The primary purpose of Friends of Clifford is to foster an inclusive community for our students and families; create transparency in decision making and school events; raise funds and obtain donations to ensure academic excellence, facilitate student enrichment, and support our school staff and greater school community.

2025–2026 Board Members

  • A woman and a boy sitting together at a baseball game, with the woman smiling and the boy holding a drink. They are surrounded by other spectators, some wearing Los Angeles Dodgers team jerseys.

    Monica Jarvina, Co-President

    Hi, Clifford families! I’m a mom of three — Jordan (5th grade), Mia (3rd grade), and Emily (Kindergarten), and I’m excited to serve my second year as President of Friends of Clifford! One of my favorite things about Clifford is how it feels like a small, close knit community in the middle of a big city. I especially love getting to know the families and seeing everyone come together to support our kids.

  • A woman with long black hair wearing an off-the-shoulder yellow dress, standing among yellow and orange flowers and green leaves.

    Kency Galvez, Co-President

    I’m a stay-at-home mom to four amazing kids: Havana, who’s in 3rd grade; Zoey, a 1st grader; Selena, in TK; and Jr., our 1-year-old. I’m really excited to be part of Friends of Clifford! I love how small and intimate the Clifford community is. It’s such a warm and welcoming space, and I can’t wait to get more involved and connect with new families!

  • Brenda Baresi, Co-Vice President

    Hey y'all! I'm Brenda, mom to Ava-Esperanza (a very social kindergartener!). Raised in MacArthur Park, I headed north for college at UC Davis before returning to LA. Moving back, I craved the feeling of living in a small town while still being able to enjoy all the diversity LA has to offer. That desire led us to Clifford Math and Technology, a small, but mighty school. Ava and I were welcomed with open arms by friends and staff alike. I witnessed the dedication of the FoC leaders and knew I had to be part of the movement. It's an honor to share space with equally passionate parents who care deeply about creating enrichment and growth opportunities for our children. Villages are built on the love and effort of community members who support one another, and I'm so excited to keep growing together with the Clifford family!

  • A man wearing sunglasses, a gray hoodie, black jacket, light blue jeans, and white sneakers smiling and posing on a metal and wood suspension bridge in a forested area with tall trees and rocky cliffs.

    Ron Jarvina, Co-Vice President

    Hi all! My name is Ron. I'm a proud dad to Mia (2nd grade), Jordan (4th grade), and Emily (K). I'm deeply committed to nurturing our children and believe strongly in the power of positive, engaged parenting. Being part of the Clifford community has been an incredible experience for our family. We're grateful for the supportive atmosphere, the benefits of small class sizes, and the opportunity to collaborate with other dedicated parents.

    Professionally, I hold a Master of Science and a Doctorate in Nurse Anesthesiology and serve as a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthesiologist at Los Angeles General Medical Center. I was born and raised in Silverlake - a true Angeleno - and I'm passionate about giving back to the community that has given so much to me. Go Pandas!!

  • A woman with glasses and long wavy hair wearing a brown blouse with small gold patterns and a gold chain necklace, indoors near a gray cabinet with a plant in the background.

    Cindy Aguilar, Secretary

    My son Jonathan is currently in 5th grade at Clifford, and my daughter Mahely is now in TK! I am proud to continue serving as Secretary for our Friends of Clifford (FoC) parent organization, where I enjoy working alongside dedicated parents, teachers, and school staff to support our small school with the big heart! One of the things I appreciate most about Clifford is its small, close-knit community, where families, teachers, and students have the opportunity to truly get to know one another. I look forward to continuing to build meaningful connections with our families, supporting our students, and helping create a welcoming and positive learning environment where our children can thrive, grow, and build lasting friendships!

  • A woman standing outside a store, holding a pink and white ice cream bar labeled 'Bendita Paleta' on a yellow stick, smiling with her tongue slightly out, wearing a beige sweatshirt with bold black letters and leopard print pants.

    Stacey Shin, Co-Treasurer

    This is our 6th year at Clifford. Kids are Hillary (5th) and Harrison (2nd). I love Clifford for the small but phenomenal community we share with our students, families, staff and teachers. Pandas have PRIDE!

  • A woman with sunglasses carrying a baby in a front carrier and a young boy holding a cup inside a cafe, near a window with a view of parked cars outside. The boy is wearing rainbow rain boots and plaid shorts, and the woman has her hair in a bun and is dressed casually.

    Jina Kim, Co-Treasurer

    My son, Miles, is currently in 2nd grade, and we also have a three-year-old who will be joining the Panda family next year. We absolutely love Clifford and the wonderful sense of community that makes it such a special place. I’m excited to get to know more of our Clifford families, so please don’t hesitate to say hi if you see me around!

  • A smiling woman with blonde hair, glasses, and a black cardigan, standing against a pink background.

    Claire Armstrong (she/her), Marketing Chair

    I’m mother to Juniper (1st grade). My background is in technology, and I’m starting a School of Rock in Eagle Rock. We love Clifford for how tightly knit the community is (even in such a large city), and the focus on STEM and shared educational values.

  • A woman smiling outdoors during sunset, with a city skyline and potted plants in the background.

    Jessica Montano Goldberg, Volunteer Coordinator

    I’m a mom of two boys, Adrian and Jackson. I work in the field of public health, supporting community-driven research. I was born and raised in Los Angeles. I love Clifford’s tight-knit community, along with our amazing teachers and staff.

  • A smiling man with short, dark, and slightly curly hair, a goatee, and wearing a light-colored button-up shirt outdoors near trees, with sunlight filtering through the leaves.

    Carlos Aguilar, School Board Liason

    My son Jonathan is in the 5th grade and my little girl Mahely just started TK this year! I currently represent Clifford St Math & Tech Magnet as a LAUSD Region West Local Control and Accountability Plan (LCAP) Ambassador where we help shape the District’s goals, actions, services, and state-funded expenditures designed to improve student outcomes and equity. During 2022-2024 period i served as an elected LAUSD Parent Advisory Committee (PAC) member, representing the voices and needs of student and parents to improve the District's outreach and engagement with the community. In my off time I enjoy coaching my son's soccer team at our local Rec Center. I love Clifford because I've always rooted for the underdog, and our school is "the little engine that could!"

  • A smiling man with a shaved head wearing a light gray suit jacket, black shirt, and black tie, standing in front of a large window.

    Franz Galvez, Volunteer Coordinator

    Franz Galvez is a dedicated husband, proud father of four, and an active member of the Clifford Elementary community. Whether he’s volunteering at school events or cheering on his kids, Franz is deeply invested in supporting Clifford families. As a local Los Angeles realtor, he brings the same sense of care and commitment to helping fellow parents and neighbors navigate the real estate market with confidence and ease. For Franz, it’s all about building strong communities, starting right at Clifford.

Stay informed about Friends of Clifford decisions and initiatives by reviewing our board meeting minutes and agendas.

Location

 

Address

2150 Duane Street
Los Angeles, CA 90039


Contact

admin@friendsofclifford.org