Any joined the Glendale Community College Parent Education program in 2023 with her 2-year-old daughter and her then-2-month-old son. She was surprised to find such a wonderful, positive parenting community with great support. She was even more surprised to learn that these classes were free. Any loves how the instructors teach science-based positive parenting techniques, and she utilizes what she learns in class to build a strong foundation for a healthy relationship with her babies. She is impressed by how much both her children have already grown by attending the classes.

Any values the program so much that she volunteered to join the Board with the hope to help it reach its full potential. Any also works full time as an attorney, but being a mom to her two precious babies is her favorite title and greatest accomplishment. During her spare time—if that’s even a thing with two toddlers—Any and her husband love to take their babies to the zoo.

Talina joined the Glendale Community College Parent Education program in 2022 and considers herself fortunate to have discovered such a transformative parenting resource. Within this program, she's formed meaningful relationships with instructors and fellow parents—relationships she holds very dear.

As an occupational therapist, Talina is passionate about supporting families. A significant part of her career revolves around nurturing emotional intelligence and highlighting its crucial role for both children and adults.

Above all, motherhood is the most cherished experience of her life. She's a lucky mom to two boys, and she finds raising them to be an absolutely magical journey. Talina is deeply grateful for the chance to support and witness the ongoing growth of GCPEA, an invaluable resource for parents.

Nancy Jacobson accepted the position of secretary, because she enjoys keeping track of the accomplishments of organizations that serve the community. She has three grown children and five grandkids. After 40 years in the education field, Nancy retired in 2019 looking forward to spending more time with her growing family and participating in community activities. Nancy has been interested in child development since she was a young child with younger siblings. As an adult she is passionate about sharing her observations, in hopes of inspiring others to remember what it is like to be a young child.

Anita attended the GCPEA program from 2016-2019 with her first daughter and found the program to be absolutely amazing. She is thrilled to return with her second daughter and has joined the board to be more involved and give back to the program. Anita's passions include fitness and nutrition and she practices as a registered dietitan.

Christy learned about the GCPEA program through a mom group. And as a first time mother, she was trying to find support and a community. Christy and her daughter were thrilled to discover free classes that gave many opportunities for learning and socialization. Christy volunteered to join the Board as a way to give back to the program, as it continues to help build a strong foundation for children’s growth and development.

Christy holds a nursing degree which she obtained through Glendale Community College and Azusa Pacific University. In our free time, our family loves to go to Disneyland.

My name is Ru, and I’m originally from Japan. I discovered the program a couple of years ago while looking for a fun activity to enjoy with my daughter and to connect with other parents. Since then, I’ve been attending regularly with my daughter — and now with my son too! — and I truly love the sense of community it brings. With my background as a production coordinator in media, I hope to contribute creativity and organization to my role on the board. I’m grateful for all that the program has given my family, and I’m excited for the opportunity to give back and help other parents feel welcome and supported.

Hi my name is Polet Zargarian, and I am a proud mom of 2 wonderful girls, Grace Giana and
Zara Gabriella. I’ve been part of the Parent Ed classes with my 2 girls for a year now, and now
joined the Board for the Events/Fundraiser role.

When I first joined the classes in Fall 2024, I was overwhelmed and struggled with my 2year old and 6month old. Within the first few classes I immediately felt a comforting connection, a mutual understanding throughout the classroom, and a sense of belonging. With the group full of
parents/caregivers and their little ones, all coming together with common goals and challenges,
and our efforts to raise our kids the best way we can.

Pared Ed classes are not only a wonderful place for babies and toddlers to learn, grow, and have fun. These classes also allow parents to share, learn and grow into better caregivers. It
definitely helped me in many ways, through various discussions, knowledgeable instructors and resourceful parents.

I decided to join the Board to give back with any knowledge I have to help the program grow and thrive. With my event planning and art background I hope to create some memorable
events that align with the remarkable efforts of the program. Parenting is not easy, but it’s a wonderful experience. It can be filled with play, learning and social connection.

I love watching my girls grow up in this environment and recommend the classes to anyone I can think of. These classes are great, they are fun and they are free.

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I am a mother of two little girls, with whom I am now joyfully participating in Life Skills classes.
I am a French language specialist. I worked for 14 years at the Department of External Relations of the Yerevan City Hall (the capital of the Republic of Armenia). During that time, I collaborated with French and Francophone cities and organizations, coordinating and organizing various programs and official visits.

After moving to the United States, I have been focusing primarily on caring for my children.

I am very happy to join the board, as Life Skills has become very dear and meaningful to us.

Hillary Swanson has been involved with GCPEA for over a year now and enjoys attending classes with her 3 year old son, Rocco Saydah. She is excited to be voted in by the Board as GCPEA’s Purchaser for the 2025-2026 School year. She looks forward to working closely with all of the teachers and staff as well as student parents. Becoming a mother and enjoying all that it brings, has brought Hillary so much joy and she continues to help contribute that joy in all that she does. She loves to research and plan and coordinate activities for her family. If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to her. GCPEA has really helped in creating a safe and fun place for so many beautiful families and teachers. Finding this program has been like finding gold.

Arineh joined the GCPEA Board as PEPOR Editor in the 2018-19 academic year and currently holds the position.

She joined the Glendale College Parent Education Program in 2017 as a first-time mom with her then one-month-old daughter. Prior to having their daughter, Arineh and her husband Arabo, did extensive research on various mental health resource websites about healthy parenting practices. It was in this research effort that they found the GCPEA program.

Arineh believes in today’s world, parenting is more than pulling from one’s parents life experiences. She believes to raise a healthy and happy child; one must also learn from peers and teachers specialized in early childhood development and it is here at Glendale College Parent Education program that she has found that community. Arineh hopes by taking part in this community dynamic, her child will be a physically, mentally, and socially strong member of our community as well as those communities in her future endeavors. She is grateful for the GCPEA program and has seen the benefits this program has had on her daughter’s behavior, socialization capabilities and over-all academic skill. Arineh never misses the opportunity to encourage all parents with children 0 to five years to attend this Parent Ed program. Joining the GCPEA board as the PEPOR editor felt like the next step in promoting this program and its far-reaching benefits to the community.

Arineh holds a BA in Business Administration. She worked for 10 years as the executive assistant to the owner of one of Iran’s largest companies, Hacoupian Clothing Industries. While working, she volunteered as a teacher in a child development program offered through the Church of Iran studying Human Behavior with a focus on Mental Health. Arineh was also a dedicated singer in their church choir group. Given her history with mental health, Arineh began working for the Department of Mental Health of LA County when she moved to the Glendale area.

Professional photography has always been a passion for Arineh - a passion that started when she was a teenager. Amongst her editorial duties on the GCPEA board, she has volunteered to photograph the GCPEA events.

Christine is an elementary teacher and now proud stay at home mom of two little boys. She first joined Parent Ed classes with her son in 2023 and quickly fell in love with both the practical parenting techniques and the supportive and like - minded community that the program offered. The experience has been meaningful not only for her as a parent, but also for her whole family. She is excited to serve on the board this year and looks forward to giving back to the program that has given her so much.