Matt Schwab

Board President: A professional sports journalist and copy editor for over 30 years, Matt believes strongly in the power of teamwork and community outreach. He has guided Working Wonders to steady growth, earning recognition as Nonprofit of the Year twice by the Brentwood Chamber of Commerce (2018, 2020). Matt and his wife, Christine, are blessed with two adult children, Matthew Jr. and Julianne. Their family course changed in 2004 when Matthew Jr. was diagnosed with an Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), but with help from an early intervention program, he went on to shine in Special Olympics Unified Sports and as an Honor Roll student at Liberty High School. Through Working Wonders, Matt Sr. is helping open doors for those who are often left behind in society and help them lead fulfilling lives. Matt was the Sports Editor for newspapers at Ohlone College and Cal State East Bay, which spawned an extensive career as a journalist with ANG Newspapers, the East Bay Times, and Mercury News. He has covered PGA Tour events, Major League Soccer, the World Cup, 49ers, A’s and Giants games, and scores of high school, college and international events.

Christine Schwab

Administrator: After a 20 year career in the newspaper business, Christine has been working with individuals with special needs since 2010. A Mills College graduate (BA), she also holds an Adult Residential Facility (ARF) Certification from the state of CA. Currently, she runs Working Wonders’ licensed Day Program for young adults practicing work skills, the arts, and health & fitness. She played a key role in launching Working Wonders, and was instrumental in the nonprofit’s latest expansion into a larger location in Brentwood. She and her husband, Matt, are devoted parents to two adult children, both Liberty High School graduates. After starting with a licensed childcare for children with special needs, Working Wonders fulfills her dream of running an adult program. Christine and Matt moved to Brentwood in 2008, drawn to its parks, quality schools and emerging presence in the East Bay. Working Wonders allows her to give back to the fast-growing community.

Emil Geddes

Board Member: The Geddes family has deep roots in Brentwood, dating to the 1860s. Emil was a music major at BYU and returned home to teach in 1967. He did graduate work in music; earned a Master’s degree in Pyschology and post graduate administration at USF. He taught public school music, worked as a counselor and taught in the Brentwood Union School District, including working as a Resource Specialist Counselor in Special Education at BUSD. In 1984, he left public education to open Geddes Music, and became a BUSD School Board member a short time later. He began real estate consulting while owning Geddes Music, and has remained on the BUSD Board, active in education and in the Brentwood community. Emil strives to bring positive change through education. His greatest motivation in founding Working Wonders was his passion to bring equality, pride and sustainable independence for positive relationships by providing opportunity. He feels these opportunities have not been adequately provided. Working Wonders is an opportunity for Positive Change towards Sustainability and Relationships, or PSR. Working Wonders is a PSR Opportunity.

Vice President: Frances is a Special Education teacher in the Liberty High School District, and works with young adults with special needs that are transitioning into our community. She began her career in education as a Para Professional in 1996 and became a Special Education teacher in 2002. The more she works with this population, the more that she has realized how much she wants to help these young adults develop the skills that they need to live as independently as possible. Frances earned a teaching credential in mild to moderate and moderate to severe disabilities as well as a Master’s in Education. She says “I’m very excited to be a part of Working Wonders as it prepares to open even more opportunities for these young adults within our community.”

Steve Amaro is the Principal at Freedom High School in the Liberty Union High School District.  Since 1998, he has served in various roles to help high school students reach their potential including holding positions as an English Teacher, Athletic Director, English Content Coach and Tennis Coach.  He also holds positions as a member of the National Federation of High School’s (NFHS) High School Today committee and a recognized national faculty member for the National Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association (NIAAA).  Being an inclusive leader, he also is known for starting the first Unified Sports program in California which became the model for both high schools and middle schools throughout the Northwest US.

Board Member: A longtime Brentwood resident, Nancy has a 42-year career in special education. Nancy holds a Master’s Degree in Speech Pathology and an Administrative Credential. She has worked as an Early Intervention Therapist, Preschool Special Day Class teacher and retired 11 years ago as the Director of Special Services for the Liberty Union High School District. Nancy has experience with programs for students’ birth to 22 years old. Ms. Torres launched the Matrix program for high school students with social/emotional needs and the Gateway Program for post-secondary students ages 18-22. For the past 10 years, Ms. Torres has worked as an Educational Consultant for districts throughout the Bay Area.

Board Member Felicia Schweller lives in Discovery Bay with her daughter. She has a degree in Psychology from Saint Mary’s College and a Master’s Degree in Multi Cultural  Education as well as a teaching credential from National University in San Diego. Felicia has been teaching in The Oakley Union School District since 2001. Felicia has worked with many nonprofit organizations supporting families with Special Needs and working with sports organizations.