Volunteer Spotlight
Stanford Parent's Club thrives on the dedication of our wonderful volunteers who play a pivotal role in everything we accomplish. Their tireless efforts and passion for service not only promote growth within our community but also inspire others to contribute. Here, we shine a spotlight on these incredible individuals who are the driving force behind our initiatives and events. Their hard work and commitment create a welcoming atmosphere where all families can feel supported and engaged. Join us in celebrating their invaluable contributions and the positive impact they make.
📌 Do you know a parent volunteer who has gone above and beyond? Submit your nomination below and help us recognize the incredible parents who make a difference!
Stanford Events - Local
This award honors dedicated volunteers who go above and beyond to support Stanford’s local events, including New Student Orientation, Family Weekend, and Admit Weekend. These events play a vital role in welcoming new students and families, building community, and showcasing the Stanford experience. The Volunteer Recognition Award celebrates individuals whose energy, reliability, and spirit of service help make these campus moments truly memorable.
BIO:
Dr. Allison Belger is a licensed psychologist who lives in Marin County, CA. With a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Dartmouth College, a Master’s degree in Learning Disabilities from Northwestern University, and a Doctoral degree in Clinical Psychology from the Wright Institute in Berkeley, Allison has held many positions across settings throughout her career but has worked almost exclusively with teens and young adults.
Outside of her work life, Allison enjoys hiking, fitness pursuits, listening to podcasts, and catching up with friends over dinner. She is determined to forever be able to do 10 consecutive strict pull-ups on demand.
Allison and her husband, TJ, have two daughters currently studying at Stanford: Lyle Belger ‘25 (and Coterm ‘26) and Hollis Belger ‘27. Allison often demands from her own parents an explanation as to why they didn’t encourage her to look at Stanford when she was a high school student in suburban New York.
What has been your most memorable experience as an SPC volunteer?
My most memorable experience as a SPC volunteer has probably been being part of parent panels at the Admit Weekends in 2024 and 2025. There’s something magical about being surrounded by prospective families who have recently received the exciting news that their child has a spot at Stanford. I love sharing my family’s experiences as part of the Stanford family, and hearing about the diverse experiences of the other panel members. It’s a fun, positive, welcoming, and uplifting event!
Why did you join SPC?
I joined SPC when our older daughter became a student. We are local (a little more than an hour north of campus), and I wanted to be able to offer support to our new community however I could. I was also excited to connect with other current and former parents, to share in the joy of being part of this special extended family. Given my background in mental health and education, I initially helped out as a new parent Facebook group monitor, focusing on questions related to the transition to college, and targeting anxiety around the parent process of letting go. As we were all just coming out of the pandemic, I also presented during a SPC Zoom as a featured speaker on supporting the mental health of our students, and I’ve since loved sharing guidance on Zooms for prospective and new parents.
There are many people who work MUCH harder than I do to make the SPC what it is, and I’m humbled and honored to receive this meaningful recognition!
BIO:
John (BA Communication ‘89) is a proud parent of Katie (BA Sociology ‘24, MA Sociology ‘25) and Emily (expected BA Political Science ‘27) -- and spouse of Heather Warren (BA English + German Studies ‘91) Mannion. He grew up in New York, was offered admission to Stanford in 1985, and never really left. He’s a relatively recent, mostly retired 35-year B2B ad agency veteran (creative, strategy, global accounts) and is now a full-time Bay Area theatre performing hobbyist. John and Heather met doing musical theatre at Stanford, and predictably, both their daughters are prolific extracurricular campus performers. A lifelong Stanford advocate, John thoroughly enjoys welcoming new members into the Stanford family.
What has been your most memorable experience as an SPC volunteer?
My most memorable experience as an SPC volunteer is Wearing the SPC red vest during Prospective Frosh weekend is a hoot. I often wind up way-overstaying my welcome on campus those days — because I thoroughly enjoy approaching any and all prospective parents, welcoming them and asking if anybody has any questions. Their immediate / reflex response if often “No thanks, we’re good.” But I make it a habit of lingering around just a few moments after that first interaction… and 90% of the time, one of the parents pipes up and says, “Actually, if you have a second…” — Coupa Cafe outside Green is my favorite place to encounter families that weekend. Once, a parent actually recognized me from a Zoom breakout session a couple weeks before the event, and had a specific follow up question to a subject we’d discussed then.
