Ever wonder who (or how or WHY) gets all this PTA work done? Well, we’re introducing you to the volunteers behind Whittier PTA — the real humans (with jobs, carpools, laundry piles, and group texts) who keep this 100% volunteer-run nonprofit functioning. In each column, we’ll break down what a specific role actually involves in plain English, how much time it realistically takes, and how that person fits PTA work into an already very full life.

We’ll also be honest about why we’re doing this. We are actively recruiting for next year’s board, and it’s not going well. Right now, Whittier PTA is missing essential positions for next year. Without people to serve in those roles, the nonprofit can’t legally operate — which means even if we raise every dollar, there would be no board to manage, allocate, and distribute those funds. That impacts the daily specialist schedule, our literacy specialist, additional nurse hours, Massive Monkees, and all the “extra” programs that quietly make a big difference in our kids’ days.

This series is here to demystify the work, not to guilt anyone. PTA leadership isn’t a secret club or a second full-time job. It’s caregivers like you — people who raise their hands, learn as they go, and rely on each other.

If you’ve ever wondered, Could I actually do that? — the answer is probably yes.

Learn more as we spotlight different roles, and if you’re even a little curious, reach out to vp@whittierptaseattle.org to see what positions are open and how you can help.

Aisling (Ashling) McCarron – Events Chair / Spring Fling Volunteer

Hi! I’m Aisling (Ashling) McCarron, mom to Marina (2nd grade) and CeCe, a rising Kindercat — watch out, Whittier! I’m an endoscopy RN (schedule that colonoscopy!) and I play banjo and guitar when I can. As Events Chair, I support the incredible volunteers who run Fall Carnival, Book Fair, Move-a-thon, and more — helping with planning, problem-solving, and cheering everyone on. The role ebbs and flows, with busier weeks around events and lighter weeks in between, usually just a few hours at a time. Being part of PTA makes me feel deeply connected to our community — and yes, I cried at Massive Monkees — because I get to help create moments that matter for our kids.

Brian Wold – Treasurer

I’m Brian Wold, dad to a 1st and 3rd grader, and I’ve been part of the PTA since our family started at Whittier. I began with quiet setup and cleanup roles — I’m a “see a need, fill a need” introvert — and eventually stepped into Treasurer. The job comes in waves: budgeting, writing checks, answering questions, and keeping things tidy usually adds up to about 5–10 hours a month. Most of the work can be done in short weekly chunks, which makes it manageable alongside work and parenting. It fits my love of numbers and organization, and I’m proud to support my kids’ school in a way that plays to my strengths.

Haydee Wali – Equity, Diversity & Inclusion Committee / Room Rep

Hi! I’m Haydee Wali, and Whittier is a choice school for our family. Our first grader is in the FOCUS program, which is what drew me to the PTA’s Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion committee. This is my second year working with a group of thoughtful caregivers focused on access, inclusion, and bridging general and special education communities. We meet monthly (in person and virtually), and the commitment truly works at your own pace. I’m proud to be part of a team that centers belonging for all Whittier students and families.

Sara Lukas – Hosted Parties / Spring Fling Co-Chair / Back to Business Co-Chair / Room Rep

I’m Sara Lukas — mom to Whittier grad Judah and 4th grader Ezra — and I’ve been involved with PTA since 2018 (!!!). I first joined Spring Fling because it seemed like a fun way to meet people, and I’ve basically never left. These days I focus on Hosted Parties, which is a lighter lift during most of the planning season but ramps up in the month before Spring Fling to several hours a week. PTA has given me as much as I’ve given it — especially community and camaraderie during these parenting years when the village really matters. Showing up year after year has created friendships and connections I truly rely on.

Katie Stiver – Ballpark Chair

Hi! I’m Katie Stiver, Ballpark Chair, and mom to Lauren (6th grade) and Molly (3rd grade). Three years ago, when the PTA was looking for someone to coordinate a community baseball event, I jumped at the chance — I love baseball and love Whittier. The role involves a few hours of planning in the fall and ticket coordination in the spring, making it a manageable seasonal commitment. When I’m not working as a NICU nurse at Seattle Children’s, I’m often volunteering around school. Being involved helps me stay connected to our mission of building a thriving community for kids, families, and staff.

Laura – After-School Programs Co-Chair / Spring Fling Art Coordinator

Hi, I’m Laura — Alexander’s mom (5th grade) and After-School Programs Co-Chair for the past three years. We joined Whittier post-COVID when I was craving connection, and stepping into PTA leadership turned out to be the biggest bucket-filler. I coordinate enrichment programs throughout the year — working with vendors, organizing volunteers, managing scholarships, and being on site to keep things running smoothly. Registration seasons are the busiest (10–15 hours a week for a short stretch), but most weeks are just a few hours and flexible around my part-time work. Getting to help kids sew stuffies, build robots, and discover new interests — while giving families a little breathing room — makes it incredibly rewarding.

