About Us

Parry Klassen is the Executive Director of Valley Water Collaborative (VWC), leading efforts to address groundwater contamination in California’s Central Valley. Under his leadership, VWC has expanded its programs to provide free well testing and safe drinking water solutions for communities affected by nitrate, arsenic, uranium, and legacy pesticides.

A longtime advocate for agricultural stewardship, Parry previously served as Executive Director of the East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition for 20 years, working with growers to improve water quality practices. He has extensive experience developing collaborative solutions between agriculture, regulatory agencies, and local communities to address water quality challenges. Throughout his career, he has successfully secured and managed multi-million-dollar grants to fund sustainable water initiatives. In addition to his water leadership roles, he is a part-time fruit farmer in Fresno County. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Communications from California State University, Fresno.

Sara Bernal is the Community and Outreach Engagement Manager for the Valley Water Collaborative, where she develops strategies to enhance community involvement and amplify diverse voices. With over 15 years of experience in sustainable agriculture and outreach, she has led programs that bridge food systems and community empowerment.

Previously, Sara managed the West Sacramento Urban Farm Program, expanding it from a quarter-acre to seven acres and launching initiatives like a mobile farmers' market. At the California Department of Food and Agriculture, she oversaw the $12 million Urban Agriculture Grant Program. A Northeastern University graduate fluent in English and Spanish, Sara is dedicated to building resilient communities.

Alany Valle is the Assistant Project Manager at the Coalition for Urban Rural Environmental Stewardship (CURES), where she supports research and outreach initiatives focused on water quality, agricultural stewardship, and pesticide and nutrient management. She assists in administering state-funded studies, coordinating stakeholder meetings, and managing data analysis and reporting.

With expertise in grant administration, research design, and grower outreach, Alany plays a key role in advancing sustainable agricultural practices. Her background in project management, stakeholder engagement, and technical reporting helps drive CURES’ mission to support environmental stewardship in California agriculture.

Maureen Thompson is the Operations Director for the Valley Water Collaborative (VWC) overseeing activities to support the Nitrate Control Program while managing the $5.5 million grant from the CA State Water Resources Control Board’s SAFER program. Maureen brings 20 years of experience in agriculture, education, and nonprofit leadership, with a passion for creating meaningful impact in California’s communities.

Previously, Maureen designed and led the Beginning Farmer Training Program at the Center for Land-Based Learning (CLBL), training over 150 aspiring farmers to launch agricultural businesses. At CLBL, her dedication to community engagement and program excellence led to securing multiple grants while managing farm operations for over a decade. She holds a master’s degree in Environmental Education from Lesley University and a bachelor’s degree in Communication Studies from the University of San Francisco.

Ezra Klassen is an Outreach Associate for the Valley Water Collaborative, where he plays a key role in community engagement through flyer distribution, event outreach, and direct communication with bottled water recipients. Since joining VWC, he has distributed over 400 flyers to local businesses, attended more than 60 community events, and helped strengthen connections with residents through outreach programs.

Beyond his work at VWC, Ezra is passionate about event planning and community engagement. He also serves as a staff member for OffKai Expo, where he assists with logistics and event coordination. With strong communication skills and a commitment to outreach, Ezra continues to expand his role in connecting communities with essential resources.

Coming Soon

Eva Dwyer is the Program Manager for the Valley Water Collaborative, where she oversees program operations, vendor partnerships, and customer relations to ensure efficient service delivery. With expertise in conservation, grant writing, and public engagement, she has successfully led environmental programs that connect communities with critical resources.

Previously, Eva coordinated the SLEWS Program at the Center for Land-Based Learning, managing large-scale habitat restoration projects and mentoring student volunteers. She also developed educational initiatives at the La Brea Tar Pits and Museum. A UC Davis graduate, Eva is dedicated to fostering sustainable solutions and community-driven environmental stewardship.

Jesús Nuñez is the Communications Coordinator for the Valley Water Collaborative (VWC). He is responsible for working with residents who apply to the program and supporting program operations. Bilingual and raised in the Central Valley, he is dedicated to learning how to best help the local population through his work for VWC and its mission.

While a local graduate student, Jesús heard about VWC and became its first Outreach Coordinator, taking on various tasks related to the program’s direct community outreach. He later became the Assistant Outreach Manager and helped the program garner over 1,000 applications by performing numerous outreach activities. Jesús holds a master’s degree in public administration from the University of California, Stanislaus, and a bachelor’s degree in psychology with a sociology minor from Whitworth University.