OUR TEAM
Monica H. Stelmack, B.A. - CEO, Wide Horizons, Inc.
Monica is a Mexican-American entrepreneur, business professional, and long-time advocate for individuals with unique challenges. As a mother of three boys, one of whom has autism, "Danny," she has spent the last twenty-six years fighting for the rights of her children to experience full and complete lives. She was inspired to build Wide Horizons Inc while earning her bachelor’s degree in business in 2013. She wanted to give back to others with the lessons she had learned from the challenges she had faced raising her children and supporting her career. She continues to mentor others and provide guidance and advice to families who are facing similar challenges. She is also an assistant at the Serving Unique Needs (S.U.N.) ministry at Crossroad Grace Church in Manteca, CA.
Her previous roles at companies such as Costco and E&J Gallo required her to provide payroll, leave & absence, FMLA and similar administrative support for as many as 400 employees. She is versed balancing stringent CBA and corporate requirements with the demanding life and family needs of those employees. Her care for others is obvious. Her passion that those who cannot self-advocate have an advocacy is relentless.
Monica is a Mexican-American entrepreneur, business professional, and long-time advocate for individuals with unique challenges. As a mother of three boys, one of whom has autism, "Danny," she has spent the last twenty-six years fighting for the rights of her children to experience full and complete lives. She was inspired to build Wide Horizons Inc while earning her bachelor’s degree in business in 2013. She wanted to give back to others with the lessons she had learned from the challenges she had faced raising her children and supporting her career. She continues to mentor others and provide guidance and advice to families who are facing similar challenges. She is also an assistant at the Serving Unique Needs (S.U.N.) ministry at Crossroad Grace Church in Manteca, CA.
Her previous roles at companies such as Costco and E&J Gallo required her to provide payroll, leave & absence, FMLA and similar administrative support for as many as 400 employees. She is versed balancing stringent CBA and corporate requirements with the demanding life and family needs of those employees. Her care for others is obvious. Her passion that those who cannot self-advocate have an advocacy is relentless.
Carla Jewett - Board Secretary & Development Advisor
I am a mother of 7 where the youngest and oldest are separated by 23 years . My husband, David Lees, and I have been married since 2012. We both came into the marriage with children, Dave with 3 and me with 2 then we had 2 children together. We also have 4 grandbabies, I am a medical assistant that has a love for people with special needs. I also am an educator and trainer and have been in the education business for the past 13 years. I currently serve our God with the SUN ministries at Crossroads Grace Community Church, for both the children and adult groups. I have served with them since their beginning... SUN children approximately 4 years, and SUN adult since 2019.
I am not sure how I will be used best with this amazing group, however I know God wants me to be right here walking with you to see that Wide Horizons happens..... 💞
I am a mother of 7 where the youngest and oldest are separated by 23 years . My husband, David Lees, and I have been married since 2012. We both came into the marriage with children, Dave with 3 and me with 2 then we had 2 children together. We also have 4 grandbabies, I am a medical assistant that has a love for people with special needs. I also am an educator and trainer and have been in the education business for the past 13 years. I currently serve our God with the SUN ministries at Crossroads Grace Community Church, for both the children and adult groups. I have served with them since their beginning... SUN children approximately 4 years, and SUN adult since 2019.
I am not sure how I will be used best with this amazing group, however I know God wants me to be right here walking with you to see that Wide Horizons happens..... 💞
Seamus Thompson - Director of Program & Curriculum Development
California Teaching Credentials, Mild/Moderate & Moderate Severe, Brandman University, Modesto, CA.
Special Education, Education Specialist, M.A., Brandman University, Modesto, CA
Forensic Psychology, M.S., Walden University, Minneapolis, MN
Counseling Psychology, Marriage & Family Therapy M.A., National University, Stockton, CA
Associate Marriage & Family Therapist license California Board of Behavioral Sciences
About Me
I am passionate about mental health. I thrive on caring for individuals and families. I believe in a wholistic approach. We are 3-part beings, mental, physical, and spiritual. It is my heart’s joy to help those needing to find balance. I really appreciate the dedicated and tenacious approach of Wide Horizons in helping those with special needs find their vocational niche along with providing the inspiration and education to live as independently as possible.
