Tom Quinn, Executive Director

An educator for the past 30 years Tom currently leads the Vanguard School that has been serving students and adults with autism since 1959.  Vanguard has a 31-acre campus in Malvern and serves 240 students from 55 school districts and also offers programing for adults.  Prior to Vanguard Tom served as the President of the HMS School for Children with Cerebral Palsy in West Philadelphia.  After starting his education career as a teacher at the middle school and high school level he also served as the Director of Education for the Walnut Street Theatre in Philadelphia where he was the author of several plays and worked to make theatre more accessible for audiences leading to his recognition by the Mayor’s Office with the Access Achievement Award in 2015.  Tom is a graduate of Bucknell University and holds Masters degrees in Education from West Chester University and Educational Administration from Gwynedd Mercy University.  He was honored as a distinguished alumni for Community Service by Gwynedd Mercy in 2017. He has served on grant committees for the US Department of Education and the New Jersey Council on the Arts. Tom lives in Rose Valley, PA with his wife Susan and their two children.

Elizabeth Ladd, Chief Financial Officer
Elizabeth determined early in her career that nonprofit accounting was her passion.  She has spent the last 28 years developing her skills and leadership style in the nonprofit arena.  She likes to work cooperatively with all levels of staff and with Board members. Prior to Vanguard, Elizabeth worked at a social service agency assisting people moving from homelessness to self-sufficiency.  She continued to assume additional responsibilities, ultimately becoming the Chief Financial Officer.  Elizabeth received her B.A. in Accounting from Widener University.  In her spare time, Elizabeth likes to spend time with her husband, Steve, and her children, Nick and Shannon, as well as her extended family members.   
 

Lisa Wood, Head of School / Director of Education

Lisa is the Head of School and Director of Education for Vanguard. As a graduate of Temple University, she received her Bachelor of Science in Health Studies and completed her Special Education Teacher Certification Program at Immaculata University. She received her Master's of Education from the University of Phoenix and completed her Special Education Supervisory Certification Program from Penn State University. She has 15 years of special education teaching experience in an approved private school setting and over 5 years of leadership experience in the public and private school sectors. In her spare time, Lisa enjoys traveling throughout the country to run half-marathons and is a volunteer for Girl Scouts.

Kevin Kane, Director of Development & Major Gifts

Kevin was thrilled to join Vanguard in September 2024. He has 18 years of experience as a dynamic development strategist, renowned for matching impact-driven philanthropists with his organization’s mission-critical needs. Prior to Vanguard, Kevin was the Senior Director of Development at Cohen Veterans Bioscience, Sr. Development Director, Oncology Department at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP), Chief Development Officer and National Program Manager at the American Red Cross, and Development Director at Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation (ALSF). Kevin is a Penn State University alumnus and successful nonprofit executive who is fueled by his desire to transform generosity into hope (and ultimately impact) for those in need. In his spare time, Kevin likes to read, exercise, golf and spend time with his wife, Andrea, and two daughters, Alli and Kendal.

Meredith Nothstein, Director of Compliance and Risk Management

Meredith is the Director of Compliance and Risk Management for Vanguard. Meredith received her BSW from Kutztown University and her Master’s in Human Services from Capella University. She spent the last 16 years of her career in residential services, working with children with special needs and their families. Meredith, along with her husband and daughter, enjoys traveling to Disney World often, visiting Rehoboth Beach in the summer, and spending time with family and friends.

Sheba Simms, Director of Marketing and Communications

Sheba joined Vanguard in 2018. She directs all aspects of marketing and communications for The Vanguard School, Vanguard Recreation Services (VRS) and Vanguard Employment Services. Prior to joining Vanguard, she served in various marketing communications roles in the nonprofit, local government and corporate sectors. She also worked for several years as a marketing consultant for small- to mid-sized businesses across multiple industries.  Sheba earned an M.A. in English and Publishing with a concentration in Digital Design from Rosemont College and a B.A. from Haverford College. In her spare time, Sheba enjoys spending time with her family and friends, recreational running, and traveling.

Terrance Randolph, Director of Human Resources

Terrance joined Vanguard in February 2023. With 27 years of experience in Human Resources, Terrance is a seasoned professional known for his expertise in employee relations, communication, and transformational leadership. Terrance has a deep commitment to fostering a workplace culture that values the unique experiences and contributions of each individual. Terrance excels in building trust, facilitating transparent communication, and driving change initiatives that align with both organizational goals and employee well-being. Known for his high regard of people, Terrance strives to consistently deliver HR solutions that enhance employee engagement, performance, and retention, making him a trusted partner in shaping positive and productive workplaces. When not at work, Terrance most enjoys spending time with family, taking neighborhood walks, and hiking in scenic locations.

Victoria Fringer, Director of Information Technology

Victoria is the Director of Technology for Vanguard. She is versed in supporting all things that run on batteries or plug into AC. She values the team approach and appreciates her IT team. Her M.B.A. rounds out her technical skill set and enables her to balance the technology with the business needs of the organization. When time permits, she enjoys taking college courses. She likes things with motors, the great outdoors, exercising, and exploring new ventures. Vicki also volunteers with a local dog rescue, acting as the point person for adoption inquiries and assisting at fundraising events.