Learn More About Our Team
CCEF Board of Directors
Guillermina Molina, President
Guillermina Molina currently serves as Sr. Associate Dean of External Relations at the UCLA Anderson School of Management where she oversees development and alumni relations (42,000 alums). Previous to her role at Anderson, Guille worked at the USC Marshall School of Business where she served in roles of increasing responsibility over a career that spanned nearly 20 years. She has experience working in all areas of advancement from major gifts to annual fund, parent giving, donor services and stewardship and corporate relations. She also oversaw the Marshall Alumni Association and its 90,000 alumni. She spent 11 years serving as director of the school’s undergraduate program which supported 4,000 business students.
Before joining the staff at USC Marshall, she was a change management consultant at Accenture and also worked as a consultant and project manager at Sony Pictures Entertainment and The Game Show Network. Guillermina earned a bachelor's degree with honors from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and a master's degree from USC. An avid traveler, she has visited six continents and 60 countries.
She and her husband, John, have been donors to CCEF since 2015 and have a daughter in eighth grade at Culver City Middle School.
Dr. Felicity Vabulas, Vice President
Dr. Felicity Vabulas is an Associate Professor of International Studies at Pepperdine University where she teaches and researches international organizations and foreign policy. She brings a wealth of relevant knowledge from her experiences in higher education including innovative practices through hands-on learning. As a parent of a La Ballona Elementary student and a CCMS student, Felicity is a passionate advocate for both arts and STEM-related programming. She served on the La Ballona PTA’s auction committee, after-school enrichment committee, and School Site Council. She is energetic about bringing ideas to our district that create enrichment opportunities for every student at every school in an equitable fashion. Her educational experiences in Australia, Chicago, Japan, and England have exposed Felicity to out-of-the-box thinking that she wants to apply in CCUSD. In her free time, Felicity enjoys all things outdoors—running, camping, hiking, and taking photos during all of her travel adventures.
Allison Faris, Secretary
Allison Faris has been a Culver City resident for the last 17 years. Her two kids are now in 9th and 12th grade and are both La Ballona Alums. She is a dedicated PTA volunteer, serving as recording secretary, corresponding secretary and auditor in several PTAs. She is an engineer by training (BS, MS, PhD from UC Berkeley, MBA from UCLA) and currently works at a cancer immunotherapy company managing business operations at a commercial manufacturing facility. In her spare time, he enjoys traveling, watching funny movies and trying new restaurants.
Joanne Nazarian, Treasurer
Joanne Nazarian graduated from Cal Poly Pomona with a Masters in Business Administration and worked for 25-years as a professional fundraiser and certified specialist in planned giving, building relationships with major donors all over the western United States for various colleges and universities. She has many years of Board experience in various capacities: treasurer, auditor, financial secretary, recording secretary and VP. Joanne was previously the Chair of the School Site Councils at both La Ballona Elementary School and Culver City Middle School. She is currently working as the Strong Workforce Program Coordinator for the Santa Monica Community College District and helps with administrative duties for the Academy of Visual and Performing Arts at Culver City High School. In her spare time, Joanne enjoys fostering neonatal kittens for the local animal shelter, reading, singing and outdoor activities.
James Harris, Parliamentarian
James Harris is the parent of two sons who both attended Culver City schools K-12 (CCHS ’09 and ’14). He also serves as an alternate member of the CCUSD Citizens Budget Advisory Committee (CBAC). He served on the board of directors of the Academy of Visual and Performing Arts (AVPA) Foundation for six years, including two years as President. He has also served as vice chair of the Proposition EE (Parcel Tax) Oversight Committee. He served on the board of directors of the Culver City National Little League for three years and coached youth baseball teams for eight years. Jim worked as a daily newspaper reporter for eight years before starting a career in corporate public relations. He later served as Director of Public Relations for CIGNA Healthcare of California. He retired from the corporate world in 2018. He currently serves as a contributing editor for the History News Network. He holds a B.A. from the University of San Francisco and a M.S. in Mass Communications from San Jose State University.
Elaine Behnken
Elaine Strom Behnken has been a member of CCEF since 2016, and currently serves as its President. She is deeply committed to CCUSD as a former President of Culver City High School’s AVPA Foundation and founding member of Friends of the Frost, a grassroots group of parents who helped to spearhead the renovation of the Robert Frost Auditorium. Elaine and her husband Howard’s commitment culminated in their serving as Masters of Ceremony for the Robert Frost Grand Reopening Gala.
Elaine has been working in the entertainment industry for over 30 years. She started as a casting associate and producer’s assistant at Aaron Spelling Productions working on such iconic shows as The Love Boat, Hotel, Dynasty, and the Danielle Steel Novels for Television. This led to the world of film production and eventually commercials where she is an Executive Producer, producing for National Brands.
