The Board of Trustees
The HSH Board of Trustees is a diverse and talented group of volunteers that work collaboratively to ensure HSH operates in a way that is consistent with good governance principles and in line with the school’s mission. This includes both parents and professionals in the community that share a deep care for HSH and unwavering commitment to support an exceptional learning environment for our students, families and faculty – not just this school year, but for years to come.
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Year you became part of the HSH community: 2017
Current occupation: Agriculture
Areas of expertise: Strategy, Governance, Impact, FInance
Why is service on a Board important to you?
It allows me to expand my connections and involvement with the HSH community.
What drew you to HSH?
Many things. To name a few, it would be the location, size, vibe, focus on diversity, equity, inclusion, and ability
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Year you became part of the HSH community: 2016Current occupation: Attorney
Areas of expertise: Legal issues
Why is service on a Board important to you?
My wife and I have had two children (one currently) at HSH, we love the school, and so, given how much HSH has been there for our family, I wanted to do what I could do to help the school in return.
What drew you to HSH?
The size, the curriculum, the location and the community. And, of course, the pool!
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Year you became part of the HSH community: 2020
Current occupation: Education Administrator
Areas of expertise: Talent/HR, strategy and operations, DEI practices/policies/programming
Why is service on a Board important to you?
Board service is an opportunity to share my talent, expertise and experience with organizations that are trying to make our world better. I'm privileged in many ways and responsible for paying it forward.
What drew you to HSH?
The community and diversity. The moment we stepped on campus for the tour, we were embraced by a range of grounded and down-to-earth parents, staff and students.
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Year you became part of the HSH community: 2017
Current occupation: Equal Employment Opportunity Officer
Areas of expertise: Human Resources, Recruitment and Hiring, Equal Employment Opportunity Compliance, Training and Development, and DEI
Why is service on a Board important to you?
Service on this Board is important for me because what happens at HSH directly impacts my children, my family, and the future of all children attending HSH. I believe current HSH students are our future leaders and they deserve all our support in this time where learning habits start and matter.
What drew you to HSH?
The diversity, the community of kind and genuine families, and the class size.
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Year you became part of the HSH community: 2023
Current occupation: Senior Vice President – Radiology Partners
Areas of expertise: Finance, Strategy and Development
Meet our fearless Board…
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![A woman with blonde, wavy hair smiling, wearing a light pink blazer over a black top, with a simple necklace, against a solid maroon background.]()
Jennifer Ciccarelli
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![Close-up portrait of a middle-aged man with gray hair and beard, smiling, wearing a blue collared shirt, against a solid maroon background.]()
Joséantonio Danner
Year you became part of the HSH community: 2018
Current occupation: Private Investor
Areas of expertise: Entrepreneurship
Why is service on a Board important to you?
Serving is good for your soul.
What drew you to HSH?
The culture of kindness.
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![Headshot of a smiling man with short dark hair, wearing a light-colored collared shirt, against a maroon background.]()
William Durrant
Year you became part of the HSH community: 2021
Current occupation: Founder, Exverus Media
Areas of expertise: Marketing, Finance
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![Close-up of a smiling woman with long brown hair and the background in a dark maroon color.]()
Mayra García
Year you became part of the HSH community: 2021
Current occupation: Consultant
Areas of expertise: Learning and Development
Why is service on a Board important to you?
I serve on the HSH Board so children that experience an institution such as HSH can come reach their highest potential in becoming academically strong, physically active and socially grounded.
What drew you to HSH?
Its progressive values, diverse staff and students, and mission to build well rounded students.
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![A woman with long brown hair, glasses, and a black jacket smiling at the camera against a maroon background.]()
Anna Gay, M.D.
Year you became part of the HSH community: 2017
Current occupation: Pediatrician
Areas of expertise: Medicine
Why is service on a Board important to you?
Hollywood Schoolhouse has enriched our family in so many ways. Board service allows our family to give back to the school and ensure its vitality so that future families may thrive and grow the way we have.
What drew you to HSH?
There are many, many reasons why we chose to send our children to Hollywood Schoolhouse. The child-first ethos permeating every aspect, the warmth and familiarity the faculty and staff show to the children (everyone really does know your name!), the pool.
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![A headshot of a smiling man with dark hair, a beard, wearing a dark suit, light shirt, and a tie, against a maroon background.]()
Rafael Magana
Year you became part of the HSH community: 2021
Current occupation: Advancement Officer - Major & Planned Giving
Areas of expertise: Major Gifts & Planned Giving, Board Strategy & Governance, Nonprofit Finance, Legal Compliance for Nonprofits
Why is service on a Board important to you?
