2024-2025 Seminole County Council Board
PRESIDENT - STEVEN YOUNG
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RESPONSIBILITIES:
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
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RESPONSIBILITIES:
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
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RESPONSIBILITIES:
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
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RESPONSIBILITIES:
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
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RESPONSIBILITIES:
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
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RESPONSIBILITIES:
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
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RESPONSIBILITIES:
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
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RESPONSIBILITIES:
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
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RESPONSIBILITIES:
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
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RESPONSIBILITIES:
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
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RESPONSIBILITIES:
ABOUT ME:
Coming soon.... |
MEDIA CHAIR - GAYATHRI THYAGARAJAN
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RESPONSIBILITIES:
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
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RESPONSIBILITIES:
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
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RESPONSIBILITIES:
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 - DARA BONAVIA
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RESPONSIBILITIES:
ABOUT ME:
I'm a single mom to three amazing kids—my oldest is 20 and mastering the fine art of adulting, while my two younger ones are in middle school, where they've discovered that "Mom" really means "personal chauffeur." Between school projects, meetings, and the occasional teenage attitude, I’ve somehow juggled a full-time and part-time job while holding various PTSA positions for the past six years, from elementary school all the way to middle school. When I’m not playing referee, taxi driver, or personal chef, I try to steal a little "me time." This usually involves the beach (where I pretend to relax while secretly counting down to the next crisis), hand embroidery (because there's something oddly therapeutic about poking a needle through fabric), or restarting my fitness journey for the 100th time—because who doesn’t love a good challenge, right? And when all else fails, I escape into a good book before bed. |
Student Representative - TBD
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RESPONSIBILITIES:
ABOUT ME:
COMING SOON..... |
Teacher Representative - TBD
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RESPONSIBILITIES:
ABOUT ME:
COMING SOON..... |
Elementary School Principal Representative - Patricia May
Middle School Principal Representative - Melissa Laudani
High School Principal Representative - Peter Gaffney
