OUR MISSION
Our mission is to give our Barnwell Bears the tools and resources they need to reach their full potential, both in school and out. We are the parents and teachers who advocate for our children. We strive to use our voice to make a difference for the education, health, and welfare of Barnwell students and families.
WHY JOIN THE PTO?
YOUR 2026-2027 PTO BOARD MEMBERS
My name is Lauren Kermani. I am Co-President and I am excited to support our Barnwell Bears! My husband, Frank, and I have 3 boys, Koosha and Kian are adults and Kasra is a 4th grader at Barnwell this year. I am a local real estate Broker with a small team specializing in North Atlanta. I am excited about serving on your PTO because I know that the best schools have strong parental support and a strong foundation in school is so important for the kids and our community. I look forward to working with you this year!
Co-President- Heather Roberts
Hi! My name is Heather Roberts and I am excited to serve as the Co-VP of Teacher Support. After two years of helping to organize family events that brought our school community together as the VP of Family Events, and a year of teacher support, I am excited to spend this year as Co-President! My husband, Drew, and I are from Martinez, GA, and have called Johns Creek home since 2008. We have two busy boys: Harlan, who is a 5th grader at Barnwell and Hayes, who is 4 and already counting the days until he gets to walk the halls as a Barnwell Bear! When I'm not refereeing wrestling matches at home or watching games at Newtown Park, I enjoy traveling, reading a good book, and spending quality time with family & friends. I look forward to working with our wonderful PTO this year to continue supporting the teachers and staff that make Barnwell such a special place!
Secretary - Chiarita Maslankowski
I have had the privilege of serving on the PTO board as Secretary since 2025. My husband and I are the proud parents of energetic third-grade twins, Charlotte and Logan, who absolutely love everything about Barnwell.
I am incredibly grateful to be a part of PTO and am dedicated to doing as much as I can to make this school year fantastic for our children, the staff, and the entire community.
Please let me know if you have any questions or if you would like to learn more about getting involved with the PTO this year.
Bear Down! Be The Bear!
Co-VP - Fundraising and Sponsorship - Cassie Jackson
Hi! I'm Cassie Jackson, and I will be serving as one of the Co-VPs of Fundraising this year alongside Ellie Deedy. I'm excited for the opportunity to support Barnwell as a member of the PTO Board, and ensure our school community has the resources it needs to be successful, currently and for years to come. I’ve supported Barnwell’s fundraising function in several capacities since 2023, and we’ve been a Barnwell Bear family since 2022. Our oldest, Juniper, is a Barnwell alum now attending middle school at Autrey Mill, and our youngest, Pippa, is in 1st grade. Outside of the PTO, I am a national accounts sales professional in the food safety industry, and my work processes lend well to building partnerships in the community to support the school we all love. My husband Justin and I also coach our kids’ local cross country and track program as USA Track and Field certified coaches!
Co-VP Fundraising and Sponsorship - Ellie Deedy
Bio Pending
Co-VP School Enrichment - Sonja Parcell
Hi! My name is Sonja Parcell; I’m excited to serve my 3rd year on the Barnwell PTO board and my first year as the Co-VP of School Enrichment. My husband, Jordan, and I are the proud parents of JoLee (5th grade) and Hendrix (2nd grade). Our family relocated to Georgia in the Spring of 2023; we’ve acclimated quickly and are thrilled to call this fantastic community home. In between school, sports, friends and all things LEGO- our family loves traveling, and going to movies and concerts together.
B.C. (Before Children) I was an Event Planner; I genuinely enjoy volunteering at PTO events, decorating classrooms, bulletin boards and doors for spirit weeks, working on the Yearbook team and serving as Room Parent for both of my children’s classrooms.
My family and I are glad to be a part of the Barnwell Elementary community and look forward to a wonderful year ahead!
Co-VP School Enrichment - Paige Wuyek
Hi! My name is Paige Wuyek (Wee-yak :)) and I’m excited to be on Barnwell’s PTO Board as Co-VP of School Enrichment. This is my second year on the board and I’ve had lots of fun experience as Chair of the Yearbook Committee for the last 7 years. One of my favorite things is volunteering and supporting the teachers, staff, and students at Barnwell. I am a stay-at-home parent, but I previously worked as a Special Education teacher for many years. I have 2 beautiful daughters, Lauren (7th grade) and Adelyn (5th grade). I have been married to my awesome husband, Billy, for 14 years. This is our family’s 8th year at Barnwell and we absolutely love being a part of the Barnwell community! I look forward to another fun and exciting school year ahead!
Signature Events- Melissa Renzi
My name is Melissa Renzi and this is my fifth year as a Barnwell parent and my third year on the Barnwell PTO. I have previously served as a room parent and Co-VP of Academic Enrichment and am now serving as Co-VP of Signature Events. I have two daughters attending Barnwell; Caroline is in 4th grade and Tessa is in 2nd! My husband Nick and I are originally from Buffalo, NY (#GoBills) but have lived in Atlanta for about 20 years, and even met, got married, and started our family here. We love our Barnwell community and look forward to continuing our involvement here!