Why did you join SPC?
I joined SPC because I blindly came to Stanford from New York based only on photos in 1985, and (on the flip side) because we’ve had the privilege of sending our daughters to a school and environment entirely familiar to us, I feel an obligation to help make families near and far feel fully comfortable and satisfied that my alma mater and family’s University will take very good care of, and yet still “adult” their kids. Plus, with both daughters out of the house, I need things to do! And this relatively small contribution of shared time, effort, and expertise helps me feel at least abstractly connected to my kids’ experience.
Biography:
Dr. Allison Belger is a licensed psychologist who lives in Marin County, CA. With a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Dartmouth College, a Master’s degree in Learning Disabilities from Northwestern University, and a Doctoral degree in Clinical Psychology from the Wright Institute in Berkeley, Allison has held many positions across settings throughout her career but has worked almost exclusively with teens and young adults.
Outside of her work life, Allison enjoys hiking, fitness pursuits, listening to podcasts, and catching up with friends over dinner. She is determined to forever be able to do 10 consecutive strict pull-ups on demand.
Allison and her husband, TJ, have two daughters currently studying at Stanford: Lyle Belger ‘25 (and Coterm ‘26) and Hollis Belger ‘27. Allison often demands from her own parents an explanation as to why they didn’t encourage her to look at Stanford when she was a high school student in suburban New York.
What has been your most memorable experience as an SPC volunteer?
My most memorable experience as a SPC volunteer has probably been being part of parent panels at the Admit Weekends in 2024 and 2025. There’s something magical about being surrounded by prospective families who have recently received the exciting news that their child has a spot at Stanford. I love sharing my family’s experiences as part of the Stanford family, and hearing about the diverse experiences of the other panel members. It’s a fun, positive, welcoming, and uplifting event!
Why did you join SPC?
I joined SPC when our older daughter became a student. We are local (a little more than an hour north of campus), and I wanted to be able to offer support to our new community however I could. I was also excited to connect with other current and former parents, to share in the joy of being part of this special extended family. Given my background in mental health and education, I initially helped out as a new parent Facebook group monitor, focusing on questions related to the transition to college, and targeting anxiety around the parent process of letting go. As we were all just coming out of the pandemic, I also presented during a SPC Zoom as a featured speaker on supporting the mental health of our students, and I’ve since loved sharing guidance on Zooms for prospective and new parents.
There are many people who work MUCH harder than I do to make the SPC what it is, and I’m humbled and honored to receive this meaningful recognition!
Biography:
John (BA Communication ‘89) is a proud parent of Katie (BA Sociology ‘24, MA Sociology ‘25) and Emily (expected BA Political Science ‘27) -- and spouse of Heather Warren (BA English + German Studies ‘91) Mannion. He grew up in New York, was offered admission to Stanford in 1985, and never really left. He’s a relatively recent, mostly retired 35-year B2B ad agency veteran (creative, strategy, global accounts) and is now a full-time Bay Area theatre performing hobbyist. John and Heather met doing musical theatre at Stanford, and predictably, both their daughters are prolific extracurricular campus performers. A lifelong Stanford advocate, John thoroughly enjoys welcoming new members into the Stanford family.
What has been your most memorable experience as an SPC volunteer?
My most memorable experience as an SPC volunteer is wearing the SPC red vest during Prospective Frosh weekend is a hoot. I often wind up way-overstaying my welcome on campus those days — because I thoroughly enjoy approaching any and all prospective parents, welcoming them and asking if anybody has any questions. Their immediate / reflex response if often “No thanks, we’re good.” But I make it a habit of lingering around just a few moments after that first interaction… and 90% of the time, one of the parents pipes up and says, “Actually, if you have a second…” — Coupa Cafe outside Green is my favorite place to encounter families that weekend. Once, a parent actually recognized me from a Zoom breakout session a couple weeks before the event, and had a specific follow up question to a subject we’d discussed then.