In her spare time, Elaine volunteers as special advisory to Shared Harvest Fund and COVIDMD.org where she is loving known as Mama. Elaine is a Phi Beta Kappa, Magna Cum Laude graduate of the University of Southern California with a double major in Theatre and English. Most important, she is a proud parent of a CCUSD alumus.
Dr. Cicely Bingener
Dr. Cicely Bingener is a recent PhD graduate of UCLA’s School of Education & Information Studies, a 27-year veteran Transitional Kindergarten teacher in the Inglewood Unified School District, Adjunct faculty member at Mount Saint Mary University, and a fired-up mama to four past and present CCUSD students. She is a Los Angeles native and 16-year resident of Culver City. She holds a BA in Elementary Education from Howard University and a MA in Education from UCLA's Teacher Education Program.
Dr. Bingener champions both organized labor and collaborative transformation of public schools into vibrant, community-connected institutions of social justice and democracy. She is an active member and organizer with the National Education Association, California Teachers Association, and Inglewood Teachers Association, and has used these affiliations to co-found school-based outreach initiatives such as “Parent University” and the “Future Inglewood Transformative Educators Club.” Her academic research centers on leveraging partnerships between teacher unions and teacher education programs to support social justice aims and teacher persistence in high-need urban schools.
Pam and Dale Collingwood
Pamela Collingwood was born and raised in Los Angeles. She received a B.A. in History and Comparative Literature from Brown University and a J.D. from UC Berkeley School of Law. Prior to attending law school, Pamela received a Fulbright scholarship to study Arabic language at the University of Damascus, Syria. She has practiced law since 2004, serving as in-house counsel at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center from 2009 to 2024, before joining City of Hope as Vice President & Senior Deputy General Counsel in May 2024.
Dale Collingwood was born outside Chicago IL, lived in Harrisonburg, VA from 2 years old through 5th grade, and then moved to Salem, OR. He received a B.A. in English/Theatre from Eastern Mennonite University and a J.D. from USC Gould School of Law. Dale has also practiced law since 2004, starting at Latham & Watkins, and then serving as in-house counsel at The Wonderful Company from 2008 to 2021, Snap Inc. from 2021 to 2024, and currently at MBS Group.
Pam and Dale moved to Culver City in 2007. Their two daughters, Maya (5th grade) and Piper (2nd grade) are in the Japanese Immersion Program at El Marino Language School. They served as Co-Vice President of Fundraising for Advocates for Language Learning El Marino (ALLEM), which primarily raises funds for native-speaking teacher assistants at El Marino.
Ellen Davidson
Ellen Davidson has more than 35 years of consumer and corporate public relations experience and more than 10 years of community leadership experience. Recognized for her ability to connect with all types of constituencies with positivity, enthusiasm and grace, Ellen served schools in a number of roles including Co-President of the Farragut Fan Club, multiple Board positions in the Culver City Middle School PTSA, and as a CCEF Ambassador. At both Farragut and CCMS, Ellen was integral in the fundraising campaigns, leading on messaging and communications strategy resulting in at least a 10 percent increase year-over-year. Ellen also served for three years on the Parent Board at Vistamar High School.
In addition, Ellen has been a Communication Consultant for Youth Business Alliance, a non-profit organization that offers a high school course covering soft skills, career readiness, financial literacy and business insights. She was Director of Public Relations for ZillionTV and a vice president with international public relations firm Manning, Selvage & Lee for nine years, where she managed client accounts including Intuit’s TurboTax, EarthLink, Philips Sonicare, ABC Cable Networks and Disney Online. Ellen earned her Bachelors of Arts degree in Sociology from the University of California Santa Barbara.
Ken Esman
Ken Esman is a Managing Director at Merrill Private Wealth Management, based in Los Angeles. Ken works closely with financial principals, their firms, and their families - providing financial guidance that spans from comprehensive wealth management strategies for partners as well as guidance for their funds on lending, banking, and trading needs. His approach is centered around ensuring his clients receive the full benefit of the firm’s capabilities and resources.
Before joining Merrill, Ken spent over a decade at J.P. Morgan Private Bank, where he oversaw and provided guidance on $5Bn+ in client assets and loans across individuals and their funds. Ken’s commitment to delivering personalized solutions on both an individual and institutional level has earned him a strong reputation in the industry.
Originally from New York, Ken now lives in Culver City with his wife Rachel and their two children, Marshall and Lue. Outside of his professional life, Ken cherishes time with his family, enjoys tennis, golf, and running, and continues to build out his sports card and memorabilia collection.
