Napa Valley Education Foundation
Our Staff
Jennifer Stewart
Executive Director
Jennifer Stewart
Executive DirectorJennifer Stewart, Executive Director, MPA is a proud graduate of Napa schools. Since she started at the Foundation in 2014, the organization’s budget and staffing has quadrupled in size with a focus on expanded direct service programming. With a child in the public school system, she is committed to building student support systems to ensure all youth graduate with the tools they need to succeed in life. Jennifer graduated from University of Santa Barbara with a bachelors in English and holds a Masters degree in public administration.
Kristin Anderson
Director of Programs
Kristin Anderson
Director of ProgramsAfter earning a Bachelor's Degree in Education from Sonoma State University, Kristin Anderson entered the nonprofit world to explore her passion for education and music. With more than a decade of experience in fundraising and program management for Napa Valley Education Foundation, Kristin has built a sustainability plan that helps to support the organization's long term goals. As our Director of Programs, Kristin manages the evaluation process for each program area, helping program staff collect and analyze data to continually improve student outcomes. Kristin was awarded the 2020 CanDo Spirit Award, and has received recognition from US Congress and California State Legislature for her work at NVEF.
Rachel Luppens
Director of Development
Rachel Luppens
Director of DevelopmentPrior to her appointment, Rachel held the role of Development Manager where she worked to create bespoke programs for funders and corporate partners at the Commonwealth Club in San Francisco, CA. She is inspired by people who contribute back to the community that has served them and looks forward to working closely with the philanthropic community in Napa Valley. As the first person in her family to earn a college degree, Rachel personally understands the transformative power of education. While at Sonoma State University, Rachel mentored first-generation students, providing them with invaluable guidance and support. Her personal experience and compassionate approach have made a lasting impact on the lives of those she has supported.
Mario Piombo
Director of Communications
Mario Piombo
Director of Communications & MarketingWith more than 10 years of experience supporting innovative public education initiatives, Mario Piombo leads the charge in marketing, communications, and storytelling for the Napa Valley Education Foundation. Prior to working at NVEF, Mario was Director of Innovation at NapaLearns and also worked in the San Francisco Unified School District’s Curriculum and Instruction Division as an educational technologist and a learning systems manager. In addition to his work at NVEF Mario also owns and operates Aperture Media & Design, a small production company in Napa, CA.
Karla Coleman
Program Manager
Karla Coleman
Program ManagerKarla Coleman is a Napa native and graduate of Vintage High School, and alumna of Napa Valley College. After working in retail she took time to focus on raising her children. Karla came to the Napa Valley Education Foundation after becoming involved in her elementary school's Family Club where her focus was fundraising. After several years working in development for the Foundation she recently moved into the role of Music Connection Manager.
Megan McConnell
Program Manager
Megan McConnell
Program ManagerAfter earning her BA in Communication from Saint Mary’s College of CA, Megan moved to the beautiful Napa Valley to follow her calling to work in youth serving nonprofits. With seven years of experience working with and for public school students in Contra Costa County, she has become passionate about dismantling barriers between students and their success. At NVEF, Megan designs, instructs and executes initiatives in Career Readiness, Teacher Innovation and Health & Wellness with student’s needs, hopes and dreams in mind.
Jocelyn Lara
Program Coordinator
Jocelyn Lara
Program CoordinatorBorn and raised in Napa, Jocelyn Lara has blended her passion for education and love for the arts. Jocelyn has a rich background in music, having actively participated in Napa’s music program from 4th to 12th grade. With a bachelor’s degree in Sociology from UC Davis, she developed an interest in the nonprofit world and is working towards creating a positive impact on her community. Her goal is to contribute meaningfully to her community while bringing a unique perspective shaped by both sociology and the arts.
Daisy Zamora
Program Coordinator
Daisy Zamora
Program CoordinatorFollowing her graduation from Napa High School, Daisy transitioned into the nonprofit sector while attending Napa Valley College. In 2022, she earned her associate's in Sociology. Now, attending Sacramento State, Daisy is pursuing a bachelor's in Social Work to further her impact on community well-being. Beyond her professional endeavors, Daisy finds rejuvenation in the outdoors, providing not only physical wellness but also serving as a source of inspiration for her advocacy work.
Our Board
Jennifer Gibb
President
Trent Sommers
Treasurer
Nikhil Neelkantan
Board Member
Cheryl Payan
Board Member
Kevin Reid
Board Member
Pamela Redmond
Board Member
Jamie Johnson
Board Member
The Heart of Community Learning.