2​024-2025 Seminole County Council Board

PRESIDENT - STEVEN YOUNG
RESPONSIBILITIES:
  • Preside at all meetings of the council
  • Represent the council at the Seminole County Public School and other organizations
  • Serve on the Florida PTA board of directors
ABOUT ME:
I started as an All-Pro Dad Coordinator and became the Goldsboro Elementary Magnet PTA President a year later. I've worked hard to increase male volunteer participation and to foster a sense of community across our schools. Prioritizing literacy initiatives and volunteering with at-risk youth outside of school are passions of mine. I believe in a "gratitude first" approach, which has been a cornerstone of my leadership style and inspires my team and those around me.
Vice President 1 of Engagement - BEVERLY GUTIERREZ
BEVERLY GUTIERREZ
VICE PRESIDENT 1 OF ENGAGEMENT
[email protected]
​RESPONSIBILITIES:
  • Coordinate all SCCPTA training and attendance
  • Oversee data storage and facilitate organizational efficiency​
ABOUT ME:
 I am a single mom of 3 wonderful children. In my free time I enjoy doing all things PTA. I love to advocate for our children and spread mental health awareness. ​​
Vice President 2 -Development - YADI SOTO
YADI SOTO
Vice President 2 -Development
[email protected]
RESPONSIBILITIES:
  • Communicate National and Florida PTA resolutions.
  • Review FLPTA reports on local unit compliance.
  • Create, share, and promote PTA membership initiatives.​
  • Oversee external SCCPTA communication via social media, newsletters, blogs and emails, drives, website, and cloud storage
ABOUT ME:
My husband, Chris, and I reside in Oviedo with our two children, Lolita and Elijah, and our beloved yorkiepoodle, Luna. Over the past eight years, I have held various roles within the PTA, each bringing immense joy to my life. As I embark on new chapters with my daughter entering high school and my son transitioning to middle school, my days in elementary school may be over, but my passion for serving and growing with our incredible Seminole County PTA/PTSA units remains strong. My primary goal is to bring smiles and create lasting memories for all children. I look forward to contributing to our community in meaningful and fun ways!​
Secretary - JANTZEN YOUNG
JANTZEN YOUNG
SECRETARY
[email protected]
RESPONSIBILITIES:
  • Record all meeting minutes
  • ​Custodian of all council records (except those delegated to others).
  • Oversee internal SCCPTA communication and data storage, including, drives, technology integrations, and cloud storage
​ABOUT ME:
This is my first year serving on the Seminole County Council PTA. Previously, I served as Vice President of Ways and Means on the board of Goldsboro Elementary Magnet School PTA for 2 years. In addition to my professional and PTA commitments, I am passionate about the adoption and proliferation of American Sign Language (ASL) for ALL students, advocating for equal access and belonging for the dDeaf* community. I enjoy salsa dancing, Spanish, and south American travel with my family. 
TreasureR - AMY JENNINGS
AMY JENNINGS
Treasurer
[email protected]
RESPONSIBILITIES:
  • Custodian of all monies
  • Prepare a budget and monthly financial statements 
  • Keep an itemized list of receipts and disbursements
  • Sign orders of the treasury with the president 
  • Present an annual report
  • Oversee colletion of revenue-generating activities including collection of council dues, fundraising, grants endowments and scholarships
​ABOUT ME:
I am mom to two boys - one middle school and one high school student - who love swimming, golfing and are on the path to Eagle Scout. I have volunteered in elementary, middle, high school, and Seminole County Council PTAs/PTSAs serving in the roles of President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer and Media Chair. I work as an Administrator with over 20 years of experience in HR, Learning & Development, Change Management and Communications within the hospitality and non-profit industries. For the past 5 years I also substitute teach within our SCPS schools on Fridays.​
Cultural Arts & Reflections Chair - LESLEY STATON
LESLEY STATON
CULTURAL ARTS & REFLECTIONS CHAIR
[email protected]
 ​RESPONSIBILITIES:
  • Train local units on Reflections Program.
  • Promote cultural arts event opportunities as available.
  • Plan and organize SCCPTA Reflections Program and Awards Ceremony.
  • Attend FL PTA Reflections award ceremonies.
  • Organize presentation of checks to National PTA winners at SCPS School Board meeting.
​ABOUT ME:
​I am a mom of two kids, a former teacher, and a supporter of public schools, and I PTA because it brings all of these passions together! I love how our collective voice for advocacy is stronger than mine alone. Reflections is a program that is near and dear to my heart, and I am thrilled to be leading it for Seminole County!
Legislation and Advocacy Chair - KATIE MURPHY
KATIE MURPHY
Legislation & Advocacy Chair
[email protected]
RESPONSIBILITIES:
  • Provide information on applicable legislation and candidates.
