Mandala Children’s House Inc. is a 501(c) (3) nonprofit corporation. Our Board of Directors is composed of a group of parents and community members who dedicate themselves to helping Mandala live out its mission to “nurture children, support families, and nourish staff.”
The purpose of the Board is to set goals and policies that follow the philosophy of our school and reflect the diverse needs of our children and families. The Board acts as a “compass,” guiding our future while holding us accountable to our original vision. Board members are elected for two-year periods. Board meetings are held monthly at the school. Each spring, we recruit new Board members. We encourage interested parents to apply.
ANNE KANGAS, L.C.S.W.
Clinical Consultant | Former Head of School/Director of Family Services | Board Chairperson
As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Anne provides weekly clinical consultation and administrative support to the Management Team and is available by referral to meet with families for consultation. Anne retired in August 2018 from her position as Head of School/Director of Family Services at Mandala. She worked alongside Julie and Atty for several years, preparing them to take over the leadership and management of Mandala. Anne assisted in the creation of Mandala in 1975 with founders Marilyn Drino and Linda H. She originally served on the Board and gave administrative support and mental health consultation to the school. In November 1990, when the need for support services at Mandala was recognized, Anne was hired as Family Services Director to assist with early intervention and offer guidance to families, teachers, and childcare providers about parenting and child development. She also assumed the role of Head of School for several years until the current Executive Team could step into place. Anne has three grown children who are all Mandala graduates. Anne specializes in parenting, child development, early trauma, and family challenges. She also has a private psychotherapy and spiritual direction practice.
MARILYN DRINO
Consultant | Founder-Retired Administrative Director | Board Member | State Program Consultant
In September 2010, after 35 years of gifted leadership at Mandala, Marilyn made the difficult decision to retire to spend more time with her family. We carry her spirit with us. Marilyn has left a legacy that is lived out in the very workings of Mandala, from classroom to staff room. We call Marilyn the “founding mother” of Mandala. In 1975, she created the plans and philosophy for a preschool and satellite licensed family day care network. It was Marilyn’s vision to establish a preschool in the East foothills of San Jose that fit the diversity of the area. At first, Marilyn taught in the mornings and was the Assistant Director in charge of curriculum and classrooms. Later, she stepped into the role of Administrative Director in 1984. Marilyn was known as the “glue” that held Mandala together. In her last several years, she mentored others on the administrative staff so that she could “hand over the reins” with confidence. Marilyn continues to support the Executive Team and the Board by serving as our Consultant and a Board Member. She remains a most valuable resource to us all.
KATIE BORZONE
Board Member | Communications Chair | Events & Activities
Katie joined the Mandala Board of Directors in 2022. She is a former Mandala graduate and parent to a Ladybug. She has always believed in the magic of Mandala, and feels lucky to have a chance to give back to the school and the community. She currently works full-time and lives in San Jose with her two sons and husband.
TIM REYNOLDS
Board Member | Finance
Tim Reynolds joined the Mandala Board in the Fall of 2021 believing that early education is critical to child development and hoping that his experience could be beneficial to the school and the community. Tim’s daughter, Arabelle (Dragonfly), found her home at Mandala the first time she stepped on the Mandala campus, and has grown and flourished over the past two years. Tim has a Bachelor of Science in Speech/Theatre from Northwestern University and an MBA from San Jose State University. Tim comes to us with a wealth of Board experiencing, having served on the Boards of the Los Altos Conservatory Theatre for twelve years and the Saratoga Drama Group (now South Bay Musical Theatre) for six years, and acting as bookkeeper and Treasurer for both organizations. During the day Tim is part owner and Executive Vice President of Welker Bros., a local commercial floor covering contractor. In his spare time, Tim is an actor and singer at theatre companies around the Bay Area.
ANGELA SO
Board Member | Events & Activities
Angela joined the Mandala Board of Directors in 2022. She first came to Mandala in 2018 as a parent to an early preschooler. Seeing her son blossom and thrive into a confident, curious, and compassionate little one over the next three years was one of her greatest joys and made her truly believe in the “Spirit of Mandala.” The teachers and staff at Mandala were able to see who he truly was, respected him growing at his own pace, and nurtured his softness into compassion while helping him find his voice. Angela truly feels that choosing Mandala for her children’s formative years has been one of the best decisions she could have made for them in terms of setting them up to be successful in life by building a solid foundation of social, emotional, and life skills. Angela is now the mother of a Mandala graduate and a current early preschooler. Angela is a San Jose native, earned her Bachelor of Art in Integrative Biology at UC Berkeley, and received a Master of Public Health in Health Policy and Management from Boston University. Angela has worked as a Research Associate and Project Manager at VA Palo Alto’s Health Economics Resource Center since 2009. She was also a yoga instructor for 5+ years and enjoys practicing yoga, spending time with family, and traveling in her spare time.
SASCHA HUGHES-CALEY
Board Member
Sascha joined the Board in 2023. Bio coming soon!
SERENA CRUZ
Board Member | Events & Activities
Serena joined the Board in 2023. Bio coming soon!
Mandala Mission: “Nurture the child. Support the family. Nourish the staff.”