Leadership – Community Solutions

Board of Directors

Community Solutions is governed by a voluntary Board of Directors who live in and represent the communities we serve.

Erin O’Brien, LCSW - Chief Executive Officer

Erin O’Brien currently holds the position of Chief Executive Officer. Erin has been an integral part of Community Solutions since 1996, beginning as a social work intern before quickly advancing into leadership roles. She was name President & CEO in 2003. Under Erin’s leadership, Community Solutions has grown from a staff of 60 to over 400 and expanded services throughout Santa Clara County and into San Benito County. After nearly three decades with the agency, Erin will be retiring effective December 31, 2025 at which time Rachel Montoya will assume the role of President & CEO. Erin can be reached at 408.497.5056 or erin.obrien@communitysolutions.org.

Rachel Montoya, CPA - President

Rachel Montoya assumed the role of President in 2025. She joined Community Solutions as Chief Financial Officer in 2019. As CFO, Rachel played a key leadership role at both the state and local levels, guiding Community Solutions, and the broader human services sector, through major challenges such as the COVID-19 epidemic and significant statewide behavioral health system transformations. She will become President & CEO when Erin O’Brien retires in December 2025. Rachel can be reached at rachel.montoya@communitysolutions.org.

Vanessa Shieh, MBA - Chief Financial Officer

Vanessa Shieh joined Community Solutions in 2025 as Chief Financial Officer. Previously, Vanessa served as Co-Executive Director of the School of Arts and Culture at Mexican Heritage Plaza and as a founding member of the Si Se Puede Collective. She holds an MBA in Accounting and has extensive expertise in nonprofit administration, financial management, and community-driven strategy. Vanessa can be reached at vanessa.shieh@communitysolutions.org.

Elias Ehrheart - Chief People Officer

Elias Ehrheart joined Community Solutions in 2021, and they serve as the Chief People Officer after holding the position of Sr Human Resources Director. Elias is a people-centered HR leader with over a decade of experience working with non-profits to help create more resilient, connected, thriving workplace cultures. They are SHRM certified and hold a Master of Education and Non-profit Administration. Elias can be reached at elias.ehrheart@communitysolutions.org.

Sarah Bravo - Chief Operations Officer

Sarah Bravo joined Community Solutions in 2019, supporting the agency as a Director and Senior Clinical Director prior to her Chief Operations Officer role. She is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Certified in Healthcare Compliance. Sarah can be reached at sarah.bravo@communitysolutions.org

Lisa DeSilva - Chief Development Officer

Lisa DeSilva was a founding member of the agency’s Sexual Assault Services in 1981 and has held numerous direct services and management positions over the years. She has been the Chief Development Officer since 1999. Lisa can be reached at 408.846.4717 or lisa.desilva@communitysolutions.org

“ At Community Solutions I met some wonderful women who helped me with my fears and helped me understand that I did not deserve to be abused by anyone. ”

Luz, age 50, Solutions to Violence

“ [Community Solutions] helped me with my problems and were there when I was having hard times. They have helped my family with a place to live and helped us pay some bills and buy some food when we needed it. ”

Serena, age 15, Child & Youth Behavioral Health

“ I cannot describe very well but all I know is that each day is getting better. Your program helps. ”

Jin, age 62, Adult Behavioral Health

“ Thanks to the program, I left the ugly house I was living in that had two small windows for the 8 of us, dirt floors, broken windows, no door, and the toilet always clogging. Now my children and I have a nice apartment where we have more space, privacy, and carpet where we can be barefoot. ”

Teresa, age 38, Solutions to Violence Supportive Housing Program