The votes are in and we have a new group of fun, kind and talented individuals leading our Governance Community next year. Let's get to know them a little!
Sarah Rockne - 2022/23 Facilitator
Hello Sycamore! I am Sarah and Mom to 3 kids. My family has lived in Claremont since 2015. I was born and spent most of my elementary years in the UK. I have since enjoyed living in many parts of the US - Washington, Colorado, Illinois, New York and California. Before becoming a Mom, I worked for 10 years in the Culinary and Hospitality field as a Chef and Event Operations Manager. I am currently a stay at home parent. My greatest loves are bringing people together, cooking, digging in the dirt, and taking long walks on the beach. I’m a huge advocate for community building and children's mental health. I am excited to continue supporting the variety of needs within our school community next year. Please reach out with ideas, thoughts and suggestions to sycamoregovernance@gmail.com.
Megan Clark - Co-Facilitator
Hi Sycamore Families! I'm Megan and I have one kiddo who is currently in Kindergarten. I'm excited to take on the Co-Facilitator role this year! My family moved here in the summer of 2020 and in just a short time we have really fallen in LOVE with Claremont and Sycamore! My background is in community development and civic engagement, so I am super excited to put my passion for working with people to better communities to use with the Governance Community. I am looking forward to meeting many more families over the next year and working with all of you to find creative and productive ways to make Sycamore an even more amazing school.
Diane Barnes - Secretary
Hello Sycamore Family! My name is Diane and I’m excited to be the secretary for the upcoming school year. I’m mom to Alex, soon to be grade 6 and Graham, soon to be grade 2. We’ve lived in Claremont since 2015 after having moved around So Cal since 2000. My husband Michael and I are Midwest transplants, having moved here from Iowa and Illinois. Prior to moving to Claremont, I spent about 20 years working in HR. I am now a small business owner and started my business, Artful Succulents, in 2017. In our spare time we love gardening, traveling, watching the Cubs and Lakers and heading to the beach. I look forward to working with you all in the upcoming school year!
Steve Schaefer – Treasurer
This will be my fourth year as Treasurer. My son is a recent graduate of Sycamore, and my daughter is entering 4th grade this school year. I work for MUFG Union Bank and am responsible for various performance management initiatives (incentives, goals, reviews, etc.) for our branch front-line colleagues. I am currently pursuing my masters degree at Claremont Graduate University. For fun, our family enjoys going to the beach, hanging out at our community pool, or going camping. You can also find me at the hockey rink where I play goalie (when I can!).
Rachel Forester - Past Facilitator
Rachel Forester has a long-term connection to Sycamore. The mother of three has already graduated one Sycamore student, and she has two who'll continue next year. Rachel has served in countless roles here at Sycamore. Whether she's stopping traffic in the crosswalk or working as Past Facilitator, Rachel is focused on supporting Sycamore. Her business, family and volunteer efforts are deeply rooted here in Claremont, and we're fortunate to have her as part of our Governance Council.
Katie Tewell - Communications and Technology Chair
Hi! I'm Katie - Mom to 3 kids (2 boys at Sycamore & 1 who will join her brothers in 2023!). I was born and raised in Southern California and I have lived in Claremont since 2011. When I'm not chasing my kids, I work part-time at Pitzer College. I love brunches with my girlfriends, dates with my husband and being honest about how challenging motherhood is. I look forward to getting to know the Sycamore community better this year!
Jill Kendall Erb and Tamra Miller Coopersmith - Equity and Inclusion Co-Chairs
Hi Sycamore friends. I am Jill Kendall Erb. I am mom to three Sycamore students and have been involved in the community since my oldest was a sweet kindergartner in 2016. I am pleased to return to the post of co-chair of the Equity and Inclusion committee. It has been exciting watching it grow from an idea dreamt up at Memorial Park to a committee contributing to programming for our community. Outside of school, I have a professional role as director of Be The Match programs in SoCal (marrow registry). I am passionate about addressing disparities in healthcare and ensuring equal outcomes for all.
Hi Sycamore! I am Tamra, this is our first year at Sycamore and we’ve met so many kind and supportive Sycamore families, faculty and staff. Next year will be my first year as co-chair of the Equity and Inclusion committee. I am looking forward to participating in school events, further building community and belonging with our Sycamore families.
Alicia Forester and Jessica MacLachlan - Spirit Co-Chairs
My name is Alicia I have 3 energetic and fun girls. My oldest is starting at El Roble in the fall and my other two are here at Sycamore. I love living in Claremont. During the pandemic I discovered running and surfing. Not only was it a chance to be alone but I learned I actually love running and surfing. But if you ask my children what their mom loves to do they will say napping and eating chocolate which is also true.
Elise Ferree - 2022/23 Sustainability Chair
This is my second year as the sustainability coordinator, and I have two kids at Sycamore. I’ve lived in Claremont since 2010, am a biology professor at the Claremont Colleges, and on the board of Sustainable Claremont. I love being outdoors and spending time with friends and family. My goals for this year include helping start a community compost at Sycamore, continuing to connect students with nature and sustainability through gardening, and growing the network of sustainability efforts among the Claremont schools. Feel free to reach out with ideas or to get more involved (eferree@kecksci.claremont.edu).
Liz Spinrad - Volunteer Chair
Hi, I’m Liz Spinrad! I have a kindergartener, 2nd grader and 5th grader at Sycamore this year. We moved to Claremont from Seattle 7 years ago and fell in love with this community. My family loves going to the beach and skiing/snowboarding together… sometimes in the same weekend! I’m excited to be your volunteer coordinator this year and my hope is to get parent helpers back into classrooms as much as safely possible. Your commitment to our students is what makes Sycamore such a special place.
Amy Carnes - Ways and Means Chair
Amy M. Carnes, mother of two happy Sycamore kids, has been Ways and Means Chair for the past two years. A recent Claremont transplant, Amy has worked at USC Shoah Foundation for almost 14 years (but who's counting?!), doing everything from building curriculum, designing evaluation programs, curating exhibitions and writing proposals with some community building thrown in for good measure. An avid volunteer, Amy formerly served on her Los Angeles Neighborhood Council where she specialized in historic preservation, land use, and sustainability issues.
