Thank you to our 4 parent coaches for volunteering to work with our students during the Silver Oak Girls on the Run program. These parents have gone through special training with the Girls on the Run organization to be able to bring this program to our school. Ratio is 2 coaches per 15 girls. We will have at least 2 coaches at each session. There will be a waitlist once the applicants reach 15 girls.
Meet Our 2025 Coaches
Head Coach Desta
Coach Desta has been a running buddy four times for GOTR 5Ks at Golden Gate Park for East Bay Schools, where she fell in love with the Girls on the Run organization. This will be her 3rd season coaching GOTR. She has taught art classes grades 1-6 at Silver Oak Elementary and co-led choreography and set designing/building for Silver Oak’s yearly musicals while her daughter attended Silver Oak. She loves all forms of dance, is an avid trail runner and has participated in many running events including half marathons, full marathons and a 50K ultra. She also loves hiking, cycling, cooking, traveling the world, and spending lots of time with her family & friends. She can’t wait to meet Silver Oak’s new GOTR team, watch them blossom and grow in their confidence, friendships, as supportive teammates and caring community members while having lots of fun together.
Coach Robin
Coach Robin is excited to be a first time coach for Girls on the Run. She has long been an advocate for youth and strongly believes in the confidence gained from working towards challenging goals in a supportive community. Prior experience includes 12 years as a Girl Scout leader, martial arts mentor, substitute teacher, and coordinator for a national big brother/big sister program. In her spare time she enjoys martial arts, skiing, hiking, traveling and spending time with family and friends.
Coach Gardener
Coach Gardener has been a teacher at Silver Oak for 25 years and is excited to join the Girls on the Run team this year. She has been enjoying running since high school. She has also participated in several full and half marathons. She loves gardening, hiking, art and most of all spending time with family. As a coach this year she is looking forward to inspiring the girls to believe in themselves and never be afraid to reach for their goals.
Coach Vimala
Vimala is excited to join Girls on the Run as a first-time coach! Running has been a passion of hers since middle school. She competed in track and cross country in high school, and she is thrilled to share that love of running with her daughter, and now with the Silver Oak GOTR team. Her daughter has been a part of the GOTR program for the past two years, and this is her final year before graduation. Vimala believes Girls on the Run is a powerful program that teaches important values like trust, teamwork, respect, and confidence, all while having fun. As a coach, She is excited to be a mentor and guide the girls as they discover their potential, both on and off the track. She is a technologist at heart, with a love for cooking, traveling, and enjoying good times with family and friends. She can’t wait to be part of this inspiring journey with your girls!