Why did you join SPC?
I joined SPC because I blindly came to Stanford from New York based only on photos in 1985, and (on the flip side) because we’ve had the privilege of sending our daughters to a school and environment entirely familiar to us, I feel an obligation to help make families near and far feel fully comfortable and satisfied that my alma mater and family’s University will take very good care of, and yet still “adult” their kids. Plus, with both daughters out of the house, I need things to do! And this relatively small contribution of shared time, effort, and expertise helps me feel at least abstractly connected to my kids’ experience.
Stanford Events - Non-Local
This award recognizes volunteers who contribute their time and talents to virtual and remote Stanford events, such as Welcome Zooms and Online Chats. These volunteers play a crucial role in creating a warm, informative, and inclusive experience for families—no matter where they are in the world. Whether answering questions, offering reassurance, or sharing insights, they help build connection and community from afar. Their flexibility, enthusiasm, and commitment are vital to the success of Stanford’s outreach beyond campus.
Biography:
My name is Mary Beth Jenkins. While I am an American by birth, I have lived in Barcelona, Spain as an expat with my husband and our two sons for the last seven years. Before moving to Spain, I worked in corporate America and later for a small business. Our eldest son is a member of the Stanford Class of 2027 and our youngest son is an incoming member of the Stanford Class of 2029. I enjoy meeting new people and, if I have not already met you, I hope to meet you soon!
What has been your most memorable experience as an SPC volunteer?
My most memorable experience as an SPC volunteer has been participating in the Welcome Zoom Events for incoming Frosh (Class 2028 & 2029) families. As my family and I live abroad and we're new to the Stanford community, I attended these same Welcome Zoom Events after our eldest son was accepted. I remember being so grateful to all the SPC parent volunteers for their guidance, warm wishes, and gracious welcome to the Farm.
Why did you join SPC?
As a new Stanford parent, I was amazed by the generosity of the SPC’s leadership and parent community. SPC seemed very helpful, from hosting events during Stanford Admit Weekend, New Student Orientation, and International Student Orientation, to organizing parent socials and the Distinguished Speaker Series. I was so grateful to SPC and joined the organization with the hope to help the next generation of the Stanford Parent community.
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Student Support
This award honors volunteers who make a meaningful difference in the lives of students through hands-on support initiatives like the Career Closet, Thanksgiving and Winter Break Meals, Bike Refurbishment, and more. These programs provide comfort, resources, and a sense of belonging—especially for students far from home. Whether helping a student find professional attire, enjoy a home-cooked meal, or get a reliable bike, these volunteers embody the spirit of care and community that defines the Stanford experience.
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About:
I moved to the Bay Area from the East Coast when my son was a freshman at Stanford. I joined the Parents’ Club hoping to meet people and contribute in a meaningful way, what I have received in return has been so much more than I ever expected.
Though my professional background is in finance, building community and being of service has always mattered most to me. The friendships I’ve formed with kind, forward-thinking parents and the interactions I’ve had with brilliant students and faculty have been a blessing and a gift.
Sharing meals, attending lectures, and participating in campus events has made Stanford and the South Bay feel like home. Some of my favorite moments have been seeing the joy on students’ faces as they leave the Career Closet with new outfits, ready for an upcoming interview or internship. Equally special are the bonds formed with the generous and thoughtful parents who make it all happen.
Allison Belger
Biography
Dr. Allison Belger is a licensed psychologist who lives in Marin County, CA. With a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Dartmouth College, a Master’s degree in Learning Disabilities from Northwestern University, and a Doctoral degree in Clinical Psychology from the Wright Institute in Berkeley, Allison has held many positions across settings throughout her career but has worked almost exclusively with teens and young adults.
Outside of her work life, Allison enjoys hiking, fitness pursuits, listening to podcasts, and catching up with friends over dinner. She is determined to forever be able to do 10 consecutive strict pull-ups on demand.
Allison and her husband, TJ, have two daughters currently studying at Stanford: Lyle Belger ‘25 (and Coterm ‘26) and Hollis Belger ‘27. Allison often demands from her own parents an explanation as to why they didn’t encourage her to look at Stanford when she was a high school student in suburban New York.
