Board of Directors

  • Matt Van Lieshout Photo

    Matt Van Lieshout, President

    Matt joined the HSDEF Board in 2025 to support enhancing the district's school outdoor areas and improve the overall educational environment for the community, including his four children who attend Vieja Valley. Through his involvement in classrom volunteering and coaching a variety of elementary sports Matt has seen firsthand the positive impact that quality outdoor areas have for our students and teachers. Matt is currently a member of the Hope School District Citizens Oversight Committee and as a project manager for a global business, Matt brings leadership and management skill sets to support the HSDEF Mission for all students within the district.

  • photo of Jim Andrews

    Jim Andrews, Vice President & Vieja Valley Liaison

    Jim is a parent to two Vieja Valley students and joined the HSDEF Board in 2024. He is committed to enhancing all of the outdoor areas in the Hope School District to give our students and community the best opportunities to enjoy them. Jim is passionate about our community and looks forward to using his skills and experience to improve our outdoor spaces for all families in the district.

  • Laura Roth, Treasurer - Elect

    Coming Soon!

  • Autumn McFarland, Hope Liaison

    Autumn is a Santa Barbara resident, parent, and operations leader with over 20 years of experience in business strategy, organizational leadership, and financial performance. She brings a strong background in building and optimizing systems that support both people and outcomes, and is passionate about creating environments where students, educators, and families can thrive. Autumn is committed to supporting the Foundation’s mission by helping drive sustainable growth, operational excellence, and meaningful community impact.

  • photo of Dave Nelson

    David Nelson, Secretary & Alumni Outreach

    David is a retired Vieja Valley teacher, having taught grades K-6 in his 30 years with the district. He has always been passionate about creating outdoor spaces that enhance student learning and fitness, as well as school spirit and mental health. His daughter, Mrs. Olson, is a 6th grade teacher at VV and he hopes his 1 year old grandson will one day join the school community. David joined the HSDEF board in 2025.

  • Janis Sprancher, Monte Vista Liaison & Alumni Outreach

    Janis taught in the Hope School District for 25 years and is the parent of two former Monte Vista students.  She was an active member of the HSD Curriculum Council, creating and presenting professional development programs for teachers. She also contributed to teacher development as a Teacher Induction Program mentor, a PASC fieldwork supervisor at SBCEO, a teacher leader with the South Coast Science Institute, and a UCSB M.Ed. Facilitator for teaching credential candidates. Janis is a member of the Santa Barbara County Committee on School District Organization and volunteers at Santa Barbara Botanic Garden and Monte Vista School.

  • Meredith Maines

    Meredith Maines, Events & Engagement

    Meredith Maines is a proud product of Santa Barbara public schools. Born and raised in Santa Barbara, she graduated from SBHS before earning her degree from Stanford. Her belief in public education is close to home: her mother spent 30 years as a public school teacher in the community. Meredith's commitment to giving back has included chairing the SF American Red Cross gala. Professionally, she is CMO of TriEdge Investments, a NY based private family office. Meredith and her husband Aaron love raising their two children in Santa Barbara - her son is a proud Monte Vista Mustang. In her free time, you can find her at the beach or the barn. 

  • Coming Soon!

    Fernando Garcia, Website Lead & Hope Liaison

    Coming Soon!

  • photo of Mike Metiu

    Mike Metiu

    Coming Soon!

  • Dr. Anne Hubbard, Advisor to the Board

    Having worked in education for over 30 years, Anne has been the Hope School District Superintendent since 2016. Under her leadership, the district has achieved notable successes, including recognition of Hope Elementary as a National Blue Ribbon school in 2023, and the District’s commitment to fostering a love of learning and growth for all students. Anne is dedicated to supporting students, families, and staff in creating a positive and inclusive environment, where she is the proud Superintendent to approximately 900 District students!

Join Us

If you are interested in contributing your time, talent, or resources to the Foundation and would like to talk with us about ways you can help, please email us at info@hsdef.org.