MISSION of the Education Foundation

 

The S.T.A.R.S. Foundation at Running Springs Academy (formerly The Education Foundation of Anaheim Hills) was founded in February 2016 with a straightforward mission. We exist to invest directly in the education of students at Running Springs Academy, and empower teachers and administrators to be innovators in learning.

This includes investment in classroom technology and supporting new STEAM programs that augment the existing curriculum, with the goal of helping our children to become 21st century leaders.

The S.T.A.R.S. Foundation Board of Directors is comprised of parents and community members from the Anaheim Hills area that volunteer their time, talents and expertise to carry out the S.T.A.R.S. Foundation mission.

 

Meet the current Board of Directors

CHETNA ENGINEER, PRESIDENT

KATHRYN NAZARI, VICE PRESIDENT

Kathryn Nazari grew up in several countries and has called Anaheim Hills home since 2013. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Marketing from the University of Arizona and has a strong background in sales, business administration, and operations.

Passionate about her family and community, Kathryn enjoys spending time outdoors and actively volunteering. She serves as the Program Coordinator for her Girl Scouts troop, contributes in various roles at Running Springs Academy, and proudly joined The S.T.A.R.S. Foundation Board in 2024, where she serves as Board Secretary.

A fun fact about Kathryn is she served as a Peace Corps business volunteer in Honduras.

 

CANDI JIMENEZ, SECRETARY

 

JAVIER JIMENEZ, TREASURER

Javier joined the Board in 2024 and handles financial administration and reporting.

He is a lifelong resident of Orange County and has lived in Anaheim Hills since 2017.  He graduated from Cal State Fullerton in 2007 with a degree in Business Finance and has 17 years of commercial real estate lending experience helping small businesses throughout the state of California.

Javier has two children, Karina, age 6, and Penelope, age 2.

 

CAITLIN HIRCHMAN, BOARD MEMBER

Caitlin Hirchman is an Orange County native, having grown up in nearby Yorba Linda. She has a bachelor’s degree from California State University at Fullerton in Business Finance. She has a successful background in sales, and health insurance training, consulting, and management.

When the opportunity to be a stay at home mom presented itself, Caitlin knew it was the right path. She is passionate about spending quality time with her family, and being involved in her children’s education and activities. Caitlin believes that every child has a gift, and it takes an involved, caring community to provide children with exposure to new opportunities, ideas, and pathways so each child may discover their talents.

She is honored to be The S.T.A.R.S. Foundation President, and looks forward to helping continue the mission of developing our students to be 21st century leaders. Caitlin is also the Events Chairperson, handling the Book Fair, and Annual Golf Tournament.

She lives in Anaheim Hills with her husband David (an Anaheim Hills native), and their two children, Stella, age 13, and Isaac, age 9.

 

Andrea Yamasaki, Board Member

Andrea Yamasaki is the Governing Board Member for Trustee Area One of the Orange Unified School District. She was elected in 2016. She is a member of the Legislative Committee and the Cities Schools Committee.

Her commitment to students and schools began 18 years ago as a highly involved parent of 3 children who attended Nohl Canyon Elementary School, El Rancho Charter School and Canyon High School. Her oldest recently graduated from the School of Art Institute of Chicago and is working on internet marketing and analytics. Her second child is studying Business Finance at UC Riverside. Her youngest just finished her first year at UC Irvine majoring in Computer Science. Both of her daughters have experience in teaching Code to students.

She served as a board member at all 3 of her children’s schools which includes PTSA President at both El Rancho Charter School and Canyon High School. She currently serves on the Orange Community Council PTA Executive Board, the Canyon Education Foundation Board and on the board the Asian Pacific Islander School Board Member Association. When her children were in primary school, she served on the Nohl Canyon School Association Executive Board and started the afterschool enrichment program and chaired the first carnival.

She is a founding committee member of Community Advancement through Renovation for Education, the organization that supported OUSD bond measures. She played an important role in the passage of Measure S facilities bond – a first for OUSD.

She also had leadership positions with the Canyon High School Girls Basketball Booster, Girl Scouts, National League of Young Men and American Cancer Society’s Relay For Life. She is passionate about fighting cancer as she lost her youngest brother to cancer.

Andrea considers it a privilege to be on the board of The S.T.A.R.S. Foundation. The needs and concerns of parents is constantly evolving and feels that it is important to connect with and support parents with young children.

 

JUSTIN MODIRY, BOARD MEMBER

Justin Modiry has lived in the Anaheim Hills area for the last 10 years and has volunteered with Running Springs Elementary since 2018. Initially helping out in the classroom and chaperoning trips he then became involved with the Dad’s club and is now enjoying working with The S.T.A.R.S. Foundation board.

Justin attended business school at UCR graduating with a BS in Business and has worked in Operations at various companies, most recently with Braces by Garcia. Justin loves spending time with his family and enjoys sports, music and traveling.

Justin has two children, Sophia, age 11, and Jackson, age 9.

 

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