Board service is important to me because it’s an opportunity to bring real-world experience in finance, governance, and nonprofit legal strategy to a cause I care about. I believe that strong boards help great missions thrive. It’s a way of giving back, offering not just time, but expertise to help strengthen and sustain for the long term. I’m passionate about bringing heart and structure to the table, supporting leadership, and creating spaces where missions can grow and endure.
What drew you to HSH?
It’s rare to find a place so deeply committed to academic excellence while equally nurturing compassion, creativity, and leadership in every student. As someone who believes strongly in investing in the next generation, I felt an immediate connection to HSH’s mission and values, where education, kindness, and service are truly celebrated.
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![Black and white portrait of a man wearing a suit with a white shirt, standing with arms crossed, against a maroon background.]()
Sean Madnani
Year you became part of the HSH community: 2021
Current occupation: CEO
Areas of expertise: Finance and Investments
Why is service on a Board important to you?
Philanthropy allows me to give back to my community.
What drew you to HSH?
The culture and community.
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![Portrait of a woman with shoulder-length dark hair smiling against a maroon background.]()
Cheryl Okumura
Year you became part of the HSH community: 2013
Current occupation: Professor at Occidental College
Areas of expertise: STEM, higher education
Why is service on a Board important to you?
I am interested in making sure that HSH has the financial resources, staffing and community support to continue to provide excellent academic and emotional preparation for students within a diverse community.
What drew you to HSH?
I was initially attracted to the loving environment provided by the faculty, staff and community when we were considering preschools for our first (and at the time only) child. Now having 3 children progress through HSH (including our oldest who has graduated), I can truly say that HSH truly prepares kids academically and emotionally to face their next steps academically and in life.
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![Portrait of a woman with curly hair smiling, wearing a pink top, against a solid mauve background.]()
Sylvia Perèz Cash
Year you became part of the HSH community: 2019
Current occupation: Nonprofit Executive
Areas of expertise: Operations, Strategy, Governance, Finance, Change Management
Why is service on a Board important to you?
It allows me to contribute to a community I care deeply for via my skills and perspective.
What drew you to HSH?
The child-oriented design and focus on social and emotional development.
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![A smiling woman with blonde, wavy hair and brown eyes, wearing a checkered blazer, against a solid maroon background.]()
Courtney Peters
Year you became part of the HSH community: 2023
Current occupation: Vice President, Account Executive
Areas of expertise: Insurance and Risk Management
Why is service on a Board important to you?
It has allowed me to continue my professional development, as well as leverage my prior years in the practice of risk management.
What drew you to HSH?
HSH's mission of inspiring students to ultimately become exceptional citizens closely aligns with my own passion for the advancement of children. I spent nearly twenty years of my professional career working for a company which focused on building confidence in students. As I have moved on to a new career, HSH has allowed me to continue to make an impact, albeit indirectly, to the lives of children.
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![A man with glasses, a beard, and dark hair wearing a suit and tie, smiling against a maroon background.]()
Gautam Sood
Year you became part of the HSH community: 2022
Current occupation: Professor, Executive Leadership Consultant, and Strategic Advisor
Areas of expertise: Strategic Leadership and Governance, Educational Policy and Advocacy, Legal and Financial Oversight
Why is service on a Board important to you?
I am passionate about guiding the strategic direction of educational institutions and advocating for policies that create an inclusive and effective learning environment, ensuring all students have the opportunity to thrive. Serving on a board allows me to give back to the community by supporting the development of future leaders. I look forward to helping HSH maintain its long-term viability.
What drew you to HSH?
I was drawn to the Hollywood Schoolhouse because of its dedication to fostering creativity, individuality, and a love of learning in each student. The school's commitment to academic excellence and its emphasis on developing well-rounded individuals through a balanced curriculum that includes the arts, sciences, and community awareness resonate with my own beliefs. I am excited about the opportunity to support an institution that prioritizes creating a positive and dynamic learning environment for all its students.
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![A woman with long, curly black hair, smiling, wearing a red floral top, with gold hoop earrings, a gold necklace, and a mauve background.]()
Baudelia Taylor
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![Smiling older woman with short gray hair and a black top, sitting against a maroon background.]()
Laurel Baker Tew
Year you became part of the HSH community: 2024
Current occupation: Assistant Head of School for Enrollment Viewpoint School
Areas of expertise: Enrollment Leadership, School Sustainability, Governance
Why is service on a Board important to you?
Sustainability of independent schools, especially those that serve the youngest learners, is extremely important to me. I'm honored to be part of the HSH community.
What drew you to HSH?
Its distinctive position in the Los Angeles marketplace; the resonance of its mission; the vitality and vision of its Head of School.
