Speakers

NCEFT is dedicated to helping those with special needs reach beyond their boundaries through equine-assisted therapies, eduction, and research. For 48 years, NCEFT has helped thousands of children, adults, military Veterans, and First Responders with neurophysiological, cognitive, sensory processing, and psychosocial challenges. Internationally recognized as a leader in the field, NCEFT offers equine-assisted therapy, adaptive riding, Veterans and First Responders Programs, summer camp, special education school programs, and a wide range of other equine-assisted activities at our beautiful 12-acre facility in Woodside, California.

The Alzheimer's Association is the leading voluntary health organization in Alzheimer's care, support and research. Our mission is to eliminate Alzheimer's disease through the advancement of research; to provide and enhance care and support for all affected; and to reduce the risk of dementia through the promotion of brain health.

James F. Karel is president of Karel Capital, Inc., which is registered with the State of Washington as a Registered Investment Advisor and affiliated with Silicon Valley Wealth Advisors, LLC of California.

Prior to founding Karel Capital, Inc., Jim worked with national brokerage firms in the areas of portfolio management, investment advising, office management, and marketing. He also directed a national training center where he was responsible for the training and development of thousands of New York Stock Exchange registered representatives.

Jim is the co-founder of the Karel-Holderreed Biotechnology Stock Index, the first stock index of biotechnology companies. He previously hosted an investment program for Public Broadcasting Systems and wrote a regular column, “Investment Insights,” for The San Mateo Times newspaper. He has been an acknowledged investment industry resource to San Francisco’s ABC-TV affiliate and has been quoted in such publications as USA Today, Barron's, New York Times, Technology Magazine, San Francisco Chronicle, San Jose Mercury News, and Los Angeles Times. Jim was previously on the Investment Advisory Board for the San Mateo Community College Foundation and served on the Opera Plus Development Board in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. He has served as board president for Mobius Science Center in Spokane, WA, and now remains on the board of directors at large.

Jim received a Master of Arts degree in Educational Technology from San Francisco State University in 1978 and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Ancient History from the University of California, Berkeley in 1976. He resides in Spokane Washington, with his three children, Sophia, James and Katherine.

Venue: Burlingame High School

Shannon Saccocia serves as Boston Private Bank’s Chief Investment Officer, and is responsible for setting the overall investment strategy for the firm. She overseesvthe asset allocation, research, portfolio management, external manager search and selection, portfolio implementation, trading, and investment risk management functions.  Shannon earned a BA in Economics and History from Brandeis University. She holds the Chartered Financial Analyst designation and is a Certified Investment Management AnalystSM professional. She is a member of the Boston Security Analysts Society, the CFA Institute, and the Investment Management Consultants Association.