THE OPPORTUNITY TREE - Key Persons

Alex Cappellini - COO

Job Titles:
  • Director of Operations
Alex brings over 10 years of Operational Management experience to The Opportunity Tree.

Ben Wallace

Job Titles:
  • Attorney

Bernadette Smith

Job Titles:
  • Vita Property Services

Bob Silver

Job Titles:
  • Immediate past Chair

Erna Dubravic - Treasurer

Job Titles:
  • Secretary
  • Treasurer

Gregory Puckett

Job Titles:
  • Vice Chair

Jerry Stabley

Job Titles:
  • Community Member

Joseph Steckmann

Job Titles:
  • Assistant Director of Human Resources
Joseph Steckmann, Jr. joined The Opportunity Tree in 2023 with over 10 years of Human Resources and management experience. While earning his M.B.A and M.S. in Leadership he chose to have a servant leadership philosophy and always wants to support the organization's employees. He understands that when an organization cares for their employees the employees will care for their clients. Joseph is excited to work for an organization that makes such an amazing impact on the community.

Kelli O'Toole - CEO

Job Titles:
  • Chief Executive Officer
Kelli O'Toole joined the Opportunity Tree as CEO in May of 2017. She has a diverse background in finance and non-profit leadership. Kelli is a passionate leader with success in organizational transformation based on data and outcomes. Kelli began her non-profit career at Central Arizona Shelter Services in the finance department. In 2009 Kelli moved over to STARS (Scottsdale Training and Rehabilitation Services) and served as their COO. While at STARS Kelli realized her true passion in the non-profit field was supporting and working with individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Kelli leads The Opportunity Tree team in providing high quality, person-centered supports that focus on long-term sustainability and innovation. In addition to her role at The Opportunity Tree, Kelli also serves on the board of the Arizona chapter of The Association for People Supporting Employment First, is an AAPPD (Arizona Association of Providers for People with Disabilties) Executive Committee Member and is a graduate of Valley Leadership - Class 41. Kelli earned her Bachelor's degree in accounting and a Master's degree in Non-Profit Leadership. In her free time, she enjoys her family, traveling, cooking and eating.

Lorie Sandaine

Job Titles:
  • Director of Employment
Lorie Sandaine, CESP, CWIC, is a passionate leader focusing on putting "Employment First" into action by leading The Opportunity Tree's employment services, SEEDS (Supported Employment: Expect. Develop. Support).

Natalie Marsh - Chairman

Job Titles:
  • Chairman

Neal Hallihan - COO

Job Titles:
  • Chief Operating Officer
Neal joined The Opportunity Tree in 2019 and served as Director of Operations until beginning his current role as COO in the summer of 2023. Neal has two decades of experience working with people of all ability levels in various capacities including developing, leading, implementing, and expanding programs and services in the areas of youth supports, employment services, inclusion supports, adult programming, Special Olympics, and more. Neal also supports The Opportunity Tree's Operations department, Marketing & Development initiatives, community relationships, program teams, Training department, outreach and recruiting operations, and other agency departments. Neal holds a Master's degree from ASU in Social Justice and Human Rights, Non-Profit Organizational Leadership, and counts his most rewarding experiences as being at the forefront of promoting the development of a society that fully embraces individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities through inclusion, advocacy and opportunities.

Nicole Macko-RanAllo

Job Titles:
  • Director of Community Living
Nicole joined The Opportunity Tree in June 2022 and currently serves as the Program Director of Community Living. Nicole joined The Opportunity Tree with 15 years of experience in the ID/DDD field. Having developed in the field from DSP to Director, Nicole prides herself on "Having done the job". The belief that quality services start with quality staff is the cornerstone to Nicole's practice in the ID/DDD field. In her career Nicole has certified over 2,000 DCW and has over 7,000 hours of facilitation and leadership development. Nicole is a Lead Instructor for Article 9 and Prevention and Support, holds affiliations or accreditations with the National Task Group (Dementia Capable Care), Wiley DiSC, Be Safe (Police & Member training). Pursuing her passion, Nicole presented an original leadership training program at 2014 Arizona SSCIP Conference, lead and original "Working with Children with Autism" seminar at the 2016 After School Conference. Nicole served as Chair in the DCW Alliance 2019-2022, co-chair of the I-AADAP Communication and Policy Committee 2019-2022.

Rachel A. Johnson - CFO

Job Titles:
  • Chief Financial Officer
Rachel A. Johnson, CPA, CGMA is the CFO of The Opportunity Tree. She provides oversight and management of the financial operation for the organization. Rachel has specialized in non-profit accounting and management since 2005, having spent 9 years working with organizations serving people experiencing homelessness and 4 years with arts and education organizations. In addition to her work at The Opportunity Tree, Rachel enjoys working with small non-profits during their financial startup to ensure their future success.

Sabrina Forrest

Job Titles:
  • Assistant Director - Casa Grande Campus
Sabrina Forrest has been a member of The Opportunity Tree team since 2015 and currently serves as the Assistant Director of both our Casa Grande site and Community Living settings. Sabrina started working with people with intellectual and developmental disabilities in 1993 in New York State as a Direct Care Counselor.