Tina Hartman
Above all else Tina is a mother. She is a single mother with three children, Kayla (20), Delyndrick (13) and Jacelyn (3). Tina knows the challenges of working full time and maintaining the active lifestyle of her children. Tina is an Office Administrator at Investigo Corporation – a division of Broadridge Financial Solutions.
Tina’s introduction to PTA began in 1997as a member at Northcrest Elementary School in Fort Wayne. The leaders there pulled her right into action and she has continued to grow ever since. At the local level, Tina has held every position on a Board at one time or another. She currently serves as Member-at-large on the Fort Wayne Area PTA Council.
She attended her first state convention in 1999. She left that convention with excitement and energy for PTA and the children of Indiana. It was then that she decided to take the next step and become a member of the Indiana PTA Board of Managers. In her ten years on the Board, Tina has served in several capacities, including National Legislative Chair, Northeast Region Vice President, Convention Chair, Meeting Planner and Vice President. Tina has also served on the Awards, Budget & Office, Resolutions, Bylaws, State and Local Relations, Convention, and Executive Committees.
Tina is honored to be serving as Indiana PTA President for the years 2009-2011 and looks forward to many accomplishments for the children of Indiana.
Barry Jones:
Barry is the treasurer at Tekoppel Elementary, handles membership for the Evansville Council in the Southern Region, and is a field service representative for ISPTA. He got involved with PTA in 2000, starting a basketball program at Tekoppel. The program serves more than 250 kids out of 400 total enrollment each year. He also sits on the Wish Upon a Star board.
Deb Fox
Deb makes her home in Fort Wayne in the NE Region. She has been a member of Northcrest Elementary, Northwood MS, and North Side High School. She currently is 1st Vice President/Membership Chair for North Side HS. She’s been secretary, treasurer, president, vice president, membership chair, popcorn lady, (at schools) and on the State Board: field rep, council coordinator, region vp, secretary, and am currently the IN State Vice President and Bylaws Coordinator.
She has been married to John for 28.5 years and they have twins that are 16 almost 17 years old: Kayla and Matthew. Aside from her job at Fort Wayne Community Schools, she finds time to cook and spend time with her family.
Jim Burke
Jim has served on the State Board of Managers for six years. He is a 14 year veteran of PTA and recipient of the Indiana State Life Membership award. PTA offices held include Treasurer of Hailmann Elementary, Boston Middle, and La Porte High Schools . He has also served as PTA President at Boston Middle School and Treasurer and President of La Porte Community PTA Council. Jim is a retired United States Navy Chief Petty Officer and is a retired Paramedic Supervisor for La Porte County Emergency Medical Services but still works as a Respiratory Therapist at St. Anthony Hospital in Michigan City. Jim and his wife Julie reside in La Porte. Their daughter Krystle is currently residing in Indianapolis. On the state level Jim has served as Field Service Representative,Council Coordinator and Treasurer.
Dee Jones
Dee Jones has been an advocate for children through PTA at the local, council, region, state and national levels. The importance of parent involvement/ volunteerism in the education arena began in 1995 when her son Brandon started school. Dee served as a leader in the Head Start Program and continues to collaborate and promote the program.
Her PTA career began at Irving Elementary School when her son, Brandon entered kindergarten. She has served as President, 1st Vice President, Treasurer, and on numerous committees for Irving/ Hammond Council PTA. Dee currently serves as Northwest Region VP, Federal Legislative Chair and served as the first African American President of the Indiana PTA. Dee is currently serving as President of Hammond High PTSA and a member of “Bot Boosters” supporting Hammond’s FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition in Science and Technology) Robotics Team #71, where her son Brandon was a member for the last four years.
She has been honored with both a State Life Membership and a National PTA Lifetime Achievement Award. Dee is currently the Committee on Diversity Chair for National PTA after serving the last two years as the Legislative Committee Chair continuing to be a voice for our children.
At the state level Dee is currently serving on the North Central Accreditation State Council, and the Indiana Title 1 Committee of Practitioners. Dee was a participant in the inaugural class or the Indiana Academy for Parent Leadership, sponsored by the Indiana Center for Family, School and Community Partnerships (PIRC) and currently serves on the Board of Directors.
Dee serves on a variety of boards/committees in Northwest Indiana and the Chicagoland area including SCH Response to Intervention Committee, Hammond Hispanic Community Committee, the Mayor’s Volunteer Luncheon Committee, Hammond Education Foundation, the Community Center Development Corporation and FIRSY Midwest Regional Planning Committee where she serves as the Volunteer Coordinator for the FIRST Midwest Regional Robotics Competitions (FRC and FTC) in Chicago.
