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 the district.​

More than 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. 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. A multilingual description of WCEF can be downloaded here. 

the executive board

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Katy Grant
CO-President ​
president@wcefk12.org​

Katy Grant
CO-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. 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 young adults.

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!

As a daughter of a retired elementary school teacher and daughter-in-law of a retired public high school teacher, and mother of two daughters enrolled at Walnut Heights, .  She is a passionate supporter of creating equitable public education for all.  This is Eryn’s fourth consecutive year volunteering for both 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."

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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 ZimmermanN
V.P. COMMUNICATIONS

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!"​

ERYN KING
​​V.P. COMMUNICATIONS

Eryn is a daughter of a retired elementary school teacher and daughter-in-law of a retired public high school teacher, and mother of two daughters enrolled at Walnut Heights.  She is a passionate supporter of creating equitable public education for all.  This is Eryn’s fourth consecutive year volunteering for both WCEF.  
​
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."

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MORGAN KARADI
​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!"

INNA RASPUDIC
​Treasurer

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 elementary school aged kids who keep her on her toes. 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."

ANU GHANDI
​Secretary

Being WCEF's secretary requires solid organizational, listening, and predictive skills. Luckily for us, Kellie 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! 

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 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.

"I've witnessed firsthand 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)
Kellie Kemp
Rebecca Lin
Sherry Mohebati

​Indian Valley Elementary (TK-5)
Sole & Malcolm Velasco
Casey & Rod Brathwaite
Matt Diffley & Elena Songster

Murwood Elementary (TK-5)
Seth Kriz
Tricy Otten

​Parkmead Elementary (K-5)
Laila Vatanka
Cindy Thomas
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Tice Creek School (K-8)
Sonali Jolly-Wadhwa
Sarah Talach 

Walnut Heights Elementary (TK-5)
Dawna Pirkle
Lisa McConnell

Walnut Creek Intermediate (6-8)
Christina Alessi
Sabrina McQueen
Dayna Wagner

Las Lomas High School (9-12)
Karen Begg
Anu Gandhi
Jami Greer
Kathleen Mitchell

GENERAL BOARD MEMBERS​

Business & Community Development Chair
Kiroun Saluja

Business Communication Chair
Open

Endowment Chair
Sandra Naughton

Grant Chair
Sandra Naughton

Major Donor Chair
Lisa Michaelangeli
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New Family Chair
Ben Winig

Parent Communication Chair
OPEN

Parent Fundraising Chair
​​​Josee Sirios

Volunteer Chair
Lisa Van Deusen

APPOINTMENTS
Auditor
Dan Purcell​

ADVISORY MEMBERS​
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Marie Morgan
Superintendent, WCSD
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Liz Bettis
WCSD Governing Board Member

Ron Jones
WCSD Specialist Representative

Tiffany Benson
Principal, Las Lomas High School

John Nickerson
Superintendent, AUHSD

Bob Hockett
AUHSD Governing Board Member

Steve Malton
WCSD Teacher Representative

TRUSTEES

Lisa Sun
​Outgoing WCEF President

2020-21 BOARD MEETING SCHEDULE                    
Board meetings are typically held on the fourth Thursday of each month at the WCSD office or via Zoom.             
        
Thursday, August 27, 2020, 8:45-10:15 AM, Zoom
Thursday, September 24, 2020, 7-8:30 PM, Zoom
Thursday, October 22, 2020, 7-8:30 PM, Zoom
Thursday, November 19, 2020*, 7-8:30 PM, Zoom
Thursday, December 17, 2020*, 7:00 PM (Holiday Gathering)
Thursday, January 28, 2021, 7-8:30 PM, Zoom
Thursday, February 25, 2021, 7-8:30 PM, Zoom
Thursday, March 25, 2021, 7-8:30 PM, TBD
Thursday, April 22, 2021, 7-8:30 PM, TBD
Thursday, May 20, 2021*,7-8:30 PM, TBD (Annual Meeting)
Thursday, June 3, 2021, 7-8:30 PM TBD

District Calendars
WCSD School Calendar
Las Lomas School Calendar   

*Denotes meeting will occur third Thursday of the month

​volunteers needed for 2021-22

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
VP of Administration: Our procedures and bylaws go-to, this position serves on the Executive Board and chairs our Nominations Committee. 
☐ Two monthly meetings
☐ Four to six hours a month
VP of Marketing: Donors to WCEF help shape a generation of thinkers and doers, and this position helps tell that story while working closely with our amazing team( VP of Fundraising and VP of Communications.) This person also serves on the Executive Board, and sits on our Communications Committee. 
☐ Two monthly meetings
☐ Six to 10 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 and 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 a Parent Communications Chair.
☐ Monthly hours vary, averages 1-2 hours a month
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Email us today

DONATE HERE