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 formed The Walnut Creek Education Foundation (WCEF).​

Over 35 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 and nearly 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. A multilingual description of WCEF can be downloaded here. 

the executive board

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Katy Grant
President ​

​president@wcefk12.org

When we started our daughter in Kindergarten, I got involved right away with our school parent group. When the asking for donations started, (we've all been there, right?) I wanted to know about why these funds are essential. That's when I learned that California funding is not at the level I thought it was, or where it should be. I joined WCEF immediately because I wanted to get a first-hand look at our schools and understand how I can help increase funding for academic programs. Here I am now, 10 years later, and I am still involved and loving every minute.

Over the years, I find myself continually blown away by the generosity of our community. From the volunteer fundraiser to the single parent who contributes what works for them, to the local businesses who donate services. I appreciate each dollar donated, every hour volunteered, and all of the kind words spoken. Together we can ensure our kids develop into healthy, brainy young adults.

I love living in our Walnut Creek community and feel fortunate to be a part of such an inspirational group of parents. If you see me downtown, or out in the beautiful Shell Ridge open space with a wild, yet lovable, German Shorthaired Pointer, please stop me and say hello!
​I would love to get to know you!

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Sarah Seaway
​V.P. AdministratioN

She's her household's IT engineer providing support to her husband and two teenagers (one of whom is still at Las Lomas). Basically, Sarah is brilliant at solving other people's problems, which is probably why she fits in so well here.

Sarah volunteers now because growing up, her community came together to build a swimming pool for her school. She vividly recalls how parents didn't stop at donating money... they dug the hole and built the changing rooms, too. They were fully committed to the kids.

"In California, the money provided for public schools doesn't cover art, music, PE, nor guarantee a 7 period day in High School. The fact is, we parents must pitch in with time and money. Only we're not building pools." 

Jennifer Zimmerman
V.P. Fundraising

When other children were tooling around the neighborhood on their big wheels, 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. 

Her childhood obsession has proven helpful in her adult life as a corporate event planner. She adds a much-appreciated layer of organization to our fundraising volunteer team.

"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!"​

Sherry Mohebati
​V.P. COMMUNICATIONS

An obsessive supporter of our public schools, this mother of two is committed to helping create an equitable education for all of our kids. She proves her unwavering devotion with the numerous volunteer hours she logs across multiple schools. (High five, Sherry!)

Before moving to California, Sherry worked in the New York fashion industry (we know... so cool!). When she's not keeping us apprised of the latest fall trends, she's likely crushing it as her household's COO, chef, and chauffeur.​

"I donate my time and money because I'm a true believer in the overall impact of Art and Music programs in children's education."

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Jennifer Chaney
v.P. MARKETING ​

Fueled by Philz coffee and a desire to connect and communicate, Jennifer has been working to level up WCEF's marketing since mid-2018. She claims that owning her own photography and consulting business has helped prepare her for our marketing gig since she's used to long hours, 847 monthly meetings, and a neverending to-do list. Did we mention she's the queen of hyperbole? 

With two kids in our public schools and college competition on the rise, she doesn't want to leave their future to chance.
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​"Donating to WCEF is the easiest (and most affordable) way for me to enhance my kids' education. Without this foundation, I'm certain we'd have to look at private schools. (I feel like I should hashtag this... I should, shouldn't I?) #fundourpublicschools!"

Michaelyn Williams
​Treasurer

Like other members of our executive board, Michaelyn has a long history of volunteering for our schools. Previously a PTA president at Walnut Heights, and currently a Parent Advisor at Las Lomas, she's an absolute gift to WCEF!

In addition to her volunteering acts of heroism, she also owns a boutique market research firm and spends her spare time devouring any and all games on TV. She may or may not be secretly dreaming of joining ESPN as an analyst. (Wait, she has spare time?) 

"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."

Anu Gandhi​
Secretary

Being WCEF's secretary requires solid organizational, listening, and predictive skills. Luckily for us, Anu has all three plus, she's a crackerjack typist and a ridiculously punctual email sender. 

She lives by the motto: the days are long and the years are short — appreciate the life you have been given. We're grateful she brings this positive energy to our team. We'd be lost without her! 

Both of Anu's children went to Walnut Heights and are now at WCI and Las Lomas. How she finds time to send all those WCEF emails is beyond us, she's clearly part superhero. 

"WCEF is part of the village that it takes to raise the next generation of artists, athletes, writers, and scientists. I volunteer and donate so our kids will have more choices in life."

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Our Staff*

Joanna Grossman
Executive Director ​

When your parents are public school teachers, you spend quite a bit of your life near or in 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 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.

"I've witnessed firsthand the positive impact a teacher can have on a student's experience. How a well-rounded education 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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​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."

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*WCEF is managed by a volunteer board and has two paid staff members: the Executive Director and a Donor Relations Manager.

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SCHOOL REPRESENTATIVES

Buena Vista Elementary (TK-5)
Josee Sirois

​Indian Valley Elementary (TK-5)
Dayna Loeliger
Erica Misasi

Murwood Elementary (TK-5)
Seth Kriz

​Parkmead Elementary (K-5)
Stacey Goldstein Ackerman

Tice Creek School (K-8)
Sonali Jolly-Wadhwa
Sarah Talach 

Walnut Heights Elementary (TK-5)
Ben Winig

Walnut Creek Intermediate (6-8)
Christina Alessi
​Allison McAdam

Las Lomas High School (9-12)
Karen Begg
Jami Greer

GENERAL BOARD MEMBERS​

Business & Community Development Chair
Kiroun Saluja

Business Communication Chair
Open

Endowment Chair
Juan Contreras

Grant Chair
Sandra Naughton

Major Donor Chair
Lisa Michaelangeli
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Parent Communication Chair
Eryn King

Parent Fundraising Chair
Heide Nelkie 
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Volunteer Chair
Samantha Francois

APPOINTMENTS

Auditor
Dan Purcell​

ADVISORY MEMBERS​
​
Marie Morgan
Superintendent, WCSD
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Katie Peña
WCSD Governing Board Member

Ron Jones
WCSD Specialist Representative

Tiffany Benson
Principal, Las Lomas High School

John Nickerson
Superintendent, AUHSD

Kathy Coppersmith
AUHSD Governing Board Member

Steve Malton
WCSD Teacher Representative

TRUSTEES

Jennifer DeVinney
Keller Williams Real Estate
​
Heidi Hernandez Gatty
​Small Brown Girl Consulting

Lisa Sun
​Outgoing WCEF President

DONATE HERE