What has been your most memorable experience as an SPC volunteer?
My most memorable experience as a SPC volunteer has probably been being part of parent panels at the Admit Weekends in 2024 and 2025. There’s something magical about being surrounded by prospective families who have recently received the exciting news that their child has a spot at Stanford. I love sharing my family’s experiences as part of the Stanford family, and hearing about the diverse experiences of the other panel members. It’s a fun, positive, welcoming, and uplifting event!
Why did you join SPC?
I joined SPC when our older daughter became a student. We are local (a little more than an hour north of campus), and I wanted to be able to offer support to our new community however I could. I was also excited to connect with other current and former parents, to share in the joy of being part of this special extended family. Given my background in mental health and education, I initially helped out as a new parent Facebook group monitor, focusing on questions related to the transition to college, and targeting anxiety around the parent process of letting go. As we were all just coming out of the pandemic, I also presented during a SPC Zoom as a featured speaker on supporting the mental health of our students, and I’ve since loved sharing guidance on Zooms for prospective and new parents.
There are many people who work MUCH harder than I do to make the SPC what it is, and I’m humbled and honored to receive this meaningful recognition!
John Mannion
Biography
John (BA Communication ‘89) is a proud parent of Katie (BA Sociology ‘24, MA Sociology ‘25) and Emily (expected BA Political Science ‘27) -- and spouse of Heather Warren (BA English + German Studies ‘91) Mannion. He grew up in New York, was offered admission to Stanford in 1985, and never really left. He’s a relatively recent, mostly retired 35-year B2B ad agency veteran (creative, strategy, global accounts) and is now a full-time Bay Area theatre performing hobbyist. John and Heather met doing musical theatre at Stanford, and predictably, both their daughters are prolific extracurricular campus performers. A lifelong Stanford advocate, John thoroughly enjoys welcoming new members into the Stanford family.
What has been your most memorable experience as an SPC volunteer?
Wearing the SPC red vest during Prospective Frosh weekend is a hoot. I often wind up way-overstaying my welcome on campus those days — because I thoroughly enjoy approaching any and all prospective parents, welcoming them and asking if anybody has any questions. Their immediate / reflex response if often “No thanks, we’re good.” But I make it a habit of lingering around just a few moments after that first interaction… and 90% of the time, one of the parents pipes up and says, “Actually, if you have a second…” — Coupa Cafe outside Green is my favorite place to encounter families that weekend. Once, a parent actually recognized me from a Zoom breakout session a couple weeks before the event, and had a specific follow up question to a subject we’d discussed then.
Why did you join SPC?
Because I blindly came to Stanford from New York based only on photos in 1985, and (on the flip side) because we’ve had the privilege of sending our daughters to a school and environment entirely familiar to us, I feel an obligation to help make families near and far feel fully comfortable and satisfied that my alma mater and family’s University will take very good care of, and yet still “adult” their kids. Plus, with both daughters out of the house, I need things to do! And this relatively small contribution of shared time, effort, and expertise helps me feel at least abstractly connected to my kids’ experience.
Rita Patel
About
I moved to the Bay Area from the East Coast when my son was a freshman at Stanford. I joined the Parents’ Club hoping to meet people and contribute in a meaningful way, what I have received in return has been so much more than I ever expected.
Though my professional background is in finance, building community and being of service has always mattered most to me. The friendships I’ve formed with kind, forward-thinking parents and the interactions I’ve had with brilliant students and faculty have been a blessing and a gift.
Sharing meals, attending lectures, and participating in campus events has made Stanford and the South Bay feel like home. Some of my favorite moments have been seeing the joy on students’ faces as they leave the Career Closet with new outfits, ready for an upcoming interview or internship. Equally special are the bonds formed with the generous and thoughtful parents who make it all happen.
