Get to know our leadership team!

Monica Duarte, President

Hi! I’m Monica, and I’m honored to be serving as this year’s PATA President! I absolutely love being part of the amazing community that makes CVE such a special place. I’m a mom of four, including a proud CVE alum who spent her entire elementary school journey here, plus kids in 1st grade and preschool, so I’ll be part of the CVE family for quite a while!

By day, I get to play with colors as an ink technician. In my “free” time, you’ll usually find me leading Girl Scouts, working on a new craft project, baking something sweet, or getting a little dusty out on the softball field.

I’m so excited for everything this school year has in store and can’t wait to work alongside our incredible families, staff, and volunteers to make it another amazing year at CVE. See you around!

Marilyn Bergstrom, Vice President

Carolyn Horton, Vice President

Norrie, Co-Secretary

Hi! My name is Norrie, and my husband and I have 2 children at CVE. I started volunteering for the classroom and PATA/school events after COVID classroom restrictions dropped a couple years ago. The pandemic made me realize how much I enjoy being part of the kids’ education and school community firsthand. We’re busy parents, and our kids have even busier schedules. I believe that our Time is the greatest gift we could give to our children. This is my first year on the Board, and I’m hoping to make it a great one!

Cheryl Pimentel, Co-Treasurer

I’m a mom of a CVE Bear and a Canyon middle schooler. I grew up in Malaysia but I came to the US to get my college degree. I graduated, got married and we moved to Castro Valley. I love reading and travelling. I also work at CVE as a paraprofessional. Castro Valley Elementary is a wonderful community and I’m proud to be part of this diverse and fun community! CVE is the place to be!

Francisco Plascencia, Co-Treasurer

I have one CVE bear and another at Canyon Middle School. I have been on the PATA board for two years. I started out as a social media Director but now am happily more involved as the PATA secretary. When I am not working as a property manager or posting for PATA on Instagram and Facebook, you will find me on a sports field watching my son play baseball or watching my daughter play soccer and softball. I am excited to continue to be partners with my children’s school and am looking forward to a fun and exciting year with PATA.

Mallory Englehart, Special Projects

I’m the proud mom of two amazing boys who are heading into 4th and 6th grade. I am grateful to work at CVE as a Special Education teacher, which has given me an even deeper appreciation for this incredible school community.

When I’m not driving my boys from one activity to another, I enjoy exploring the Bay Area, crafting, listening to podcasts, and cooking. CVE has truly blown me away with its caring teachers, welcoming staff, and dedicated parents, and I feel lucky to work alongside so many of them through PATA. Go Bears!

Racheal Griffin-Alvarez, Special Projects 

Hi! My name is Racheal Griffin Alvarez. I’m a proud CVE parent—my son is a student here—and this is my first year serving on the PATA board. My wife and I are resource parents, so we’re lucky to welcome other wonderful kiddos into our home from time to time. I work full time for a local Social Services agency, and in my free time – I love reading, crafting, and cheering on my favorite teams whether it’s at games or from the couch. I’m excited to be part of the PATA community and look forward to supporting our amazing students, families, and staff!

Yuliia Chernova, Special Projects

Hello! I’m originally from Ukraine, and since 2022, I’ve been creating a new chapter of my life under the beautiful skies of California. I’m a proud mother of two wonderful daughters: Viktoriia, who’s on her high school journey, and Nikol, a little Bear in CVE, wife and photographer with over 12 years of experience. I am a “smile addict”, so my camera is always with me and I am ready to catch the coolest moments! Balancing my time between working at a school and my love for photography, I cherish every moment spent by the ocean and exploring new places. I’m thrilled and inspired to be a part of the PATA family!

Gitanjali Shukla, Special Projects

Tiffany Allen, Special Projects

Carol San, Special Projects

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