MEET Our WONDERFUL team!

Back in 1983, when everyone else was talking about Cabbage Patch Kids and Return of the Jedi, drastic budget cuts, voter decisions, and a recession threatened our public schools. In response, a group of concerned parents and extraordinary volunteers formed The Walnut Creek Education Foundation (WCEF TK-12) as a nonprofit to fundraise for our schools.​

Well, 40 years later, both the funding gap and WCEF still exist.

Led by passionate (and compassionate) volunteers, our board is comprised of parents, educators, and community members who continue the fight to uphold the quality of our public schools. 

We have representatives from all schools in the Walnut Creek School District and Las Lomas High School. More than 90 percent of the funds we raise go directly to the schools we serve. We are a 501(c)(3) organization, and our tax ID number is 94-2915151.

the executive board

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Eryn KING
CO-President ​
president2@wcefk12.org​

As a daughter of a retired elementary school teacher and daughter-in-law of a retired public high school teacher, Eryn is a passionate supporter of creating equitable public education for all. Her two daughters are enrolled at Walnut Heights, and this is Eryn’s fifth consecutive year volunteering for WCEF.  
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When she’s not volunteering at our schools, Eryn (a former Disney cast member) is usually daydreaming about her next adventure to Disneyland. Eryn and her family have a community garden space at Howe Homestead Park and can often be spotted caring for their plants. ​

"I donate my time and money to WCEF because I believe in public education and I see the wonders the foundation is able to achieve year after year with additional programs and salaries offered at our schools."

INNA RASPUDIC
CO-PRESIDENT
PRESIDENT@WCEFK12.ORG
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Like other members of our executive board, Inna has a long history of volunteering at our schools. Previously a PTO treasurer at Indian Valley, she is an absolute gift to WCEF!

Prior to moving to California, Inna worked in the public accounting field in Toronto, Canada. She is a mother of three, all at WCI for one amazing drop off, who keep her on her toes between music and dance. She loves traveling and takes her coffee very seriously!    

"I'm passionate about public education and have been involved in my children's schools since day one. I volunteer with WCEF today because it's another opportunity to support the teachers, staff, and students.

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lauren sumner
​​V.P. AdministratioN

Bio coming soon!

Jennifer ZimmermanN
V.P. marketing

KIROUN SALUJA
​​​V.P. FUNDRAISING

As a child, Jennifer was creating homemade spreadsheets and forms. Yes. You read that right. She had a love of organization and process since she was old enough to hold a crayon. She adds a much-appreciated layer of organization to our team, and her editing skills are legendary.

Her childhood obsession has proven helpful in her adult life as a corporate event planner. 

"I volunteer my time because it's a great way to positively affect our schools and students. I donate money because I know that my family's participation means that WCEF is that much closer to its goal. Imagine what could be funded if all families give something... anything!"​

Kiroun originally joined our team to bridge the gap between Walnut Creek businesses and WCEF. A passionate, creative, and uber organized volunteer we immediately promoted her to VP of Fundraising where she has had an immediate impact.

A HUGE fan of racquet sports, Kiroun is always moving, loves being active, and lives life with a grateful heart. With three kids at three different schools, her inbox might be full, but she is always responsive and thoughtful!

"I joined as a way to give back to my school community.  I realized that the wonderful school district I joined was made possible by the millions (literally) of volunteer hours that were given by the parents that came before me. So I wanted to do my part to pay it forward."

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CASEY BRATHWAITE
​​CO-V.P. COMMUNICATIONS

katy grant
​co-v.p. communications

Casey might be the most qualified parent volunteer for a TK-12 education foundation with a child in elementary, middle ,and high schools! If you need to know key dates, how to navigate registration, Casey is an expert!

She's also a marketing guru in her professional life, and we are thrilled to have her tackling  WCEF's communication efforts.

Katy's journey with us began when her daughter was in 1st grade, and now, she proudly anticipates her daughter's upcoming graduation from Las Lomas High School this spring – a testament to the impact of our organization.

​Affectionately known as a "lifer," Katy has passionately served in almost every role the board has to offer, from dedicated school site representative to impactful president. Her commitment and dedication to our core values have been unwavering throughout her journey. Working alongside incredible people who share the same passion for empowering young minds has been a source of immense fulfillment for her.​

Girish dirakaran
​treasurer

Bio coming soon!

GRACE SILVERBOARD
​SECRETARY

Grace is an animal lover and California transplant, who grew up near Baton Rouge in a very small Louisiana town called St. Gabriel. She has been proud to call California home for the last eight years, and is excited for her Tice Creek Kindergartner. In her professional life, Grace is the Business Development and Marketing Manager for Cal Engineering & Geology, a local Walnut Creek firm.

Her positive attitude and attention to detail has allowed her to contribute to CE&G's success over the last four years. And WCEF has indeed benefited from those skills as well! Thoughtful, insightful, and thorough, we are thrilled to have Grace on our team!

