
The Aced Story
Founded in 2005, The Alliance for Compassion and Education Development – ACED (formerly known as Sacramento Valley Regional Care Coalition) has spent the past 15 years working with under-served youth. As a provider of wrap-around service and support, ACED is focused on and driven by the needs of brilliant and talented young minds who may have been given an unfair start in life.
EASE, an initiative of ACED, is the heartbeat of what we do. The idea was generated after longtime friend and donor, Phil Oates, saw the film, The Blind Side. He wondered just how many other “Big Mikes” were out there and visualized a reality where kids like him, talented and driven, were given the opportunity of an excellent education that otherwise wouldn’t be afforded to them.
EASE, an acronym for Educating All Students with Excellence, empowers students with a top-level education, full support and assistance and provides a foundation that stabilizes their pillars of success.
Our Mission
Many high-potential students are not given a fair chance at success without the necessary tools and support that are required to reach their goals. This is due to the design of the academic system and, to a greater extent, the odds of life. We play a lead role in bridging that gap by empowering students with access to a high-level education, offering full support and assistance, while providing a foundation that stabilizes their pillars of success. As a provider of wrap-around service and support, we are focused on and driven by the needs of brilliant and talented young minds who may have been given an unfair start in life. We strive to minimize and, if possible, eliminate any environmental factors that would stunt their growth and development. In a partnership with parents and guardians, a re-routed academic road map is offered to our students.
Our Team
Sherene Gruver
Executive Director
As the Executive Director of ACED, Sherene has been serving the ACED family since its beginning. Known to most as “Mama Sherene”, she is truly the heartbeat of the program.
Jon Hahn
Program Director
As Program Director of ACED, Jon develops strategic initiatives and long-term goals to bring further success not only to our students, but the overall program itself. An avid sports lover, you will find Jon ready and willing to debate sports at any given time!
Melanie Larson
Office Manager
As our Office Manager, Mel ‘s outgoing, social, and warm personality make her a perfect fit to greet our guests and make them feel right at home!
Nifae Lealao
Director of Student Advancement
As Director of Student Advancement, Nifae knows first hand the life-changing effects of ACED. Nifae was the first class of EASE students in 2010. He has returned to the program truly embodying the core mission of EASE by taking the blessings he’s received and transferring them to others as a mentor, case manager and student advocate.
Our Students Attend

Capital Christian School
Sacramento, CA

San Domenico School
San Anselmo, CA

Bishop Gorman High School
Las Vegas, NV
Address
9470 Micron Avenue
Sacramento, CA 95827
Phone
(916) 856-5648
Ein #
20-2942297
sherene@acedonline.com