Leadership Team

Executive Director

Tara Bevington

Tara started with the organization as our Controller in 2010 and was chosen as our Executive Director in 2014. She received her BA in Accounting and has 20 years experience in finance and human resources. She has a genuine passion for the organization’s mission and empathy, which is demonstrated by her dedication and determination to ensure all students, at need, have access to Second Start’s nationally and internationally recognized programs.

tarab@secondstart.org
(408) 979-8210 #152

Director of Educational Programs

Greg Zieman

Greg has 29 years of experience in special education. He has been at the forefront of innovative programs for special education such as Workability, PAVA, and the MVLA Satellite program. He has written, lead, and managed state, local, federal and corporate grants all focused in support of education and employment of special needs students and teens at risk. He is a leading expert in special education.

Greg holds a Juris Doctor degree, is the current student attorney trainer for the Santa Clara County Peer Court Restorative Justice program, is a past Chairperson, and current appointed member of the Child Abuse Prevention Council of Santa Clara County and on the weekends invests his time coaching youth basketball.

gregz@secondstart.org
(408) 979-8210 #260

Newton Northern Nevada School Director

Rebecca “RJ” Larrieu

Rebecca “RJ” Larrieu has over 15 years of amazing success with Second Start working with and creating nationally recognized education programs. Rebecca focuses on providing teachers with effective academic, behavioral, and social strategies for achieving optimal student learning outcomes. She currently holds a Master’s Degree and is a Social Thinking® Clinical Trainee through Michelle Garcia Winner’s Social Thinking® clinic in San Jose, California. Her major areas of expertise are in leadership, interagency collaboration, and social skills training.

rebeccaj@secondstart.org
(775) 358-0808

Human Resources Director

Usha Rajagopal

Usha has over 10 years of experience in Human Resources and Payroll, and currently holds a Bachelor’s degree in Mathematics. She enjoys working with people from diverse cultures and backgrounds and has always been strongly committed to creating an inclusive environment, where employees can be themselves, feel valued and ultimately grow as an individual both personally and professionally.

ushar@secondstart.org
(408) 979-8210 #212