PTA Executive Board
The PTA Executive Board is responsible for running the day-to-day affairs of the PTA and communicating with members to inform them and hear their concerns. PTA officers are elected to serve a one-year term.
Lauren Fiore Co-President + SLT Member
Hi everyone! I’m Lauren Fiore, mom to four daughters—Marlo in 4th grade, Vera in 2nd grade, and twins Alma and Noa in Pre-K. This is my second year serving as PTA Co-President. In the past, I’ve also served as Recording Secretary and co-chair of the Gala Committee. I love being part of this community where my daughters run into their friends in the neighborhood. After drop off you can find me walking in Central Park with an iced coffee and a podcast. Stop and say hi!
Liz Oved Co-President + SLT Member
Hi, I’m Liz and I have three kids - Grace in 3rd grade, Jonah in 1st grade and Max is 1.5 years old. Since joining PS199, I’ve been a class parent, helped with various PTA events and I was the co-treasurer for the last two years. I am excited to be the co-president this year! Outside of PS199, I work in real estate, am training for the NYC marathon in Nov, love playing mahjong and exploring new places in the city. Our family loves being part of the PS199 community and I’m excited for another fun year with all of the amazing teachers, staff and families here.
Sweta Merchant Vice President
Hello everyone! I’m Sweta Merchant, mom to Om in 4th grade. By day I work with numbers at a stock exchange, but the role that brings me the most joy is right here, being part of our wonderful PTA community. I’m delighted to be serving a second term as Vice President, while also chairing Community Cares and contributing to the Garden Committee. In the past, I’ve had the pleasure of supporting the Gala Committee and serving as a class parent. These last five years have allowed me to delight in the generosity, vitality, and steadfast dedication of our families, bound together by a deep affection for this school, its tireless staff, and the extraordinary teachers who infuse each day with meaning for our children. I’m truly excited for another year of joyful events, new connections, and countless opportunities to give back together!
Ali Shapiro Vice President
I’m Ali and I am excited to serve on the Executive Board this school year. My son, William, is in third grade and my daughter, Anna, is in Kindergarten. Over the past three years since William started at PS199 I have served a two year term on the School Leadership Team (SLT) and I have been a class parent. I love being part of the PS199 community and I look forward to meeting the families who are joining us this year.
Shari Forrest Vice President
Hi! I’m Shari. I’m a former DOE teacher. I taught science at public school on the UES for 13 years and now a full-time mom to two kids—one in 2nd grade and one just starting kindergarten.
Sally Shin Co-Treasurer
I’m thrilled to be serving as Co-Treasurer for the PTA. Professionally, I’ve spent almost 20 years in corporate finance and manage-ment, where I’ve built experience in budgeting, planning, and problem-solving. I’m the proud parent of a 5th & 3rd grader, which makes this work especially meaningful. Outside of work, I’m an avid runner and an aspiring watercolorist. I look forward to helping the PTA create opportunities that enrich our children’s experience and strengthen our community.
Abhishek Khandalwal Co-Treasurer
I have been a part of the PS199 community since 2018. My daughter Avishi is a 2nd grader at PS199 and my son Atharv graduated from PS199 at the end of the 2024 school year. I have been in finance-related roles throughout my career and am hoping to continue our amazing community.
Emily Skurnik Co-Corresponding Secretary
I'm Emily Skurnik - Co-Corresponding Secretary. My oldest son is in first grade, and my younger son has one more year of preschool before he makes his grand PS199 debut. In my professional life, I run communications for startups, and I’m excited to bring that experience to our school community in this role!
Sarah Najarian Co-Corresponding Secretary
Sarah Najarian is mom to second grader, Tristan, and kindergartner, Marina. She served as a PAL on the PTA last year and is delighted to serve this year as co-corresponding secretary with Emily Skurnik. She is also involved with the Book Fair and the Culture and Community Fair.
Courtnay Grant Recording Secretary
Hi everyone! I was a PAL last year and I’m excited to take on a new role as Recording Secretary. My daughter, Charlotte, is in 2nd grade, and my son, Owen, will be joining PS199 next September for kindergarten. I love being an active part of the PS199 community and I’m looking forward to meeting and working with all of you!
