A Strong Foundation for Student Success

About Us

Every day at Longfellow, families and educators create an engaging environment where students can flourish, and now, with resources more limited than ever, supporting students academically requires new approaches that build on the ways our community already supports them.

The Amigos de Longfellow Foundation, a new academically focused nonprofit, is now part of the Longfellow community. Founded in July 2025, the foundation was created with a clear mission, to strengthen support for Longfellow Spanish Immersion Magnet School by providing targeted funding that empowers the school to improve student achievement, performance and well-being.

Why do we need an educational foundation?

Through this mission, the Foundation is chartered to provide resources beyond what district funding can sustain, giving the school leadership and educators the flexibility to strengthen academic and social-emotional programs for students. The Foundation operates independently with a mission to support the school’s academic priorities, as identified in collaboration with School Leaders, the School Site Council (SSC), and the School Governance Team (SGT).

Board of Directors

Our Board of Directors is composed of dedicated educators, administrators, community members, and education advocates who share a strong commitment to student success. The board provides strategic leadership, financial oversight, and long-term vision to ensure the foundation resources directly support the mission.

Krystle Stringfellow
Co-President

Senior Engineering Manager
Northrop Grumman

Krystle Stringfellow is an engineering leader at Northrop Grumman’s Global Surveillance Division in San Diego, where she leads large, multi-disciplinary teams and delivers complex programs. She brings nearly 20 years of experience across engineering, operations, and management.

She holds a B.S. in Electrical Engineering from Loyola Marymount University and an M.S. in Systems Engineering from UC San Diego, and was recognized as a 2022 Modern-Day Technology Leader by the Black Engineer of the Year Awards. A San Diego parent and active school volunteer, Krystle is deeply engaged in education, youth programs, and community service.

Blanca Persson-Ramos
Co-President

Business Owner
ELLABuilders

Blanca Persson-Ramos is an operational executive with extensive experience building startups and driving multimillion-dollar growth. She is the co-founder and COO of a women-owned construction company and also serves as COO of a real estate investment firm.

A parent in the Longfellow community, Blanca volunteers in many ways from supporting teachers to reading Spanish literature to students. Born to Mexican immigrant parents and raising a multiracial, trilingual family, she is passionate about fostering inclusivity, global citizenship, and collaboration. Outside of work and volunteering, Blanca enjoys sports, gastronomy, and traveling with her family.

Kimberly Deberzunza
Vice-President

Middle School Teacher
Longfellow UTK-8

Kimberly de Berzunza, M.A. is a dedicated middle school History teacher at Longfellow UTK‑8, where she teaches 7th and 8th grade U.S. History with engaging, dynamic instruction. She brings a bilingual and culturally rich perspective to the classroom, fostering critical thinking and helping students connect the past to the present.

Kimberly is recognized by students for her creativity, hands-on activities, and thoughtful discussions that make learning meaningful while building both academic skills and confidence. In addition to her classroom work, she serves as a Lecturer in the School of Teacher Education at San Diego State University, supporting the development of future educators.

Greg Gleeson
Treasurer

CPA and CFA

Greg Gleeson brings over 20 years of finance and operations experience, with leadership roles at investment firms and deep expertise in accounting and financial management. He has served on nonprofit boards including the CFA Society of San Diego and the San Diego Public Library Foundation. Greg began his career as an Audit Manager at Ernst & Young and holds a B.A. in Business Economics/Accounting from UC Santa Barbara and an MBA from UCLA Anderson. He is a CPA (inactive) and CFA.

Kathy Youngberg
Foundation Secretary

Retired U.S. Naval Officer
Helicopter Pilot

Kathleen Youngberg is a retired U.S. Naval officer with 20 years of service as a helicopter pilot specializing in search and rescue, combat support, and logistics. She brings extensive experience in leadership, strategic planning, operations, and resource management.

A longtime member of the Longfellow community, Kathleen has volunteered as an art teacher, fundraising facilitator, field trip organizer, camp chaperone, and formerly as the middle school wood shop teacher. She also served three years as President of Peninsula Little League, leading a 30-member board and coordinating programs for over 900 youth annually.

Kathleen holds a B.S. in Aerospace Engineering from the University of Colorado at Boulder and an M.S. in Civil Engineering from San Diego State University, and has earned numerous military qualifications, including Helicopter Aircraft Commander, Instructor Pilot, Master Training Specialist, and Survival Instructor.

Serenity Pascual
Fundraising Chair

Nurse Practitioner

Serenity Pascual, MSN, NNP-BC is a highly experienced Neonatal Nurse Practitioner, passionate about supporting and empowering mothers as they bring new life into the world. She brings the same dedication to Longfellow, where she has been an active community member, serving on the PTO and SSC boards, as a room parent, art corp volunteer, and Ballet Folklorico coordinator.

A retired Navy spouse and mother of three in household with both Cuban and Filipino customs. She holds two master’s degrees and is deeply committed to fostering cultural enrichment and meaningful experiences for students. She played a key role in establishing the school’s musical theatre program.

Craig Jacobsen
Educator Representative

Elementary School Teacher
Longfellow UTK-8

Craig Jacobsen is a 2nd grade teacher at Longfellow UTK‑8, where he creates an engaging and supportive classroom environment that students enjoy. He is dedicated to helping young learners build strong academic foundations while fostering curiosity and a love of learning.

Outside the classroom, Craig enjoys surfing, bringing the same energy and enthusiasm to his personal passions as he does to teaching.

Laura Alluin
Administrator Representative

Principal
Longfellow UTK-8

Laura Alluin, EdD is the Principal of Longfellow Spanish Immersion Magnet School, bringing more than 30 years of experience in education and over 15 years in school leadership. She previously served as Principal of Hardy Elementary School and has held administrative roles at Jackson, Perkins, Baker, and Bell schools, spanning both elementary and middle school communities.

Laura has also served as an instructor in LAUSD’s District Intern Program and as an adjunct professor at the University of Phoenix. A bilingual educator, she is deeply committed to student success, inclusive leadership, and strong school–community partnerships. Outside of school, Laura is a Girl Scout leader for high school seniors and enjoys fitness, cooking and baking, and walking her German Shepherd.

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About Us

Board of Directors

Krystle StringfellowCo-President

Senior Engineering ManagerNorthrop Grumman

Blanca Persson-RamosCo-President

Business OwnerELLABuilders

Kimberly DeberzunzaVice-President

Middle School TeacherLongfellow UTK-8

Greg GleesonTreasurer

CPA and CFA

Kathy YoungbergFoundation Secretary

Retired U.S. Naval OfficerHelicopter Pilot

Serenity PascualFundraising Chair