Miscellaneous » Friends of Canfield » Who We Are

Who We Are

A parent-led nonprofit supporting programs and people that make Canfield shine.

Our Mission

Friends of Canfield is a nonprofit that supports, enhances, and enriches the educational environment at Canfield Avenue Elementary. We raise funds to supplement staffing and resources not provided by the district and build an inclusive community that celebrates the whole child.

  • Fund essential programs (PE, music, library, technology, teacher's aides).
  • Recruit and support volunteers with respect and gratitude.
  • Create inclusive events that bring our diverse community together.

What We Do

We collaborate with school leaders and staff to identify the biggest needs and fund what matters most to students and teachers.

  • PE coach & arts programs
  • Library & technology
  • Community events (movie night, Fall dance, musical, and more

How You Can Help

There's a role for every schedule and skill set-truly.

  • Make a tax-deductible donation
  • Volunteer for an event or committee
  • Join the FOC Board (Monthly ZOOM–PJs welcome!)

Our Impact

FOC dollars go straight to student experiences-programs, people, and supplies that public funding alone can't cover.

FAQ

What the heck is FOC?

We’re glad you asked!

Friends of Canfield (FOC) is a parent-led volunteer nonprofit dedicated to strengthening our school through two key efforts: building community and raising critical funds. We organize events that bring families together and fund essential programs, like PE, music, library, and technology, that are not covered by public school budgets.

In other words, FOC is the heart and hustle behind all the extra-special things that make Canfield Avenue Elementary feel like home. Think:
Art Teacher Computer Classes, P.E. Coach, Teacher’s Aides, The Annual Musical, Movie Night, Fall Family Dance and more! 

So, why join the FOC Board?

Because you care.
About your kid. About your school. About the community.

When you join FOC, you join a powerhouse group of volunteer parents who make the school magical, not just for their kids, but for yours, too. You help shape the Canfield experience, bring fresh ideas, and ensure our events are fun, inclusive, and full of heart.

In addition, your participation in FOC sets an example for your kid. You demonstrate leadership and commitment to the community, both important examples to set for our children.  

What’s the commitment?

Whatever works for you.
We meet monthly (on Zoom PJs welcome), and there are volunteer roles for every schedule and skill set, whether you’re a working parent, stay-at-home superstar, or somewhere in between.

Why it matters: Canfield is one of the top-rated LAUSD schools, thanks to our amazing teachers and the families who show up, pitch in, and support our kids. More parent involvement = more resources, more joy, more opportunities.

Do I have to be on FOC to volunteer?

You do not. FOC draws from the broader Canfield parent community throughout the year to ensure our events are successful, but participation offers you more ability to influence the direction of our school and your child’s Canfield experience.


Bonus Perk? You’ll feel good. Like, really good.
There’s something incredibly rewarding about knowing you played a part in making school a place your child will remember with joy. So Ready to jump in?  Join FOC — and help make the magic happen.

Current FOC Members

Gigi Berry Co-President
Mridula Watt Co-President
Brian Morel Co-Treasurer
Winnie Yuen Co-Treasurer
Alana Rotter Secretary
Claire Gerety-Mott Vice President
Jordana Schwartz-Matricardi Vice President
Alenoush Aslanyan Member at Large
Andrew Levine Member at Large
Dan Lapidus Member at Large
David Zoltan Member at Large
Jessica Markowitz Brand Member at Large
Daisy Broyles Member at Large
Joni Day Member at Large
Leah Barlavi Member at Large
Monica Surya Member at Large
Morani Kornberg Member at Large
Melissa Rotonto Member at Large
Phyllis Steinberg-Zauss Member at Large
Rebecca Hakim Member at Large
Rico Graziano Member at Large
Shanna Green Member at Large
Staci Steinberger Member at Large
Tiffany Miller Member at Large
Tim Monson Member at Large
Simon Deveer Member at Large