The City of South San Francisco
Office of the City Clerk
400 Grand Avenue
South San Francisco, CA 94080
(650) 877-8518
2 SUPPLEMENTAL QUESTIONNAIRE
Why are you interested in serving as a Boards and Commissions member? What do you feel you could contribute?
What qualifies you for this appointment?
What is your vision for growth in South San Francisco?
I am extremely passionate about creating a safe, beautiful, and resilient community where everyone can thrive. The more I have learned about the responsibilities of the Parks and Recreation Commission, the more I’ve realized how many aspects of my experience are a match for the role.
My early career in marketing and communications gives me a broad understanding of what it takes to successfully promote programs and initiatives, and my current career in educational enrichment and early childhood education can be a major asset to our preschool program. I have also led many volunteer activities and environmental advocacy efforts throughout the years (details in next section).
More recently, health challenges have given me unique insight into ways disability can impact a person’s As mentioned above, I have a broad range of relevant experience - both personal and professional - that I can draw on for this role:
Community Organizations and Events
Over the years, I’ve served on numerous volunteer and planning committees. I’ve also taken a leadership role in all kinds of community activities- including youth groups, volunteer events, talent shows, art exhibitions, and food drives. By applying marketing principles at each phase of planning, and forming strategic partnerships with key organizations, I was able to achieve each initiative’s goals without breaking the budget. ___
Educational Enrichment
My more recent professional experience is particularly relevant when it comes to the preschool program. I have been an enrichment educator for nearly fifteen years, including seven years teaching preschoolers and kindergartners at a local art school. I absolutely love working with kids, and it was common for parents to specifically request me. Because my classes were so well-received, the owner asked me to assist with hiring and training new teachers. I went on to develop teaching guides and a comprehensive instructor handbook.
Sadly, my health no longer allows me to regularly work directly with young children. However, I continue to train other teachers, and have also started working with a national educational enrichment provider to improve and expand their operations. ___
Environmental Advocacy
Parks are a core element of our city’s growth. Far more than simple open spaces, parks play an increasingly important role in building community, improving public health, and protecting against environmental destruction. As a commissioner, I would seek new ways to bring residents together in caring for our shared spaces, and champion forward-thinking projects like the Colma Creek restoration. Some more specific priorities would include:
Increased Community Outreach
Between the activity guide booklets and efforts like the Pine Lot listening session, our Parks and Recreation department does a lot of great work connecting with residents. There are also gaps in our communication, though, which could be closed with little to no cost to the city. For instance, until July of 2020, the Pine Green Lot and the Cypress & Pine Playground weren't listed on Google Maps. After I added them, I started getting notifications that my listings had received hundreds, then thousands, then tens of thousands of views. As of today, they have been viewed a combined total of nearly 450,000 times.
As a commissioner, I would apply my background in marketing and communication to help build on existing outreach initiatives and identify and close gaps in our communication to literally and figuratively put our parks on the map.
___
Strengthening our Parks System
Our city has wonderful parks and recreational facilities. Unfortunately, they are relatively siloed; pockets of green space tucked amid buildings and parking lots. It’s not particularly easy to get to them without driving.
As a commissioner, I would work to strengthen our parks as a cohesive system, considering both how people will use each facility and how they will get there. As our city continues to improve bike and pedestrian infrastructure, parks can become key hubs in that network, encouraging more people to get outside and experience all our city has to offer. ___
Jennifer Garstang
SKILLS
● Education
● Idea Generation
● Writing
● Communication
● Training
● Marketing Strategy
Software: Google Suite, Adobe Suite, WordPress, Excel, PowerPoint, Word, Microsoft & Apple OS
EXPERIENCE
TECHNICAL WRITER & OPERATIONS DEVELOPMENT SPECIALIST • NEXPLORE JAN 2024-PRESENT Work directly with the COO to develop organization-wide processes and procedures that will support the company’s rapid growth • Design and build operational tools to streamline work for key departments • Write training documentation that facilitates efficient, effective learning.