John Shaw – Tech Chair / Spring Fling Tech Support

I’m John Shaw, dad to Imogen (3rd grade) and Rowan (1st grade), and I’ve volunteered with the PTA since 2022. I initially joined to meet more families — especially since we live on the edge of the Whittier zone — and quickly discovered a bigger community than I realized. As Tech Chair, I handle the website and technical needs, with quiet months under an hour a week and busier stretches around Annual Give, Spring Fling, and summer transitions. The work is mostly independent and flexible, which makes it manageable alongside a full-time job and occasional travel. Volunteering helps me contribute meaningfully and better understand the decisions that shape our school.

Kate Lindsay Scher – PTA President / Spring Fling Co-Chair / Room Rep

Hi, I’m Kate Lindsay Scher — parent to three Wildcats (two 4th graders and a 1st grader) — and I’ve been involved in the PTA since my twins were teeny tiny Kindercats. I joined the board sight unseen as Communications Chair, which tells you either I’m optimistic or mildly unhinged (both can be true). These days, as PTA President, I help oversee the big picture (supporting board members, partnering with school leadership, keeping fundraising and programs aligned with our mission, and making sure the nonprofit side of things stays functional and compliant) and the small picture (like creating agendas, fence signs, and meeting presentations filled with memes). The role runs year-round, with heavier weeks (right before meetings, end of summer planning, as event planning kicks off, etc) and lighter stretches in between — but it’s woven into my daily life in small check-ins, meetings, and a steady stream of emails.

I fit this into my already busy life (I’m a children’s museum designer/design agency operations lead) because I care deeply about what our kids experience at school every single day. Serving in this role gives me a front-row seat to the tradeoffs, challenges, and possibilities facing our community — and a chance to help make sure our kids get the best elementary school experience possible. It’s not always tidy, and it’s definitely not perfect, but it’s meaningful. And for me, that makes the juggle worth it.

Emily Schweiger – Outreach Chair & EDI Committee

Hi! I’m Emily Schweiger, caregiver to a 4th and 3rd grader, and I’ve served as Outreach Chair for three years and on the EDI committee for two. I originally joined PTA to meet people, and I’ve stayed because fostering belonging truly matters to me. Outreach focuses mainly on welcoming new families — hosting Kindercat events over the summer and organizing the Helping Hands gift card drive in the fall and winter. The work is seasonal, with a few concentrated hours of planning followed by lighter monthly coordination. I love helping families feel connected before school even starts and creating space for everyone to feel part of our community.

Megan Wildenradt – Website Editor & EDI Committee

Hi, I’m Megan Wildenradt, and I’ve been involved with the Whittier PTA since 2020, when my oldest was in kindergarten and we were brand new to the community. Thanks to COVID, my first several years on the Board were entirely online — but during those isolated days, the PTA felt like a lifeline. I served as Advocacy Chair for three years, which gave me a deeper understanding of how schools operate and how families can have a voice. When it felt like the right time, I stepped back to make room for new leadership, but I’ve stayed active on the EDI committee and now serve as the PTA’s website editor. With my youngest in 1st grade, we have many years left at this beloved school, and I’m committed to supporting it however I can.

I love the website role because it’s flexible and largely behind the scenes. Most of the work can be done independently on my own schedule, and while some familiarity with WordPress helps, it’s intuitive and there are great trainings available. The time commitment is light — typically under five hours a month, depending on what needs to be posted. It’s a small but meaningful way to help keep our community informed and connected.

Dafna Amster Kahn – Co-Secretary & Back to Business Co-Chair

Hi, I’m Dafna Amster Kahn, mom to Tamar (3rd grade, Baldi), and I’ve been volunteering with the Whittier PTA since last year when I started as a day-of helper at various events. After seeing firsthand how much PTA fundraising and community-building efforts shape our kids’ school experience, I decided to take on a more active role this year as Co-Secretary and Back to Business Co-Chair. As Co-Secretary, I attend monthly PTA meetings, take notes on discussions and votes, prepare meeting minutes, review financial reports for audit requirements, and help manage a few annual administrative tasks like renewing our insurance. Outside of meetings, the role typically takes about 1.5–2 hours per month, making it a very manageable commitment.

I balance PTA work alongside a full-time job as a general counsel for a tech company and parenting two kids by appreciating the predictability of the role. The work comes in small, planned increments every couple of weeks, and sharing responsibilities with a co-secretary provides helpful flexibility when schedules get busy. Volunteering has been a meaningful way to contribute to the school community while staying connected to what’s happening at Whittier.