She is employed by the School City of Hammond as a Title 1 Family/Community Involvement Facilitator at Irving Elementary School, the first school in Indiana certified as a National PTA School of Excellence in Parental Involvement.
Julie Klingenberger
Julie says the reason she became involved in PTA was because of wanting to be a part of her children’s school experiences. Along with her state board responsibilities she has been an active PTA member for six years. At Forest Park Elementary in Fort Wayne she has been PTA President and is currently serving as Treasurer. She has chaired many committees but has enjoyed the Staff Appreciation committee the most having served there the past five years. She is currently First Vice President on the Fort Wayne PTA Council.
Julie and her husband David, along with their three children Michael, Matthew and Bridget live in Fort Wayne. Julie says “I look forward to making a difference for all children as a Field Service Representative on the State Board of Managers.
Sharon Wise
Sharon is currently serving on the state board again after taking time off for other needs. We are glad to have her back. She is currently serving as volunteer coordinator of her local unit. She was a member of Stonybrook MS and Warren Central HS where she served as Predsident. She has been treasurer of Stonybrook, Warren Central and Brookview E. as well as 1st VP for all three school PTAs. She has also served in the position of 2nd VP and multiple chair positions in her PTA career.
Sharon has been married to Jay for 29 years and has 4 sons, Josh, Joseph, Jacob and Job. They also are the proud grandparents of Josh and Christine's son, Henry Franklin. Sharon enjoys cooking, baking and knitting.
Natalie Jones
Natalie wears several distinctive hats: she's president of Tekoppel Elementary as well as teacher representative at Oak Hill Middle School in Evansville . A 6 th -8 th grade Special Ed teacher, she was named 2004 Indiana Teacher of the Year. She acts as field service representative for the Southern region.
A PTA member since 1987, she attends her twins sports events and fits in travel, photography, and pottery into her busy life.
Sue Switzer
A teacher by profession in the Indianapolis Public School system, has worked for the last 20 years as a parent advocate. She received a BS from Purdue University and a MS from Ball State University and taught Science to 7th and 8th graders. Living in the Indianapolis area there are many opportunities to work with schools and diverse families on how to become engaged in their children's education.
Sue is a past president of the Indiana PTA and has served as a member of her local school board for seven years.
Sue recently retired as Executive Director of the Indiana Center for Family, School and Community Partnerships but continues to work with the Center as a consultant for Family Math and Family Science.
At the present time she serves as Issues Commission chairman for Indiana PTA. A portion of her time is spent as Christian Education Director for her church.
Sue and her husband have two adult children also living in the Indianapolis area.
Sonja Canterbury
In 1991 Sonja became a member of the Indiana PTA Board of Managers. At the state level she held every officer position from treasurer to president, as well as, chairman of the bylaws and awards committees. She has been a member of numerous committees and served on both the Issues and Member Services Commissions.
At the local level her involvement with PTA began with Eastridge Elementary PTA serving on many committees then serving as president. She also served as president of the Warren Central High School PTSA. Served in many different capacities on the Warren Township Council board. She has served on the PTA boards of Burkhart Elementary, Southport High School and the Perry Township Council. She currently serves as secretary/treasurer of the Marion County Council.
Sonja’s commitment to PTA and the children has not wavered in the 43 years of her involvement. She believes anyone that cares and takes an interest in all children can, and do, make a positive difference in a child’s life. A positive difference requires a commitment –
an interest in the education and welfare of all children, a willingness to devote your time and energy, being actively involved in all aspects of your child’s life and supporting the school which he attends. Sonja asks, “Aren’t our children worth this commitment?” She believes they are.
Marilyn Jones
After 9 years of teaching Marilyn interrupted her teaching career to stay at home with her children….a decision she does not regret. She re-entered the classroom when her son began first grade. She closed the door on the classroom for the last time after 27 years when she retired in June 2001.
Marilyn became involved with PTA when her daughter began kindergarten. She has served as a president of PTA's at the elementary, middle, high school and the council level. She has served the Indiana PTA Board of Managers as Field Service Representative, Council Coordinator, Northwest Region Vice President, Treasurer and President Elect and President of the Indiana PTA
PTA leadership, coupled with the many positions of leadership that Marilyn has held in the community, have provided a wide variety of opportunities that have given her a solid foundation and a broad view of what is necessary to be a successful leader.
