ANAHEIM HILLS, Calif., June 6, 2006 (PRIMEZONE) -- Canyon Acres Children and Family Services, a charity organization committed to providing homes, care, treatment and supportive services for abused, neglected and emotionally troubled children and their families, announced the appointment of four new board members: Linda Denton, former board president and senior vice president of People Services at Young & Rubicam Brands, California; Carol Seelig Eastman, long-time supporter of children's services and former Canyon Acres board member; Jack Schrader, vice president and chief financial officer for Desiccare, Inc. and also a former Canyon Acres board member; and Barbara Spencer, vice president and financial center manager for Washington Mutual.
"Canyon Acres is fortunate to have such distinguished community members donate their time and energy to the Canyon Acres cause," said Clete Menke, executive director of Canyon Acres. "I look forward to working closely with all four of our new board members to fulfill the Canyon Acres mission and to enhance the lives of the children it serves."
Linda Denton brings to the board experience in organizational and people development, including the creation and implementation of programs to inspire high performance work groups, promote learning, and improve business processes. She has held senior human resource and people development positions with a wide range of organizations, including her current post at Young & Rubicam Brands.
"I feel privileged to join the Canyon Acres Board of Directors and am grateful for the opportunity to work with the agency again," said Denton. "The committed team of staff and volunteers at Canyon Acres works tirelessly to improve the lives of troubled children and their families."
Carol Seelig Eastman has been involved in children's services for many years. Since 1988, she has worked as a psychotherapist for severely emotionally troubled children and families. This will be Eastman's second post on the Canyon Acres Board of Directors.
"I have always been active in philanthropy and in promoting philanthropic values," said Eastman. "I am honored to return to the board, and look forward to helping Canyon Acres reach its development goals in the community."
Jack Schrader, chief financial officer for Desiccare, Inc., has also served as a partner with Arthur Andersen and as CFO for several significant Southern California companies. Schrader also has served on the Canyon Acres Board of Directors in the past.
"I am very excited to have this opportunity again," said Schrader. "I believe in taking an active approach to effecting change for abused and neglected children, and Canyon Acres is the region's preeminent facility for this kind of active, ongoing, and long-term care."
Barbara Spencer is the vice president of Washington Mutual and is an experienced manager with a proven track record in team-building, service excellence and relationship management. She has served as a trustee and board member for local organizations such as the United Way and the Multicultural Officer Network. This is her first term as a board member for Canyon Acres.
"Canyon Acres is a phenomenal organization and I am excited to be involved as a board member," said Spencer. "The board is comprised of outstanding community leaders, and I look forward to working to achieve the agency's goals."
About Canyon Acres
Canyon Acres Children and Family Services is the only facility in Orange County or the surrounding counties serving the most severely abused and emotionally troubled children between the ages of 6-17. Since 1980, Canyon Acres has been providing the highest level of care, therapeutic treatment and most importantly a home, to children throughout Southern California who suffer from a variety of emotional and psychological disorders. Canyon Acres gives children nurturing, treatment, and opportunities that they need to grow up in safe, loving, and stable families. For more information about Canyon Acres Children and Family Services, contact Bock Communications at + 1-714-540-1030 or mjack@bockpr.com or visit the Canyon Acres Children and Family Services Web Site at www.canyonacres.org.