Corporate Board of Directors

Ms. Sandra Garner has devoted more than 40 years to working with the public sector and educational organizations to help resolve issues and overcome challenges. She was born and raised in Chino, attending El Rancho Elementary school (now home to Oxford Prep Chino Valley). She graduated from Chino High School, Chaffey College, and Cal State Fullerton. Ms. Garner also holds a Master’s degree in Education from Claremont Graduate University.

Early in her career, she was elected to serve as President of the Chaffey Community College Governing Board. She went on to serve as Campaign Manager, and then Chief of Staff, for Congressman Jay Kim of the 41st District, which, at that time, incorporated areas of Los Angeles, San Bernardino, and Orange Counties. She was a founding faculty member of Don Lugo High School in Chino where she taught for 13 years. Most recently, she worked with Western University of Health Sciences in Pomona as a faculty member in the Department of Social Medicine and Healthcare Leadership.

Ms. Garner brings her sincere passion for education, justice, and public service to the Oxford Preparatory Academy organization. Her expertise, talent, and professionalism brings additional strength and diversity to our Board as they promote, guard, and guide the mission and vision of the school.

Ms. Garner shares, “I promised my Goddaughter, who is in the 3rd grade at the Oxford Prep Chino Valley campus, that I would do everything I can to help save her school. She’s my heart and I know how special this school is in the lives of all of the children who attend OPA.”

Mr. Alberto Diaz brings with him 25 years of Information Technology experience as well as 22 years of business ownership and management. In these roles he has gained experience working with teams, coordinating with vendors, negotiating contracts, reviewing financial reports, and more. Additionally, Mr. Diaz is experienced in Board service, Brown Act, and procedural duties, having served on his Homeowners Association Board for 14 years and serving as Board President for the past 10 years.

Mr. Diaz’s commitment to OPA began in May of 2010, after he and his wife attended a Parent Information Meeting. Even though his triplets were not yet old enough to attend OPA, he stepped in to volunteer, devoting years of service to coordinate internet and phone services for the Chino Valley SOC campuses. He is an inaugural Founding member of OPA-Chino Valley.

His most recent contribution was taking the lead at customizing and implementing the Visitor Management System for Chino, and later for the SOC campus.

Mr. Diaz’s service on the OPA Board is a continuation of his love and commitment to our schools. His desire is to contribute his knowledge and experience to keeping the OPA legacy going strong for the many years to come.

25 years of leadership and experiences in strategic and financial planning, financial reporting, and auditing bring valuable expertise to the Board of Directors. In addition to her extensive experience as a leader among global corporations, she has also been involved in the following organizations:

• Red Hill Lutheran School Board Member
• Board Member at St. Verena Coptic Orthodox Church
• Women in Food Service Industry Organization
• Women in Health Services Organization
• Financial Women in Leadership Group
• Big Brother/Big Sister Program – Career Coaching for Youth

Her enthusiasm as a parent of an Oxford Prep-Saddleback Valley student equally matches her excitement at the opportunity to service the next term on the Board of Directors helping our schools continue in excellence.

Ms. Tarver brings more than 25 years of experience in education, a Masters in Educational Administration, and a BA in Business Administration to our organization. She is currently the CEO and Founder of two charter schools located in the High Desert, LaVerne Elementary Preparatory Academy and Desert Trails Preparatory Academy. Additionally, she has operated other charter schools and mentored charter leaders. Ms. Tarver’s service also extends beyond her school sites as a Council Member for California Charter Schools Association and Vice Chair of CAHELP, Desert Mountain’s SELPA along with many affiliations with professional educational organizations.

In March of 2016, Ms. Tarver successfully navigated her Desert Trails charter school through a petition renewal appeal with the County of San Bernardino. Her experience, tenacity, and knowledge will be a welcome addition to our organization as we continue with renewal efforts and strengthen operations at our schools.

Ms. Tarver is a true advocate for children. Her passion, work ethic, and community involvement speaks volumes of her dedication to work with children and families to make sure they get the best education possible.