CURRICULUM & PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT SPECIALIST • NEXPLORE 2023-2024 Crafted unique and exciting curriculums and lesson plans for instructors to teach in schools across the US • Trained instructors and key staff in how to effectively implement new programs • Gathered & incorporated feedback to continuously hone and improve lesson outcomes.
SENIOR ART INSTRUCTOR • HAPPY PICASSO 2017-2024
Designed and taught fun, enriching art projects for kids and adults, specializing in ages 4-6 • Assisted owner in training and managing all other instructors at the company • Developed training documents and protocols for instructors • Helped arrange studio locations to create spaces where students and instructors could safely learn and thrive.
ENRICHMENT EDUCATOR • MULTIPLE ORGANIZATIONS 2017-2019
Led programs for various enrichment companies in the region, including Mad Science, Nexplore, and others • Traveled to school locations, managed large classrooms, and conducted entertaining and educational lessons for a wide variety of students • Designed fliers and copy to help promote events.
OWNER/ARTIST • MYDRAGONATEMYHOMEWORK.COM 2012-PRESENT
Designed, launched, and continue to maintain visual art website • Generate retail sales of art-based products via convention art shows, dealers' rooms, and craft fairs • Interact directly with fans to foster positive relationships • Identify and contact potential art distribution outlets.
EDITORIAL & MARKETING SPECIALIST • PARTNERS IN LEADERSHIP & OTHER CLIENTS 2010-2017 Help businesses develop and implement cohesive marketing strategies, particularly as relating to editorial content • Services include design, development of online presence, creation of marketing materials, and project coordination.
MARKETING CONSULTANT • MARKETBUILDING TEAM 2010-2012
Researched industry trends, generated e-newsletters, and developed advertising materials • Strategized with owner on ideas for client promotions and initiatives.
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VOLUNTEERING
CO-FOUNDER, WRITER, DESIGNER • COALITION TO STOP WIDENING US 101 & 280 2021-PRESENT Work with a team of passionate experts and community members to ensure Caltrans pursues regional projects in a way that is scientifically sound, ethical, and sustainable • Craft web content and other educational materials to raise public awareness of the harms caused by widening roadways • Co-write and edit messages to officials and leaders urging appropriate and thoughtful action.
ACTING SECRETARY • SUSTAINABLE SOUTH CITY 2020-PRESENT
Coordinated creation of mission, vision, and bylaws • Manage agendas and meetings • Help organize events, initiatives, and activities • Oversee communications and online presence.
ADVISORY BOARD MEMBER • RISE SSF 2021-2023
Offer guidance and insight on organization's goals and strategy • Provide direct assistance on projects when needed, including design and marketing work.
MASTER OF CEREMONIES & CO-ORGANIZER • RANCHO BERNARDO IDOL 2013 Handled marketing & promotion of the event, from developing a marketing strategy to flier design • Increased talent-show participation by 60% over previous year • Demonstrated financial viability of the program.
YOUTH CHOIR DIRECTOR • TEMPLE ADAT SHALOM 2009-2012
Worked with participants from 5th-12th grade to train in basics of vocal performance and teach musical arrangements in a fun environment • Arranged community performances at local events and nursing homes • Implemented targeted promotion and incorporated participant feedback to more than quadruple group participation.
CO-FOUNDER & PRESIDENT • USC CAMPUS COMMUNITY OUTREACH 2006-2009 Conceptualized, launched, and grew the group into a sustainable student organization • Collected over 25 tons of food for the LA Regional Food Bank through targeted promotion and partnerships with other organizations on and off campus.
EDUCATION
UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
MAJOR: English–Writing Emphasis, MINOR: Entrepreneurial Studies 2009
HONORS & AWARDS: Phi Beta Kappa • Dean’s List • Thematic Option Honors Program • Dean Joan Schaefer Endowed Scholarship • SAL & ALD National Honors Societies • Harold Ziff Memorial Mitzvah Award 2