Our Team – CVE PATA

Get to know our leadership team!

Rosy Jacowitz, President

I am a Mom of two CVE Bears, and one Canyon Condor. I also happen to be Daniel’s wife, what a lucky guy! I work part time at a Children’s Hospital across the bay. When I am not working I enjoy exploring new areas with my family, shopping local with coffee in hand, baking, and taking life one day at a time. This is my second year serving our CVE community as PATA President. Being a part of PATA has been such a rewarding experience, and I’m looking forward to another amazing year with a team full of dedicated individuals who hold a passion for positive change and memorable experiences in our community. Who are we?! CVE! Go Bears!!

Francisco Plascencia, Secretary

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.

Kara Carnahan, Co-Treasurer & Spirit Store Manager

I’m a single mom with a son who attends CVE. I work for a bay area non-profit agency as part of the senior leadership team overseeing program operations in 5 counties. When I’m not working to end the housing and homeless crisis, I love traveling and exploring Northern CA. I enjoy being a part of PATA and working along side a great group of parents dedicated to enhancing students experiences and supporting fantastic teachers.

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!

Daniel Jacowitz, Co-Fundraising Chair

Greetings CVE Family. My name is Dan and I am a proud father of three, fun loving and wonderfully talented CVE Bears! It is a privilege to serve as co-lead for Fundraising this year and as one of two PATA, First Gentlemen. I have been a First Responder in Alameda County for 14 years and have worked with and supported local community events and activities. When I am not at work, I enjoy acting/improv, movies, spending time with family, golf, and anything involving the great outdoors. My mission and goal is to provide a high level of service that will benefit CVE families and staff. Even though we are still going through some tough times, a pandemic and economic uncertainty and each day bringing new challenges for our students and community; I am confident we will get through this together, with the past generosity and hard work of our families and community as a testimony to our unwavering dedication to each other. I will work to support the mission of the PATA and provide a safe and fun environment for all!

Julie Gidare, Co-Fundraising Chair

This is my first year on Pata, I am so excited. Last year, our family moved to Castro Valley, and as a Realtor, I knew the significance of finding the right community for us. When we discovered CVE, we felt an instant connection to the warm and welcoming atmosphere. Our son, now a 5th grader, has been flourishing both academically and socially. We love to take walks, ride bikes, and hike at Chabot. You may also see me on Campus at lunch as a campus monitor but I spend the better part of my day at Remax Accord near the Village. We are excited to be part of this vibrant community and I look forward to serving you!

Mallory Englehart, Special Projects

I am the mom of two amazing boys that are both fortunate enough to be able to attend CVE. In a previous life, I was an elementary special education teacher, and I bring that energy and experience into raising my sons. When I’m not driving them from one activity to another, I enjoy exploring the Bay Area, crafting, listening to podcasts, and cooking. CVE has blown me away with their loving teachers, welcoming staff, and dedicated parents that I get to work along side with at PATA. Go Bears!

Yulia Chernova, Yearbook Photographer

Carol San, Special Projects – Marquee Manager

I’m a mom to 3 smart and funny daughters, the oldest of whom started at CVE in 2017 and is now at Canyon. I love the welcoming nature of the CVE community, the dedicated teachers and support staff, the engaged parents, and fun PATA events. I took on the responsibility of updating the CVE marquee signage in 2019, and since my youngest CVE Bear is in 1st grade currently, I will happily keep my role until she graduates CVE in 2028(!). I work in Castro Valley as an occupational therapist. When I’m not working or ferrying my kids around town to various extracurricular activities, I enjoy hiking, gardening, running, photography, and reading up on the news.

Valerie Ramadhan, Webmaster

I’m a mom of three amazing boys, two of which attend CVE. We’re originally from Western NY and made the move to the Bay Area a few years ago. We loved it so much, we decided to stay and settle down in Castro Valley. We absolutely love this town and this school. I’m a marketing professional and enjoy exploring the area with my family, or just spending time in the beautiful weather outside. I’m proud of our CVE community and love working with this amazing group of people to help make CVE the place to be!