Lead Planning Team

Oakland Starting Smart and Strong is made up of community groups, early childhood educators, school district, city and county leaders, all connected by a shared commitment to create a strong foundation for Oakland’s youngest children. Our staff holds the collaboration and drives shared progress towards our goals.

2019 Retreat

2018 Retreat

 The Lead Planning Team represents the wide range of organizations and community leaders working to create high-quality health and early learning opportunities for every Oakland child. The Lead Planning Team sets the direction for our work and facilitates strategic connections and partnerships.

Kym Johnson, Co-Chair
Christie Herrera, Co-Chair
 
Our committees include:
Executive Committee
Data Committee
Communications Committee
ROCK Committee
Policy & Advocacy Committee
Informal Care Committee
Early Learning Symposium Committee
 
Lead Planning Team Members:
Alisa Burton
City of Oakland, Head Start

Amanda Feinstein
City of Oakland, Mayor's Office, Brilliant Baby

Andrea Bustamante
Oakland Unified School District (OUSD)

Andrea Youngdahl
Technical Assistance Liaison

Angela Louie Howard
Lotus Bloom Family Resource Center

Betsy Merzenich
The Hellman Foundation

Carla Keener
First 5 Alameda

Christie Herrera
OUSD Early Childhood Education (ECE)

Clarissa Doutherd
Parent Voices Oakland

David Silver
City of Oakland, Mayor's Office

Dawn Edwards
Lotus Bloom Family Resource Center

Diveena Cooppan
City of Oakland, Head Start

Erika Takada
Engage R+D

Jeff Sunshine
David and Lucile Packard Foundation

Jennifer Cabán
Alameda Social Services

Julie Hadnot
Alameda County Interagency Children's Policy Council (ICPC)

Kiko Malin
Alameda County Public Health Department

Kristin Spanos
First 5 Alameda County

Kym Johnson
BANANAS

Kyra Mungia
City of Oakland

Lisa Erickson
Center for Healthy Schools and Communities

Lisa Forti
First 5 Alameda County

Maria Sujo
Oakland Unified School District (OUSD)

Neva Bandelow
Alameda County Office of Education

Pecolia Manigo
Bay Area PLAN

Pedro Arista
The Hellman Foundation

Priya Jagannathan
Oakland Public Education Fund

Sanam Jorjani
Oakland Literacy Coalition

Sandy Taylor
Oakland Fund for Children & Youth

Tanisha Payton
Parent Voices Oakland

Sara Bedford
City of Oakland, Department of Human Services

Tonya Love
Assembly Member Rob Bonta