The PGA is always seeking to strengthen our partnership with the school, to better serve our shared community, and work more closely with the dedicated professionals who bring a deep and rich educational experience to our children every day.
PARENT GUARDIAN ASSOCIATION
Every Redwood Day School parent and guardian is a member of the Parent Guardian Association. This is your organization!
Participation in the Parent Guardian Association (PGA) is a fantastic way to make new friends and engage with our close-knit community of families and educators. The Parent Guardian Association's mission is to:
- Build community and organize activities that enrich the Redwood Day experience for students, parents, faculty, and staff;
- Promote volunteer opportunities, parent education programs, and school events that foster community and encourage participation;
- Support the School’s mission, philosophy, and strategic plan;
Facilitate communication between the parents and guardians and the School; and - Sponsor fundraising initiatives to augment the School’s resources.
Each year provides an abundance of reasons to get involved with the Parent Guardian Association; this year is no exception. The opportunities are varied, truly something for everyone. Whether you have a little time or a lot, you will find your involvement to be personally rewarding and a great way to share your child’s experience. Every volunteering contribution, large and small, is deeply appreciated.
If you have questions or want to learn more, please contact PGA Co-Presidents Jason Culbertson and Emma Purdy.
2026-2027 PGA OFFICERS
| Teresa Surichamorn | Co-President |
 Parent of Cleo (Class of 2035), Cara (Class of 2029) and Owen (Class of 2026) Redwood Day Involvement: Co-Vice President, 3-5 Representative, Fall Festival, Generations Day, Book Fair 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." |
| Lauren Webster | Co-President |
 Parent of Maddie (Class of 2031) and Sally (Class of 2029) RD Involvement: Co-Vice President, Auction, Room Parent, Social Coordinator Professional Experience: Technology Investment Banker Personal Statement: "I have enjoyed my involvement in the Redwood Day community, as a volunteer in planning the auction and supporting my daughters' class community as a room parent and social coordinator. I am excited to contribute to the community in a new way as a PGA Officer and learn more about the important role the PGA serves in building community at Redwood Day." |
| Michelle Antle | Co-Vice President |
 Parent of Jackson (class of 2032) and Molly (class of 2034) Redwood Day Involvement: Room Parent, Admissions Volunteer Professional Experience: Executive Coach and Facilitator Personal Statement: "Over the past three years, Redwood Day has become a cherished community for our entire family. We are grateful for the incredible teachers and staff who really see and support our children, and for the meaningful friendships we’ve built along the way. I’m excited to join the PGA Board to help foster that same sense of connection and belonging for all Redwood Day families." |
| Deborah Schlosberg | Co-Vice President |
 Parent of Leo (Class of 2030) and Max (Class of 2027) Redwood Day Involvement: Middle School Co-Coordinator, Room Parent, Social Coordinator, Jewish Affinity Group Professional Experience: Director, Pro Bono Program at UC Berkeley, School of Law Personal Statement: "I wanted to join the PGA board to help support the school that has been such a warm and welcoming community for our whole family. Volunteering in this way only provides greater opportunity for connection with RD faculty, staff, families, and students." |
| Robin Dunn | Middle School Co-Coordinator |
 Parent of Avery (class of 2028) RD Involvement: Social Coordinator, Admissions Volunteer Professional Experience: Professor Personal Statement: "I wanted to join the PGA board to become more involved with the parental network at Redwood Day and contribute in any way to support our community." |
| Amy Lopez | Middle School Co-Coordinator |
 Parent of Timo (class of 2027) Redwood Day Involvement: Room Parent Professional Experience: Transportation Engineering Consultant Personal Statement: "I've always appreciated the community among families at Redwood Day and aim to do what I can to contribute to our community as well." |
| Jen Gunn | Lower School Co-Coordinator |
 Parent of Odin (class of 2031) RD Involvement: Auction, Room Parent, Event Volunteer Professional Experience: Chief Financial Officer Personal Statement: "The Redwood Day community has provided so much for our family, and especially Odin, that it feels right to give back in any way that's possible." |
| Gening Liao | Lower School Co-Coordinator |
 Parent of Nathan (class of 2033) RD Involvement: Generations Day, Room Parent Professional Experience: Attorney Personal Statement: "I'm excited to be a part of the PGA Board so I can work with this amazing group of people on the events and activities that make Redwood Day such a special community for our family." |
| Elaine Kwei | Financial Coordinator |
 Parent of Dylan and Emmett (Class of 2032) RD Involvement: Generations Day Professional Experience: Wealth Advisor at GKV Capital Management Personal Statement: "We feel so fortunate to be a part of the special Redwood Day community that recognizes and celebrates every student and their family. I'm excited to work with the PGA to build even stronger connections and community." |
| JASON CULBERTSON | Co-President Emeritus |
 Parent of Ronan (Class of 2027) Redwood Day Involvement: Co-President, Co-Vice President, Room Parent Professional Experience: UX Designer Personal Statement: "Being a part of the Redwood Day community has been such a joy for our family the last three 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." |
| Emma Purdy | Co-President Emeritus |
 Parent of Smith (Class of 2032 ) and Hunter (Class of 2027) Redwood Day Involvement: Co-President, Co-Vice President, Friday Coffee, Room Parent, Social Coordinator Professional Experience: SVP & Deputy General Counsel at Penumbra, Inc. Personal Statement: "As we enter our sixth 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!" |
PGA OFFICER DESCRIPTIONS
The Redwood Day Parent Guardian Association officers are composed of current Redwood Day Parents and Guardians and the Head of School. Please see a detailed description of the Officer positions below.
