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BOARD OF DIRECTORS
NANCY BRIER
President
Hello PDHS Community! My name is Nancy Brier, and I’ve been a part of PDHS for the past 4 years. My husband and I have one daughter who is a senior this year. We are a family of entrepreneurs and have started, developed and sold all sorts of businesses. Prior to becoming an entrepreneur, I did international strategic planning for PriceWaterhouseCoopers. I’m looking forward to working on the Foundation’s latest initiative, establishing an Endowment for the Arts which will raise $1M for arts education at our school. The Foundation welcomes all ideas and skillsets. Please join us! If you want to know what’s going on at school, how you can be part of something bigger, and where to meet interesting, smart, kind people, please get in touch. Nancy@NancyBrier.com
DEB TRUDEAU
Vice President
Debra Trudeau has been an Aztec mom for 8 years. Her third child, and youngest, is currently a senior. Debra served as PTO Co-President for the 2018/2019 and 2019/2020 school years. She now serves as Vice President for the Foundation. Debra works as a full time faculty member and in curriculum development for a private junior college.
LYNN DEKOCK
Co-Treasurer
Hello Aztec Family! I have been a Palm desert resident for over 20 years and have two daughters (‘20 & ‘22). I grew up in Massachusetts where I graduated from Northeastern University in 1992 with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration. When we’re not working or volunteering, my family and I love to play golf and travel!
JESSICA WONG
Co-Treasurer
My name is Jessica Wong. I was born in Hong Kong and came here for college when I was 18. My oldest daughter is a freshman at UCLA, the middle daughter is a junior and youngest son is a freshmen in PDHS. I have served on various school parent boards throughout the years. Besides volunteering, my full-time job is managing the surgical practice for my husband and his partner.
ANNETTE MORANDA
Corresponding Secretary
My name is Annette Moranda, and my husband and I have three girls. The oldest graduated from PDHS last year and is currently studying at TCS. Our second daughter is a senior this year, and our youngest is a 7th grader at PDCMS. I feel fortunate to have been part of many philanthropic opportunities in the Coachella Valley and to have a dental practice in Rancho Mirage. My husband serves on the foundation at PDCMS. We like to be supportive of our local community and to take an active roll in our as our children’s education. When I’m not working or volunteering, I enjoy tennis, hiking, traveling, and most recently, fly fishing.
HILARY WELLCOME
Recording Secretary
Hilary Wellcome has two girls at PDHS, one freshman and and one junior. She volunteers her time and talent generously and is renown for her artistic flair. If you’ve attended a school function at PDCMS or PDHS, chances are good that you’ve enjoyed her tablescapes, her beautifully wrapped raffle baskets, or some other artistic creation that makes events special.
AMBER SPINELLO
Communications Co-Chair
Hello Aztecs! I am excited to be your Co Communications Chair along with Priscilla Kubas for the Foundation this year. Please follow us on Facebook, Instagram & Twitter: @pdhsptoandfoundation, and be sure to look through our website! I am mom to Mia (2024) and an active JV Cheer Mom. While I am fresh to volunteering at PDHS, I have lived here for 20 years and am very involved in the community. I have chaired many events including the Sacred Heart Christmas Luncheon 4 times and worked many hours both hands on or on boards for local schools and philanthropies. When not volunteering or spending time with my family I love to hike, cook, read and find new adventures. Please feel free to reach out to me! Amber@spinellocompanies.com.
PRISCILLA KUBAS
Communications Co-Chair
Hello Aztecs! I am so pleased to be your Communications Chair for the Foundation this year. Please follow on Facebook, Instagram & Twitter: @pdhsptoandfoundation, and be sure to look through our website! I am a Mom to three Aztec Alums, Nick (‘17), Peter (‘19) and Lucy (‘20). I have been an active member of the PTO, serving as 1st VP of Communications, Grad Committee Chair and President during my 7 years as a parent, and I will always be a Volleyball Mom! Please reach out to me with any ideas on how we can serve you better, how you can help us and to get meeting information: pdkubas@gmail.com.
RHONDA DREWS
Alumni Rep
Rhonda Drews, originally from Orange County moved to the Coachella Valley in 1985 and entered Palm Desert High School as a Sophomore in 1986. She was part of the first graduating class in 1989 but continued to support PDHS by serving on both the 10 year and 20 year class reunion committees. When called on to help with the 2020 annual Foundation alumni gala, she agreed and served as the Co-Chair. Rhonda thinks it is important to support the community, and its future leaders as well as her alma mater. She volunteers for the Desert Cancer Foundation annual “Fashions for the Fight” fashion show.
SHELLY BRICKER
Alumni Rep
Shelly Bricker grew up in Palm Desert, graduating from Palm Desert High School in 1990. She married Dean Bricker in early 2004, and they welcomed their beautiful daughter, Kylie, later that year. Shelly served as Co-President of the Washington Charter School Parent Club Foundation from 2014 to 2016. She also served as the Co-Chair of the Annual 2020 PDHS Foundation Gala and was elected as Co-Vice President at Palm Desert High School for the 2020/2021 school year. Shelly returned to the workforce in 2016 and currently works as a Community HOA Manager for Desert Resort Management.
MISSY MCCARTHY
Member at Large
Missy McCarthy and her husband have five children. Their youngest daughter is a gifted athlete who is currently a senior at PDHS. When she’s not volunteering, Missy enjoys traveling and spending time with her family.
MOLLIE WALZ
Member at Large
My name is Mollie Walz. I have two children who will graduate from Palm Desert High, class of 2022 and 2025. I am a retired teacher and still love being involved in our valley's schools. I am active in Girl Scouts, National Charity League, Water Polo & Swim Teams and Guide Dogs of the Desert. We have had a wonderful experience at Palm Desert High School and I look forward to being more involved and supporting our Aztecs!
GERRY NEIGHBORS
Member at Large
Gerry Neighbors has been a part of our PDHS community for the past 4 school years and joined our foundation about the same time. She and her husband have two sons, one who graduated from PDHS in 2019 and another who graduated last year. When she’s not working, she loves to help our Aztec football team with team meals and taking photos on the side lines at the games.
GILLIAN VAN GUILDER
President
My name is Gillian Van Guilder and I am the President of the parent teacher organization otherwise known as the PTO. I have a son, Grayson, who is a senior this year. While working with the PTO, I have served on graduation and gala committees. I enjoy helping to support the teachers to make sure the kids always have a great experience at PDHS.
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