but it doesn't have to.

     Becky Kwock has been an active volunteer since 2013. During Becky's tenure at VTO, she has worn many hats—from a school rep to interim treasurer to vice president and now President.  Becky oversees all aspects of Vista Teen Outreach, from donor retention to grant applications and all of the many other operations.

     Becky also represents VTO at the North County Food Policy Council and the Alliance of Regional Solutions meetings where she received the Star Award in 2021. Becky thanks all of the volunteers, donors and Board Members for all of their continued support.

     Ashley Gabriel joined the VTO board after seeing firsthand how many of her own students relied on the granola bars and hygiene items she stocked in her own classroom at Mission Vista High School. Working alongside school counselors, she helped support a campus pantry supplied by VTO, which led to a deeper involvement in the beginning in 2019.

     Ashley believes that food security is a fundamental human right and that when students’ basic needs are met, they are better able to learn, grow, and feel safe. She is deeply committed to fostering a caring community where students are seen, supported, and reminded that they are not alone and VTO helps to reach these goals.

Pending, need to receive from volunteer.

Pending, need to receive from volunteer.

     Born in San Diego and raised in Vista, Sharon Folmer’s roots in our community run deep. Her family has been connected to Vista schools since the late 1950s. She attended Santa Fe Elementary, Washington Jr High, and is a proud graduate of Vista High School’s Class of ’72. Sharon began her professional career at the Vista Press.

     Sharon’s journey with Vista Teen Outreach began when she volunteered to assemble a few of our newsletters while still working. After retiring and returning home to Vista, she reconnected with the community and was later recruited by Becky Kwock through another local organization. She has served with VTO on and off for nine years and became a board member three years ago.

     Sharon treasures the friendships formed through service and remains dedicated to ensuring Vista students and local families have access to food and hygiene resources so they can thrive.

     Jason Tinling began volunteering with VTO in the spring of 2021. After several months of working with the home distribution program during the COVID pandemic, Jason was asked to join the board. In the spring of 2024, he was offered the Co-President position and is honored by the opportunity to give back to the community he grew up in as part of this great organization.

Kathy Urbnia joined the VTO board in 2015 for a couple of years to help set up the accounting.  She returned in 2022 and takes care of the Treasurer responsibilities.  Kathy is happy to be part of this organization and look forward to watching the program continue to grow and help the community. 

     Melissa Sharp began supporting VTO in 2016 when she volunteered as a driver for the annual Thanksgiving Holiday Basket event. What started as a single act of service quickly grew into a deeper commitment.​

     Over the years, Melissa has sponsored food drives, served as a liaison for VUSD schools, and delivered food to students in need. By 2021, it was clear that she should be invited to join the board, where she now serves as the Food Drive and Backpack Drive Coordinator, helping to expand programs that make a meaningful difference in our community.​

     Melissa’s continued support of VTO and its mission to serve teens and their families is deeply valued. Giving back has always been a passion of hers, and she is grateful for the opportunity to make a positive impact.

Madeleine Inman began volunteering in 2019 and became a board member for VTO in 2020. She has previously served as Recording Secretary and Food Pantry Coordinator. Today, Madeleine co-chairs the Hygiene Program, assists with the Holiday Basket Program, attends Back to School Nights, and takes part in many other events that support and share VTO’s work in the community.

MJ Tinling has volunteered her technical and media skills to VTO for several years and joined the board officially in January 2026.  She looks forward to continuing to put her skills to use to help the organization grow and succeed in accomplishing their mission.