Rachel Esman
Rachel Esman began her career in general management for Broadway and Off-Broadway productions, where she cultivated a passion for collaboration and creativity. Now as the founder of workoutBFF, she works as a personal trainer specializing in women’s fitness. Through workoutBFF, she’s committed to helping women feel strong, confident, and supported on their fitness journeys.
When she’s not training clients, Rachel is a full-time mom to her two young children. She’s also an avid athlete, enjoying marathons, triathlons, and tennis. Rachel is a proud graduate of the University of Miami.
Sanjay Gaur
Sanjay Gaur has more than 25 years of financial and rate consulting experience with water and wastewater utilities and has served as a consultant to more than 100 agencies in Arizona, California, Nevada and the Caribbean. Sanjay was a Peace Corps volunteer in Bulgaria. He holds a master’s degree in Applied Economics from UC Santa Cruz and a Masters in Public Administration - International Development from the Kennedy School of Government, Harvard University. He and his wife, Tatiana, have lived in Culver City for over 14 years and have two children, a recent CCHS graduate and an 8th grader at the middle school. Both have attended Culver City Schools since kindergarten and have benefited from the activities associated with CCEF. Sanjay grew up in Santa Monica.
Angela Gray
Angela Gray has been part of the Culver City Unified School District family since August 1998 in various positions with the district's Office Of Child Development Program, and currently as a preschool teacher at La Ballona Elementary.
Angela earned a Masters of Science in Family and Consumer Sciences from the California State University at Northridge, and holds a Program Director Permit issued by the California Department of Education.
She is a mother of three gentlemen, all graduates of CCUSD schools. Angela is deeply involved in the community as an active member of Culver City Unified School District’s Equity Advisory Council (EAC), which helps inform action steps across our schools to ensure the safety of all, in an equitable manner. I am also a member of the Los Angeles County Child Care Planning Committee. She has been a Professional Growth Advisor since 2014, assisting early childhood educators in renewing their permits, issued by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing, by developing a plan of action. In her spare time, Angela enjoys spending time with my family and friends, reading, gardening, cooking, traveling, and taking brisk walks.
Van Johnson
Van Johnson is a business owner and active volunteer in Culver City. Born and raised in Northern California, Van earned a BA in Mass Communications from UCLA. He is a parent to two CCUSD students and serves on the El Marino School Site Council. He also enjoys supporting and volunteering with the Culver City Football Club.
Dr. James M. Limbaugh
Dr. James Limbaugh currently serves as the ninth President of West Los Angeles College, a position he has held since October 2016. During his tenure, the College’s academic program has grown to include a bachelor’s degree in Dental Hygiene—the most successful community college bachelor’s degree in the State—and the only climate change studies program in a California community college. Since Dr. Limbaugh’s arrival, WLAC has added two buildings (the Technology Learning Center and the Watson Center for film/tv production) and is currently in the planning stages for a new library and student union, an edifice which will transform the campus. Of note is the College’s securing of a $5 million, multi-year appropriation to establish the California Center for Climate Change Education, designed specifically to provide curriculum development, community outreach, and programmatic opportunities related to climate change education. In addition, the Center will host a workforce development Center. Dr. Limbaugh holds a Ph. D. in educational leadership from the University of Maryland.
Summer McBride
Summer McBride is a certified parenting instructor, full spectrum doula, and group prenatal care facilitator. She has served as faculty for iDREAM for Racial Health Equity and as a co-chair on the LA County African American Infant and Maternal Mortality Community Action Team. Summer is currently a Los Angeles County Commissioner for the Department of Public Social Services and First 5 LA. She also had the privilege of being a trustee on the Culver City School Board for 6 years. She continues to serve on various CCUSD committees including the Black Parent Affinity Group, the Equity Advisory Council and Task Force, the Environmental Sustainability Food Services subcommittee, and the Labor Management Partnership. Over the years, Summer has served on various PTA and CC booster boards, and is currently president for the Culver City Council of PTAs. She recently joined the staff in CCUSD as a noon supervisor. She and her husband are parents to five sons who all attend (or have graduated from) CCUSD schools.
Monika Okker
Monika Okker is currently the Director of Marketing for the Angel City Chorale and is co-owner of AYM Connections, LLC providing consulting services to individuals and small businesses. Monika is a sales planning & operations expert in digital media and retail distribution with extensive movie and television experience; and she has a strong background in consumer packaged goods sales and marketing. She has held leadership positions in large organizations including Sony Pictures Entertainment, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios, AB InBev - Anheuser-Busch, ConAgra Foods, and the Kraft Heinz Company. Monika is a diversity, equity and inclusion advocate and is passionate about volunteerism, philanthropy, and the arts. She holds officer positions with the Culver City Council of PTAs, the Culver City High School PTSA, and the CCHS Academy of Visual and Performing Arts. She has been a Girl Scout leader for over a decade, and she sings with the Angel City Chorale. She enjoys singing, attending concerts and theatre events, and spending time with her daughter who is a student at CCHS. Monika holds a B.S. in Business, Marketing from the University of Colorado at Boulder and a Masters in Business Administration from the University of Southern California. Monika joined the CCEF board in 2019.