Stephanie Strote Co-Fundraising Chair
My son Rafael will be starting 4th grade this year, and we have loved every year at PS199. I work in public education in curriculum and instruction. I cherish every volunteer opportunity in PS199's vibrant and caring community! Please reach out and join us!
Gaia Marchetti Co-Fundraising Chair
I am the mom of Sofia, a 4th grader. Last year I served as PTA Vice President, and this year I’m the Fundraising Co-Officer with Stephanie Strote. Together with Stephanie and other parents, I’ve helped lead several school fundraisers and events, including the Spring Festival, Fall Festival, Book Fair, teacher appreciation activities and school store. I look forward to continuing to support our school community this year!
Iris Fitzgerald Parent-at-Large
Hi, I’m Iris. My daughter Juliana is in 3rd grade. I’m part of the PTA as a Parent-at-Large (PAL), and I really enjoy helping out at school events. I look forward to meeting new families and supporting our kids together this year!
Peter Borock Parent-at-Large
My daughter Ava, is in first grade, and my younger daughter Sophie will be joining PS199 next year. I am an attorney and former teacher.
Genie Chow Parent-at-Large
My name is Genie Chow, and I'm excited to be one of the PAL members of the PTA this year. My daughter Avery is currently in 4th grade, and my older son is in 7th grade and a PS199 alumnus. Over the years, I've enjoyed being a class parent for both of my children's classes and volunteering at many school events. Last year, I also volunteered as a co-chair of the Gala. I look forward to continuing to support our school community this year.
Masha Hoffman Parent-at-Large
My name is Masha. I’ve been a part of the PS199 family for the last 3 years. My daughter is in the 4th grade. My son graduated from PS199 last year and is going to Booker T middle school. I’ve been a class parent in both of my kids classes. Last year I was a Co-Chair for the PS199 Gala - the largest fundraising event of the year. In addition to being the CEO of the family, I do group coaching and psychosomatic consulting. I have a dog. I like to play tennis.
Meital Dror Parent-at-Large
Hi! I’m Meital Dror, and I’m excited to serve as Assistant Treasurer for the PTA this year. My daughter is in first grade at PS199, and we’re so happy to be part of this wonderful school community. Professionally, I work as in-house counsel at a telecommunications company, where I focus on global technology deals. I’m looking forward to supporting the PTA and helping make this year a great one for our students, families, and staff.
Tatyana Malinoskaya Parent-at-Large
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Arthur Dembro Parent-at-Large
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Emily Drummond Parent-at-Large
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Matt Williams Parent-at-Large
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School Leadership Team
The School Leadership Team (SLT) functions as the management team of the school, representing the school’s professional staff, parents and community. SLT parent members are elected to serve a two-year term.
Anne Bucciarelli SLT Parent Member
I am a parent of two PS 199 students - William in second grade and Sebastian in first grade. We love our PS 199 community and feel so fortunate to have our children attend here. I’m a co-chair of the community cares committee and I work in private wealth management. I hope that I can bring my financial, nonprofit and event planning skills to bear for our school. Excited to join SLT this year!
Alfred Huang SLT Parent Member
I'm a father of a 2nd grader, Lawrence, and an architect contributing my design skills to our community. I built and maintain our PS199 website, including managing our online payments systems like Tap-to-Pay, and our online affiliates network. I collaborate with our school librarian on publishing the PS199 Recommended Reads. My wife Sherri Han and I also lead the Garden Committee, bringing seasonal community events to our school garden. I'm looking forward to another exciting and productive year at PS199.
Noah Strote SLT Parent Member
Noah is the father of a fourth grader and has volunteered as a PAL and helped run various PTA events including the 5K and bake sale.
Megan Kiefer SLT Parent Member
Megan Kiefer is the founder of Take Two Film Academy and the Take Two Media Initiative, a nonprofit that empowers students to lead on media literacy, digital well-being, and tech use. A longtime educator, she has taught storytelling and filmmaking to young people since 2004 and champions the power of youth voices to drive change. She is the author of The Take Back and The Third Dimension of Literacy, and also an entrepreneur, having founded two retail companies. Megan is an active member of the Summit Series and the Charles & Lynn Schusterman REALITY Initiative, and holds a BA from Tufts and an MBA from Babson.
Florian Fischer SLT Parent Member
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Judy Slater SLT Parent Member
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Susan Mani SLT Parent Member
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