2025-2026 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 - 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. |
Vice President 2 -Development - YADI SOTO
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RESPONSIBILITIES:
ABOUT ME:
I’m so happy to once again serve on the Seminole County Council PTA, returning as Vice President of Development. With over 15 years of volunteer experience, I currently serve as Secretary of the Hagerty High School PTSA, Vice President Co-Chair for the Hagerty High School Band Boosters, and Vice President of the Lawton Chiles Middle School PTSA. I’m passionate about supporting families, advocating for children, and helping build strong, connected school communities. I’m especially excited to continue connecting with our local units and finding meaningful ways to support and uplift them throughout the year. Outside of PTA, I love cooking, baking, spending time with my husband Chris and our two kids, Lolita and Elijah, and planning events that bring people together. |
Secretary - Alicia j.Thanis
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RESPONSIBILITIES:
ABOUT ME:
Coming Soon.... |
TreasureR- heather Biancospino
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RESPONSIBILITIES:
ABOUT ME:
I’m a proud mom of a high school freshman and junior, and my passion lies in supporting PTSA programs—especially at the high school level—where I love helping older students grow through volunteerism and leadership opportunities. Over the past 12 years, I’ve held a wide variety of roles across elementary, middle, and high school PTAs, including president, vice president, secretary, treasurer, hospitality, fundraising, community relations, media, business sponsorships, and more. My experience spans everything from room parent coordination to book fairs and family nights, giving me a well-rounded understanding of what it takes to build strong school communities. With a particular interest in audits, compliance, and risk management, I’m excited to bring my strengths to the Seminole County Council PTA as Treasurer and support our mission of empowering every child’s potential. |
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 - Jantzen young
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RESPONSIBILITIES:
ABOUT ME:
Jantzen Young is proud to serve as the 2025–26 Advocacy Chair for the Seminole County Council PTA. Since joining PTA in 2021, she has held leadership roles including Ways & Means Chair at Goldsboro Elementary Magnet School and Secretary at both the school and county levels. A passionate advocate for families and public education, Jantzen is also a sign language interpreter and the owner of a private lending business, bringing a unique blend of communication, financial insight, and community commitment to her work. |
Grants Chair - lisa fleming
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RESPONSIBILITIES:
ABOUT ME:
I’m a lifelong St. Louis Cardinals fan and a passionate advocate for public schools. As a former teacher and a mom of a high school-aged daughter, I PTA to use my experience and knowhow to support our teachers and students inside and outside of the classroom. I strive to find new resources in our community and to utilize the wealth of talent, knowledge, and funding available to support our students. In my free time, I love to travel, sew, and bake, and I have a newfound love of pickleball. |
Hospitality - Crystal Murfitt
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RESPONSIBILITIES:
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:
I am a mom to 3 boys Maverick (9months old) , Tyson (7 years old) , Jon (9 years old). I am also a bonus mom to 3 adults who are all graduated. I am corresponding secretary this year at Bear Lake Elementary (past recording secretary and treasurer) where my two boys attend. This is my first year on the Seminole County PTSA Board as Hospitality chair. I joined pta to advocate for our children everyday and make a positive impact on all our children! In my spare time I love being outside on the water on a boat, at the beach or in the pool! I also spend a lot of time with our chickens , love making sourdough and other homemade goodies! |
ENGAGEMENT 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 - Vivian Cruz
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RESPONSIBILITIES:
ABOUT ME:
Coming soon.... |
MEDIA CHAIR - GAYATHRI THYAGARAJAN
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RESPONSIBILITIES:
ABOUT ME:
Happy to be serving my second year on the SCCPTA board! With over 9 years of volunteering experience and more than 600 hours dedicated to PTA service, I’m deeply committed to supporting families, schools, and communities. Professionally, I’m an HR specialist and a passionate computer enthusiast. I’m also a certified yoga teacher and trainer. I currently serve as the Vice Chair for Florida PTA - Membership, a committee member for the Florida PTA - Family Engagement Committee, and the Communications Chair for Sunshine State PTSA. In the past, I had the honor of playing state-level basketball. I've held various leadership roles within PTA over the years and truly enjoy mentoring and training others. Giving back to the community is a core value of mine—it's my way of expressing gratitude and making a lasting, positive impact. In my spare time, I love drawing, painting, singing, and spending quality time with my husband and our 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 - katherine fabin
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RESPONSIBILITIES:
ABOUT ME:
I’ve been involved on the Eastbrook Elementary PTA board since 2019 where I’ve served as the President, Treasurer, Grants Chair, Reflections Chair, and Social Media Chair. I have also served on the Milwee Middle PTSA board as Grants Chair. I have a passion for arts education as well as finding ways for students, families, and faculty/staff to engage with one another outside of the classroom. I love being involved in PTA to help make our schools a great place to learn for all students and a great place to work for the faculty and staff. I work as the Managing Director at Orlando Ballet. I’m the mom of two active kiddos and wife of an SCPS teacher. |
Senior Scholarship Chair - Nancy Afshari
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RESPONSIBILITIES:
ABOUT ME:
Coming Soon..... |
Student Representative - Anika Verma
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RESPONSIBILITIES:
ABOUT ME:
This is my first year on the SCCPTA Board! I've previously been in Sanford Middle's PTSA and served as their Student Committee's President. I go to Seminole High School and participate Model UN, HOSA, and our Weightlifting team. Outside of school, I dabble in reading, volunteer work, and creating art through photography, drawing, crafting, and dancing. I'm so excited to make a larger impact on my community and serve as a voice for our youth! |
Teacher Representative - Stephanie Torres
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RESPONSIBILITIES:
ABOUT ME:
This year marks my 20th year in education and my 11th year with Seminole County Public Schools. I am the proud mother of two daughters and a devoted dog mom to a Maltipoo named Sparky. I am also grateful for my supportive and encouraging husband. I currently serve as the Teacher Liaison at Eastbrook Elementary and am in my third year as a PTA Board Member. One of my proudest accomplishments has been organizing Eastbrook’s Family Fun and Fitness event, a PTA-sponsored program that brings together families, local vendors, and community partners. I take pride in helping teachers and students stay informed and involved in school and community initiatives. In my spare time, I enjoy staying fit and active by participating in Orange Theory and Zumba classes. I am also a certified Zumba Fitness Instructor and love sharing my passion for movement and wellness with others. I am honored to take on this new role and look forward to continuing to grow, collaborate, and make a positive impact through my work with the PTA. |
Elementary School Principal Representative - Patricia May
Middle School Principal Representative - Dr.Melissa Laudani
High School Principal Representative - Peter Gaffney