Alan Schulman
Alan Schulman and his wife Akasha opened their restaurant AKASHA in downtown Culver City in 2008. He has been an avid supporter of the Culver City school district since the restaurant’s inception and together with Akasha, were instrumental in promoting the expansion of the garden program in all the elementary schools. He has been a board member of CCEF for several years, a member of the Culver City Chamber of Commerce since 2008 and an active board member of the Downtown Business Association for the past 16 years.
Kelley Wilcox
Kelley Wilcox has been a teacher at Culver City Middle School for over 35 years. A proud product of CCUSD herself, she has lived in Culver City since 1968. Kelley’s children attended CCUSD. Her daughter is a teacher and her son is a graduate student at LSU. In addition to teaching in the classroom, she is the District Induction Co-coordinator and also a mentor and support provider for new teachers. She earned a B. A. in Business Education and California credentials in Business Education and Mathematics from CSU Northridge and a M.A. in Technology in Education from CSU Dominguez Hills. She joined the CCEF board in 2017.
Crystal M. Yelverton
Crystal M. Yelverton is the Executive Director of the March of Dimes Greater Los Angeles Division. In this role, she is responsible for account teams, fund development and leadership management. With over 20 years of non-profit experience, she has held roles in public relations, sales leadership, public health and provider education, event planning and board development. She is an active member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., having held numerous leadership roles including her current position as 1st Vice President of the Century City Alumnae Chapter. Crystal is a native of North Carolina and graduate of East Carolina University’s School of Communication. She is the immediate past president of the CCHS Academy of Visual & Performing Arts Foundation and a member of CCUSD’s Strategic Arts Team. Among numerous honors and recognitions, in 2023 Crystal was a recipient of a Culver City High School PTA Honorary Service Award and named CCHS Volunteer of the Year, along with being inducted in the AVPA Foundation Hall of Fame. Crystal and her husband Matthew have 4 young adult children, CriShaun, Kobe, Kori and Trinity.
CCEF Staff
Wendy Hamill, Executive Director
Wendy Hamill is honored and proud to serve as Executive Director of the Culver City Education Foundation, helping to create exceptional learning opportunities for Culver City students. Before taking the role of Executive Director, she served on the CCEF board of directors for nine years. Wendy is passionate about raising funding to support school programs in music, art, and theater education, STEM learning, student wellness and academic success.
Wendy brings a background in communications, financial analysis and non-profit management, having worked in senior management positions in the non-profit sector for many years. She holds a BA in Finance from Miami University, and an MBA in Non- profit Management from Northwestern University. She loves using her business training to foster success in mission driven organizations. A parent of two CCUSD alumni and a high schooler, Wendy has provided many years of volunteer service to the Culver City school community for the past 18 years. Her happiest times usually involve either a good book, wine with friends around a fire, or singing show tunes with her daughter.
Lindsay Angrisani, Development and Communications Manager
Lindsay Angrisani has spent a more than a decade championing nonprofits that serve children and families, with a passion for making the arts accessible to all. She studied Drama and Educational Studies at the University of California, Irvine, and has experienced firsthand the healing power of art. Through her work with various local organizations, Lindsay has produced events and fundraising campaigns that raised hundreds of thousands of dollars. As a Los Angeles native, and new CCUSD parent, Lindsay is proud to give voice to CCEF and raise vital funding for the school district where her two children will attend.
Eleanor Lipat-Chesler, Program Assistant
Eleanor Lipat-Chesler is an educational administrator with prior experience including Columbia University and USC Rossier School of Education. She draws upon her broad background in corporate and academic research to facilitate collaboration among diverse stakeholders toward shared understandings. She has served as the PTA Vice President for DEI at El Rincon Elementary School. In June 2022, Eleanor traveled to Maryland to accept a National PTA Diversity and Inclusion Award on behalf of El Rincon, inspiring her to invest even more of her energy into the students, staff, and families of CCUSD. She is thrilled to provide direct administrative support for CCEF programs, which have positively impacted her own two children in the district. Eleanor studied Music and Anthropology at Barnard College and Ethnomusicology at UCLA. As a Fulbright Fellow, she conducted ethnographic fieldwork in Thailand and Laos among itinerant folk theater troupes. She also performs Southern Philippine kulintang music and dance for public audiences and generates cultural arts education content through her organization, Ube Arte. She has lived in Culver City since 2011 with her screenwriter husband, Josh.