Kathie Green
Kathie is from Fort Wayne in the Northeast Region and has been a member of Northwood Middle School PTSA, Holland_Elementary PTA, Northrop High School PTSA, & Shawnee Middle School PTSA (as well as others who ask!) Her current positions in local PTA include President, Shawnee Middle School, PR/Marketing for Fort Wayne Area PTA Council; I will also be Co-Chair for the Fort Wayne Area PTA Council Founder’s Day Dinner in February 2010 - their 50th Anniversary Celebration.
She currently serves the state as the chairperson of PR /Marketing committee.
Kathie has been married to Mike Green for 23 years and they are the parents of 4 , Matt (22), Joe (20), Cara (19) and Katie (13). Proud Grandmother of two girls (Phoebe & Mylee) with another on the way.
She shares: I have an amazing job as the Constituent Liaison for Congressman Mark Souder handling immigration, Medicare, Department of State casework issues and more! After 5 years of involvement with other Parent groups, I became involved with PTA in 2000. I am especially proud of the fact that Northrop High School PTSA was awarded the Outstanding Unit Award for the entire state in 2007 and 2008. I have been on the Board of Managers for two years. I have an absolute passion for the legislative piece of PTA and the voice we have with legislators representing all of our members! Numbers count so we need everyone to join their local PTA and stay informed!
Elleen Laughlin
Elleen has been involved in PTA for 26 years and still feels that PTA is the best parent teacher organization. She holds the position of Marion County Council vice president and has been a member of the Beech Grove City Schools and Stonybrook MS. She has been a feild service representative in Indiana PTA for a couple of years and has held several other positions in the local units as president, vice president, treasurer, membership, secretary as well as a local representive to the Marion County Council for Beech Grove .
Elleen has been married to Brian for 20 years and they have 4 children
Pat Taylor
Pat, a member of PTA since 1974, became very active when her second set of children started school in 1988. She has served elementary, MS/HS, and council from committees to all office positions. During her term as Hammond Council President, they received the Outstanding Council Award of 1999. During her Presidentsy of Gavit MS/HS PTSA, they received the NW Region Honor Unit Award both years. Pat is currently Secretary for council and Webmaster for Hammond Council PTA and Gavit PTSA.. As a member of the State Board of Managers for 13 years, she has served as Field Service Rep, Council Coordinator and Retention Commission Chair and Webmaster. Pat served on the Awards, Bylaws, Marketing/PR, Membership, and Online Services committees. She is currently a member of the PR/Marketing Committee working on the website. Pat is a member of the Hammond Education Foundation since 1997 and helps with their website..
Pat was honored with a Life membership in 1992, Hammond Council Outstanding PTA Volunteer in 2002 and with a National Life Achievement Award in 2003.
Pat and husband Jim were married 43 years when he passed in 2009, they have 5 children, 7 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren. Pat's schedule includes 24/7 care of her mother and what ever she can do for the PTA groups she joins that can be accomplished at home.
Kim Merkel
Kim comes to the state board from the Evansville area and holds the office of president of Reitz High School as well as 2nd Vice for Evansville Council. She is the 2008 & 2009 Co-Chairman of the Founder's Day Gala She has been a treasurer for Helfrich Park Middle school and Fun Night Chair for 3 years. Past memberships include Tekoppel ES, Helfrich Park Middle, Evans Middle and Reitz HS. She has been married to husband Bill for 20 years and will have sons Blake, Brett and Josh all in high school this year.
Kim is also active in Cub Scotts, treasurer of her neighborhood associatin and on the Board of Christian Education at her church. She has been on 3 mission trips with her sons.
Kim has managed the daily operations of the family business in Evansville since 1990.
She is the proud parent of a 2007 Reitz High School 4A State Football Champion member.
Celia White
CeCe White has served as an advocate for children through PTA at the local, council, and state levels. The importance of parent involvement and volunteerism in the education arena began for her in 1996 when her son Marcus entered Columbia Elementary School. There, CeCe served as room mom for her son’s kindergarten class. She later went on to serve on the Columbia Elementary School PTA Executive Committee in various roles. After two years, CeCe eventually took on the role as President.
CeCe moved to Gary in 1999 and became the first Cub Master for Washington Elementary School.
CeCe moved back to Hammond in 2007. When her youngest son James was enrolled in Columbia ES, she got back involved with PTA. CeCe became the President for Columbia ES once again. When her son went to Eggers Middle School she got PTA stated again there becoming the President. She has served as 1st Vice President and on numerous committees for Hammond Council PTA, she is also the membership chairman for Hammond High School.
At the state level CeCe is currently serving as Diversity Chairman for the State PTA, she also sits on Bylaws, PR Marketing, and Member Services Committees for the states PTA. CeCe continuing to be the voice for our children. CeCe is also the President of the Parent Advisory Board for TRIO at Purdue Calumet.