| rOLE | DESCRIPTION |
|---|---|
| Co-Presidents | Overview: Serve as the primary leaders and ambassadors of the PGA, fostering community spirit and working in close partnership with School leadership. This is a collaborative, shared role supported significantly by school staff who handle the logistical heavy lifting.
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| Co Vice-Presidents | Overview: Work closely alongside the Co-Presidents to learn the organizational rhythm of the PGA, offering advisory support and preparing to transition into the Co-President role the following year.
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| Middle School Co-Coordinators | Overview: Act as the primary support system and liaisons for the Middle School Room Parents, focusing on building parent engagement and community connection.
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| Lower School Co-Coordinators | Overview: Act as the primary support system and liaisons for the Lower School Room Parents, focusing on welcoming new families and ensuring Lower School specialist teachers are recognized.
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| Financial Coordinator | Overview: Serves as the central point of contact and treasurer for Room Parents, helping them manage and allocate their grade-level Teacher Funds.
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| President Emeritus | Overview: An advisory role automatically filled by the concluding year's Co-Presidents to ensure organizational continuity and support.
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General Expectations for All PGA Officers:
Beyond their specific roles, all officers serve as vital ambassadors for the school community. Officers are asked to attend PGA meetings and activities as their schedules permit, and participate in the Nominations Committee to help identify and invite future parent/guardian leaders.
PGA Committee Descriptions
| COMMITTEE | DESCRIPTION |
|---|---|
| Auction Party (March 27, 2027) and Online Auction (March 27-30, 2027) | The auction party and the online auction are the PGA’s cornerstone fundraising events. The funds raised help support both the work of the PGA (Fall Festival, growth and development grants for faculty and staff, cultural heritage and affinity groups, teacher appreciation, etc.) and the School (tuition assistance, Oakland as a Classroom, DBI Summer Institute, etc.), and, most importantly, our children. Volunteer opportunities range from securing donations, managing the decor, organizing a hosted event to planning the party! Chairs: Susie DePianto and Jennifer Driscoll |
| Book Fair (December 7-11, 2026) | The annual Redwood Day Book Fair is an opportunity to support the School while discovering a wide variety of engaging and diverse books for children and young readers. Students visit the fair throughout the week with their classmates, making it a joyful tradition that inspires curiosity, excitement, and a lifelong love of reading. Families can also shop on campus and online to find books for their children, classrooms, and gifts. With support from the staff, the committee assists with planning the fair, coordinating volunteers, and staffing the event. Chairs: Ariela Fedorov, Chris Keh, and Emily Marcogliese |
| Community Engagement & Service | The Community Service & Engagement Committee helps support our immediate Redwood Day community when a family is in transition or crisis by mobilizing volunteers for support via meals, childcare, rides, and more. The Committee also helps support our larger Oakland community through activities like the OUSD back-to-school supply drive, meal packing event, and organizing other volunteer and service learning opportunities for our families. Chairs: Dorothy Lee and Jason Purdy |
| Digital Wellness | The Digital Wellness Committee fosters conversations among families about technology, digital citizenship, and healthy digital habits. Through discussions, presentations, and resource sharing, the committee helps parents and guardians exchange ideas, strategies, and resources while navigating the opportunities and challenges of raising children in a digital world. Chairs: Diana Pasquali and Zoe Palitz |
| Diversity in Action* | This Committee supports the School’s commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging. Diversity in Action maintains a strategic partnership with the School supporting Heritage celebrations and Adult Affinity Groups for our parent/guardian community. They also help promote and represent the Redwood Day community at DEIB events. Chair: Anhthu Le |
