Tara Kroeger, President
About Me: I have 2 kids at Kester. I used to teach 6th grade math and science. I love music, comedy, going to restaurants, being creative, and spending time with my friends and family.
My elementary school was…..Murray Elementary in Dublin, CA
Favorite school memory: making up games and playing outside with my friends.
Ellen Thordarson, Executive Vice President
About Me: I am a mom of 4 kids! And I love our Kester community. This is my 3rd year on the PTA. When I’m not working at school I love swimming with my family and having BBQ’s with our families and friends.
My elementary school was…..Franklin/Randall Elementary in Madison, WI
Favorite school memory: playing on the monkey bars and doing gymnastics at recess.
Natalie Strauss, Vice President
About Me: This is our 5th year at Kester, I have one daughter still at Kester in the second grade. It has been a wonderful experience being on campus to watch them grow and thrive here at Kester. When I’m not helping out on campus, I love to spend time with my family hiking or going to Disneyland. I am always looking forward to a run, so if you are ever interested don’t hesitate to reach out 🙂
My elementary school was….Badillo Elementary School in Covina, CA
Favorite school memory: One of my favorite school memories was attending AstroCamp.
Star Tecosky, Secretary
About Me: I am the mom of two kiddos, my oldest is in the second grade Kester Magnet. When not supporting the Kester community, I can be found teaching yoga, Improv and Acting to theater conservatory high schoolers and cheering on my kids at the VNSO basketball gym.
My elementary school was…..Joella C Good Elementary in Miami, FL
Favorite school memory: being part of the Championship Jump Rope Team for 4th & 5th grades. We also won district and state competitions!
Seema Mody, Treasurer
About Me: I live in Sherman Oaks with my husband and twins who are both in 4th Grade at Kester Magnet. I currently work at a start up as the Head of Finance. I am excited to see what this school year has in store for the kids!
My elementary school was…VanZant Elementary in Marlton, New Jersey
Favorite school memory: Annual Field Day & Baseball Game Teachers vs. Kids
Emily Link, Recording Treasurer
About me: I have two daughters, one in kindergarten and one in 4th grade at Kester Elementary. I am a stay at home mom and a CPA in my spare time. I also enjoy making art and crafting.
My elementary school was…Pacific Palisades Elementary.
Favorite school memory: is learning how to double dutch jump rope with all the girls in my class.
Yuki Mori, Financial Secretary
About Me: I love getting to know our wonderful PTA members, teachers and staff at Kester AND getting to see my child at school on occasion is a bonus!
My elementary school was…..Keio Yochisha Elementary in Tokyo, Japan
Favorite school memory: the wonderful friendships I was able to build, many of whom are still my good friends to this day.
Aytan Nabiyeva, Parliamentarian
About Me: I am a mom to a 4th grader here at Kester. We have been with Kester for three years now and love it here! My husband and I were born and raised in a small Eastern European country called Azerbaijan and came to California for graduate school. And now are vicariously living the life of an American elementary school student through our daughter Melissa. My second full time job (the first is being Melissa’s mom) is with Disney, where I work as a compliance officer. Joining the PTA is a great opportunity for me to learn and get more involved with school life while supporting our wonderful community.
My elementary school was….School No 27 in Baku, Azerbaijan
Favorite school memory: are all the playdates with my friends and participating in the school theater club.
Elizabeth Warner, Historian
Seda Harutyunyan, Auditor
Teacher Representatives:
Despi Perros-Barrett
Christina Karapetian
Monica Perez