BPIE Volunteer Bio's

Diana Abasta
I am an English teacher at Burbank High School . I have a son in the Burbank schools. As a matter of fact, I left my former school district that paid more because I wanted my son to have a quality education. I became involved in BPIE because I am acutely aware of the financial difficulties we are experiencing as a school district. I believe that we have a responsibility to reach out and make sure that all our students are getting a quality education. I am committed to establishing this educational foundation in Burbank.


Les Cohen
I am a counselor at John Burroughs High School and have lived in Burbank for over ten years. I enjoy playing and watching sports, particularly basketball. I also enjoy music, reading and hiking. Unfortunately, it is necessary to do outside fundraising in order to make sure that our schools have basic supplies. I want to help with that and that is why I'm involved in BPIE.


Jeanette Meyer
Fifteen years ago, I became a Burbank resident when I married Rick, a life-long Burbank resident. I have the pleasure to work for the City of Burbank and my children attend Jefferson Elementary and John Muir Middle School . I love the city, appreciate all that it has to offer, and want to be an active part of my community. I was shocked to hear that our school district, as a result of statewide financial cutbacks, is literally having trouble buying basic supplies like paper. That's why I'm involved in BPIE. I want to be part of the solution that will allow our schools to continue offering our children the outstanding education they deserve.


Judie Sarquiz
I am a 33-year resident of Burbank . I attended Horace Mann Elementary, John Muir Middle School and Burbank High School . I work for the City of Burbank and care greatly about our wonderful community. My husband, Rich, teaches at Burbank High School and our two girls attend Emerson Elementary and John Muir Middle School. As a longtime community member and parent of kids in our Burbank schools, I want to be part of helping our students and future students receive the excellent education they deserve.


Linda Walmsley
I graduated from Burroughs in 1966. I have taught in Burbank for 35 years. I have been involved in youth-related issues for many years. I love helping kids and our schools. I got involved in BPIE because I want to see the community be an active partner in making our schools great!