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Galia Szurley | Chair
Redwood Day Parent
B.A., Philosophy, U.C. Davis; J.D., George Washington University Law School
Former corporate attorney focused on structured finance, securitization and corporate tax; former President of the PGA.
Other Redwood Day Involvement: Trustees Committee, Diversity Committee
Personal Statement: "Redwood Day has truly nurtured the social, emotional and intellectual needs of our children. At the same time, it has been a wonderful community for our entire family. We are excited to be a part of this next exciting phase for Redwood Day."
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Christine Chen | Vice Chair
Redwood Day Parent
B.A., International Relations, Pomona College
Christine Chen is a Partner and head of Communication Strategy at Goodby, Silverstein & Partners, a full-service advertising agency. Her role focuses on brand positioning, audience development, media investments, creative development, and new business.
Over her 15+ years in advertising, Christine has led strategic thinking on a range of clients, including Adobe, Doritos, GoPro, Häagen-Dazs, Levi’s, Nest, Nickelodeon, and Twitter. She has also consulted on pro bono efforts, including an Oakland-based literacy organization, Super Stars Literacy, and a foundation using technology to fight child exploitation, Thorn.
She lives in Oakland with her husband, Rob, and two sons, Oliver and Jack, but is considering getting a female cat to balance things out. She is an avid cook and baker, fan of live sports and standup comedy, and amateur interior designer.
Personal Statement: "When we first visited in 2009, Redwood Day fit our idealized view of a school so easily. And the school has exceeded our expectations by celebrating kids for who they are, stimulating their desire to learn, and encouraging them to speak up for themselves and others. Now with two kids at Redwood Day, we have witnessed how the school has evolved while staying true to its roots. I’m excited to help Redwood Day tackle new ambitions and grow while continuing to evidence the school’s values."
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Mar Brandt | Trustees Committee Chair
Redwood Day Parent
B.S. with Honors, International Business from the California State University, San Francisco
Mar is the Head of sales/sales leader at Experian. She has nearly 20 years of leadership experience in sales, driving deep client relationships and revenues through her knowledge of digital marketing technology and business development. She is a lean-in, high velocity sales leader with an award-winning career in the SaaS space, building and transforming teams to drive growth and scale. In her current role, Mar is Vice President of Americas Enterprise and Healthcare vertical sales for Sitecore, a global leader in web content management and customer experience platforms. Prior to Sitecore, Mar was SVP, Head of Sales for Experian Marketing Suite, Experian’s SaaS-based cross channel marketing platform, where she spent a 14 year career in progressive leadership roles. Mar’s experience also includes tours at various technology companies such as AT&T and DoubleClick.Her passions include family (especially sons Donovan and Kieran), food, interior design, women in technology, and volunteering at Redwood Day.
Personal statement: "As a new parent of Redwood Day, I felt compelled to learn about the broader community while contributing to the classroom, and becoming a room parent was a fantastic opportunity to do that. Being a board member of the PGA allows me to contribute to and stay involved with this amazing community and to help represent the lower school parents on topics that are important for us as parents of young students."
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Jordan Karp | Buildings & Grounds Chair
Redwood Day Parent
B.A., Economics and Philosophy, Columbia University; Masters, City Planning, Massachusetts Institute of Technology,
Professional Experience: Urban Planner
Other Redwood Day involvement: Former PGA President; Fun-Run co-chair; PGA Nominations Committee; Room Parent
Jordan has over 20 years experience in urban design and transportation planning, working for government agencies and in private consulting. He has successfully managed complex planning and design projects for clients throughout North America. Jordan currently manages a group of planners and engineers at AECOM in Northern California, providing planning services to transportation agencies in the Bay Area and throughout California.
Jordan and his family live in Oakland, and both his sons attend Redwood Day. He loves the outdoors, and tries to sneak in as much time in the forest and mountains as he can. He has volunteered with a variety of youth outdoor-education and leadership-skills programs, and is active in bicycle and pedestrian advocacy organizations.
Personal Statement: “Our family joined Redwood Day in 2013, and from the start we’ve valued the school’s approach to providing a comprehensive education that nurtures all aspects of a child’s growth. I'm excited to support Redwood Day and the fantastic community of faculty, staff and families that make this such a special place.”
