Meet Allyson

Serving on the Palos Verdes Peninsula Unified School District (PVPUSD) School Board is more than an opportunity to give back, it is a chance to serve the community that helped shape my life and now shapes the lives of my own children.

I attended PVPUSD schools from kindergarten through graduation, attending Vista Grande Elementary, Ridgecrest Intermediate School, and graduating from Palos Verdes High School.

As a student, I embraced the many opportunities that make PVPUSD exceptional. I was a student-athlete, served in Associated Student Body leadership, and benefited from an Individualized Education Program (IEP) that helped me reach my full potential. Those experiences taught me the importance of outstanding educators, supportive school environments, and believing in every student’s ability to succeed. My own experience in this district inspired the heartbeat of my campaign: #APlaceForEveryChild.

I earned a Bachelor of Arts in Communications with a minor in Jewish Studies, a Master of Arts in Educational Studies, and a Master of Business Administration (MBA), which together provide a strong foundation for my career in education, student support, and organizational leadership. Throughout my career, I’ve worked with students, families, educators, and organizations across a variety of educational settings. These experiences have given me a firsthand understanding of how the right support, opportunities, and relationships can shape a student’s experience and enable them to thrive.

Early in my career, I collaborated with a nonprofit to expand access to arts education, particularly for students in hospitals and schools without strong art programs. Today, the organization works with school districts throughout Los Angeles County.

Later, I worked at a private middle and high school serving students who were not thriving in traditional educational environments for a variety of reasons, including their identity, mental health circumstances, or learning differences. I worked closely with students, families, educators, administrators, and therapists to help create learning environments where students could feel safe, supported, and capable of succeeding.

In higher education, I worked with students who were often the first in their families to attend college and law school. I supported law student groups by organizing events and connecting students with alumni, mentors, and professional opportunities. These experiences reinforced my understanding that a strong educational experience is about more than academics. Students need to feel that they belong, that someone believes in them, and that they have access to the resources and relationships that can help them succeed.

These experiences all broadened my perspective and reinforced a simple truth: outstanding schools are built through exceptional educators, engaged families, responsible leadership, and strong community partnerships.

When it came time to raise our family and buy a home, Ian and I knew we wanted to return to Palos Verdes, so our children could experience the same close-knit community and outstanding schools that had such a lasting impact on my own life.

Today, we are raising our two young children in the community we proudly call home. Our oldest daughter attends Lunada Bay Elementary, and our youngest will soon follow, giving me the unique perspective of both a former student and a current parent.

I currently serve as Vice Chair of the PVPUSD Education Advisory Committee, where I work alongside district leadership, educators, parents, and fellow committee members to strengthen educational opportunities and support student success. I am also the 2nd Vice President of the PTA at my daughter’s school. My professional background in strategic planning and partnership development has equipped me to make thoughtful, data-informed decisions while bringing people together around shared goals.

I believe the best decisions are made through collaboration, transparency, and an unwavering commitment to students. I’m running for School Board to preserve PVPUSD’s tradition of excellence, while preparing students for the future, supporting educators, practicing responsible fiscal stewardship, prioritizing student mental health and well-being, and ensuring every child has the opportunity to thrive.

That’s my commitment to creating #APlaceForEveryChild.

Get Involved ↗ Read about my Priorities