ABOUT

MISSION

The Parent Venture is a premier provider of professional parent and community  education in Silicon Valley. Since 2006, we have reached over 80,000 attendees on critical issues-–mental health, digital media, substance use, college planning, and more--that impact the health and well-being of children and teens.

Through high-quality presentations, workshops, and films, families acquire the knowledge, skills, and strategies they need to support positive parenting practices.  

FOUNDERS

Charlene Margot, M.A., and Bev Hartman, M.A., became colleagues at Bing Nursery School, Department of Psychology, Stanford University. They share a deep commitment for children, families, and schools that motivates them to advance parent and community education. 

Charlene is co-founder and CEO of The Parent Venture and CSM Consulting, an educational consulting firm. Prior to establishing TPV, she founded The Parent Education Series, a provider of high-quality parent education in Silicon Valley. Charlene  previously consulted for IBM in educational software design. 

Bev is co-founder and COO of The Parent Venture and Senior Adjunct Faculty at Pacific Oaks College. She was a lecturer in the Department of Psychology, Stanford University, an educator at Bing Nursery School, and founding director of The Bing Institute, an international learning center for parents and educators. 

BOARD MEMBERS

Carrie Du Bois has served as a school board trustee since 2005, and she is currently a member of the Sequoia Union High School District Board of Trustees. She is a delegate to the California School Boards Association (CSBA), and a past president of the San Mateo County School Boards Association.
 

Her passion for education stems from 12 years of advocacy for foster youth, along with many other community projects related to children and youth. She believes her work for county and state associations allows for her own continuous learning about the complex issues related to public education. Carrie is a real estate agent in San Carlos, and the mother of three boys who all attended public schools.