| Faculty & Staff Appreciation | The Faculty & Staff Appreciation Committee exists to show our faculty and staff just how much they are respected and appreciated. With support from the staff, volunteers plan monthly snacks, organize luncheons, and acknowledge birthdays, holidays, and National Teacher Appreciation Week with special treats and honorings. Chairs: Paige Carmichael, Lisa Crounse, Meg Horl, Meghan Hunter, Betsy Jone |
| Fall Festival (October 17, 2026) | The Fall Festival is a longstanding Redwood Day tradition for the whole family and community. On a Fall Saturday, we come together at school to play with and get to know each other. A wide variety of volunteer activities include event planning, day of set up, clean up, shifts at various activity stations and games, and general set up tasks. Chairs: Nairobi Kim, Klinton Miyao, and Jessie Singerman |
| Friday Community Coffee | Redwood Day invites everyone for coffee, community, and conversation on most Friday mornings in the Gallery (check the calendar for dates). Every grade will have the opportunity to sign up to bring treats! The committee serves as a liaison and helps with set up and clean up. Chair: Patrick Davies, Andrew Smith, and Patrice Speed |
| Generations Day (November 20, 2026) | Generations Day is a special event that welcomes grandparents and special friends to visit our campus for tours and performances by students. For this annual celebration volunteers help set-up, greet guests, serve food and beverages, guide visitors on campus, clean up, and offer assistance as needed. Chairs: Grace Chou, Barrie McClune, and Andrea Volkmann |
| Lost and Found | The Lost & Found Committee helps keep our campus organized by regularly sorting through lost items, returning labeled belongings to students, and coordinating the donation of unclaimed items. This committee plays a key role in promoting responsibility and sustainability within our school community. Chairs: Dawn Barbic, Laura Bozzolo, and Nick Calabrese |
| Room Parents | Room Parents coordinate directly with their teachers or grade-level advisors as well as their fellow parents/guardians to recruit volunteers for in-class/grade needs (field trip drivers, classroom volunteers, snack, etc) and PGA events, purchasing teacher gifts, and more. Chairs: PGA Lower School Co-Coordinators Jen Gunn and Gening Liao, and PGA Middle School Co-Coordinators Robin Dunn and Amy Lopez |
| Social Coordinators | Social Coordinators help build community within each grade by organizing a handful of informal gatherings throughout the school year for parents/guardians, students, and families. |
| *RD Diversity in Action FAQ |
Q: What is Diversity in Action? Diversity in Action supports the School’s commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). Diversity in Action maintains a strategic partnership with the School, supporting Heritage celebrations and Adult Affinity Groups for our parent/guardian community. Diversity in Action also helps promote and represent the Redwood Day community at DEI events such as the Oakland Pride Parade, Black Excellence, and Parent Education evenings. Q: What types of things does Diversity in Action do?
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GET INVOLVED AT REDWOOD DAY
Your involvement—big or small—truly makes a difference. By volunteering, you help create meaningful experiences for our students and strengthen the vibrant Redwood Day community we all share.
Each year, hundreds of dedicated parents and guardians lend their time and talents in ways both large and small. The Parent Guardian Association (PGA) makes this possible by offering a wide range of opportunities designed to fit every schedule. Whether you have just a little time or are looking to take on a larger role, there’s a place for you here—and we’d love to have you involved.
Volunteer Today!
Redwood Day uses SignUpGenius to coordinate one-time volunteer opportunities throughout the year—from field trip drivers and classroom support to school-wide events.
Getting started is easy:
- Create a free account using the same email address you use for school communications
- Browse available opportunities as they are posted
- Sign up for what works for you
EXPRESS INTEREST IN A PGA ROLE
Each spring, the PGA begins planning for the upcoming school year by filling a variety of officer and committee roles. Some positions support single events, while others span the full year.
These roles are a wonderful way to deepen your connection to the Redwood Day community and play a meaningful part in shaping school experiences.
SUBMIT YOUR INTEREST FOR 2026-27