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Isavane Samanna | Advancement Committee Chair
Redwood Day Parent
B.A., Social Science (Hons), University of Kwa-Zulu Natal
Isavane Samanna is an experienced Human Capital Sales professional with Deloitte Consulting, with a focus on Human Capital Management software and professional services. With over 20 years of experience, she has worked with companies in a variety of industry sectors to redesign global HR business processes with a focus on best practices, streamlining work effort and the implementation of HR systems.
Isavane has sat on the Board of Blueskies for Children and DiversityWorks – both Oakland based organizations. During her tenure on these Boards, Isavane’s focus was on organizational development and process improvement.
Isavane lives in wonderful Oakland, CA with her husband and two children. In her spare time, she loves to read, cook, travel and spend time with friends and family. Isavane’s family has been part of the RD community since 2010. Since joining RDS, Isavane has co-chaired the Parent Education Committee, sat on the Nominations committee and toured prospective parents.
Personal Statement: Since joining the RD community in 2010, the Samanna Scovill’s have enjoyed the deep sense of community, a safe nurturing environment and thoughtful growth in the academic approach and curriculum at the school. The high professional standard of the teachers and staff, coupled with their down to earth attitude continues to instill confidence that Tenzin and Zarah are getting one of the best school experiences there is.
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Suzanne Skipper | Finance Committee Chair
Redwood Day Parent
Iowa State University
After attending Iowa State University, Skip spent 20 years in investment banking, most of it with Bank of America Securities in San Francisco. She wrapped up that first chapter of her career as Head of Equity Capital Markets. In 2012 Suzanne embarked on the second chapter of her career by becoming a mortgage banker. She is currently a Sr. Director of Business Development and Mortgage Advisor at Sindeo; a San Francisco startup transforming the mortgage industry. This year Suzanne was a member of the Capital Campaign Cabinet at Redwood Day. After college, Suzanne interned with the Berkshire Hathaway Group in Omaha, Nebraska. She is a former lecturer for the Financial Management Association at San Francisco State University and for the Associate Training program at Banc of America Securities, and also a former little league head coach in Oakland. Ms. Skipper enjoys golfing, traveling, cooking, reading, and spending time with family.
“It has been amazing to see the way that Grayson and Blaise have thrived since coming to Redwood Day 4 years ago. The diversity and culture of inclusion is a great fit for them, and the rigorous academics taught by such talented teachers makes it a unique and special place that I am honored be a part of. This next phase of growth is an exciting process to be involved in.”
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Monica Stevens | Diversity Chair
Redwood Day Parent
B.S. United States Naval Academy. MBA, Walter A. Haas School of Business, UC Berkeley
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Monica is a senior vice president and manages the Wholesale Credit Team for Wells Fargo Merchant Services. Monica has also served as loan team manager for Wells Fargo Global Banking, and various lending and staff positions in the Wholesale Banking group. Before Global Banking, she was the Associate Director of the Financial Analyst Program, and was a Vice President in the Corporate Syndications Group. Monica also served as an officer in the United States Navy directly following her graduation from the Naval Academy. Monica is an active volunteer at Redwood Day, as well as nonprofit boards and organizations, which focus on issues surrounding diversity and equal access for all in education and in business.
Hobbies: All things related to diversity, equity and inclusion, travel, spending quality time with family, friends, and my hair.
Personal Statement: "Our entire family chose Redwood Day because we were seeking a place where academic rigor, diversity and fun collide – that’s Redwood Day for us. We stay because the experience continues to evolve in an exciting and positive way and feel like school leadership, faculty, staff, parents and students are all pulling in the same director – not for business as usual, but for better than usual. I love being a Trustee because I can help support the mission not only for my child, but many others in the school and the greater community."
