Kristy Verstraete
President
president@hazelwoodptsa.org
My name is Kristy Verstraete and I am originally from Georgetown, DE. I’ve been living here now for almost 13 years with my husband. My daughter is currently in the 3rd grade at Hazelwood. I have been volunteering both in class and with the PTSA since her first year in and it has been amazing. I have met so many wonderful people, from other parents to staff. I look forward to helping grow our Hazelwood community with actively involved parents and creative scholars. Go Hazelwood Mustangs!
Stephen Verstraete
Vice President of Fundraising
vpfundraising@hazelwoodptsa.org
I’m excited to be a member of the 2020-2021 board. Last year, I chaired the Hazelwood Fun Run and it was great introduction to all that our PTSA does. I’m thrilled to be a part of something that affects our scholars’ day-to-day lives so much. I’ve been in technology leadership positions for the last 15 years and am looking forward to using my experiences in managing teams and projects to our fundraising efforts.
Lindsay Jensen
Vice President of Grants
vpgrants@hazelwoodptsa.org
Hello! This is my first year on the board and I’m very excited to serve. I look forward to working with the PTSA community and school to identify funding opportunities to benefit Hazelwood children. I’m passionate about child literacy and mastering foundational math. Last year PTSA funded the first step in critical literacy tools and books for Kindergarten, and I’m hoping PTSA will be able to continue the critical literacy funding to later grades. Please reach out if you would like to find out what PTSA has funded in previous years, what items have been proposed for future funding to improve our childrens’ education, or you have ideas for items you would like to see PTSA fund. Your donations of time and money to Hazelwood are critical to our childrens’ lifelong success. If you would like to donate money, you now are able to donate directly through our website. And don’t forget to corporate match!
Yuvika Chaube
Vice President Events and Volunteers
vpevents@hazelwoodptsa.org
This is my first time serving on the PTSA board – very excited to take forward the wonderful work put in by the outgoing committee. I have a second grader who has been flourishing in the enabling environment at the school. It has been an absolute delight to be part of such a warm and inclusive community at Hazelwood over the past two years.
As a brave new world shapes right before our eyes, I consider it a privilege to have this opportunity to work with the various stakeholders in ensuring our students continue to be an active part of a thriving and empowering ecosystem.
YAY for all the school and PTA events that are an integral aspect of this endeavor!!!
Brandy Ruttka
Communications
vpcommunications@hazelwoodptsa.org
This will be my first year serving on the board after volunteering in the classroom, serving as a member of several committees, and volunteering at PTSA events. I have a background in marketing and worked in advertising before kids. My daughter will begin middle school at Risdon this year. My son will be in first grade. The Hazelwood community has been so fantastic for us and I hope to welcome new parents in a similar way.
This year will present some interesting challenges and I look forward to meeting them head on with this fantastic group!
Alexis Fleming
Treasurer
treasurer@hazelwoodptsa.org
My name is Alexis and I am excited to be your Hazelwood PTSA Treasurer! I have wanted to be involved with the PTA since I was a child (no, I’m not kidding!) after watching my mother enjoy participating year after year. My husband, Michael, and I grew up not far from Newcastle and we are very happy to be raising our two daughters, Paige (6) and Bridget (4), here. Hazelwood Elementary is a strong community made up of involved and caring parents and we are fortunate to be a part of it. I look forward to applying my professional experience in both corporate and non-profit accounting to my position in order to serve Hazelwood.
Shali de Souza
Secretary
secretary@hazelwoodptsa.org
Hello! My name is Shali and I have a daughter in 3rd grade and a son in Kindergarten. Now that I’ve got both kids at Hazelwood, I hope to be more involved and get to know more of the wonderful families in our school. I’m originally from New Orleans and my professional background is in Construction Management. I’ve chaired Staff Appreciation Week for two years at my kid’s former preschool, volunteered in the classroom, served as a grade liaison last year and this will be my first year on the board at Hazelwood. I’m looking forward to a fun and interesting school year.