​"I am fully invested in my child's education. I am excited to be involved, and look forward to helping her (and other children) receive access to a well-rounded selection of enrichment classes."

Our Staff*

Joanna Grossman
Executive Director ​

When your parents are public school teachers, you spend quite a bit of your life near or at a school, helping set up classrooms and surrounded by teachers. For Joanna, a school campus has always felt like a second home.

It's why after almost 15 years in fundraising and marketing, she joined the WCEF Board as a community volunteer. In 2018, she accepted the Executive Director position.

Joanna is relentless in her push to make WCEF all that we envision. A fully-funded, community-centered, volunteer-led organization with your child's education in mind.

"Not much compares to the positive impact a teacher can have on a student's experience. How the simple act of going to school can change someone's life. I want every student to feel that they have a community behind them, investing in their future."
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​Email Joanna at jgrossman@wcefk12.org

Alison McDaniel
Donor Relations Manager ​

With a history as a commercial claims adjustor and a legal department coordinator, Alison developed the organization and information management skills needed to wrangle all that donor data we accumulate. 

She's been a volunteer with WCEF for ages as our Social Media Queen, and today she's our Donor Relations Manager. (Seriously, that background of hers is going to be in play 24/7!)

"WCEF supports my children throughout their educational pathways, from TK to graduation. It covers the fun stuff like art and music when they're little, supports the older kids with homework assistance, and helps teens deal with emotional and academic pressures. WCEF supports the whole kid."

Email Alison at database@wcefk12.org.

*WCEF is managed by a volunteer board and has two paid staff members: the Executive Director (80%) and a Donor Relations Manager (12 hours a week).

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SCHOOL REPRESENTATIVES

Buena Vista Elementary (TK-5)
Michael Bonino
OPEN
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​Indian Valley Elementary (TK-5)
Sandra Naughton
OPEN

Murwood Elementary (TK-5)
Nicole Main
Tricy Otten

​Parkmead Elementary (TK-5)
OPEN
​
Tice Creek School (K-8)
Sonali Jolly-Wadhwa
Marika Taylor 

Walnut Heights Elementary (TK-5)
David Clinnick

Walnut Creek Intermediate (6-8)
Amy Maggiore
Laila Vatanka
Sole Velasco
Christina Conroy

Las Lomas High School (9-12)
Matt Diffley
Kathleen Mitchell
Dayna Wagner
Sabrina McQueen
​Lisa McConnell

GENERAL BOARD MEMBERS​

Business/Community Development Chair
Lisa Van Deusen

Endowment Chair
Al Obrero

Major Donor & Grant Chair
Steve Woodhead
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New Family Chair
OPEN

Parent Fundraising Chair
Josee Sirios
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Volunteer Chair
Sherry Mohebati

APPOINTMENTS
Auditor
Dan Purcell​

ADVISORY MEMBERS​
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Marie Morgan
Superintendent, WCSD
​
Sarah Talach
WCSD Governing Board Member

Heather Thorner
Principal, Las Lomas High School

John Nickerson
Superintendent, AUHSD

Christopher Grove
AUHSD Governing Board Member

Mikhail Ress-Nathans
WCSD Teacher Representative

TRUSTEES

Lisa Sun
​Past WCEF President

BOARD MEETING SCHEDULE                    
Board meetings are typically held on the fourth Thursday of each month at the WCSD office or via Zoom.   
Thursday, August 24*, 2023, 7-8:30 PM (New Board Orientation 6-6:45 PM)
Thursday, September 28, 2023, 7-8:30 PM
Thursday, October 26, 2023, 7-8:30 PM
Thursday, November 16*, 2023, 7-8:30 PM
Thursday, December 14*, 2023, TBD (Holiday Gathering)
Thursday, January 25, 2024, 7-8:30 PM
Thursday, February 22, 2024, 7-8:30 PM
Thursday, March 28, 2024, 7-8:30 PM
Thursday, April 25, 2024, 7-8:30 PM    
Thursday, May 23, 2024, 7-8:30 PM, WCSD Office (Annual Meeting)     
       
​​ District Calendars
WCSD School Calendar
Las Lomas School Calendar   

*Denotes meeting will occur third Thursday of the month

​volunteers needed

School Site Representatives: Work with your school principal to build awareness, encourage parent participation and inform school community of WCEF updates and events.
☐ Two monthly meetings
☐ Four to six hours a month
Fundraising Committee: We are looking for connectors who can assist with our Annual Giving Campaign as well as events such as the Read-a-thon, FORE! Education Golf Touney, and February's Turn Up the Heat. Interested in helping with just one event? Great! We've got that, too!
☐ Monthly hours vary, averages 1-2 hours a month
Communications Committee: We are looking to build up our committee with guest editors for our monthly eNewsletter, The Source, as well as  social media help.
☐ Monthly hours vary, averages 1-2 hours a month
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Email us today

DONATE HERE