2026-2027 Seminole County Council Board
PRESIDENT - Yadi Soto
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ABOUT ME:
Yadi Soto has been serving through PTA since 2013, beginning as a founding member of her daughter’s elementary school PTA in Illinois and continuing her journey at Carillon Elementary, Lawton Chiles Middle School, and Hagerty High School before becoming President of Seminole County Council PTA. With a degree in Early Childhood Education and experience in roles ranging from Hospitality and Reflections to Secretary and Vice President, Yadi is passionate about building meaningful connections and creating opportunities for students, families, and schools to thrive. Inspired by her mother’s servant heart and motivated by her husband and two children, Lolita and Elijah, she believes deeply in leading through service, kindness, and purpose. Outside of PTA, Yadi enjoys cheering on her children’s activities, traveling, planning meaningful events, and putting her culinary school experience to good use through her love of cooking and baking. At the heart of everything she does is a desire to bring people together, lift others up, and help every child and family shine. |
Vice President 1 of Engagement - Alicia Thanis
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Coming Soon |
Vice President 2 -Development - Katherine Fabian
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Katherine Fabian serves as the SCCPTA Vice President of Development (VP2), where she supports membership initiatives and works alongside committee chairs to strengthen programs such as Reflections, county-wide awards and recognition, and hospitality at SCCPTA events. With nine years of PTA experience and seven years in leadership, Katherine has served in numerous roles, including President, Treasurer, Grants Chair, and Reflections Chair at Eastbrook Elementary, Grants Chair at Milwee Middle School PTSA, and Awards Chair for SCCPTA. She was inspired to get involved because public education runs in her family—both her mother and husband are educators—and she believes that behind every great school is a community willing to show up. A proud mom of two active children, Katherine balances PTA service with her career as Managing Director at Orlando Ballet, where she has worked for more than 17 years. She believes Connecting with Purpose means building meaningful relationships that strengthen schools, support volunteers, celebrate success, and keep every decision focused on what matters most: helping every child shine. |
Secretary - Schlaine Grass
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Schlaine Grass serves as SCCPTA Secretary, helping keep the board connected and the organization organized through clear communication, accurate records, and thoughtful follow-through. She has been involved with PTA since 2018, beginning at Wekiva Elementary, where she served as PTA President for two years and continues to proudly serve her school community. Inspired by her mom—the beloved “Popcorn Lady” who created special childhood memories—Schlaine discovered a passion for creating meaningful experiences for families while advocating for students and teachers. She is a married mom of three boys and an SCPS substitute teacher currently teaching music at Wekiva. Outside of PTA, she enjoys music, playing piano, shelling, crafting, and creating sensory products for children through her small business. For Schlaine, Connecting with Purpose means building relationships, listening to voices, and coming together to create opportunities for Every Child to Shine. |
TreasureR- heather Biancospino
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Heather Biancospino serves as the SCCPTA Treasurer, bringing 14 years of PTA experience and a passion for helping local units thrive through strong financial practices, compliance, and collaboration. A former Treasurer and current President at Lake Mary High School PTSA, Heather enjoys supporting programs, membership, risk management, and the many behind-the-scenes details that help PTA make a lasting impact. She is especially excited to grow SCCPTA’s scholarship program, connect schools with new grants and community partners, and create more opportunities for students and families. A proud mom of two and enthusiastic band and theater mom, Heather believes that “it takes a village” and that building meaningful connections today helps create a better tomorrow. |
Reflections Chair - Monica Hagan
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Monica Hagan serves as the SCCPTA Reflections Chair, where she champions the importance of the arts and helps connect schools, families, and volunteers to recognize and celebrate student creativity. An active PTA member since 2021, Monica has served in a variety of roles, including hospitality, business partnerships, 5th grade celebrations, 8th grade dance, and Reflections at both the elementary, middle, and high school levels. She first discovered her love for PTA through volunteering at her daughter’s 5th grade celebration and quickly found joy in building relationships, creating memorable experiences, and giving back to her school community. Monica believes in being intentional with her time, thoughts, and actions and is grateful for the friendships and memories PTA has brought to her family. She and her family embrace the belief that every day is a gift and that parent volunteers can make a meaningful difference by supporting their communities and celebrating their wins. |
Legislation and Advocacy Chair - Sharyn Battey
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Sharyn Battey serves as the SCCPTA Advocacy Chair, where she believes advocacy begins with listening. With four years of PTA experience, including serving as President of Sterling Park Elementary PTA, Sharyn is passionate about giving every child and family a voice while strengthening connections between schools, families, and community leaders. She brings a relationship-focused approach to advocacy, encouraging respectful, informed conversations that can lead to stronger schools and brighter futures for students. Outside of PTA, Sharyn enjoys spending time with her family, taking on new projects, and finding creative ways to connect schools with their communities. She believes Connecting with Purpose means showing up for one another, listening with open hearts, and working together to help every child thrive. |
