Board
Members
Merlyn Pittman
Executive Director/Founder
Ms. Pittman founded Chest of Hope, Inc. in 2005 with the original focus of providing safe and nurturing environments internationally, for children who were orphaned. This idea was conceived based on her volunteer work in orphanages and women’s shelters abroad, where she provided food, clothing and much needed resources. Her volunteer work as a C.A.S.A. (Court Appointed Special Advocate) for children in the foster care system also helped to strengthen her resolve to create an organization that would make a difference in the lives of children and families.
A native of the islands of Trinidad and Tobago, Ms. Pittman has served as a Correctional Officer in the Prison System and has worked in homeless and domestic violence shelters. As a skilled implementer personally and professionally, she has hosted workshops on domestic violence awareness and has been a speaker for various women’s events.
Although she has had a broad career and some amazing journeys, philanthropy has been the center point for much of Ms. Pittman’s life, and Chest of Hope, Inc. is the catalyst of her philanthropic journey. Ms. Pittman holds Bachelor Degrees in Business Administration and Criminal Justice and is a Certified Life Coach.
Domingo Ramos
Board Chair
“As a small business owner and resident of Tracy, I have witnessed firsthand the wonderful yet delicate services that Chest of Hope provides. Time and time again, Chest of Hope has stepped in to fill the void left behind by law enforcement and social services when dealing with victims of domestic violence and human trafficking. That is why I choose to volunteer my time with this amazing organization and I hope that it continues to grow and expand into all San Joaquin County communities.”
Michelle Billings
Board Secretary
Michelle Billings is an artist and Reiki Master in Tracy, CA of My Relax-ology. Helping people in our community by balancing mind, body, and spirit, through Reiki, healing oils, crystals, and jewelry.
She has served in two school districts as a parent liaison on various PTA boards, assisted in starting a parent room, art program and a food bank at the school locations.
She has always been charismatic and has a heart for wanting to help in her community.
Tom Kelly
Board Member
My Journey
First securities licensed in 1991, I have spent the last 30 years as a retirement income planning specialist and practice management consultant for financial advisors all over the western U.S.
Almost my entire working life has been focused on creating strategies to help individuals and small business owners prepare for and live in retirement. It’s been very rewarding, but I realized that something was missing.
My Arrival in Mountain House
In 2018, I moved to Mountain House after 16 years in Livermore and immediately got the sense that the people of this area are open, friendly and truly look out for each other. That’s when I realized my true calling.
I wanted to be part of, and make a contribution to, my local community in a way that my previous job simply didn’t afford me.
Stella Lakey
Board Member
Mrs. Stella Lakey has been a long-time small business owner in Tracy, CA. She just celebrated her 18th year as owner of Happyfaces Childcare and Transportation Services. She is also co-owner of Jay’s Gourmet-food with soul, based in Tracy, CA alongside her husband, Jay. Mrs. Lakey is also a State of California Notary Public.
She has served on various PTSA boards from the Bay Area to Tracy since 1995. Mrs. Lakey currently serves as a board member for Raider Dad, a nonprofit organization that provides a tailgate experience and grants tickets to Las Vegas Raider games for underprivileged youths.
Added to her list of volunteered time, she is also an active baseball coach for the Jr. Giants, a nonprofit affiliate with the San Francisco Giants that supports initiatives in health, education, sportsmanship, and violence prevention.
In her spare time, Stella loves traveling and spending time with her husband, children, and grandchildren.
Mrs. Lakey is honored to be a member of Chest of Hope’s nonprofit organization as it’s very close to her heart.
“It only takes one person to make a difference in somebody else’s life” and she loves being that one person.
Terri Piazza
Board Member
Terri Piazza has been self-employed for the last 26 years. She’s currently an Executive Director who provides voluntary benefits, small business, transportation legal services and identity theft protection through PPLSI. Formerly she owned/operated a Christian Singles organization serving both singles as well as served on a Singles Pastors Board from churches all over the bay area. Her passion is serving and more specifically women, she feels is part of her calling. She continues to volunteer, as she has many times over the years.
She is married, has 2 grown kids Daniel & Jamie. Family and her extended family means the world to her.
Vannie Phan Dart
Board Member
Vannie holds a bachelor of science degree in business administration, with focus in accounting, marketing, and advertising from California State University in Hayward.
Vannie held many management positions for major retailers, as well as financial and accounting positions in the Silicon Valley and Lawrence Livermore Laboratory.
Since her retirement, Vannie is actively involved in her community and became a volunteer for many charities. As a refugee from Vietnam, surviving her boat ride and five refugee camps, Vannie has developed a deep compassion for the under privileged and victims of crimes. Her experience has allowed her to develop a strong cause of devotion for the nonprofit sector and deep appreciation for how charities seek to improve the quality of life for mankind, one person at a time.
Vannie loves to read, spend time in the garden with her plants, dogs, and farm animals. Tiny, her pet goose could be seen trailing, just right behind Vannie in the yard.