Hobbies & Interests
In my spare time I take my certified therapy dog, Toby, to visit places, so he can give away love, joy & cheer. He’s kind of a local celebrity with his purple mohawk. I crochet and watch historical documentaries to relax.
California Teaching Credentials, Mild/Moderate & Moderate Severe, Brandman University, Modesto, CA.
Special Education, Education Specialist, M.A., Brandman University, Modesto, CA
Forensic Psychology, M.S., Walden University, Minneapolis, MN
Counseling Psychology, Marriage & Family Therapy M.A., National University, Stockton, CA
Associate Marriage & Family Therapist license California Board of Behavioral Sciences
About Me
I am passionate about mental health. I thrive on caring for individuals and families. I believe in a wholistic approach. We are 3-part beings, mental, physical, and spiritual. It is my heart’s joy to help those needing to find balance. I really appreciate the dedicated and tenacious approach of Wide Horizons in helping those with special needs find their vocational niche along with providing the inspiration and education to live as independently as possible.
Hobbies & Interests
In my spare time I take my certified therapy dog, Toby, to visit places, so he can give away love, joy & cheer. He’s kind of a local celebrity with his purple mohawk. I crochet and watch historical documentaries to relax.
Sarah Barrentine - Director of Marketing
Sarah is an energized and result-driven administrator with a passion for inspiring and implementing success. Her career development is attributed to strategic upward promotions and realistic tollgates reached within the non-profit, corporate, and commercial sectors. Her performance gains are fueled by increased levels of responsibility, goal achievements and innovative solution wins.
In late 2019 Sarah ultimately felt the call to return to an environment where she would be able to utilize her abilities to help individuals realize their true potential. In addition to seeking the Lord's will by whole heartedly joining the Wide Horizons, Inc. Team, she has a personal connection to our mission. She grew up watching her older brother who had a traumatic brain injury struggle as he transitioned from program to program; never receiving the sense of normalcy that he so desperately sought.
As her involvement with us grew, it reaffirmed her focus and commitment to promote community resources and design outreach strategies. What initially began as volunteer time has led to a path envisioned with career growth, personal development, and an evolving admiration for all of those who serve within a public administration.
Sarah is an energized and result-driven administrator with a passion for inspiring and implementing success. Her career development is attributed to strategic upward promotions and realistic tollgates reached within the non-profit, corporate, and commercial sectors. Her performance gains are fueled by increased levels of responsibility, goal achievements and innovative solution wins.
In late 2019 Sarah ultimately felt the call to return to an environment where she would be able to utilize her abilities to help individuals realize their true potential. In addition to seeking the Lord's will by whole heartedly joining the Wide Horizons, Inc. Team, she has a personal connection to our mission. She grew up watching her older brother who had a traumatic brain injury struggle as he transitioned from program to program; never receiving the sense of normalcy that he so desperately sought.
As her involvement with us grew, it reaffirmed her focus and commitment to promote community resources and design outreach strategies. What initially began as volunteer time has led to a path envisioned with career growth, personal development, and an evolving admiration for all of those who serve within a public administration.
Betsy Caporale, M.S., CCC-SLP, AAC/AT Specialist
Betsy is a speech-language pathologist who has been specializing in the fields of Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) and Assistive Technology (AT) for over 20 years. In 2006 she earned her Competency Certificate in Communication Assistive Technology Applications from The National Association of State Directors of Special Education and was awarded an Assistive Technology Specialty Certificate in Communication Services from the University of South Florida. She has presented nationally and internationally on topics related to Autism and Complex Communication Needs. While working for the California Department of Education, Northern California Diagnostic Center she developed and taught an AAC Assessment and Services Certification Course, certifying over 200 speech-language pathologists serving students in educational settings. Betsy is the owner of Augmentative Communication Solutions, a private practice supporting students, adults and school districts in California.
