Chief Executive Officer

Jason Telander has served as CEO of BEACON since 2013. He has more than 30 years of experience in the nonprofit disability services field, supporting individuals both at work and at home. Jason’s interest in the field began through a volunteer opportunity while attending Grinnell College, an experience that shaped his lifelong commitment to community inclusion and person-centered services.

Under Jason’s leadership, BEACON has expanded employment, life enrichment, residential, and community services across California’s Central Coast while strengthening financial sustainability and workforce development opportunities for individuals with disabilities. He is actively involved in statewide disability advocacy and serves on several nonprofit, education, and public policy committees supporting employment and services for individuals with disabilities.

Jason holds a Bachelor of Arts in History from Grinnell College and completed graduate coursework in Special Education at the University of Minnesota. When he is not working, Jason enjoys spending as much time as possible camping, being outdoors, and spending time together with his wife and two daughters.

Chief Operating Officer - Compliance

Tanya Astrosky serves as Chief Operating Officer – Compliance for BEACON, where she provides executive leadership for organizational compliance, information technology, and strategic initiatives that support the organization's mission. She brings more than 25 years of experience in human resources and operations, including more than two decades serving BEACON and its predecessor organization.

Tanya earned her bachelor's degree in Political Science and International Relations from McKendree College (now McKendree University). She began her career in the agricultural industry before joining the Santa Maria Times, where she continued building her expertise in human resources. Before settling on the Central Coast, Tanya lived overseas while her husband served in the U.S. Air Force, an experience that broadened her appreciation for diverse cultures and strengthened her commitment to serving others.

Active in the community, Tanya is a member of the Rotary Club of Santa Maria Breakfast and serves Rotary District 5240 as a RYLA Administration Team member and district trainer. Outside of work, she enjoys traveling with her husband, attending live theatre performances, hiking, and giving back through community service.

Chief Operations & Human Resources Officer

Shelly Barton brings more than 30 years of leadership experience to BEACON in the nonprofit sector, with a dedicated focus on organizations serving individuals with disabilities. She oversees human resources strategy and operations ensuring strong workforce infrastructure, regulatory compliance, and alignment with the organization’s mission and long-term goals. 

Her expertise includes advancing opportunities for individuals with disabilities and ensuring the organization has the people, structure, and culture necessary to deliver high-quality, sustainable services to employees and the individuals supported by BEACON.

Shelly holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Speech Communications from California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo. 

Shelly enjoys life on the Central Coast and all that it offers with her family, husband, children, and grandchildren.  

Chief Financial Officer