Meet the PTA Board

President

Natalie Strauss

About Me: This is our 5th year at Kester, I have one daughter still at Kester in the third grade. It has been a wonderful experience being on campus to watch them grow and thrive here at Kester. When I’m not helping out on campus, I love to spend time with my family hiking or going to Disneyland. I am always looking forward to a run, so if you are ever interested don’t hesitate to reach out 🙂

My elementary school was: Badillo Elementary School in Covina, CA

Favorite school memory: One of my favorite school memories was attending AstroCamp.

Executive Vice President

Ellen Thordarson

About Me: I am a mom of 4 kids! And I love our Kester community. This is my 4th year with the PTA. When I’m not working at school I love swimming with my family and having BBQ’s with our families and friends.

My elementary school was: Franklin/Randall Elementary in Madison, WI

Favorite school memory: playing on the monkey bars and doing gymnastics at recess.

Vice President

Star Tecosky

About Me: I am the mom of two kiddos, my oldest is in the third grade Kester Magnet. When not supporting the Kester community, I can be found teaching yoga, Improv and Acting to theater conservatory high schoolers and cheering on my kids at the VNSO basketball gym.

My elementary school was: Joella C Good Elementary in Miami, FL

Favorite school memory: being part of the Championship Jump Rope Team for 4th & 5th grades. We also won district and state competitions!

Treasurer

Seema Mody

About Me: I live in Sherman Oaks with my husband and twins who are both in 5th Grade at Kester Magnet. I currently work at a start up as the Head of Finance. I am excited to see what this school year has in store for the kids!

My elementary school was: VanZant Elementary in Marlton, New Jersey

Favorite school memory: Annual Field Day & Baseball Game Teachers vs. Kids

Recording Treasurer

Emily Link

About me: I have two daughters, one in 1st grade and one in 5th grade at Kester Elementary. I am a stay at home mom and a CPA in my spare time. I also enjoy making art and crafting.

My elementary school was: Pacific Palisades Elementary.

Favorite school memory: is learning how to double dutch jump rope with all the girls in my class.

Financial Secretary

Jessica Cohen

About me:

My elementary school was:

Favorite school memory:

Historian

Tara Kroeger

About Me: I have 2 kids at Kester. I used to teach 6th grade math and science. I love music, comedy, going to restaurants, being creative, and spending time with my friends and family.

My elementary school was: Murray Elementary in Dublin, CA

Favorite school memory: making up games and playing outside with my friends.

Secretary

Andrea Hall

About Me: I am a full-time working mom of two energetic boys! One at Kester in 1st and the other will be in TK next year. I love playing music in my spare time (piano and trumpet!) and cheering on the University of Arizona Wildcats in any sport that's on!

My elementary school was: Watterson Elementary, Louisville, KY

Favorite school memory: Marching band 100%!!!

Parlialmentarian

Rachel Ngo

About Me: Being a parent to 2 Kester students, I try to volunteer on campus in my spare time, as it's truly a joy to witness them blossom at school. Among other activities I enjoy, eating and taking siestas can be found at the top of the list. I also work part time as a pharmacist, providing patient care at a hospital.

My elementary school was: Eagle Canyon in Chino Hills, CA.

Favorite school memory: To no surprise, lunchtime with friends.