CeCe Lives in Hammond, IN with her four children, son Marcus 19 yrs., son Christopher 18 yrs. senior at Hammond High School, daughter Shanyetta 14yrs. 8th grade at Eggers Middle School, son James 13yrs. 7th grade at Eggers Middle School.
Kristina Wargel
Kristina comes from the Southern Region and has been a member of Tekoppel ES, Helfrich Park Middle and Reitz High School. She chaired the membership and Fun Fest Committees at Tekoppel. She currently holds the position of VP at both Tekoppel and Helfrich Park and is Class Rep at Reitz. She is also the Clothing Bank chair of Reitz and Evansville Area Council PTA. She is serving on the board as a Field Service Representative.
Kristina has been married to Tim for 22 years and they have 3 children: Hannah 17, Zachariah 12 and Maddy Grace 8.
Pamela Stalling
Pam joins us from Gary in the Northwest region. She is currently the President of Banneker PTA and for the last couple of years. She has also been Legislation Chairman with the Gary PTA Council. She has been a member of West Side High School as well. She is serving as Field Service Representative.
Pam and husband Kenneth Sr have been married for 13 years and have 4 children Alyncia 18, Ivorie 12, Kenneth Jr.11, and Langston 9.
Michelle Sigg
Michelle is currently serving as VP Legislative at Lowell ES, VP and Stonybrook delegate, and Warren Council membership. She has held the offices of Vice president, president and Council delegate. Michell has been a member of Warren Early Childhood Center, Brookview, Lowell ES, Stonybrook MS and Warren Council.
Michelle has been married to Bryan for 14 years and they have 2 children, Madelynne and Sebastian. Her hobbies are gradening, reading, tennis and humor !
Job Wise
Job has been a member of Stonybrook MS and Warren Central HS where he is currently a member. He is serving his second yearon the board as a student consultant and on the Middle/High School Committee.
Job plans to attend IU next year to major in Finance.
Maria Wright
Maria has been a member of Eleanor Skillen IPS #34 and Francis W Parker IPS #56 and is currently serving as liaison for the principal and staff.
She has worked extensively with schools to strengthen their PTAs as a parent involvement stratgy.
Maria has 2 adult children and 2 grandchildren, Riley and Jaylen.
Nichole Thomas
Nichole is from Fort Wayne and has served as the President of the Price Elementary PTA, where she has implemented the Three 4 Me Volunteer Program, bringing parent volunteers into the classrooms to help various teachers. Last year Price PTA logged over 1,800 hours served, in the first year of the program. Nichole also serves the Memorial Park Middle School PTA where she helps out with the various PTA activities. In addition, Nichole serves on the Fort Wayne Area Council PTA as webmaster. This is Nichole's first year on the Board of Managers.
Nichole is married to James, and they are the parents to 2 children, a son, Jayvon and a daughter, Camry.
Kendra Rakestraw
Kendra currently serves as Treasurer of Reitz HS and Secretary of Evansville Council. She has been a member of Tekoppel ES, Helfrich Park MS and Reitz HS. She has served as Secretary at the MS and HS levels. She held the position of AFTER PROM chair for two years at Reitz.
Kendra has a son, Adam and is guardian to her neice, Randee both 16.
Barbara Eager
Barbara Eager joined PTA when the oldest of her three children entered Kindergarten. She has been primarily a member of Harlan Elementary, but has joined many others throughout the years, depending on the number of invitations she receives. Barb’s current position with the state is Training Coordinator & Consultant. Over the past years, she has served on the local level as President, Vice President, various committee chairman. On the council level as President, Vice President & Secretary and for the state as President, 1st Vice President, Region VP, Reflections Coordinator, Training Coordinator, Resolutions chair, I have served on all committees at state level sometime during the last 18 years. Nationaly Barb has served on as Member Board of Directors 1999-2003, Chair Bylaws & Policy Committee 2001-2003, member of following committees at various times over past 10 years: Awards, Membership, Field Service, Bylaws & Policy and state Mentor. .Her current National PTA position is part of the Leadership Coach Team.
Barb lives in Harlan/Northeast Region with her husband Brian of 30 years and they have 3 children, Rebecca, 29; Benjamin, 26; Brent, 21. She is active in her church education department.
Barb states: I always enjoy working with PTA members from across Indiana and the nation; I hope my passion for the PTA comes thru and others will “catch the spirit” In addition to my PTA responsibilities I have my own business working as an assistant to sales & marketing teams for a variety of companies across the country.