Board of Directors

Matthew Mendizabal
Board President

“My favorite Happy Hollow memory was riding Danny The Dragon and enjoying all the fantasies and imagination on the Dragon Trail. From the mighty to the miniature, all the animals present valuable learning experiences for the young and the young at heart. My favorite animal to see is Sophia, the Jaguar; but I also remember to visit all of those little guinea pigs. They live in a world of their own as we watch them interact in their guinea pig society.”-- Matthew

Jill Holdaway
Board Secretary

San Jose native Jill Holdaway has served on the Happy Hollow Foundation board since 2005. Jill is a Principle Information Developer at Symantec Corporation, a member of Toastmasters International, and has been enchanted by the park’s magic since it opened in 1961.

“My favorite memory is seeing a group of children rolling on the grass near the Crooked House and laughing, and laughing, and laughing while their parents stood by and beamed.” -- Jill

Pat Coleman
Board Treasurer

Pat joined the board around 1988. Have been in every office but mostly treasure. Even though the work can be time consuming I get charged every time I work with zoo teens or the puppet camps. I've traveled around the world managing service or sales support groups with various hi-tech start ups like Atari, Wyse and 3Com. Recently left IBM/Hitachi where I worked as an Account Manager for major OEM Accounts and Manufactures. I graduated from UCLA and received my MBA from Santa Clara University.

"My favorite Memory: There are so many but this one story was told to me by a little girl about 8 or 9. She had just attended zoo camp. She fell and hit her head hard on the cement. Her parents took her to emergency where they took xrays. A technician came in their waiting room and posted the xray on the light board. While they were waiting for the doctor the little girl turned and look to her father. She said don't worry dad, this is just a bruise and nothing more. I've seen xrays of animals like this at zoo camp and they said this was a minor injury. It made me realize that we do effect children in ways we may not even imagine." -- Pat

George Rix

George Rix is a well-respected and popular math teacher with kids, parents and staff at Willow Glen Middle School. He’s been on the board of directors for Happy Hollow Foundation for over 6 years. He’s involved in youth sports and the Willow Glen Education Foundation.

His favorite event at Happy Hollow is Haunt the Hollow. We always put him in the role of greeter because he’s an all around great guy and handles a crowd like a pro.  

John Tang

John is a graduate of San Jose State University where he earned BS and MS degrees in Civil Engineering, and Columbia University where he received an MBA in Finance. In addition to Happy Hollow Foundation, he also serves on the Boards of the Guadalupe River Park & Gardens and the Santa Clara County Firesafe Council. He is a member of the San Jose Rotary Club also an alumnus of the San Jose Leadership Council’s Class of 2008.

John Tang represents San Jose Water Company and is the father of two boys, Ryan, 5, and Eric, 3, who adore Happy Hollow Park & Zoo. He has many favorite memories of Happy Hollow and they all include his boys playing, laughing, and learning as they explore the park and zoo.

Chris Soden

Chris Soden is a controller with SpringSoft, Inc. as well as a volunteer for OneBrick.org.

Chris Soden brings to the Board more than 25 years of experience in finance and administration as well as a passion for animals and wildlife conservation, a commitment to having fun and a strong desire to make her little corner of the world a better place.

“My favorite Happy Hollow Memory is my first visit to the park over 20 years ago when mother and I brought my daughter here on her second birthday. Happy Hollow has been part of our lives ever since.”-- Chris

Heather Lerner

Heather Lerner is Executive Director of Happy Hollow Foundation. She served on the board for 6 years, including extended terms as president, prior to this position. Heather has a background in arts, education, special events and fundraising.

“My favorite Happy Hollow memory is when my aunt rounded up a bunch of kids and sent us into the garden to find the perfect snail. We jumped in the car and drove out to Happy Hollow and participated in the snail races. I’ve been a fan of special events ever since.” -- Heather

Kathryn Spelman

Kathryn is a graduate of the University of San Diego School of Law, and a principal in the San Jose based law firm of Mount & Stoelker, P.C.  Kathryn's law practice is focused in the areas of intellectual property, business and real estate litigation, and employment law.  She has served on numerous advisory groups and boards including as a member of the Board of Trustees of the San Jose Repertory Theatre and the Board of Directors of Morgan Autism Center and is an alumna of the of the Community Leadership San Jose's Class of 2003.  

"My favorite Happy Hollow memory is the first Mother's Day after my daughter learned to walk -- watching her eyes light up with excitement and listening to her giggles as she was able to actually touch the animals, ride the carousel, and navigate the park under her own power.  A second favorite memory is seeing the transformation of the park following the long wait of the rennovation - it was as though the park had been sprinkled with magic fairy dust." -- Kathryn

Jeff Cristina

Jeffrey Cristina Works with Zanker Road Resource Management, GreenWaste Recovery and Z-best products.  He is also a Planning Commissioner for the City of Campbell and president of Clara-Mateo Garbage Collectors' Association.

Erik Schoennauer

Erik Schoennauer is the owner of The Schoennauer Company, a land- use consulting firm.