Carmen teacher at Ramblewood Elementary School in the Franklin McKinley School District. She has taught K-7 and adult education, stating that "teaching is her calling."
FIRST 5 Commissioners
The FIRST 5 Commission is responsible for implementing the goals and objectives outlined in Proposition 10, administrating the finances allocated from Proposition 10, and adopting an annual Strategic Plan.
FIRST 5 Santa Clara County is a regional body with a governing Commission of nine members, consisting of:
- A member of the Board of Supervisors
- The Executive Director of the Santa Clara Valley Health and Hospital System (or his/her designee)
- The Director of the Social Services Agency (or his/her designee)
- A member of the Santa Clara County Local Early Education Planning Council
- Five at-large members of the community appointed by the Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors.
Find out when our Commission meets:
Chairperson
Rachel Samoff
Rachel Samoff was the Executive Director of The Children’s Pre-School Center in Palo Alto, a program for approximately 140 children from infants to Kindergarten-entry which she founded in 1984...
Commissioner
Anne Souza
Anne grew up in Santa Clara County where her mom retired from Hewlett Packard Inc. and her dad from Lockheed Martin. She graduated from Saint Francis High School in Mt. View...
Commissioner
Susan Ellenberg
As a mom, educator, and advocate, Susan has dedicated her life to strengthening our community and ensuring that all children have the chance to succeed. Susan was successfully elected as 4th District Supervisor for the County of Santa Clara in November 2018...
Commissioner
Dr. Antonia Charles
Dr. Antonia Zazueta Charles currently serves at the Director of the Pediatric Healthy Lifestyle Center (PHLC) at the Santa Clara Valley Medical Center. Prior to becoming the Center’s director in 2013...
Commissioner
Robert Menicocci
Robert Menicocci is the Director of the County of Santa Clara Social Services Agency (SSA). Robert, who joined SSA in January 2014, has had extensive experience in social services...
Commissioner
Dr. Leticia Pelayo
Dr. Leticia Pelayo served previously as a FIRST 5 commissioner from 2011-2016 as the representative for the Health and Hospital System. She brings a wealth of experience as a practicing pediatrician...
Commissioner
Corazon Basa Cortes Tomalinas
Corazon Basa Cortes Tomalinas is a full-time community activist and a registered nurse with BSN/PHN degrees. She currently serves on several task forces and committees in San Jose including...
Commissioner
Kathy Wahl
As Director of the Santa Clara County Office of Education’s (SCCOE) Inclusion Collaborative Department, Kathryn Wahl is responsible for promoting, supporting and advocating for all children...