David Kim
At Stanford Parent's Club, we are thrilled to shine a spotlight on David Kim, a dedicated parent of the Class of 2027 who embodies the spirit of our community. As a proud Stanford alum and the VP of Volunteers, David brings unmatched energy and enthusiasm to our organization. His passion for fostering a supportive environment for parents and students alike makes him a remarkable speaker and cheerleader for all. Join us in celebrating his contributions as we continue to build a vibrant community together.
Allison Belger
Bio:
Dr. Allison Belger is a licensed psychologist who lives in Marin County, CA. With a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Dartmouth College, a Master’s degree in Learning Disabilities from Northwestern University, and a Doctoral degree in Clinical Psychology from the Wright Institute in Berkeley, Allison has held many positions across settings throughout her career but has worked almost exclusively with teens and young adults.
Outside of her work life, Allison enjoys hiking, fitness pursuits, listening to podcasts, and catching up with friends over dinner. She is determined to forever be able to do 10 consecutive strict pull-ups on demand.
Allison and her husband, TJ, have two daughters currently studying at Stanford: Lyle Belger ‘25 (and Coterm ‘26) and Hollis Belger ‘27. Allison often demands from her own parents an explanation as to why they didn’t encourage her to look at Stanford when she was a high school student in suburban New York.
What has been your most memorable experience as an SPC volunteer?
My most memorable experience as a SPC volunteer has probably been being part of parent panels at the Admit Weekends in 2024 and 2025. There’s something magical about being surrounded by prospective families who have recently received the exciting news that their child has a spot at Stanford. I love sharing my family’s experiences as part of the Stanford family, and hearing about the diverse experiences of the other panel members. It’s a fun, positive, welcoming, and uplifting event!
Why did you join SPC?
I joined SPC when our older daughter became a student. We are local (a little more than an hour north of campus), and I wanted to be able to offer support to our new community however I could. I was also excited to connect with other current and former parents, to share in the joy of being part of this special extended family. Given my background in mental health and education, I initially helped out as a new parent Facebook group monitor, focusing on questions related to the transition to college, and targeting anxiety around the parent process of letting go. As we were all just coming out of the pandemic, I also presented during a SPC Zoom as a featured speaker on supporting the mental health of our students, and I’ve since loved sharing guidance on Zooms for prospective and new parents.
There are many people who work MUCH harder than I do to make the SPC what it is, and I’m humbled and honored to receive this meaningful recognition!
John Mannion
Bio:
John (BA Communication ‘89) is a proud parent of Katie (BA Sociology ‘24, MA Sociology ‘25) and Emily (expected BA Political Science ‘27) -- and spouse of Heather Warren (BA English + German Studies ‘91) Mannion. He grew up in New York, was offered admission to Stanford in 1985, and never really left. He’s a relatively recent, mostly retired 35-year B2B ad agency veteran (creative, strategy, global accounts) and is now a full-time Bay Area theatre performing hobbyist. John and Heather met doing musical theatre at Stanford, and predictably, both their daughters are prolific extracurricular campus performers. A lifelong Stanford advocate, John thoroughly enjoys welcoming new members into the Stanford family.
What has been your most memorable experience as an SPC volunteer?
Wearing the SPC red vest during Prospective Frosh weekend is a hoot. I often wind up way-overstaying my welcome on campus those days — because I thoroughly enjoy approaching any and all prospective parents, welcoming them and asking if anybody has any questions. Their immediate / reflex response if often “No thanks, we’re good.” But I make it a habit of lingering around just a few moments after that first interaction… and 90% of the time, one of the parents pipes up and says, “Actually, if you have a second…” — Coupa Cafe outside Green is my favorite place to encounter families that weekend. Once, a parent actually recognized me from a Zoom breakout session a couple weeks before the event, and had a specific follow up question to a subject we’d discussed then.
Why did you join SPC?
Because I blindly came to Stanford from New York based only on photos in 1985, and (on the flip side) because we’ve had the privilege of sending our daughters to a school and environment entirely familiar to us, I feel an obligation to help make families near and far feel fully comfortable and satisfied that my alma mater and family’s University will take very good care of, and yet still “adult” their kids. Plus, with both daughters out of the house, I need things to do! And this relatively small contribution of shared time, effort, and expertise helps me feel at least abstractly connected to my kids’ experience.