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Garner Weng | Strategic Planning Chair, Secretary
Redwood Day Parent
B.S., Computer Science, Stanford University; M.A., Education (Curriculum and Teacher Education), Stanford University; J.D., University of California, Berkeley School of Law (Boalt Hall)
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Partner, Hanson Bridgett LLP (Management Committee, Partner in charge of Innovation and Technology); former President and Chair of the Board of Directors, Asian American Bar Association of the Greater Bay Area; former Co-Chair of the Board of Directors, California Minority Counsel Program; former member, National Advisory Board, Law School Admissions Project: Looking Beyond the LSAT
Other Redwood Day Involvement: Strategic Planning Committee; Advancement Committee; formerly, Redwood Day Parents’ and Guardians’ Association Governance Committee.
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Louise Bedsworth | Trustee
Redwood Day Parent
B.S., Earth, Atmospheric, and Planetary Sciences from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and an M.S. in Environmental Engineering and Ph.D. in Energy and Resources, both from the University of California at Berkeley.
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Louise Bedsworth is the Executive Director of the California Strategic Growth Council, a state agency that brings together multiple agencies and departments to support sustainable communities emphasizing strong economies, social equity and environmental stewardship. Prior to joining SGC, Louise was the Deputy Director of the Office of Planning and Research in Governor Jerry Brown’s office. At OPR she led work on a number of collaborative research initiatives and climate change adaptation and resilience, including development of the Integrated Climate Adaptation and Resiliency Program and implementation of the State’s $70 million grant awarded under the National Disaster Resilience Competition. Before joining OPR in 2011, Louise was a research fellow at the Public Policy Institute of California, where her work focused on climate change adaptation, local government action on climate change, and transportation. She has also held positions at the Union of Concerned Scientists, Redefining Progress, and the International Institute of Applied Systems Analysis.
Personal Statement: Our family loves being part of the Redwood Day community. I have been thrilled with the academic, social, and emotional experience each of our children is having at Redwood Day. The school has provided a warm and nurturing environment and has been incredibly thoughtful in engaging our kids and helping them navigate many of the challenging issues going on in the world around us today. I feel like we have a true partner in helping our kids to become prepared, thoughtful, and engaged people.
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Darek DeFreece | Trustee
Redwood Day Parent
B.A., Political Science, UC Berkeley, J.D. from Boston College Law School
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Darek DeFreece is a managing director at UC Berkeley, where he focuses on business innovation, partnerships and strategy for the campus. He has been an attorney and capital markets executive for more than 20 years at various global financial and investment management firms.
Darek has served on the boards of numerous educational and non-profit organizations, including as a regent of the University of California, the president of the Cal Alumni Association, advisor to the Institute of Governmental Studies at UC Berkeley, advisor to Quorum, an LGBT initiative designed to increase the board representation for "out" LGBT executives on public-company boards of directors, as well as a member of the finance committee for the Trevor Project, a national non-profit focused on crisis intervention and suicide prevention for LGBTQ youth.
Personal Statement: "I first toured Redwood Day in 2016, after discouraging tours of other nearby schools. I went home to my husband who asked how the latest tour went. I responded, "this is exactly what every school should look like." I wasn't wrong. It's a caring, nurturing and aware environment where our children have already had the chance to explore and live and learn to their fullest potential. Each child is celebrated for who they are and what they bring to the community - but with the view of where they can grow if allowed to."
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Alicia Fenrick | Trustee
Redwood Day Parent
B.A., Economic, Spelman College; J.D. Harvard Law School
Alicia is the Director of Litigation and Claims at Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) where she leads a team of 26 professionals in resolving third party claims as well as handle a significant litigation docket involving personal injury, property damage, employment and complex commercial cases. She also serves as the emergency responder for PG&E's law department and am a lead investigator for many complex, high stakes matters. Prior to joining PG&E, she was an Assistant United States Attorney for the Northern District of California and the Western District of Washington where she prosecuted federal criminal cases and defended civil cases against various governmental agencies.
Other Redwood Day involvement: Alicia has served the school as a member at large for the Parents' and Guardians' Association, Chair of the Fall Festival Committee, 3rd and 5th grade room parent, Prism Committee member and recruiter and liaison for the Admissions department.
Personal Statement: "I am honored and excited to be a trustees at Redwood Day School. I believe deeply in the Redwood Day mission to develop engaged, prepared and inspired life long learners and have witnessed the success of the "Redwood Day way" in my own children. I look forwarding to helping guide the school through the continued expansion of the middle school and the programatic enhancements underway that are preparing and teaching our children in dynamic and evolving ways."
