SVPSF Board of Directors
Catherine Beeny
President
Catherine Beeny - President
Catherine Beeny has a BA in English from UCSB and an MA in International Journalism from the University of Westminster in England. She has dedicated her entire professional career to marketing, with a strong focus on effective communication. Over the years, Catherine has been deeply involved in her children’s SVUSD schools, serving in various PTA roles, including as a former and current PTA President. She is passionate about public education and is committed to ensuring that all children have access to the resources they need to thrive. Her extensive experience and dedication make her a valuable advocate for students and their success.
Tina Fellers
Treasurer
Tina Fellers – Treasurer
Tina has been involved in education her entire adult life and is the mother of two children who attend schools in SVUSD. After receiving her BA in Sociology and Minor in Education from UC Irvine and her Masters in Education and Elementary Teaching Credential from Pepperdine she taught in Newport Mesa USD for six years. Once her children were in school she returned to the classroom in SVUSD as a substitute teacher. In addition she has served on the board of the PTA/PTO groups at every school level including president for the elementary and high school groups. She brings her knowledge of nonprofits, passion for education and dedication to making an impact on every SVUSD student. Tina became involved with SVEF because she knows what is possible when communities come together to support public education.
Laura Bissonette
Secretary
Laura Bissonette – Secretary
Laura Bissonette joined the SVEF in 2024. She has two children who attended schools in the Saddleback Valley district. She has a Bachelor of Science in Business/Marketing from CSULB and a Certificate in Interior Design. She began volunteering when her first child was in kindergarten by chairing several PTA fundraisers. She served on the Valencia Educational Foundation for a 2 year term. Her PTA service continued into several roles such as Executive Vice President and President. Along with the members of SVEF, Laura hopes to be able to impact all students through additional programming that can enrich their education.
Kacey Bent
Development
Kacey Bent - Development
Kacey Bent is a committed member of the SVPSF, driven by her passion for education and uniting diverse stakeholders to enhance youth programs. With extensive experience in non-profit and corporate marketing, she develops impactful initiatives that advance the Foundation’s mission. Having led the Taco Bell Foundation for Teens for 7 years, Kacey saw firsthand the benefits of business involvement in education and inspired teens to pursue higher goals. As a parent of two high school students, she has actively contributed to PTA, PTSO, and Little League Baseball boards.
Michele Sparks
Advisor
Michele Sparks - Advisor
Michele is a mother, wife, business woman, education advocate and dedicated community volunteer. Her calling to serve all students in SVUSD started at her children’s school sites. This involvement, along with her upbringing became her driving force to strongly support Public Education & all students! Michele grew up in a low-income household, she started working at 12 years old, working full-time at 16 & taking classes at the community college her junior year in high school based on the guidance of her high school teachers & counselor. A key factor in her drive to give back and serve our public schools is her personal experience as a first-generation college graduate, in which my teachers and counselors inspired & gave her the guidance and resources to succeed.
Michele wants to ensure every child has access to a high-quality education & the resources they need to be successful. Over the past 13 years, her 3 children have all attended our SVUSD schools. She has actively advocated for education in our schools, serving in many capacities: PTA/PTO President at Valencia Elementary & La Paz Intermediate, chairing numerous PTA events & programs K-12, SVPTA Council President, SVPTA VP of Advocacy, School Site Councils K-12, PBIS teams, Chair of the SVUSD College & Career Fair and now President of the Educational Foundation.