About PEF · Peninsula Education Foundation

Built by Peninsula families. For Peninsula students.

PEF is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit run by a volunteer board of PV parents, alumni, and community members. We're how the Palos Verdes Peninsula funds the programs that make our schools exceptional — across every grade, every campus, every year.

Our Mission

Funding excellence in every PVPUSD classroom.

The Peninsula Education Foundation closes the gap between what California provides per pupil and what it actually takes to deliver an excellent education. We fund the programs, staff, and materials that don't fit in the state's per-student budget — across every grade, every school, every year.

Every student.

PEF funds reach all 11 PVPUSD schools — elementary through Rancho del Mar continuation high. Every child benefits from your gift.

Programs over overhead.

A lean volunteer board and minimal staff keep administrative costs low. Donations flow directly to classrooms, teachers, and students.

Locally invested.

Every dollar raised on the Peninsula stays on the Peninsula — funding programs in your neighbor's school and your own.

Transparent and accountable.

Audited financials, current IRS Form 990s, and a Charity Navigator 4-Star rating — all publicly available below.

2025–26 Leadership

Meet our Board & Staff

PEF is led by a volunteer Board of Trustees — Peninsula parents, alumni, educators, and community members who serve without compensation — supported by a small professional staff.

Officers

  • President

    Carlie Garber

  • VP, Board Governance

    Mariko Hama

  • VP, Finance

    Alex Kouzmanoff

  • VP, Major Donors

    Jenny Hansen

  • VP, Marketing

    Corry Matthews

  • VP, Fundraising

    Keri Moller

  • VP, Community Relations

    Stefani Turner

  • Secretary

    Joanna Corsaro Georgiou

Board of Trustees

  • Trustee

    Julie Biddinger

  • Trustee

    Mary Boktor-Grisard

  • Trustee

    Dan Bolton

  • Trustee

    Jenn Craig

  • Trustee

    Carolyn Desai

  • Trustee

    Goli Eslami

  • Trustee

    Jenny Handjian

  • Trustee

    Carla Hatler

  • Trustee

    Taryne Jayatilaka

  • Trustee

    Ryan Kelly

  • Trustee

    Sausan Khomusi

  • Trustee

    Nathan Lee

  • Trustee

    Darian Lin

  • Trustee

    Kianna Modir-Shapiro

  • Trustee

    Wendy Moulton

  • Trustee

    Ritu Portugal

  • Trustee

    Jen Prindle

  • Trustee

    Anna Sudeth

  • Trustee

    Adam Weiss

  • Trustee

    Greg Wells

  • Trustee

    Diana Woo

PEF Staff

  • Executive Director

    Laura Hughes

  • Senior Director, Programs

    Suzanne Seymour

  • Marketing & Communications Director

    Diane Miller

  • Director, Summer High School

    Adam Genovese

  • Database & Office Administrator

    Jennifer Hoffman

  • Special Events Coordinator

    Lesley Mayer

  • Staff Accountant

    Linda Nikravan

  • Program Administrator

    Lee Lee

  • Summer School

    Linda Safavian

Interested in joining the PEF board or volunteering with us? Email help@pvpef.org or call 310-378-2278.

Financials & Transparency

Where every dollar comes from — and where it goes.

We publish our audited financials, IRS filings, and donor privacy policy because trust is earned, not assumed.

Charity Navigator 4-Star rated
GuideStar / Candid Gold-level transparency
EIN 95-3498211 IRS-verified 501(c)(3)
Annual Reports & Newsletters

Read what we've done with your dollars.

Each year we publish a full report of grants funded, programs supported, and dollars raised — broken down by school.

Contact PEF

Get in touch.

Questions about giving, planned gifts, employer matches, board service, or anything else — reach out.

Phone

310-378-2278

Mailing

PO Box 2632
Palos Verdes Peninsula, CA 90274

Street

300 A Paseo del Mar
Palos Verdes Estates, CA 90274

Ready to invest in Peninsula students?

Now that you know who we are — make a gift that funds the programs you just read about.

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