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Cathy Hunter | Trustee
BFA from the Rhode Island School of Design; MEd from Loyola College with an emphasis on women in leadership
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Cathy Hunter has spent over forty years in independent school education, serving as teacher, dean, division head, head of school, trustee, and consultant. Born in London and raised in upstate New York, her career began on the east coast; after several years of teaching (Phillips Academy Andover and Maumee Valley Country Day School) she served as department chair and dean at St. Timothy’s School in Baltimore, Maryland for eleven years and Upper School Head at Head-Royce School in Oakland, California for twelve years.
Cathy was founding Head of School (2002-2016) at the San Francisco Friends School where she and her team built an exceptional program based on Quaker values, raised over twenty million dollars to transform the hundred year-old Levi-Strauss factory into an award-winning school facility, and pioneered numerous partnerships with organizations in San Francisco’s Mission district. Cathy spent the 2016-17 school year in London as a consultant at King Solomon Academy, and the following year as Interim Head of School at Marin Horizon School.
Personal Statement: "As a long-time resident of Oakland and an even-longer-time independent school educator, it is a delight to join the leadership team of Redwood Day School. The school is at once filled with a vision for the future and a grounded celebration of the "now-ness" of childhood. Redwood Day occupies an important place in the Bay Area educational landscape; I'm honored to help the school ask questions that drive its continued healthy growth and development."
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John Kinnaman | Trustee
Redwood Day Parent
B.A., International Studies, University of Wyoming
Masters of International Business, University of South Carolina
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John is a financial consultant for the non-profit Kaiser Permanente in the Information Technology organization. For the past four years, he has worked in Kaiser Permanente Information Technology (KPIT) and with KPIT facilities and operation. During his career at Kaiser and prior positions, he has worked on many large projects such as HealthConnect, the Kaiser electronic medical records project, and other smaller projects, as well.He has worked in several business sectors from retail to healthcare in large and small organizations. He has worked in Finance and Accounting for over twenty years in both for-profit and non-profit organizations.
He lives in Oakland with his wife and two wonderful girls who attend Redwood Day. They have been part of the Redwood Day community since their daughters started attending. His wife has been a room parent and is a member of the PGA.
In his spare time, he likes to be outdoors, running or playing sports. He enjoys running half marathons every now and then (both street and trail) and spending time with his family and friends.
Personal Statement: "
Since joining Redwood Day in 2014, my wife and I have been very happy to be part of Redwood Day community. The community feeling at Redwood Day was an important factor in the decision to bring our daughters and family to the school. Redwood Day has been incredible experience for both of our daughters. They have flourished in the remarkably safe and supportive environment. We (the parents) appreciate the academic rigor, extracurricular activities, and the ‘whole child’ approach to learning at the school. Redwood Day has amazing teachers and staff, supplemented by a welcoming and active parent community; it is what makes the school what it is and why it is so special to us. I am very excited to have any opportunity to assist and contribute to the school and its community."
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Leah McGowen-Hare | Trustee
Redwood Day Parent
B.S. in Computer Science and a M.S. in Technology Education
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Leah inspires people to build and create on the Salesforce Lightning Platform. She has 20+ years of experience in technology; mastering a variety of roles including Consultant, Developer, Manager and Technical Trainer. Her career reflects the evolution of computing technology. She's worked in mainframe, personal computing, client-server and cloud computing. Leah uses her knowledge and experience to demystify and make technology more accessible to youth, girls, communities of color and Veterans’ through organizations such as BlackGirls Code, Technovation, Girls Who Code, and Vetforce and was recently awarded Powerful Woman of the Bay 2016 Honoree for her efforts.
Leah is also a feathered keynote speaker at conference and panelist on panels discussing women and diversity in tech. She and her husband, Shane are the parents of twins, Simone and Quincy in the 4th grade and Desmond, an alum who is graduating from High School this year and headed off to college.
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Charlie Soulis | Trustee
Redwood Day Parent
B.A. U.C. Santa Barbara; M.S. University of Chicago
Charlie is a Senior Vice President at Charles Schwab in the risk management organization. Prior roles in financial services include fixed income portfolio manager positions at Wells Capital Management and Charles Schwab Investment Management.
