We are proud parents of students enrolled in the Santa Cruz Gardens Elementary School dedicated to promoting a better understanding and closer bond of cooperation between the faculty and parents. We initiate and sponsor projects for the purpose of improving the school. This club is non-profit, non-sectarian, non-discriminatory, and not-partisan. It does not seek to direct the educational policy of the school. All faculty and parents of the school are eligible for membership in the Santa Cruz Gardens Home and School Club.
Meet President Allyson Duran
A sixth-generation Santa Cruz local and proud SCG mom, she has three spirited daughters—one of whom is holding it down in 3rd grade at Santa Cruz Gardens Elementary. After three years serving as Secretary, she’s now stepping into her first year as President, bringing her energy, organization, and love for this school community to the forefront.
When she’s not helping make the magic happen at SCG, she is busy coordinating weddings with her signature “calm-in-the-chaos” style, while her husband builds beautiful things through his construction company, Duran Construction. She loves being part of the Gardens family and is always excited to help create memorable events, strong connections, and plenty of fun for SCG students and families.
Meet Vice President Traci Takeuchi-Slade
I’m thrilled to serve as Vice President of the Santa Cruz Gardens Home & School Club. My husband Ben and I are proud SGC parents—our son Christopher is in 1st grade, and our daughter Emily attends CKC. I’m a Santa Cruz local, born and raised with a lifelong love of food, community, and supporting our school. I currently work at UC Santa Cruz, and my background in food, events, and program operations has taught me the importance of collaboration, care, and showing up for people.
I’m excited to support our amazing staff and teachers as they nurture our kids and their eager, curious minds—and to help strengthen the sense of connection that makes SGC such a special place. If you ever have ideas, questions, or just want to say hi, stop me to chat!
Meet Co-Treasurer Peter Swartz
I’m excited to serve as Co-Treasurer and to support the financial management of our amazing community supported Home & School Club. I’m a proud father of three, with two kids currently attending Santa Cruz Gardens. Outside of HSC, I’m a basketball fanatic, bookworm, personal finance nerd, and always on the lookout for great donuts, coffee and live music.
Meet Co-Treasurer Brian Moehring
Meet Co-Secretary Julia Holbert
Julia is an artistic, nerdy ecological landscape designer with Verde Fine Gardens. She enjoys crafty projects, live music and spending time in nature. Son, Bowie, is in 1st grade, and Husband George is a Santa Cruz Gardens Graduate, along with his three siblings.
Meet Co-Secretary Shannon Kochanek
Our family moved to Capitola from Rhode Island in April 2020. We did an inter-district transfer because we love the Science and Gardening focused learning at SCG, starting in K. Our son Koel is now in 3rd grade with Ms. Riedel. Shannon is a director in Palo Alto for Steve & Kate’s Camp and teaches at Temple Beth El in Aptos. Shannon loves all kinds of art making, especially multi-media and recycled art, and can regularly be found exploring parks or trails.