Leadership Team
Roberta Zarea, Superintendent
Before joining the District in 2019, Roberta Zarea served as a teacher, curriculum coordinator, and Principal. Educational Services in the Saratoga Elementary School District. She was named the Association of California School Administrators (ACSA) Superintendent of the Year in 2021-2022.
Ms. Zarea is passionate about public education and finds joy in seeing students grow and develop into confident, self-sufficient learners who contribute to improving the world. She values partnerships with families and collaboration with teachers and staff. She finds PVSD particularly special as a community of good-hearted adults who genuinely care about children and generously support students with their time and resources. “It takes a Valley.”
Ms. Zarea actively supports Best Buddies International, a non-profit organization comprised of volunteers that create opportunities for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. She was named a Best Buddies “Champion of the Year” for the second year in a row.
When she’s not working, she likes to spend time with her family hiking and backpacking and taking walks with her two dogs. She also loves to read and travel.
Ms. Zarea is passionate about public education and finds joy in seeing students grow and develop into confident, self-sufficient learners who contribute to improving the world. She values partnerships with families and collaboration with teachers and staff. She finds PVSD particularly special as a community of good-hearted adults who genuinely care about children and generously support students with their time and resources. “It takes a Valley.”
Ms. Zarea actively supports Best Buddies International, a non-profit organization comprised of volunteers that create opportunities for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. She was named a Best Buddies “Champion of the Year” for the second year in a row.
When she’s not working, she likes to spend time with her family hiking and backpacking and taking walks with her two dogs. She also loves to read and travel.
Connie Ngo,
Chief Business Official
Connie joined the District as Chief Business Official in 2018, having worked in public school finance in the Bay Area since 2002. Before this, as a certified public accountant, she audited financial statements and internal controls for organizations. She enjoys her role in the District because her work is hands-on and involves her directly in many different aspects of school operations.
When she is not working, Connie enjoys cooking new recipes for her family – and is always gratified when her family enjoys the meals she makes for them! She also loves outdoor camping trips and hiking the local trails.
Dr. Minoo Shah,
Director of Educational Services & Wellness
Dr. Shah has worked in education for over 25 years. Her career began in India. She moved to the United States to pursue her Masters and Ph.D. Before joining PVSD in 2014, Minoo served at the San Francisco Unified School District for 16 years.
She finds working with students incredibly uplifting and gratifying, and loves putting a smile on a student’s face when interacting directly with them.
When she is not working, D.r Shah likes spending time with family and friends -- cooking, eating, and enjoying a movie together. She also loves to read fiction!
She finds working with students incredibly uplifting and gratifying, and loves putting a smile on a student’s face when interacting directly with them.
When she is not working, D.r Shah likes spending time with family and friends -- cooking, eating, and enjoying a movie together. She also loves to read fiction!
Kristen Shima
Principal, Corte Madera School
Ms. Shima has been part of the Corte Madera staff for the past 17 years. As a hands-on Principal, she enjoys working directly with students and being involved in their learning and school activities. Her students make her happy, and keep her young!
When she’s not working, she is busy raising two teenagers, going to their sporting events, and volunteering in the community. She also enjoys traveling with family and friends.
When she’s not working, she is busy raising two teenagers, going to their sporting events, and volunteering in the community. She also enjoys traveling with family and friends.
Lynette Hovland
Principal, Ormondale School
Ms. Hovland has been in education in San Mateo County for 36 years, the past seven years with PVSD. Her experience includes both elementary and middle school teaching, and as Principal. Ms. Hovland has also served as Special Education Director at a charter school, and at the district level in curriculum and accountability. Being an elementary school principal is her favorite!
Ms. Hovland loves working with students and enjoys their enthusiasm for learning and their sense of wonder and fun.
When she's not working, Ms. Hovland enjoys spending time with her family. She also loves to go antiquing and refinish and refurbish old furniture.