Betsy is a speech-language pathologist who has been specializing in the fields of Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) and Assistive Technology (AT) for over 20 years. In 2006 she earned her Competency Certificate in Communication Assistive Technology Applications from The National Association of State Directors of Special Education and was awarded an Assistive Technology Specialty Certificate in Communication Services from the University of South Florida. She has presented nationally and internationally on topics related to Autism and Complex Communication Needs. While working for the California Department of Education, Northern California Diagnostic Center she developed and taught an AAC Assessment and Services Certification Course, certifying over 200 speech-language pathologists serving students in educational settings. Betsy is the owner of Augmentative Communication Solutions, a private practice supporting students, adults and school districts in California.
"Danny" Pintor-Hernandez - Time Keeper and Program Advisor
Danny is the official time keeper for all corporate board meetings as well as a participant and developer of E.V.O.L.VE. at Wide Horizons, Inc. With unlimited potential, he embraces each new challenge with a desire to help and give his best. From light carpentry, landscaping, and pet care to gardening, oil changes, and grocery clerk, he brings value to every task he completes and role that he fills.
Danny is passionate about Digimon, DC and Marvel Super Heros, the Dallas Cowboys and Transformers. He'll beat anyone at word search and can find any verse of scripture in the Bible you ask him to. He has yet to find a Lego set he can't conquer. He is very proud of his three brothers and sister-in-law.
Danny is the official time keeper for all corporate board meetings as well as a participant and developer of E.V.O.L.VE. at Wide Horizons, Inc. With unlimited potential, he embraces each new challenge with a desire to help and give his best. From light carpentry, landscaping, and pet care to gardening, oil changes, and grocery clerk, he brings value to every task he completes and role that he fills.
Danny is passionate about Digimon, DC and Marvel Super Heros, the Dallas Cowboys and Transformers. He'll beat anyone at word search and can find any verse of scripture in the Bible you ask him to. He has yet to find a Lego set he can't conquer. He is very proud of his three brothers and sister-in-law.
Troy Stelmack, MBA/ME, PMP - Board Chair & Treasurer, Wide Horizons, Inc.
Troy is a Navy Combat-Action Veteran and globally recognized project management professional. He earned his B.S. in Business Administration, Cum Laude from Colorado Technical University and his MBA with a concentration in Engineering Management from Southern New Hampshire University. He has lead projects in excess of $25 million and helped his organization save tens of millions of dollars by leveraging teamwork and applying proven best practices in project management, strategic leadership and financial accountability.
Troy has been actively involved in the community and the growth and development of its youth for decades. Organizations with which he has been associated include Manteca Areas Soccer League, Boy Scouts of America, and the Manteca Soccer Referee Association. He is also a leader in his local Christian fellowship.
Troy has been married to Monica for twelve years. Having raised four boys together, they are committed to continuing to instill the values of family, faith and love into the fabric of Wide Horizons. Inc.
Troy is a Navy Combat-Action Veteran and globally recognized project management professional. He earned his B.S. in Business Administration, Cum Laude from Colorado Technical University and his MBA with a concentration in Engineering Management from Southern New Hampshire University. He has lead projects in excess of $25 million and helped his organization save tens of millions of dollars by leveraging teamwork and applying proven best practices in project management, strategic leadership and financial accountability.
Troy has been actively involved in the community and the growth and development of its youth for decades. Organizations with which he has been associated include Manteca Areas Soccer League, Boy Scouts of America, and the Manteca Soccer Referee Association. He is also a leader in his local Christian fellowship.
Troy has been married to Monica for twelve years. Having raised four boys together, they are committed to continuing to instill the values of family, faith and love into the fabric of Wide Horizons. Inc.
Tom Strothers - Volunteer Coordinator
Vera Quiwa - Community Outreach Advisor