Grants Chair - Whitney Peterson
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Whitney Peterson serves as the SCCPTA Grants Chair, where she seeks out grant opportunities that align with SCCPTA’s goals and helps secure funding for programs, local unit grants, and other opportunities that support students and PTA communities across Seminole County. Whitney has five years of PTA experience, including serving as Events Coordinator and President at Hamilton Elementary, as well as Recording Secretary and Membership, Merchandise, and Student Committee Chair at Milwee Middle School PTSA. Inspired by her son, Liam, Whitney believes SCCPTA plays an important role alongside local units by providing resources, support, and opportunities that help them best serve their students. A Florida-based health insurance professional who works from home, Whitney enjoys movies, puzzle books, board games, and playing cards. She strives to live by the idea of “never missing an opportunity to make an encounter meaningful,” bringing that same intentionality to her service with SCCPTA. |
Hospitality - Kristen Walk
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Develop and Manage relationships with local restaurants and businesses to procure food, beverages and related items (cups, plates, napkins) for SCCPTA in-person events. •Participate in planning committees as needed for in person events as required. •Partner with the Sponsor chair to track non-monetary donations for accurate reporting to the Treasurer. ABOUT ME:
Kristen Walk serves as the SCCPTA Hospitality Chair, creating welcoming experiences that celebrate and support teachers, staff, volunteers, and the broader school community. With more than 10 years of PTA experience, Kristen has served in hospitality, Reflections, concessions, and as a PTA president, always stepping in wherever help is needed. As a stay-at-home mom and substitute teacher, she loves finding creative ways to bring people together and make school communities feel connected and appreciated. Outside of PTA, Kristen enjoys crafting, reading, traveling with her husband of 28 years and their two children, and creating everything from custom shirts and tumblers to jewelry. She believes Connecting with Purpose means being present in the nitty-gritty of our local communities and making sure everyone feels welcomed, valued, and included. |
ENGAGEMENT Chair - Katy Leach
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Katy Leach serves as the SCCPTA Engagement Chair, where she is passionate about bringing families, students, schools, and the community together through welcoming and inclusive opportunities to connect and get involved. With more than 16 years of PTA experience and 10 years volunteering with her middle school PTSA, Katy has served in a variety of leadership roles, including President, Vice President, Corresponding Secretary, Hospitality Chair, and Membership Chair. As a substitute teacher with SCPS, she especially enjoys working with middle school students and bringing their voices and perspectives into her work. Katy is also a 2026–2027 National PTA Healthy Minds Fellow and an SCPS Community Ambassador, reflecting her commitment to ensuring families have access to resources that support healthy, happy students. Inspired by her three children and the students she has served over the years, Katy believes Connecting with Purpose means building strong, healthy, and happy students and families by creating meaningful connections and making sure everyone has an opportunity to be part of the community. |
Sponsors Chair - Lisa fleming
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Lisa Fleming serves as the SCCPTA Sponsors Chair, working to connect community resources and partners with SCCPTA in ways that strengthen public schools and benefit students and families. With 10 years of PTA/PTSA experience, Lisa has served in a variety of roles at Sterling Park Elementary, Milwee Middle School, and Lyman High School, including Membership, Ways and Means, Reflections, and Scholarships. She is passionate about building meaningful community connections and has been inspired by the many dedicated service leaders she has met along her PTA journey. Outside of PTA, Lisa is a proud mom and small business owner who enjoys gardening, reading, exploring, embroidery, and cheering on the Lyman Greyhounds, St. Louis Cardinals, Missouri Tigers, and Orlando Magic. Lisa believes Connecting with Purpose means bringing out the best in our communities and working together because we are here for all students. |
MEDIA CHAIR - Tiffany Oliva
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Tiffany Oliva serves as the SCCPTA Media Chair, where she helps strengthen communication and connection across Seminole County by sharing the work, resources, and opportunities available to local units, families, and communities. She currently serves as Social Media Chair for Lake Mary High School PTSA and is excited to bring her experience in communication, leadership, and storytelling to SCCPTA. Inspired by her two sons, Tiffany became involved in PTA because she wanted to be more than a parent on the sidelines—she wanted to help create school communities where students feel supported, seen, and valued. A Project Manager at Disney, Tiffany is also a podcaster, writer, and speaker who uses storytelling to explore leadership, resilience, personal growth, and building stronger communities. She believes Connecting with Purpose means showing up with intention, listening with empathy, and turning individual voices into collective impact so every child, family, and community has the opportunity to shine. |
Outreach Chair - Mariangel Blasini
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Mariangel Blasini serves as the SCCPTA Outreach Chair, where she builds meaningful partnerships between SCCPTA, local PTAs, businesses, and community organizations to connect schools and families with valuable resources and opportunities. With four years of PTA experience, Mariangel has served as Hospitality Chair, Vice President, and President at Crystal Lake Elementary PTA, where she is now beginning another year as President. This is her third year serving on the SCCPTA Board, and she is passionate about the difference PTA can make for students, families, teachers, and the entire school community. Originally from Puerto Rico, Mariangel moved to Florida 13 years ago and now works as an Instructional Paraprofessional at Crystal Lake Elementary. A proud mom of Sofia and Adyan, she enjoys soccer and cooking and believes Connecting with Purpose means building intentional relationships that strengthen engagement, inclusion, collaboration, and opportunities for student success. |
