OUR TEAM
Our Team is made up of hard-working parents & teachers who pool their talents to provide practical support for our school. Those listed below volunteered to provide leadership this year. Get to know their names and faces, and feel free to ask them if you have questions. Interested in open board positions? Contact us!
Co-President
Tina Arzani
president@opasochonoursociety.org
Tina is in her 4th year at OPA with one child in the 2nd grade. She earned her BA from CSUF and went on to attend law school, where she obtained her JD. With over 20 years of experience in the legal field, Tina now works part-time to be more involved in her daughter's life. She enjoys going to Disneyland and traveling with her family.
Tina's favorite Dino fact: Some dinosaurs incubated their eggs just like birds, by sitting on them.
Co-President
Yekta Dowlati
president@opasochonoursociety.org
Dr. Yekta is in her 4th year at OPA and a proud mom of a 2nd grader. With a PhD in Medical Sciences and a fellowship in Neuropsychopharmacology from Canada, she skillfully manages a full-time career while remaining deeply committed to being present at school and helping in any way she can. Her greatest joy comes from creating precious memories with her little one. This is her 3rd year serving as co-president.
Dr. Yekta's favorite Dino fact: Velociraptors were actually covered in feathers.
Co-VP
Brandy James
Brandy has been at SOC now for over 7 years. She has 3 wonderful kids who keep her busy. They are in 4nd, 6th, and 7th. As someone who is deeply passionate about books and reading, she can often be found in the school library, where she loves to read to the little ones. This is her 3rd year serving as the Co-VP.
Brandy's favorite dino fact: Brachiosaurus may have weighed as much as 4 elephants but they had air sacs in their necks and bodies to make them lighter and to cool its body down.
Co-VP
Melody Huang
Melody, a dedicated Executive board member, has been a part of SOC for many years. She has a child in 4th grade and another in 9th grade. She loves crafting and enjoys traveling with her family. Melody is almost always at school, helping in various ways. Like Brandy, this is her 3rd year serving as Co-VP.
Melody's favorite Dino fact: Stegosaurus' had a brain the size of a walnut!
VP of Finance
Ankur Shivani
financevp@opasochonoursociety.org
Ankur's favorite Dino fact: Carnotaurus' had tiny arms, even tinier than T. rex's!
Dean of Spirit
Rumiko Brew
Rumi is a dedicated mom with a passion for supporting her community. She has two wonderful children, one in 2nd grade and another in 6th grade at OPA SOC. Rumi is grateful to be part of such a strong and knowledgeable team, and she believes in the power of teamwork to achieve great things.
Rumi's favorite Dino fact: Parasaurolophus may have used its crest to make a deep, foghorn-like sounds!
Parliamentarian
Victoria McDougald
parliamentarian@opasochonoursociety.org
Victoria has a BA in Government from Cornell University and a Master's Degree in Public Policy from Vanderbilt University. This is her 3rd year as an OPA parent; she is the proud mother of two wonderful children who are currently in 1st and 3rd grade.
Victoria's favorite Dino fact: Pteranodon (while not technically a dinosaur) had a wingspan as wide as a small plane, up to 23 feet!
Auditor
Juhi Shukla
auditor@opasochonoursociety.org
Juhi's favorite Dino fact: Spinosaurus is the only known dinosaur that likely lived a semi-aquatic lifestyle!
Recording Secretary
Jacqueline Nevill
secretary@opasochonoursociety.org
Jacqueline is super excited to be part of the Executive board again this year. It is her 5th year at OPA SOC. She has a lovely 4th grader and a twins in 2nd grade. She's super excited about being part of Honour Society and making the meetings happen.
Jacqueline's favorite Dino fact: Scientists have found Triceratops fossils with T. rex bite marks, including ones that show healing, meaning they survived the attack!
Dean of Fundraising
Brooks Harp
fundraising@opasochonoursociety.org
Brooks is new to the Executive board this year. He has a lovely 2nd grader. He's super excited about being part of Honour Society and making the meetings happen.
Brooks' favorite Dino fact: T. rex had one of the strongest bites in the history of life on earth, strong enough to crush bone.
Dean of Public Relations
Sandra Harb
Sandra is thrilled to serve as the Dean of Public Relations, managing the Honour Society’s marketing and social media. She holds an MBA from Florida International University and, after stepping back from her role as an executive at an AdTech company, embraced the opportunity to become more involved in her children’s school. Now in her fifth year at OPA-SOC, she’s a proud mom to a 3rd grader and a kindergartner. When she’s not creating content or fostering community connections, Sandra enjoys road trips with her kids, discovering new cuisines, and spending time with their two beloved cats.
Sandra’s favorite Dino fact: The Triceratops had up to 800 teeth, which it used to shred tough plants!
