SEBASTOPOL EDUCATION FOUNDATION
SEF is the fundraising and volunteer group of the Sebastopol Union School District and is much like the PTA or PTO of other schools. We meet once a month to organize multiple fundraisers and community events throughout the school year. Our meetings are open to anyone who wishes to attend, you don’t need to join the board to get involved!
We hope to see you soon!
OUR MISSION
The Sebastopol Educational Foundation supports the Sebastopol Union School District through fundraising, fostering business partnerships, and promoting community events, to enhance the educational experience of our students.
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OUR SCHOOLS
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ABOUT SEF
Meet SEF
Our board is made up of parents, teachers, school administrators, and community members who share a commitment to supporting Sebastopol Union School District (SUSD) schools and strengthening our wider community.
SEF is powered by people who bring a variety of experiences, perspectives, and talents to the table.
Together, our board members help guide SEF’s fundraising efforts, support enrichment opportunities for students and teachers, build connections with local businesses and community partners, and help make a difference in our schools.
We’re grateful for the time, energy, and passion each member brings to SEF!
Meet our current SEF officers below!
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President
Sarah Shore
Sarah’s connection to SUSD runs deep, she’s a proud Park Side alumna and now a mom of two, with both of her children growing and learning in our schools. She loves being connected to our students, families, and educators and seeing firsthand the incredible things happening across our district. Sarah is passionate about making sure every student feels supported, valued, and given the opportunity to succeed.
A true Sebastopol native at heart, Sarah’s family has deep roots in the community, dating back to when her grandfather was a child. After living out of the area for several years, she made her way back about 4 years ago, knowing that Sebastopol was always where she wanted to put down roots and raise a family. For Sarah, coming here wasn’t just a move - it was a return to the place she had always loved and called home.
When Sarah isn’t volunteering or spending time with her kiddos, you’ll find her enjoying the things that make Sebastopol life special - yoga classes, visiting the farmers market or Peacetown, enjoying local food and wine, and making memories with family and friends.
Sarah is grateful to be part of a community that cares so deeply about its kids and is excited to help SEF continue investing in the success of all students.
Vice President
Nikki Dotti
Nikki is a lifelong Sebastopol resident, Park Side and Brook Haven alumna, and Analy High School Class of 2009 graduate. She and her husband, Cameron, have been together since their junior year of high school and married in 2015. They are now raising their two children, both of whom attend Park Side - one in TK and one in first grade.
Nikki is excited to join the Sebastopol Educational Foundation for her first year and give back to the schools and community she has called home her entire life. She enjoys volunteering at Park Side through field trips, classroom activities, and SEF events.
Nikki brings 15+ years of experience as a catering/restaurant Hospitality Director, along with her experience as a small business owner. She currently owns an Etsy shop and works as a travel advisor. Nikki brings strong organizational, event-planning, and community-building skills to her work with SEF. When she’s not working or volunteering, she enjoys traveling, camping, hiking, boating, cooking, and making memories with her family.
Secretary
Stephanie MacDonald
Stephanie is a proud mom to two Park Side Cubs and has been happily jumping in to help wherever she can since her daughter started TK two years ago. From volunteering in the classroom to helping out at SEF events, she loves being part of the fun and getting to know the amazing Park Side community.
Originally from New England, Stephanie met her husband in Seattle before the two settled their family in Sebastopol in 2024. She comes to SEF with a background in marketing and promotions, having worked with a nonprofit, a Boston-area radio station, and a music-based website. She has lots of event-planning experience—which means she’s always up for turning a good idea into a great (and hopefully FUN!) event.
These days, Stephanie works part-time as a Registered Nurse, and when she’s not working or volunteering, she enjoys camping with her family and soaking up all that the Park Side community has to offer. She’s excited to help make this year’s SEF events memorable for our kids and families!
Treasurer
Erin Latham-Ponneck
Erin Latham-Ponneck is a lifelong Sonoma County resident and proud Sebastopol community member. She is the mother of two boys, one attending Brook Haven Middle School and the other Analy High School. Erin is in her second year serving as SEF Treasurer, bringing her professional experience in accounting and bookkeeping to help support SEF’s mission and financial stewardship.
With 16 years of experience as a bookkeeper and a background in accounting, Erin brings a strong eye for organization, budgeting, and keeping things running behind the scenes. She also has more than 20 years of experience in event planning and organizing, and loves putting those skills to work creating fun, meaningful events that bring people together.
When she’s not working on the books or helping organize a community event, Erin enjoys supporting local music, nonprofits, and community projects. She especially loves bringing people together, connecting community members and local businesses, and finding creative ways to support the schools her children attend.