, digital media, and design.
