Why We Joined SIPAT

Hi! I’m Katie Dooley-Hedrick (she/her), pictured here with my husband, John, and our third grader and kindergartener! We moved to Davis right before our oldest started kindergarten, drawn by the opportunity to give our girls the lifelong gift of bilingualism. I first got involved with SIPAT as a classroom rep and immediately fell in love with the community, which naturally led me to join the board. Outside of supporting our school, I serve as the Director of Donor Stewardship for the No Kid Hungry campaign and am deeply passionate about creating a brighter future for all children.

Welcome to the Monarca Family. My name is Edgar Wong-Chen and I am this year’s EVP for SIPAT. Pictures here is my amazing wife Judy and my two kids who are in 6th and 3rd grade this year. I have long ties to Davis growing up here and even going to this school when it was WDE.  Within SIPAT, I’ve worked very closely with the Annual Gala team for the past 4 years and excited to serve in whatever capacity to help better our amazing school. When I’m not at school I serve as a healthcare researcher and also teach at UCD for the Asian American Studies Department.   Let me know if you want to get involved or learn more about SIPAT.  Si Se Puede!

Hi, I'm Sara, and here I am with my family at the top of a mountain pass this past summer. I joined SIPAT after learning how important parent fundraising and volunteering are to the quality of education that our kids get at Monarca. Did you know that DJUSD spends over $10,000 less per student than the Massachusetts district I grew up in?? Our teachers and Principal do amazing things with incredibly limited District resources. They and our kids need our help! Happily, SIPAT is a highly capable team and terrfic community. Juntos, ¡Sí, se puede!

Hello! I’m Steph Saunders (she/her), seen here with my husband, Russ, and our 4th grader. I grew up in Davis and also went through the Spanish immersion program, and I love supporting our school in any way I can. I served on Monarca’s Site Council for four years and saw how much SIPAT contributes to our school and community, from supporting enrichment programs to hosting fun events (and much more!). I knew I wanted to get more involved and I’m looking forward to supporting SIPAT this year as the VP of Communications. Outside of school, you can find me working at a marketing agency, walking the greenbelt with my dog, and traveling any chance I get.

Hello!  I’m Shamiran Dumont (they/she).  That’s me holding up my Kindergartener and TK’er alongside my youngest and my wife.  I’m amped for my first year around the sun as Monarca SIPAT’s treasurer 🤓 As a math enthusiast who loves getting involved with anything that builds communities while helping kids, the role of treasurer felt like a natural fit.  Catch me or my wife, Jacqueline, at the Kinder yard during drop-off or pick-up with any questions you might have!  If we don’t have the answer, we’ll help you find it 🤗

Hi, I'm Lorena Akerman (she/her). Spanish is my first language. I have an amazing husband, and our two daughters attend Monarca in kindergarten and second grade. I joined SIPAT to help keep the events and programs our kids love going, and I stayed because I found such a great group of people to do it with. Outside of SIPAT, I’m a Registered Dietitian and owner of Food & Fertility. I love strength training, yoga, running, dancing, reading and spending time with my family.

Hey there! My name is Claudio Cisneros, seen here with my wife and three daughters (not pictured is my recently arrived son). Why did I join SIPAT? As a native Spanish-speaker, I firmly believe that language and culture are inseparable. Naturally, I saw a critical space to contribute as Co-Vice President, Community Events. In this role, we provide valuable cultural immersion through events such as Día de los Muertos and Fiesta, among others. I’m excited to continue to serve the Monarca community and hope to work with many of you in bringing language and culture together for our children!