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.
Liz Oved Co-President + SLT Member
Hi, I’m Liz and I’m excited to return this year as PTA Co-President with Ali! I have three kids - Grace in 4th grade, Jonah in 2nd grade and Max is 2.5 years old. Since joining PS199, I’ve also been a class parent, helped with PTA events, and was the PTA co-treasurer for two years. Outside of PS199, I work in real estate, like to run (I’m training for the Chicago marathon in Oct), play mahjong and enjoy exploring the city with my family. 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. Please stop and say hi!
Ali Shapiro Co-President + SLT Member
I’m Ali and am Mom to William in 4th grade and Anna in 1st grade. This is my first year as PTA co-president, following a year as Vice President, two years on the School Leadership Team, and four years as a class parent. Before joining the PS199 community, I spent a decade as a special education teacher with the NYC Department of Education, an experience that shapes how I think about making our school work for every learner. I love being part of the PS199 community and I look forward to meeting the families who are joining us this year.
Lauren Fiore Vice President
Hi everyone! I’m Lauren Fiore, a mom of four daughters— a fifth grader, a third grader and twins in Kindergarten. This is my fourth year on the EB, excited for another great year!
Matt Williams Vice President
Hi - I’m Matt Williams, I’m dad to two children at PS 199 - Henry (3rd grade) and Rhys (2nd grade) and we’ve lived in the neighborhood for the last ten years. We love the community here at PS199.
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 3rd grade and one in 1st grade.
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 management, where I’ve built experience in budgeting, planning, and problem-solving. I’m the proud parent of a 6th & 4th 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 3rd 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.
Arthur Dembro Assitant Treasurer
I'm Arthur, dad to Marion in 4th grade and Lucy in 1st, and I'm serving as Assistant Treasurer this year. I've spent my career in finance — I'm a CPA and a CFA charterholder, and I've worked as a CFO and as a Merger and Acquisition professional — so when the PTA needed another set of hands on the books it seemed like a sensible way to be useful. With two kids now spanning the school, I'm looking forward to meeting more families at both ends of it. Please say hello at drop-off or at a meeting.
Emily Skurnik Co-Corresponding Secretary
I'm Emily Skurnik - Co-Corresponding Secretary. My older son is in second grade, and my younger son is now in Kindergarten! We are thrilled for both of our children to be at PS199. In my professional life, I run communications for startups, and I'm excited to bring that experience to our school community.
Sarah Najarian Co-Corresponding Secretary
I'm Sarah Najarian, mom to third grader, Tristan, and first grader, Marina. This is my second year serving as co-corresponding secretary with Emily Skurnik and prior to this role I was a PAL (Parent-at-Large). I have also co-chaired the Book Fair and the Culture Fair and volunteered for other events. I'm looking forward to meeting more parents/caregivers and helping people find ways to get involved!
Courtnay Grant Recording Secretary
Hi! I am happy to serve again as Recording Secretary! My children, Charlotte and Owen are in 3rd grade and kindergarten. Looking forward to another amazing year!
April Diaz Co-Fundraising Chair
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Emily Drummond Co-Fundraising Chair
Hello! I’m Emily Drummond, mom to Charlotte in first grade and Ben, who is 2.5. Our family loves the warmth and spirit of the PS199 community, and I’m so excited to continue giving back this year. After serving as a PAL and co-chairing the bake sale last year, I’m thrilled to be leading our Family Giving fundraising effort this year. Outside of PS199, I run operations for a pharma marketing agency and love cooking, needlepoint, reality TV, and hanging out at Pier I. Looking forward to a great year and being part of this wonderful group!
Iris Fitzgerald Parent-at-Large
Hi, I’m Iris. My daughter Juliana is in 4th 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 second grade, and my younger daughter, Sophie, is in Kindergarten this year. I am an attorney and former teacher.
Kala Rama Parent-at-Large
Mom of 2: Luca (3rd grade) and Matteo (K) we love this school community and hope you do too! Find me on the playground most days and come volunteer at the bake sale or school store! Happy to have a glass of wine any Friday.
Amy O'Callaghan Parent-at-Large
Hi, my name is Amy O Callaghan. I have two kids in PS199. Rory is in 2nd grand and Susie is starting in Kindergarten. We moved to NYC from Ireland 18months ago and we have really enjoyed being part of the PS199 community. I am looking forward to connecting with other families over the year.
Open Seat Parent-at-Large
To be filled at the Fall 2026 Election.
Open Seat Parent-at-Large
To be filled at the Fall 2026 Election.
Open Seat Parent-at-Large
To be filled at the Fall 2026 Election.
Open Seat Parent-at-Large
To be filled at the Fall 2026 Election.
Open Seat Parent-at-Large
To be filled at the Fall 2026 Election.
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. The school's principal, the PTA Presidents, and the teacher's union chapter leader are also members of the SLT.
Alfred Huang SLT Parent Member
I'm a father of a third grader, Lawrence Huang, and an architect contributing my design skills to our community. I built and currently maintain our PS199 website, including managing our online payments systems like Tap-to-Pay, and our online store and 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.
Susan Mani SLT Parent Member
I am an architectural designer and my son Arian will be in 1st grade this year, which we are so proud of him.
Anne Bucciarelli SLT Parent Member
I am a parent of two PS199 students - William in third 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 return to SLT this year!
Megan Kiefer SLT Parent Member
Megan Kiefer is the parent of a 2nd grade student at PS199 and the founder of Take Two Film Academy and Take Two Media Initiative, organizations focused on media literacy, digital well-being, and youth leadership. Over the past two years, Megan has helped lead and coordinate the Parents as Partners Speaker Series, bringing thought-provoking conversations and expert speakers to our school community on topics that matter to families. As a member of the School Leadership Team, Megan is committed to strengthening partnerships between families and the school, supporting student well-being, and creating opportunities for meaningful parent engagement. She looks forward to continuing her work on the Parents as Partners Speaker Series and serving the PS199 community for the next two years.
Noah Strote SLT Parent Member
Noah Strote is the parent of a fifth grader at PS199 and is serving the second year of his two-year term on the School Leadership Team (SLT). For work, he teaches humanities courses at university and helps non-profit organizations with grant writing. In his second year serving on the SLT, he is interested in promoting culturally responsive curriculum and representing families' hopes and concerns about the use of digital technology and artificial intelligence in the classroom. Please get in touch with him if you'd like at noah.strote@gmail.com!
Judy Slater SLT Parent Member
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Open Seat SLT Parent Member
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