MEET OUR BOARD OF DIRECTORS
This hard working group of humans has been creating the culture of our board! The board is working to connect with like minded, nature-based organizations focused on changing the narrative behind the hashtag #naturesowhite. They are also working on the finer points of non-profit management by finalizing our bylaws, brainstorming our beginning fundraising steps, and cataloguing the ins and outs of running a Forest School.
Join us?
We are actively seeking new board members. Folks with a background in accounting, knowledge of commercial law, who have worked in small business brokering, or experience as a small business owner are especially needed. Our organization is making an effort to maintain a diverse board and volunteers community. Everyone is encouraged to apply!
Felicia Graham
Felicia Christine Graham serves as President of the Board of Directors of Northeast Los Angeles Forest School. Her daughter attended NELA Forest School from 2017-2020, and continues to exude a deep love and connection to the natural world. Felicia is passionate about establishing accessible and high- quality forest and outdoor nature based education. Felicia currently is pursuing her doctorate in Education at UCLA's School of Education and Information Studies where her scholarship and teaching focus on issues of youth civic engagement, Global Studies Education, and decolonizing methods.
Valen Rosenman
Valen Rosenman serves as Vice President on the Board of Directors. Her daughter attended NELA Forest School and she’s looking forward to her son starting when he’s old enough.
Valen believes in the importance of early childhood education, and loves that outdoor forest school promotes resilience, exploration, creativity, and a love of learning in children. She also believes this kind of education should be accessible to all, regardless of socio-economic or cultural background, and through her work on the board, will strive to help make sure the school reflects the diverse Los Angeles community it serves.
Valen is a writer and loves cooking, sewing, and fixing up bikes.
Tim McCann
Tim’s son Auggie has been with NeLAFS since Fall of 2020 and Tim has taken on the task of being our Treasurer!
Becca Hackett-Levy
Becca is the executive director and founder of northeast LA Forest School. She is a long time early childhood educator and fan of all things Mother Nature.
Julissa Tobias
Julissa Tobias, teacher liaison to the board, has been with Northeast LA Forest School since the summer of 2019 and continues to be a passionate educator as Lead teacher to the Hawks.