Board Members

GCSN 2018-19 Board of Directors

Nathan Inouye, M.Ed., President
Nathan Inouye began teaching remedial college algebra as an instructor’s assistant and then served two years as a U.S. Peace Corps Volunteer in Jamaica providing elementary environmental education and youth development training. Upon returning to the U.S., Nathan began teaching secondary science in the Los Angeles area before spending over a decade working for Oxnard Union High School District (OUHSD), where he has taught a variety of science courses, started the AP Biology program at Adolfo Camarillo High School (ACHS), was the gifted and talented education (GATE) coordinator for over six years, and worked as the district's science resource teacher. Currently Nathan serves as the Science Coordinator for Ventura County Office of Education (VCOE). Nathan has served on the GCSN board since 2004.

Michelle Lourenco, M.Ed., President Elect
Michelle Lourenco is an elementary teacher at Santa Paula Unified School District who also serves as a mentor teacher and member on the district's ELA leadership team and technology cohort. She has embraced NGSS and is passionate about infusing science into all parts of the school day. Michelle has served as a Lead Teacher for the VC STEMposium providing NGSS training and coaching to other elementary teachers and is also an NSTA Picture Perfect Science Teacher Trainer. Michelle has served on the GCSN board since January, 2018.

Kristin Majda, M.S., M.B.A., Treasurer, Immediate Past President
Kristin Majda is a STEM Educator currently serving as a STEAM Literacy Coach for Santa Paula Unified School District where she trains and mentors teachers to help them implement the the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS), as well as coordinates special programs to promote student interest in STEM careers. Prior to become a teacher, Kristin worked as a technical writer in the computer industry and possesses a BS in biology from UCSB with a minor in professional writing, and an MBA and MS in biotechnology from CSU Channel Islands. In addition to serving on the GCSN board since 2009, Kristin is an active member of the California Science Teachers Association (CSTA) and the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS); and serves on the operating Council of the Discovery Center for Science and Technology.

Dana Grooms, M.S., Secretary
Dana Grooms teaches honors and AP biology at Thousand Oaks High School. She holds a B.S. in Biological Sciences, a Single Subject Teaching Credential, and a Master's Degree in Education from UC Santa Barbara. Dana is an ambassador for the Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI) Biointeractive education program and brings creative strategies to teaching NGSS. Dana has served on the GCSN board since 2016.

Debbie Bereki, Ph.D., Past President
Dr. Debbie Bereki is a founding member of GCSN and has served on the board since its inception in 1993. Dr. Bereki earned her Ph.D. in science education from U.C. Santa Barbara and her B.S. in nutrition from U.C. Davis. She has more than 20 years of classroom experience teaching K-16 science courses and has been continuously devoted to improving science education by providing professional development for teachers, coordinating various outreach programs, and through her work with GCSN and numerous other professional organizations. She was the Coast Geological Society Earth Science Teacher of the Year in 1999 and earned the Amgen Award for Teacher Excellence in 1997.

Sharon King, M.Ed., Member at Large
Sharon King taught integrated science at Palisades Charter High School in Pacific Palisades, California before retiring in 2015. She has a masters degree in education and earned a BS degree in Chemical Engineering from MIT (the Massachusetts Institute of Technology). Prior to teaching, she worked as a research chemist, computer programmer, and stay-at-home mom. Sharon has served on the GCSN board since 2009.

Jennifer Mutch, M.Ed., Member at Large
Jennifer Mutch is an elementary teacher with a passion for science education. Before becoming a teacher, Jennifer worked as a physical therapy aide and as an aquatic therapy and fitness instructor. Over the past several years Jennifer has also worked with the National Park Service, Santa Monica National Recreation Area, as a Teacher Ranger. In this position, she is helping to develop education programs that incorporate the Next Generation Science Standards. As a Science Master Teacher for NEA, Jennifer has written lessons for the NEA Better Lesson website. She was also a teacher leader at the 2015 CSU Summer STEMposium week long professional development for K-8 teachers, and has been involved in Ventura County's NGSS Leadership Team as well as Conejo Valley Unified School District's NGSS Leadership Team. Jennifer has been a volunteer for GCSN since 2016 and was elected to the GCSN board in 2018.

Debbie Gray, MPH, CHES, Member at Large
Debbie Gray currently teaches 8th grade science at Isbell Middle School in Santa Paula and has also taught middle school health and high school biology and sustainable agriculture. Prior to becoming a teacher, Debbie worked in the field of public health as a health education specialist and health promotion and disease management professional for local and national organizations. Debbie is committed to offering challenging and engaging content that helps students see the relevance of science in their everyday life. She is particularly interested in the biotechnology industry and seeks opportunities to expose students to this fascinating and expanding field. Additionally, Debbie supports opportunities to expose elementary students to science through hands-on STEM activities, including Santa Paula's Summer Science Academy and Family Science Night programs. Debbie has been involved with GCSN for several years and began her tenure on the board in January, 2018.