In the spirit of ideas worth spreading, TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. At a TEDx event, TEDTalks video and live speakers combine to spark deep discussion and connection in a small group. These local, self-organized events are branded TEDx, where x = independently organized TED event. The TED Conference provides general guidance for the TEDx program, but individual TEDx events are self-organized (subject to certain rules and regulations).

Amador Theater
1155 Santa Rita Road
Amador Valley High School
Pleasanton, California, 94566
United States

Amanda Cooper

AVHS Student

Amanda is a sophomore in high school and when she is not being an outspoken LGBTQ+ activist, she can be found at dance competitions, or on stage either improvising or performing in musical theater.

Clark Fuller

Lights, Camera, Action!!

I grew up in Pleasanton, attending Alisal School, Pleasanton School and graduating from Amador Valley back in the day. I then taught English and coached basketball and golf in Pleasanton for 37 years at Alisal School, Harvest Park and Amador Valley. I'm recently retired and loving it- as my wonderful wife Lauren and I travel to destinations around the world.

Deborah Grossman

Journalist

Deborah Grossman is a journalist who writes about people and places that produce unique food and drink. Deborah participates in international wine events and travels broadly for her work. She writes for publications such as Vegas magazine and DrinkMemag.com and blogs on her website, deborahgrossman.com. Deborah grew up in Delaware, received her graduate degree from the University of London and lives in Pleasanton.

Erik Moore

AVHS Student

My name is Erik Moore and I am a junior at Amador Valley High. I have played highly competitive soccer as well as engaged in multiple music programs. My love for sports provided me with benefits in my academic and social life – benefits that would hopefully encourage others to incorporate sports into their lives as well.

Ginny Foos

Retired Teacher

As a person with Achondroplasia, the most common form of dwarfism, Mrs. Foos, will offer a unique perspective on this issue. 3. Brief Bio Mrs. Foos has taught for over 25 years, 20 of which was here in Pleasanton, as a substitute. While she misses the creative control of having her own classroom, she enjoys her evenings and weekends more. She also likes the fact that she is up in front of many more students, educating them about the diversity that physically challenged people bring to our lovely "mixed salad" of cultures.

Ivan Arzola

AVHS Student

I grew up most of my life without technology. When I was 10 years old I was gifted a Nintendo 3Ds. In it, it had a software program that would let you make stop animations. I remember spending hours and hours making silly videos. That’s really where my passion for filmmaking began. When I turned 13, I got my first laptop and immediately started to experiment with Imovie. My passion for filmmaking only became stronger and I increased my editing capabilities. I believe that there is much to learn about life through filmmaking. Looking at different perspectives, looking at the bigger story, etc.

Jill Buck

Community Activist

In 2002, Jill founded the Go Green Initiative, a 501©3 that is the global leader in environmental education, operating in all 50 U.S. states, 73 countries, and on 5 continents. In 2004, Jill established Buck Consulting, which helps businesses “go green”, and achieve profitability through sustainability. Jill is the host of “Go Green Radio,” a weekly program on the U.S.’s largest internet talk radio station, www.VoiceAmerica.com, and is co-author of the book, 47 Things You Can Do For The Environment. Jill Buck is an alumna of the University of Illinois, and after graduation, was commissioned a Naval Officer. She holds a Masters of Science in Education.

Jocelyn Zhu

AVHS Student

Jocelyn Zhu is a sophomore at Amador Valley High School. She is interested in the fields of Math and Physics and hopes to study Astrophysics in the future. In her free time, she enjoys singing and writing flash fiction about fruit.

Laura Wenstrand

Teacher

Laura has been a primary level teacher for 23 years, including two separate stints teaching in international schools in Latin America. In 2005, Laura began incorporating a formal wellness component to her Kindergarten classes and eventually took her ideas to the district level by creating a district-wide Wellness Committee in Pleasanton Unified. Mindfulness, yoga, meditation and breathwork are some of the concepts Laura has incorporated into her teaching with the goal of helping her students reach their academic and personal goals. In addition to teaching primary level students, Laura has also taught wellness courses in the PUSD Adult Education program. Laura is currently a Kindergarten teacher and leads the Social Emotional Task Force at Dennis Earl Elementary School in Turlock.

Lauren Londoño

AVHS Student

Lauren Londoño is a senior at Amador Valley High School. She is passionate about the environment and health/nutrition, and follows a low-waste and plant-based lifestyle. As a teen, she is involved in many clubs and organizations, focusing her efforts on environmental protection and advocation in the community. For university, she intends to major in environmental studies with minors or concentrations in public policy and/or nutrition science.

Sheree Bishop

Student

Sheree Bishop is an Amador senior who moved to the US from Canada in the seventh grade. She has been a member of the color guard for all of her 4 years at Amador. She is also a page editor for the school newspaper (the Amadon). In her free time, she enjoys writing, design, and spending time with her friends.

Stacey Ristow

Teacher

Stacey has been practicing and teaching wellness through a variety of methods for about 20 years. Mindfulness, yoga, meditation and breathwork are some of the practices she has shared with the intent to reduce stress and create wellness. She enjoys sharing interactive wellness practices with all types of groups, including the PUSD Adult Education program. Stacey is currently a culinary teacher at Amador Valley High School.

Vicki Estrada

Landscape Architect

Vicki Estrada is a graduate of the 1975 class of Landscape Architecture at Cal Poly SLO. She founded Estrada Land Planning in 1985. and has over 44 years of private practice experience, working for both public and private interests. Some of her past projects include the Balboa Park Master Plan, the Park Boulevard Promenade, the Otay Ranch New Town Plan, the San Diego Convention Center expansion, Broadway Streetscape, Barrio Logan Community Plan Update and the SDSU Trolley Station. She serves on many local and national boards and committees and was the San Diego ASLA Chapter president in 1981.