Jason Alabanza joined the AEF Board of Directors in 2007, bringing with him a wealth of expertise in fiscal management from his role as Branch Manager of Mechanics Bank. His skills proved invaluable to the organization, particularly during his tenure as treasurer. Jason was an active member of the grant committee,  reflecting his commitment to supporting education and making a tangible difference in students' lives.

Officer Michael Ayers, a lifelong Albany resident, dedicated 28 years to serving his community as a Police Officer. His unwavering commitment to community outreach fostered a strong, positive bond between the Albany Police Department and local children. Even off-duty, Officer Ayers continued his dedication by coaching baseball and basketball. His most cherished role was as a School Resource Officer (SRO) at Albany High School, where his experience, passion, and dedication helped create a positive and safe environment for both teachers and students.

Lois Breault was a 5th grade teacher at Cornell and Marin Elementary schools in Albany from the early 70’s until 1995. She helped develop innovative lesson plans that were uniquely engaging for her students. Lois enjoyed imparting her passion for learning to all in her classroom and emphasized close attention to the needs of her students, particularly those who needed a little more help.

Erika Ferguson was a dedicated and tireless volunteer throughout her children’s time in AUSD. Her contributions were wide-ranging: she organized the “Silly Olympics,” supported Cobrachella, served as an Athletics Booster board member, and was PTSA Treasurer. Erika's commitment to supporting students extended beyond school, as she also volunteered with Albany Little League and the Scouts. Alongside her husband, Spencer, Erika has been a loyal financial sponsor of numerous community events.

Since 2015, Camille Fisher has been an AMS Math Teacher and currently serves as the Safe, Inclusive, and Restorative Justice Coordinator, focusing on student leadership and a safe learning environment. She oversees Best Buddies, which fosters friendships between students with and without disabilities, and The Black Alliance, providing support for Black/African American students. She has also secured AEF grants for a math-centric classroom and Unity Week activities, benefiting the entire student body.

Jon Frank served as principal of Marin and Cornell and finally as Assistant Superintendent of the Albany Unified School District.  The strong and positive community of students and parents provided him with invaluable learning experiences that served him well as superintendent of several school systems in the Bay Area and then in retirement, as a school leadership consultant. Jon and his wife have retired in Washington State.

Coach Joel started serving Albany's students in 1999 as a paraeducator and SDC aide at Ocean View Elementary. He has worked at  all three elementary schools and has been teaching full-time PE at Cornell Elementary since 2009. Joel’s enthusiasm and dedication extend beyond the classroom, making him a beloved figure in the Albany community through his work on the playground and emceeing PTA events.

For twenty years, Tedra Grogans has served Albany HIgh School in her role as counselor, including eleven years as Department Chair. She co-created the AHS Peer Help Program, training groups of students to address topics such as depression and peer pressure. She served on the Student Attendance Review Board for over a decade and supported programs, including BSU, One Heart Club, and the Young Men and Women of Color. 

Shannon Huffaker has actively participated in both the Marin Elementary and AMS PTAs, where she currently serves as AMS PTA's Vice President .A volunteer in the AMS Library, and a board member of the Albany Music Fund. Shannon has contributed to district-wide committees, including Title IX, the AUSD Calendar, and the AHS Instructional Improvement Committee.

Marlene Keret served as an inventive third grade teacher at Marin School. She began her career in Albany as a parent volunteer and was soon hired as a teacher’s aide. As an aide, Marlene set up a very successful “Science Room” full of animal and hands-on projects leading to serving as a science specialist working with middle and high school students and also continuing her third grade priority. Her iguana, Iggy, was a favorite resident in her third grade classroom.    Marlene’s classroom provided students with a rich and caring environment for learning.

As a parent of three Albany students for the past 16 years, Hyunka volunteered in the Athletics Department, with COVID testing and in classrooms. She worked on the Academic Calendar Task Force to advocate for mental health and burnout considerations. During the pandemic, she helped safely resume athletics, providing essential social and mental health outlets for students.

Barbara was a Library Technician at Albany Middle School for 22 years.  For 19 of those years, she also produced the AMS yearbook.  Barbara formed long-lasting relationships with students.

Marian McGaw’s involvement with AUSD began with campaigning for school parcel tax funding, reflecting her deep commitment to education. Her favorite volunteer activities in our elementary schools included sharing her passion for books and music, leading noon story times, and working with young choir singers. During her tenure at Albany High School, Marian played a vital role in helping students navigate challenges and prepare for young adulthood and now appreciates reconnecting with these students and hearing about their journeys and successes.

Marilyn was a long time teacher who applied for AEF grants for creative dance performances and other assemblies  to enhance the social studies curriculum. In retirement, she facilitated the donation of a cello to the high school music program .

A former reporter for Albany Patch, Mary was at first a parent volunteer.  She became an Instructional Aide, and now is a teacher, helping our youngest music students in 3rd and 4th grade to form a band

Liz Reimuller (formerly known as Liz Avery) taught 3rd and 4th grades at Marin, enjoyed mentoring new teachers, served as ATA vice president, and received AEF grants. Liz was an assistant principal at Albany High and Ocean View, and later the principal of Cornell. She made lasting connections with her colleagues, her students, their families and in the greater Albany community.

Juanita Rynerson was a long time elementary teacher who applied for AEF grants for many creative field trips After retiring, she joined the AEF Board and chaired the Grants Committee

Stacy Uyeda joined Albany Middle School as a teacher librarian in 2004 and used an AEF grant to launch the Student Voices Diversity Club. After returning to teaching English and history, she served as the K-8 Safe and Inclusive Schools Coordinator for two years, focusing on campus safety and social-emotional learning. She  has received nearly twenty AEF grants for  her students.

As Albany's Superintendent, Dr Wells led the district through the COVID-19 pandemic, reopening schools and enhancing mental health and academic support. He advanced culturally responsive education with training in Anti-Racist Teaching Practices and other support systems, founding the Young Men and Women of Color mentoring program. Dr. Wells also received the Association of California School Administrators Marcus Foster Distinguished Educator Award.

The Albany Rotary Club, made up of local business, government, and community leaders, is a dedicated supporter of Albany students. Each year, the club donates books to librarians and teachers, enhancing educational resources. The Joe Villa Financial Assistance Grants are awarded to graduating seniors who have faced and overcome significant challenges during their school years. These grants are designed to provide financial support for college or trade programs and recognize the resilience and determination of these students.