Personal Statement: “Redwood Day represents so much more than a strong academic education. Global citizenship and collaboration is evident in the school’s curriculum and facilities. Unique interdisciplinary programming promotes collaboration through the science and innovation labs, arts, and music. Redwood Day is truly an exceptional place to be a student and I’m proud to support its continued growth.”
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Phred Starkweather | Trustee
Redwood Day Parent
B.Arch., Cal Poly State University San Luis Obispo, 1987
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a second-generation architect and co-founder of Starkweather Bondy Architecture in Oakland, a firm recognized for providing design and planning expertise to Independent schools throughout the Bay Area. His architecture work has focused on envisioning creative solutions for early childhood learning, K-12 campus facilities, and clients with physical disabilities for more than 20 years. Prior to retiring from SBA, Phred provided master planning services and led the conceptual design work for the recently completed Innovation Center at Redwood Day.
Currently Phred is serving on the Board of Directors for a family-owned ranch in Northern California as a fifth-generation family member. His stewardship work is focused on long-range planning of Buildings and Grounds and Sustainable Timber and Range Management. He is passionate about outdoor pursuits, and enjoys international travel involving skiing, climbing, and mountaineering. Phred’s son is in the 8th grade.
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Bryant Terry | Trustee
Redwood Day Parent
M.A., American History from NYU and B.A. English from Xavier University of Louisiana
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Bryant Terry is a James Beard Award-winning chef, educator, and author renowned for his activism to create a healthy, just, and sustainable food system. He is currently in his third year as Chef-in-Residence at the Museum of the African Diaspora (MoAD) in San Francisco where he creates programming that celebrates the intersection of food, farming, health, activism, art, culture, and the African Diaspora. In December 2017 San Francisco Magazine included Bryant among 11 Smartest People in the Bay Area Food Scene. A year earlier, Fast Company included Bryant among 9 People Who Are Changing the Future of Food.
Bryant’s fourth book, Afro Vegan was named by amazon.com one of the best cookbooks of 2014. That December it was nominated for an NAACP Image Award in the Outstanding Literary Work category.
Personal Statement: We chose Redwood Day because we felt that, more than any other school we considered, it reflects and reinforces the values of our family. We continue to be impressed with the school’s commitment to building and sustaining a community that is richly diverse and figuring out what a 21st century education looks like. I have been an active parent since our family joined the Redwood Day community, and I am eager to help the school continue to be on
the cutting edge of educating intelligent, compassionate, and courageous leaders.
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Audrey Yamamoto | Trustee
Redwood Day Parent
B.A., Economics from the University of California, San Diego and an MBA from the Anderson School at UCLA
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Audrey is the President and Executive Director of the Asian Pacific Fund where she provides strategic oversight for the fundraising, grant making, and programmatic efforts of the foundation. Prior to joining the Fund, she was the Executive Director of the Children’s Creativity Museum in San Francisco. She serves on the Board of the Asian Health Services Foundation, is a member of the International Women’s Forum, and is a 2017 inductee of the Alameda County Women’s Hall of Fame.
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Kareem Yusuf | Trustee
Redwood Day Parent
Ph.D., University of Leeds, focused on Decision Support Systems for Civil Engineering construction
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Kareem Yusuf is the General Manager of Watson IoT, an IBM Business Unit focused on providing solutions that harness the power of IoT to provide insights, intelligence and innovation that help clients transform their business.
Kareem has been with IBM for 19 years and has held leadership positions in a variety of disciplines across IBM. These have included Offering Management, Software Development, SaaS Operations, Mergers & Acquisitions and Field Technical Sales. Kareem has a Ph.D from the University of Leeds, focused on Decision Support Systems for Civil Engineering construction. He maintains an active interest in all things technical, with a particular interest in digital media and programming languages. He is a TED Speaker and also the author of “Enterprise Messaging Using JMS and IBM WebSphere.
He and his wife, Patricia, live in Oakland and have two kids; Ramon who is a Redwood Day alum, and Medina, who is in the Middle School.
