The Golden Hill Elementary Parent Teacher Organization is made up of families and staff who give their time so every student has more opportunities to learn, create, and belong.
We come together as parents, caregivers, teachers, and neighbors to make Golden Hill Elementary a place where every student feels seen, supported, and excited to learn. By building real connections, creating joyful experiences, and raising funds that go straight back into classrooms, we help our children — and our whole school community — thrive.
All meetings are held in person in the room 51 (above the main office) and virtually - connection details will be shared here, in Class Dojo and in the school newsletter before each meeting. Dates come straight from our school calendar.
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Every family is part of the PTO. Tell us how you would like to be involved — from a single event shift to a board role — and a PTO volunteer will follow up.
We show up for our school in lots of little ways that add up to something big. Here's how we put our community's time, energy, and heart into action.
We invite caregivers, staff, and community members to share their time and talents — whether it's an hour, a day, or a school year. Every helping hand makes Golden Hill feel more connected.
From fun runs to cultural festivals, we plan events that bring students, families, and staff together to laugh, celebrate, and make lasting memories.
Through fundraising and employer matching, we turn community generosity into supplies, field trips, arts enrichment, and learning experiences that benefit every child.
We listen to families, share perspectives with school staff, and help shape a school environment that reflects the needs and hopes of our community.
When a family needs support, we show up. Whether it's connecting resources, offering a listening ear, or rallying around a neighbor, we take care of each other.
We share news, updates, and stories so families know what's happening, how to participate, and why their involvement matters.
Last year our community raised $46,000 for the PTO General Fund. Here is where those dollars went to work for Golden Hill students and staff.
$46K
General fund
Teacher grants ($250 per elementary, SPED, and resource teacher, $500 to music, $500 to PE, plus $150 for new teacher start-up, $500 to counselors), ArtReach art education, field trip buses for all grades and classes, and the down payment and buses for 6th grade camp.
Classroom software and curricula (Raz Kids, Estrellitas, Reading Fluency Training Program), library books, headphones, playground equipment, wellness center supplies, counseling center supplies, Eagle Ticket prizes, basic school supplies, and gym and music equipment.
After school program fee offset, teacher stipends, Safety Patrol, Running Club, Garden Club, Book Club, GSA Club, Cañon Kids, Yearbook, and Broadcast Club.
Teacher Appreciation Week, staff holiday lunch, teacher incentives (Eagle Tickets), PTO open house, volunteer appreciation event, graduation ceremonies, and honor roll lunch.
Accounting, non-profit fees, and basic year-round equipment.
Your PTO board is a group of Golden Hill parents volunteering their time, skills, and enthusiasm for our school.
President
Born and raised in London, England, Aarti is proud of her British Indian heritage and has called sunny San Diego home since 2015. She is mom to Shayne (2nd grade) and Sophia (kinder). Her family loves travel, road trips, and the local YMCA and Little League. With a PhD in Psychology and Neuroscience and over a decade in life sciences consulting, she is passionate about a safe, enriching, inclusive, and fun school community.
Vice President, Elementary
Born and raised in San Diego and grew up in Ocean Beach. Her daughter Michelle is in kindergarten and her son Matteo will join TK next year. Melisa loves music and traveling, and previously worked for a nonprofit helping schools raise funds with community members and local businesses. She is passionate about a welcoming, supportive space for all families.
Secretary
Born in Long Beach and raised for ten years in Michoacán, Mexico, Natalie studied architecture and now runs an architectural practice with her husband. A proud boy mom of two, she joined the PTO after serving on the ELAC committee, where she shared her experience as an English language learner and her love of representing her culture at events like Día de los Muertos and the Jog-a-thon.
Fundraising Co-Coordinator
A Northern California native, Juli has lived in the South Park/Golden Hill area since 2012. She is mom to Penelope and Zoe. Her family is passionate about all things food, plus museums and Balboa Park. With a deep commitment to community organizing and outreach, she is excited to grow fundraising support for our neighborhood public school.
Fundraising Co-Coordinator
Iris and her son Lucas (3rd grade) have been part of the Golden Hill family since his TK year, and the school has become their community. Born in Los Angeles and raised across San Diego, she spends her free time cheering at AYSO soccer and NPLL baseball games, and enjoying good food and good company. By evening she is a Front of House Operations Manager at one of San Diego's best steakhouses, bringing that same hospitality — creating memorable experiences and making people feel welcome — to fundraisers and events families are excited to be part of.
Communications
Erin's son Kieran is a third grader. She grew up in Tulsa, Oklahoma, moved to Southern California for college, and never left. A graphic and web designer who also teaches yoga, she is a room parent and PTO volunteer who loves creating unique, enriching experiences for Golden Hill students.
Communications — Media & Marketing
Originally from Ann Arbor, Michigan, Hannah has spent the last 18 years in San Diego. She has three kids: Madison (3rd grade), Chase (1st grade), and Rex, who will join TK soon. Once the top female bowler in her college league, she now brings a marketing background and small-business experience to supporting our school community.
Treasurer
Lucy grew up in Bratislava, Slovakia, and landed in San Diego in 2013. Her daughters Sadie and Clara are in 2nd and 1st grade. She loves volleyball, hiking, and the occasional ski trip. With over 15 years in accounting, she is honored to put her professional bean-counting skills to work for the PTO.
Volunteer Coordinator
Born and raised in Los Angeles, Avital moved to Golden Hill in 2012. You will often see her, her wife Shalem, and their 2nd grader Kesem walking to school, exploring the canyon, and biking around the neighborhood. She loves theater, public art, and karaoke. Professionally, she has spent 15+ years as a community organizer, project manager, event producer, and grantmaker across the nonprofit, philanthropic, and health care sectors. She is passionate about public education, equity, inclusion, and belonging, and loves putting her skills to work in service of her community.
Afterschool Enrichment Programs Coordinator
This role is currently open. If you would like to help coordinate after school enrichment, we would love to hear from you.