  • Share resolutions and policy issues from Florida and National PTA with local units.
  • Attend National PTA and Florida PTA Legislative Conferences.
  • Ensure SCCPTA representation at School Board meetings.
  • Coordinate voter registration and education efforts before local, state, and national elections.
​ABOUT ME:
After 37 years as an ESE teacher, I joined the PTA as it gve me the opportunity to continue to advocate for children, families, and our communities. I cherish the chance share what I have learned to new volunteers and connect intersecting organizations to amplify the work of each for the good of all. Please reach out with questions and concern. As Margaret Mead eloquently said, "Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful committed individuals can change the world. In fact, it's the only thing that ever has."
Grants Chair - Trixie Rogers
TRIXIE ROGERS
GRANTS CHAIR
[email protected]
RESPONSIBILITIES:
  • Update SCCPTA grants applications for local units.
  • Provide information and conduct training on National PTA, Florida PTA, and SCCPTA grants.
  • Manage local unit applications, propose recipients, and motion at board meetings for approval.
  • Notify grant recipients and provide the treasurer with a Request for Reimbursement.
  • Search and apply for grants on behalf of SCCPTA and share with local units if applicable.
​ABOUT ME:
I’m a mom of two boys—one in elementary school and one in middle school. I’ve been active in the PTA since my oldest started kindergarten. I am passionate about supporting teachers and working with others who value volunteering to enrich our kids' school experience. Now, I'm excited to serve on the county PTA and help local units with my experience. For fun, I play the saxophone and love all things Disney!
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Chair - Jenn Simmons
JENN SIMMONS
DIVERSITY, EQUITY & INCLUSION CHAIR
[email protected]
RESPONSIBILITIES:
  • ​Implement diversity programs for schools/PTAs
  • Conduct trainings on diversity, equity, & inclusion
  • Arrange meetings for cultural, advocacy, and community partners
  • Coordinate foreign language translations for documents
  • Attend the All Together Now Conference
ABOUT ME:
I have 10+ years of volunteering in the school system and an SCPS Substitute teacher. I am very passionate about our students feeling welcomed and represented in our school system. In my spare time I love gardening, crafts, and spending family time with my husband, 3 kids and 2 dogs. ​
Health & Wellness Chair - Michelle Lawrence
MICHELLE LAWRENCE
HEALTH & WELLNESS CHAIR
​[email protected]
RESPONSIBILITIES:
  • ​Organize and lead county-wide support for local units and SCPS Health & Wellness programs.
  • Research, organize, and promote community partners for local unit programming.
  • Create and manage SCCPTA county-wide health and wellness initiatives.
  • Coordinate an annual health and wellness expo for community partners to engage with local units.
ABOUT ME:
I have been in central Florida for the past 5 years and loved the transition. I am an assistant professor who is passionate about higher education. I am even more passionate about the education of our children. In my spare time, I volunteer at my church in various roles and love to do mini traveling with my husband and girls.
Partners & Sponsors Chair - Heather Biancospino
HEATHER BIANCOSPINO
PARTNERS & SPONSORS CHAIR
[email protected]
RESPONSIBILITIES:
  • ​Review and update business partner sponsorship levels for compliance and improvements.
  • Solicit potential business partners, sponsors, and donors for all SCCPTA events.
  • Advertise business partners, vendor events, and sponsor opportunities effectively.
  • Design, set-up, and manage SCCPTA's vendor events as the primary coordinator.
ABOUT ME:
Coming soon....
MEDIA CHAIR - GAYATHRI THYAGARAJAN
GAYATHRI THYAGARAJAN
MEDIA CHAIR
[email protected]
RESPONSIBILITIES:
  • ​Design and submit for approval SCCPTAs newsletter 
  • ​Social Media and website management
  • Coordinate with Partners and Sponsors Chair to fulfill business partner agreements
ABOUT ME:
I have over six years of volunteering experience with the PTA, contributing more than 400 hours. This is my second year with the Seminole County PTA. As an HR professional and avid computer enthusiast, I'm also a certified yoga teacher and trainer.  In the past, I played state-level basketball.I've held various roles within the PTA and find joy in helping and training others. Giving back to the community is essential to me, as it's a way to express gratitude and make a positive impact. In my spare time, I enjoy drawing, painting, and singing, and cherish moments with my husband and two boys.
Seminole Outreach Chair - Mariangel Blasini
MARIANGEL BLASINI
SEMINOLE OUTREACH CHAIR
[email protected]
RESPONSIBILITIES:
  • ​Recognize staff & students at non-traditional schools
  • ​Create and coordinate a pool of community members to help local units who need volunteers
  • Represent SCCPTA at community events as needed
ABOUT ME:
​It's my first year with the council. I have two wonderful kids, Sofia (8) and Adyan (7). At Crystal Lake Elementary PTA, I served as Hospitality Chair last year and now as Vice-President. I love being part of the PTA because I believe in shaping children's education and helping them reach their full potential. Looking forward to making a difference in Seminole County! 