Awards & Recognition Chair - Jami Ginn
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Jami Ginn serves as the **SCCPTA Awards Chair**, where she coordinates the county’s awards program to recognize and celebrate the outstanding work of PTAs, volunteers, leaders, and local units across Seminole County. She has been involved in PTA for six years, including two years as Treasurer and two years as President at Partin Elementary, and currently serves as Vice President at Lawton Chiles Middle School PTSA. Inspired to get involved by her oldest daughter, Jami discovered that PTA was a meaningful way to build relationships, support students and families, and bring parents, educators, and community members together. She is passionate about helping every PTA—regardless of size, budget, or experience—share its story and celebrate the difference it makes. Married to her husband, James, Jami is the proud mom of two daughters, Gracie and Maggie, and embraces SCCPTA’s mission of **Connecting with Purpose** by building relationships, listening to every voice, and creating opportunities for every child to shine. |
Senior Scholarship Chair - Michelle Lawrence
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Coming Soon..... |
Student Representative - Anika Verma
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Anika Verma serves as the SCCPTA Student Representative, bringing a student voice to the county level and helping young people make their perspectives heard in their schools and communities. A member of PTSA for nearly six years, Anika began her journey at Sanford Middle School, where she helped lead a student committee, and continued her involvement at Seminole High School PTSA and on the SCCPTA Board of Directors. She was initially encouraged to get involved by her mom, but over the years, the meaningful relationships she has built with passionate educators, volunteers, and advocates have inspired her to stay engaged and serve others. A student involved in HOSA and Model UN with interests in law, policy, and health, Anika also enjoys volunteering and exploring the arts through drawing, crafting, photography, and scrapbooking. She hopes every family understands that SCCPTA works alongside local units to build community, create opportunities, and advocate for students at the state level. For Anika, Connecting with Purpose means building intentional relationships that include and empower everyone in our community. |
Teacher Representative - Stephanie Torres
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Stephanie Torres serves as an SCCPTA Teacher Representative, proudly providing a voice for SCPS educators and helping strengthen connections between teachers, PTA leaders, families, and the communities they serve. She has been involved with PTA throughout her 21-year career as an educator and currently serves on the board of Tuskawilla Middle School PTSA while also remaining active in her elementary school community. Stephanie values PTA’s ability to create positive experiences and meaningful opportunities for students while bringing educators and families together. A married mom of two daughters, Stephanie enjoys staying active and spending time with her family—including her Maltipoo, Sparky! She believes in the power of SCCPTA as a loving and supportive community and is passionate about building connections that make engagement more meaningful. |
Elementary School Principal Representative - Patricia May
Middle School Principal Representative - Dr.Melissa Laudani
High School Principal Representative - Peter Gaffney
Superintendent Representative - Dr.Marian Cummings
Partners - Christine Adorno Rivera
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ABOUT ME:
Christine Adorno Rivera serves as the SCCPTA Partners Committee Chair, where she is passionate about building meaningful relationships with local businesses and community organizations to create greater opportunities for students, families, and PTA programs across Seminole County. Although she is new to PTA, Christine brings a strong history of service and community engagement, including three years chairing the School Advisory Council at Midway Elementary, where she developed partnerships that brought valuable resources to the school. Her service has also included the SCPS Community Ambassador program, the Teacher of the Year committee, Girl Scouts, and the UF/IFAS Family & Consumer Sciences Advisory Board. Inspired by her students and her experiences supporting families—particularly in understanding the needs and barriers that can exist in Title I schools—Christine believes advocacy, inclusion, equity, and access to resources are essential to helping every student thrive. A proud mom of three daughters and Seminole County resident for 15 years, Christine enjoys drawing, painting, and gardening. For Christine, Connecting with Purpose means being intentional with her words and actions, developing partnerships that elevate programs and increase opportunities, and remembering that our purpose begins and ends with the students and families we serve. |
Business relations - Crystal Murffit
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Crystal Murfitt serves as the SCCPTA Business Relations Chair, where she works to build strong relationships with community partners and ensure sponsors receive meaningful visibility, recognition, and appreciation for their support. This is Crystal’s sixth year involved in PTA and her second year serving on the SCCPTA Board. She has held several leadership roles at Bear Lake Elementary, including Treasurer, Recording Secretary, and Corresponding Secretary, and previously served as SCCPTA Hospitality Chair. Inspired by her three boys, Crystal is passionate about advocating for students and making sure their voices are heard. Outside of PTA, she enjoys spending time on the water, at the beach or pool, working out, caring for her chickens, and making sourdough and other homemade goodies. Crystal believes Connecting with Purpose means building lasting relationships, advocating for children, and working together with our community to help every child shine. |
