Board Of Trustees

Katrina Paz - President
[email protected]
Term expires 2028

Katrina Paz is a dedicated community member and a passionate advocate for education. A resident of Alta Sierra for 19 years, she has been deeply involved in the Pleasant Ridge School District since her son entered the district's first transitional kindergarten class at Alta Sierra Elementary.

Trustee Paz brings a wealth of experience to the school board, having served in various roles within the district. She has worked as a classroom aide, a front office staff member at both Alta Sierra Elementary and Silver Springs High School (as a Student Services Specialist), and has been an active volunteer at multiple levels.

Trustee Paz's commitment to student success is evident in her leadership roles. As president of the parent-teacher committee, she spearheaded numerous activities and fundraisers, successfully launching several programs and securing essential resources for students and teachers through effective budget management.

Katrina’s dedication extends beyond the classroom. She has taught on-campus enrichment classes, coached soccer, and continues to actively volunteer at district schools and Bear River High School.

Trustee Paz's professional background further strengthens her qualifications for this role. She earned a master’s in social work in 2021 and currently works for Nevada County Children's Behavioral Health as a mental health therapist while pursuing her LCSW. This experience provides her with a deep understanding of child development, mental health, and the social-emotional needs of students.

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Deanne Opdahl
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Term expires 2026

Deanne Opdahl has been a dedicated member of the Pleasant Ridge School District Board of Trustees since 2010. A resident of the district for 20 years, she and her husband have raised two children who have successfully navigated the district's schools.

Prior to settling in Grass Valley, Trustee Opdahl and her family lived in Utah, New Jersey, and the Bay Area, bringing a diverse perspective to her understanding of education.

Deanne’s commitment to education extends beyond her role on the board. She has been an active participant in the school community, serving on the Alta Sierra Parent's Club, the Pleasant Ridge Site Council, and volunteering extensively with programs such as Advanced Studies, Odyssey of the Mind, and Girl Scouts.

Trustee Opdahl's professional background as a Speech and Language Pathologist at the Loomis Union School District provides her with invaluable insights into the unique learning needs of students. With a Master's degree in Communication Disorders and a Bachelor's degree in Psychology, she possesses a strong understanding of child development and the importance of creating an inclusive and supportive learning environment.

Deanne is a dedicated advocate for students, staff, and the entire school community. She brings a wealth of experience, a commitment to excellence, and a deep understanding of the district's needs to her role on the Board of Trustees.

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Kelly McKinley
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Term expires 2026

Kelly McKinley has served as a dedicated member of the Pleasant Ridge School District Board of Trustees since 2016. She and her husband moved to Grass Valley in 2006 seeking a better quality of life, which they have found in Nevada County and within the PRUSD community.

Both of Trustee McKinley's children attended schools within the district, fostering a deep connection to the educational system. As a dedicated parent, she has been actively involved in the Magnolia Parent Teacher Meeting (PTM), chaired the Bid N Barrell fundraiser, and served on the School Site Council.

Kelly graduated from Chico State University with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and has a strong professional background as a Paralegal for over 22 years. This experience has equipped her with valuable skills in research, analysis, and legal procedures, which are invaluable assets in her role as a school board trustee.

In her free time, Trustee McKinley enjoys spending time outdoors, boating, and tending to her garden.

Kelly is committed to ensuring that all students in the PRSD receive a high-quality education that prepares them for success in college and beyond.

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Peggy Fava

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Term expires 2026

Peggy Fava is a passionate advocate for education and a proven leader in community service. She is the Founder and Executive Director of nonprofit organization, which has garnered numerous awards for its impactful work with marginalized communities, under-performing students, at-risk youth, justice-involved youth, and those impacted by trauma. In recognition of her extraordinary contributions, Trustee Fava was honored as Woman of the Year by the California Legislative Women's Caucus in 2018.

Peggy brings a diverse skillset to the school board. She holds a B.S. in Business Management and an A.S. in Pre-Nursing and is a Certified Brain Health Professional affiliated with Amen Clinics. Her 25 years of experience in the healthcare industry, spanning from clinical settings to corporate operations, provide her with a unique perspective on health, wellness, and the importance of a holistic approach to education.

Trustee Fava’s deep understanding of community needs, coupled with her leadership experience and commitment to social justice, will be invaluable assets as she works to ensure that all students in the district have access to a high-quality education that supports their academic, social, and emotional growth.

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Tammie Siller
[email protected]
Term expires 2028

Tammie Siller is a dedicated community member and current Pleasant Ridge Union School District Board of Trustees member. A long-time resident of Grass Valley since 1999, she brings a deep understanding of the local community and its values to her role.

As a mother who has personally navigated the district's schools with her children, Trustee Siller possesses a unique perspective on the challenges and opportunities facing students and families.

Trustee Siller's commitment to the well-being of others is further evidenced by her completion of Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM) training for both individuals and groups. This valuable experience, coupled with her chaplaincy training through Bayside Church and the Placer Law Enforcement Chaplaincy, equips her with a strong foundation in empathy, emotional intelligence, and the ability to navigate challenging situations with compassion and understanding.

Trustee Siller is dedicated to serving the students, staff, and families of the Pleasant Ridge Union School District and strives to create a thriving learning environment for all.

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