BOARD OF DIRECTORS
KELLY WOOD
CEO & Founder
E-RYT 200, RCYT, RPYT
Kelly Wood is the founder of the style of yoga for public schools, known as SCHOOL Yoga & Mindfulness—a program specifically designed to integrate mindfulness and movement into the academic school day. SCHOOL is the acronym for Smiling Calm Hearts Open Our Learning, reflecting its mission to create positive, focused learning environments.
As an educational consultant, author, and certified yoga teacher with over 30 years of experience, Kelly has dedicated her career to introducing accessible social and emotional learning tools into classrooms. In 2012, she founded the nonprofit SCHOOL, Inc., where she continues to serve as CEO. She is also the Executive Director of The Breathing Revolution, Inc., through which she established and ran a successful yoga studio in Los Angeles, with continuing online classes.
For more than 24 years, Kelly has pioneered her signature yoga mindfulness techniques in public schools, focusing especially on underserved communities. Her innovative methods—aligned with academic standards—have reached thousands of children and teens across school districts nationwide. She has led over 120 teacher training programs, developed online platforms with recorded and live-streamed content, and conducted extensive professional development for educators.
Recognized as a pioneer in the field, Kelly’s work bridges wellness and academics by providing practical tools that enhance both teaching and learning. She continues to teach in Los Angeles County schools, supporting students and educators alike.
Kelly holds a B.S. in Marketing with a minor in Philosophy from Clemson University and a B.A. in Art History with a minor in Philosophy from Georgia State University.
DR. Y. JANE TAVYEV
Dr. Y. Jane Tavyev, MD, provides critical medical expertise to the SCHOOL, Inc. board. She is Director of Pediatric Neurology at Cedars-Sinai and is board-certified in Neurology with Special Certification in Child Neurology.
Dr. Tavyev is a member of the American Academy of Neurology, the American Neurological Association, and the Child Neurology Society. Her clinical and research interests include pediatric neurological development and autism.
She completed her medical training, residency, and fellowship at Baylor College of Medicine.
LAURA LIPSCOMB
Laura Lipscomb serves as CEO of GreenWood, Inc., a national provider of integrated maintenance, construction, and production support services for industrial facilities. She brings more than 28 years of leadership experience in operations, administration, and organizational management.
GreenWood, Inc. is a woman-owned business certified by the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC). Laura’s background includes organizational leadership, strategic planning, and workforce management.
She holds a BA in Psychology from the University of South Carolina.
ROSA WHITE
Rosa White brings expertise in organizational leadership, financial planning, and nonprofit engagement. She serves as Administrative Manager for the Multi-Asset Strategies team at American Century Investments, where she oversees operational coordination and strategic planning.
Rosa holds an MBA from the University of Phoenix, a BS in Business Administration from Mount Saint Mary’s University, and a Personal Financial Planning designation from UCLA Extension.
She is deeply engaged in community leadership and serves on multiple nonprofit boards, including Mount Saint Mary’s University, the Pasadena Festival of Women Authors, and Two Threes Wellness. A longtime practitioner of yoga and meditation, Rosa is passionate about expanding access to wellness and educational opportunities for underserved communities.
CAROLYN VAN HOSEN
Carolyn Van Hosen brings extensive financial and technology leadership to the SCHOOL, Inc. board. She holds a BA in Liberal Arts from California State University, Fullerton, and a CFA Institute Investment Foundations Certificate.
Carolyn began her career in the legal profession before moving into technology and operations management. She has worked with a Big Four accounting and consulting firm and currently serves as an IT Director at a Wall Street investment firm, where she oversees frontline technology services and operational systems.
Her professional background in financial systems, organizational infrastructure, and technology management support.
LAURIE JEROME
Laurie Jerome is a certified legal professional with more than 30 years of experience in the legal field. She currently works with Maynard Nexsen PC, a national law firm providing legal services worldwide.
Laurie is deeply committed to community service and pro bono work. In recognition of her dedication, she received the E. W. Mullins, Sr. Paralegal Pro Bono Award in 2011. She volunteers with several organizations, including the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society’s First Connection Program, Hands on Greenville, Meals on Wheels, and Wills for Heroes.
A cancer survivor and yoga practitioner, Laurie supports initiatives that promote health, resilience, and community well-being. She holds a BA in Financial Management from Clemson University.
ADVISORY BOARD
JANE PISANO, Ph.D.
Jane Pisano has more than 40 years of leadership experience in the nonprofit sector. She was the president and director of the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County for over 15 years, growing the museum attendance by more than 70%. Jane has also held prominent leadership positions in the education sector including USC School of Public Administration and USC Price School of Public Policy. Her degrees include: BA in Political Science, Stanford University; MA International Relations, Johns Hopkins University; PhD International Relations, Johns Hopkins University.
LIESCHEN BIERSTEDT
With a BA in Music and a BA in Psychology, Lieschen has maintained a successful music studio for over 30 years. Committed to music education, she was President of the Music Teachers’ Association of California from 2002-2004 and currently holds this position for a second term. Lieschen is a respected adjudicator of music competitions in Southern California and served on her local Hollywood Branch Board as well as the California State Board of Directors for many years.
LINDA McNAMARA, RN, MBA
Linda is a registered nurse whose career spans healthcare, global manufacturing, and academia. She served as Director of the Joseph F. Sullivan Center, an academic nurse-managed health center at Clemson University. Her previous roles include Group Personnel Manager and Employee Relations Manager at Michelin North America, and Vice President of Patient Services at Medical Personnel Pool. She has served on national committees, including the NIH’s Director’s Council of Public Representatives (COPR). Linda is co-author of If You Have to Wear an Ugly Dress, Learn to Accessorize and has contributed to peer-reviewed journals. She holds an MBA from Clemson University, a BSN from Jacksonville State University, and is a graduate of the Johnson & Johnson/UCLA Health Care Executive Program.
DR. NICOLE A. FABRIS-CARRAL
Dr. Fabris-Carral attended UC Berkeley where she studied Biology and Spanish. After graduating, she spent one year teaching science at Fairfax High School in Los Angeles, California. She then went on to New York Medical College, graduating in 2004. Nicole returned to California for training and completed her residency at Children's Hospital Los Angeles in 2007. Dr. Fabris-Carral joined Glendale Pediatrics in 2007. She is Board Certified in Pediatrics and is a Fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics and a member of the Los Angeles Pediatric Society. A mother of two girls and a yoga practitioner herself, Nicole recommends yoga to her young patients, especially for weight issues, anxiety, and focus.