Personal Statement: My wife Patrica and I chose to send our kids to Redwood Day, not only for the excellent academics, but because of the inclusive and engaging community we found here. In our time here, Patricia has been very active volunteering both in and outside of the classroom, and I look forward to further extending our giveback to the Redwood Day community through participation on the board.
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John Loeser | Head of School
Redwood Day Parent
B.A., Education and Psychology from Swarthmore College and a M.Ed. in School Leadership from Harvard University.
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John Loeser has been Head of Redwood Day School since 2011. Prior to Redwood Day, John was the Assistant Head of School at The Carey School in San Mateo, CA for seven years. He began his teaching career as a 5th grade teacher at Chenery Middle School in Belmont, Massachusetts and spent eight consecutive summers as an advanced mathematics instructor and Academic Dean at the Johns Hopkins Center for Talented Youth, teaching students in grades 5-8 and leading a diverse faculty in the development of a rigorous academic program. John has written extensively for teachers in training and enjoys every opportunity to help new and veteran teachers hone their craft. He has led many initiatives in schools including those focused on differentiated instruction, curriculum development, faculty professional growth, diversity, social-emotional development, service learning and long-term sustainability. John holds a B.A. in Education and Psychology from Swarthmore College and a M.Ed. in School Leadership from Harvard University.
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Deann Hays | Chief Finance & Operations Officer
B.S. in Accounting from Colorado State University
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Deann is a career finance professional with more than 20 years of financial management experience developed in both public accounting and private sector environments. She joined Redwood Day as the school’s CFOO in July of 2018. Prior to working at Redwood Day, Deann spent approximately five years as the Finance Director of the American Community School of Abu Dhabi. She holds a BS in accounting from Colorado State University and is a licensed CPA.
Deann thoroughly enjoys working at Redwood Day and loves the energy and enthusiasm of the students. In her free time, she enjoys reading, travel, exercise and spending time with family and friends.
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Patricia Stephens | PGA President
Redwood Day Parent
B.F.A., Graphic Design from The Academy of Art University in San Francisco
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Patricia and her husband, William, are the proud parents to Gabriel iand Dominic. She was born and raised in Indonesia, but also lived in Sydney for 2.5 years before moving to the United States. She and her family live in the Sequoyah Hills neighborhood of Oakland, where they spend a lot of time golfing, dining, and swimming at the nearby social club.
With nearly 15 years of experience in graphic design, art direction, and corporate branding, Patricia has been running her own business in this field for several years. When she’s not busy as a full time mom or designing infographics, websites, corporate identity, and brochures for non-profit organizations, she is a very active volunteer at Redwood Day. She has served on the PGA Board as Vice President, co-chair of Art Committee, as well as participated in Auction Committee, and as a room parent.
Aside from school and work life, she enjoys backpacking, cooking, and traveling to sunny places like Mexico, Hawaii, New Orleans, and Wine Country (her Happy Place).
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Liz Price Patel | Faculty Trustee
Head Librarian, Middle School Advisor, Redwood Day Parent
A.B., English Literature, University of Chicago
M.S., Library and Information Science, Simmons University
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With more than twenty years of experience in academic, school, and public libraries, Liz is dedicated to teaching and supporting students as information seekers in an increasingly complex and media-driven environment.
Personal Statement: Redwood Day has been a fulfilling and sustaining presence in our family's professional and personal lives; and it is a privilege to give back as a faculty representative on the Board of Trustees.
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Stephanie Roth | Faculty Trustee
K-4 Physical Education Teacher & Service Learning Coordinator
B.S., Kinesiology, New Mexico State University; M.S. Sports Studies, University of Tennessee
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With more than 12 years of experience in teaching physical education and delivering high quality professional development for teachers in California, Stephanie is committed to progressing students on their physical literacy journeys and inspiring students to become change agents in society. Stephanie values lifelong learning, is dedicated to the physical education profession, and in the process of earning her National Board Certification.
Personal Statement: Redwood Day's commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion is evident on campus and threaded through the fabric of what makes Redwood Day such a special place. Being a part of this community has given me the space to grow both professionally and personally and I look forward to being a part of the school's continued growth.