Awards & Recognition Chair - Whitney Peterson
WHITNEY PETERSON
Awards & Recognition Chair
[email protected]
RESPONSIBILITIES:
  • ​Develop/update SCCPTA awards categories.
  • Create and manage a monthly PTA recognition program.
  • Prepare, advertise, and collect award information.
  • Conduct trainings on National PTA, Florida PTA, and SCCPTA awards.
  • Plan and recognize SCCPTA Awards Program and Annual Ceremony.
ABOUT ME:
​I am the mom of one amazing middle school son. I’ve been active in the PTA at Hamilton Elementary, where I served as Programs Chair and President. This is my first year serving on the county council, and I am also the Recording Secretary for Milwee Middle School PTSA.In my free time, I love making fantastic memories with my family and actively serving and fellowshipping within my community—something PTA gives me the opportunity to do regularly. I’m excited for the year ahead and all the success it will bring, not just for PTA, but for our students and the larger community.
Senior Scholarship Chair -  TRACY HARBIN
TRACY HARBIN
Senior Scholarship Chair
[email protected]
RESPONSIBILITIES:
  • ​Oversee SCCPTA Senior Scholarship Program
  • Organize fundraisers for scholarship fund
  • Prepare and publish scholarship applications
  • Recruit judges for scholarship selection
  • Notify recipients and confirm enrollment plans
  • Create and present SCCPTA certificates at awards ceremonies
  • Collect biographies of recipients
  • Announce winners at SCCPTA Awards Ceremony
  • Advertise FL PTA’s and other scholarship opportunities
ABOUT ME:
I am serving my second year as Scholarship Chair. As a first-generation college student, I am committed to helping students find their post-secondary education pathways and ensuring that college is affordable for all. Working in the educational arena, I have dedicated my career to an affordable, open-access institution where students can pursue a traditional college pathway or choose a workforce pathway that fosters rapid skills development and quick job placement.
I am the director of the Grindle Honors Institute at Seminole State College and have nearly 20 years of college teaching experience. As part of my career, I help students navigate the transfer application process and scholarship search. I have attended several colleges, including Millikin University, Syracuse University, and Florida Southern College.
I have been involved in the Seminole County PTA for five years, working with the Lake Mary Elementary and Idyllwilde Elementary units, as well as the County Council. When asked why I PTA, I say, “I PTA to see the smiles and pride on students’ faces when they can show off their school at family engagement events. When students have pride in their school, we are cultivating lifelong learners.
Student Representative - TBD
TBD
STUDENT REPRESENTATIVE 
[email protected]
RESPONSIBILITIES:
  • Chair must be a high school junior or senior
  • For a committee of their peers from a pool of applicants, each must be a PTSA member and a minimum of 13 years old
  • Communicate student input / needs at SCCPTA board meetings
  • Facilitate student involvement at general meetings
ABOUT ME:
​COMING SOON.....
Teacher Representative - TBD
TBD
Teacher Representative
[email protected]
RESPONSIBILITIES:
  • Form a committee of teachers, at least 1 each from elementary, middle, and high.
  • Communicate teacher input/needs at the monthly board meetings.
  • Showcase collaboration and engagement ideas for families and educators.
ABOUT ME:
​COMING SOON.....
Elementary School Principal Representative - Patricia May
PATRICIA MAY
ELEMENTARY SCHOOL PRINCIPAL REPRESENTATIVE
patricia_may
​@scps.k12.fl.us
RESPONSIBILITIES: ​
  • Represents the updates and information for Seminole County Elementary Schools on the SCCPTA Board
  • Principal of Casselberry Elementary School
Middle School Principal Representative - Melissa Laudani
Melissa Laudani
Middle School Principal Representative
melissa_laudani
​@scps.k12.fl.us
RESPONSIBILITIES: ​
  • Represents the updates and information for Seminole County Middle Schools on the SCCPTA Board
  • Principal of Lawton Chiles Middle School
High School Principal Representative - Peter Gaffney
PETER GAFFNEY
High School Principal Representative
peter_gaffney
​@scps.k12.fl.us
RESPONSIBILITIES: ​
  • Represents the updates and information for Seminole County High Schools on the SCCPTA Board
  • Principal of Winter Springs High School
Superintendent Representative - Heidi Gooch
 HEIDI GOOCH
Superintendent Representative
heidi_gooch
@scps.k12.fl.us
RESPONSIBILITIES: ​
  • Represents Serita Beaman and the school board on the SCCPTA board