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Ayanna Brown | Co-President
Parent of Michaela (Class of 2025), Jasmine (Class of 2018), and Briahn (Class of 2011)
Redwood Day Involvement: Co-Vice President, Communications Secretary, Room Parent, Classroom Volunteer, Generations Day, Book Fair, Library Volunteer, Families of Color/African-American Families Reception Volunteer
Professional Experience: Healthcare Revenue Cycle, Professional/Electronic Medical Record Trainer
Personal Statement: "It has been exciting watching the different iterations of Redwood Day over the last 19 years. One thing that has not changed is the sense of community, and being part of the PGA is one of the many ways I can give back. It is important to me to volunteer time and effort to a school that has brought so much joy to our family."
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Homero Espinosa | Co-President
Parent of David (Class of 2027)
Redwood Day Involvement: Co-Vice President, Diversity In Action Co-Chair, Room Parent, Classroom Volunteer, Latinx Affinity Group Chair
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Professional Experience: Advertising Executive, Record Label Owner
Personal Statement: "I joined the PGA because contributing to the community that supports our son is important and a way to give back to the school that does so much for our family. The teachers and staff are a pleasure to know, giving so much of themselves to ensure our children have an incredible learning experience. I’m forever grateful to be part of such a loving community."
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Jason Culbertson | Co-Vice President
Parent of Ronan (Class of 2027)
Redwood Day Involvement: Room Parent
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Professional Experience: UX Designer
Personal Statement: "Being a part of the Redwood Day community has been such a joy for our family the last two years and helped to create a close community for us in Oakland. Joining the PGA will allow me to give back to that community as well as help have a positive impact on all the kids at Redwood Day."
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Emma Purdy | Co-Vice President
Parent of Smith (Class of 2032 ) and Hunter (Class of 2027)
Redwood Day Involvement: Friday Coffee, Room Parent
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Professional Experience: SVP & Deputy General Counsel at Penumbra, Inc.
Personal Statement: "As we enter our fifth year as part of the Redwood Day community, I couldn't think of a better way to support the school that is serving as such a wonderful foundation for our children than to serve as a member of the PGA board. I look forward to working with all of the other Board members, parents, guardians, teachers, and administration in this capacity!"
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Letitia Grenier | Middle School Co-Coordinator
Parent of Martin (Class of 2031) and Robin (Class of 2025)
Redwood Day Involvement: Room Parent
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Professional Experience: Scientist
Personal Statement: "Joining the PGA is a way for me to be involved with the school, meet people, contribute to the community, and have fun!"
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Teresa Surichamorn | Middle School Co-Coordinator
Parent of Owen (Class of 2026) and Cara (Class of 2029)
Redwood Day Involvement: 3-5 Representative, Classroom Volunteer, Fall Festival, Generations Day, Book Fair
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Professional Experience: Marketing and Data Analytics at The Clorox Company
Personal Statement: The strong sense of community and inclusion is what brought our family to Redwood Day, and that is also the greatest gift we receive from this community season after season. Our kids are challenged, supported, seen, and thriving as a result of the Redwood Day community, and that is what motivates me to give back and engage in whatever way is possible.
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Jennifer Butz | Lower School Co-Coordinator
Parent of Ruth (Class of 2029)
Redwood Day Involvement: Faculty Appreciation Committee, Room Parent
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Professional Experience: Financial Services Marketing
Personal Statement: "PGA board membership gives me the unique opportunity to connect and build relationships from the inside out - from the teachers and faculty, students, parents, and caregivers. Building community is my priority."
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Shailika Kotiya | Lower School Co-Coordinator
Parent of Kieran (Class of 2030) and Remy (Class of 2032)
Redwood Day Involvement: Faculty Appreciation Committee, Fall Festival Committee
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Professional Experience: Lawyer
Personal Statement: "I quickly realized that the Redwood Day community is extraordinary - our teachers take care to understand our kids as individuals, and the parents are all passionate about raising compassionate and strong individuals. Getting involved has been so valuable to me as my way to contribute - but also a way to immerse myself in this place!"
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Dan Kanka | Financial Coordinator
Parent of Lucas (Class of 2030)
Redwood Day Involvement: Room Parent, Book Fair volunteer, classroom volunteer
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Professional Experience: CFO, Founder
Personal Statement: "Our family has loved our time at Redwood Day, and we feel fortunate to be part of the Class of 2030 and the larger Redwood Day community. The volunteering I’ve done in the classroom has been a great way to help out at school and to connect with fellow parents, faculty, and administration. I decided to join the PGA Board to assist the school in its mission and further contribute to Redwood Day’s success."
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Elizabeth Van Benschoten | Co-President Emeritus
Parent of Aden Pemberton (Class of 2025)
Redwood Day Involvement: Co-President, Art Committee Co-Chair, Book Fair volunteer
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Professional Experience: Elizabeth has 20 years of experience financing multifamily affordable housing and other community development needs. She currently serves as a Managing Director with MUFG Union Bank overseeing lending and low-income housing tax credit investing in Northern CA. Before that, she worked with Bank of America and leading Bay Area real estate developer BRIDGE Housing.
Personal Statement: "As a newer member of the Redwood Day School community, it is important for me to contribute to supporting the faculty, programming, and experience of all students. By being a part of the PGA and Board, I can contribute time and talent, better understand the backbone of the school, and lend my voice to the vision of RD."
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Irene Lee | Co-President Emeritus
Parent of Christian (Class of 2024) and Saskia (Class of 2021)
Redwood Day Involvement: Co-President, Vice President, Classroom volunteer, X-Country parent volunteer, and Fall Hike
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Professional Experience: Hospital Administrator
Personal Statement: "We are thankful to be a part of the Redwood Day community, and for all the wonderful opportunities it has offered our family. I feel it is important to be engaged in the schools our children attend, and volunteering on the PGA board allows me to contribute in a meaningful way. It also provides an opportunity to make connections and work with other families at Redwood Day."
