Katrina Morkner, President
Chef Katrina Morkner is an early childhood nutrition consultant, educator and trainer who is dedicated to giving children the life skill of nutrient-dense eating to help them live healthier lives.
She believes that serving foods in their natural forms, cooking these foods with children, and connecting foods to environmental literacy, is one way to help children build healthy food memories. With one million meals behind her, she is a recognized expert on feeding infants, toddlers, preschoolers—and those who care for them.
She has a BA in Communication from SJSU, an AS from the California Culinary Academy and a Master’s in Educational Leadership from Mills College where she created a community-based Obesity Prevention model for the early learning field.
Don Arnold, Secretary
Don Arnold is a retired biologist with experience coordinating teams to achieve their best. Don has worked on local biological conservation issues for over three decades protecting native habitat and landscapes for future generations. He initiated the Santa Clara County Wildlife Corridor Technical Workgroup and continues to lead their efforts.
Now he is joining the effort to bring environmental literacy to every child. Don has a B.S in Natural Resources, University of Michigan and graduate studies in Marine Science at Moss Landing Marine Laboratories, San Jose State University.
As a parent of three, he served as PTA president at the parent participation Village School, in the Campbell Union School District (CUSD) and served on its Science Committee.
Vicki Moore, Member
Vicki Moore is the Founder of Living Classroom and has been working in the environmental education field for nearly two decades. As a parent of young children in the Los Altos School District, Vicki realized that a structured, educational program was needed to take advantage of all the learning opportunities that school gardens can provide.
Prior to starting Living Classroom, Vicki was the Policy Director for Greenbelt Alliance. Vicki was the Founder and first Director of the San Jose Beautiful Program, a community-based urban beautification program.
Vicki is a long-time community volunteer and has served many local school and educational organizations. Recently, she has been a consultant working on policy and legislation to further environmental literacy programs. Vicki also sits on the Santa Clara County Planning Commission.
Vicki received her B.A degree in Human Biology from Stanford University. Vicki lives in Los Altos with her son and dog, Kona, and keeps the memory of her husband (Scott Chan) and daughter (Kendra Chan) close to her heart.
Pamela Devenney, Member
Having taught English, been a news photographer, and produced TV commercials for Saatchi & Saatchi, Pamela has always enjoyed two passions: gardens and non-profits. For eight years she sat on the Board of Directors of the STAR Foundation in southeast Georgia. For all her life, she’s been an active gardener.
Four years ago Pamela moved from Georgia to Menlo Park with her husband, Don Peppers. They have four grown children and four grandchildren, and nearly all live in the Bay Area. Three years ago she heard about Living Classroom and immediately signed up to be a Docent. The combination of an exciting hands-on nature program coupled with an exacting lesson plan specifically designed to enhance the students’ classroom learning sold her, and she is delighted to bring her passion as a Docent to the Living Classroom Board of Directors.
Pamela earned her B.A. in literature from Manhattanville College and studied photography and film at The New School and the School of Visual Arts, both in New York City.
Deepika Gajaria, Member
Deepika is a technologist with a lifelong love for science and community. She currently works in a cybersecurity startup based in the Bay Area and mentors women new to the tech industry.
Deepika was active in the Sierra Club's Loma Prieta chapter and is a Leadership Mountain View Alum (LMV class of ‘12). Deepika’s two young kids have experienced the joy and wonder that comes with each garden-based Living Classroom lesson. She believes that kids benefit greatly from learning about the environment and sustainability early on in their lives. As a Board member, Deepika would like to focus on expanding Living Classroom’s mission in the Bay Area by working with both the private and public sectors.
Deepika is a Longhorn, holding undergrad and graduate degrees in Natural Sciences and the McCombs School of Business from the University of Texas at Austin. She lives in the South Bay with her husband and two children.
Deepika was active in the Sierra Club's Loma Prieta chapter and is a Leadership Mountain View Alum (LMV class of ‘12). Deepika’s two young kids have experienced the joy and wonder that comes with each garden-based Living Classroom lesson. She believes that kids benefit greatly from learning about the environment and sustainability early on in their lives. As a Board member, Deepika would like to focus on expanding Living Classroom’s mission in the Bay Area by working with both the private and public sectors.
Deepika is a Longhorn, holding undergrad and graduate degrees in Natural Sciences and the McCombs School of Business from the University of Texas at Austin. She lives in the South Bay with her husband and two children.
Advisory Board
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Ronit Bryant
Former Mountain View City Council Laura Casas Foothill DeAnza Board of Trustees Kammy Lo Canopy Alrie Middlebrook President, California Native Garden Foundation |
Susan Price-Jang
Community Volunteer Carol Olson Executive Director, Mentor Tutor Connection Jan Pepper Los Altos City Council |
Serving on Living Classroom’s Board of Directors is an extraordinary opportunity for individuals who are passionate about having our children know about nature and our environment and where their food comes from through hands-on learning.
The Board is seeking new members with the vision and skills needed to address Living Classroom’s regional growth and long-term financial sustainability. Click here for information on the position and how you can apply.
The Board is seeking new members with the vision and skills needed to address Living Classroom’s regional growth and long-term financial sustainability. Click here for information on the position and how you can apply.