Signature Events - Michelle Maenpaa
Hey y'all, I'm Michelle Maenpaa (Man-paw) and I'm excited to be returning to Barnwell's PTO for a 3rd year! My husband, Michael, and I have two babies - that somehow aren't babies anymore - at Barnwell. Sawyer will be in 3rd grade, and Bryce will be heading into First. Outside of volunteering at Barnwell and responding to any of the 1 trillion times a day my children say "Mom/Mommy/Mama", you can find me in my home office where I work full-time for Zillow, leading a small team in Business Operations. Whenever I can squeeze in other things I enjoy going for a run/gym after the morning drop-off (please wave hello if you see me!), traveling, reading, or spending time with my family outdoors in any capacity we can. I'm looking forward to another year making the Barnwell Bear family as fun, inclusive, and supportive as possible!
Co-VP of Teacher Support - Holli Freeman
My name is Holli Freeman, and this will be my fifth year serving on the PTO board. I’m excited to continue as Co-VP of Teacher Support. My husband Eric and I have been in Alpharetta for 16 years, and our son, Cooper, is in 5th grade. Eric grew up in Kennesaw and I’m from the Mississippi Gulf Coast (Long Beach). I lived there for 30 years before moving here in 2010. Before becoming a stay-at-home mom in 2016, I enjoyed working at WSB-TV in the Programming department. We enjoy spending as much time with our families as possible, traveling, and cooking. I love the Barnwell community and look forward to working with others on the board to support the teachers and staff.
Co-VP of Teacher Support - Jennifer Wu
Hi everyone, this is my third year on the PTO board and I'm serving as co-VP of Teacher Support. Kevin and I have two sons: Alex, who is in 3rd grade at Barnwell, and Oliver, who is eager to become a Barnwell Bear in Pre-K this year! We moved to Johns Creek after a long time in the DC area, and our school played a big role in our decision on where to settle down. During the day I work on digital investigations before turning my focus to becoming chauffeur, personal chef, and sparring partner for my boys! I am excited about continuing our fun family events and strengthening our Barnwell community!
Co-VP Family Events - Liz Hobbs
Hi there! My name is Liz Hobbs and I am excited to serve as the Co-VP of Family Events on the Barnwell PTO Board. This is our family's third year at Barnwell and I had the privilege to serve as event chair for the Principal Coffee Chats, Son and One Glow Party, and the Date with your Daughter dance. I have two daughters, Austin Claire who is in second grade at Barnwell, and Margot who is in Kindergarten this year! I invite you to join me in planning the family events and programming that helps multiply our Barnwell community spirit and make our kids' time at Barnwell memorable and fun!
Co-VP of Academic Enrichment - Ilond Tshipau
My name is Ilond Tshipau, and our family joined the Barnwell community in 2019. Since then, I've had the pleasure of serving as a room parent and as a PTO board member since 2023. I always welcome opportunities to support our Barnwell Family as we surround our future leaders with care, encouragement, and resources. My husband, Steeve, and I have two amazing children — Kellie and Jayden — and we've called Georgia home since 2006. Professionally, I serve as VP of Operational and Program Services at the Bobby Dodd Institute, a nonprofit focused on supporting individuals with differing abilities. I look forward to collaborating with our dedicated parents, educators, and staff as we work together to help our children learn, grow, and thrive.
Co-VP Community Outreach - Javier Garcia
Co-VP Community Outreach - Saudhy Fahm
My name is Saudhy Fahm, and this is my second year as the Co-VP of Community Outreach. I am the proud mom of two beautiful and smart girls, Eliana (5th) and Sami (2nd), and am very excited to be a part of this year's PTO. I love traveling, reading, and hanging with family/friends!! What I love most about Barnwell is the diversity the school has to offer, my girls being Colombian-Nigerian-Americans, makes them feel as if they belong! I love Barnwell and this community, and look forward to doing some fun things this year!
Co-VP Communications & Technology - Shelby Peck
Hi everyone! I am Shelby Peck, your co-VP Communications and Technology chair for the second year. I joined the PTO to support our hardworking teachers and staff in providing an exceptional experience for our children. My husband, Mike, and I have two daughters at Barnwell. Melody is in 1st grade, and Summer is in 4th grade. Previously, I served as a room mom for each girl and led Barnival games for two years. My day job is leading Brand Marketing at the PGA TOUR Superstore. Yes, I love and like to play golf, but unfortunately, I spend most of my time cleaning up after my little munchkins.
Co-VP Communications & Technology - Hillary Ely
Hi! My name is Hillary Ely. This is our third year at Barnwell and I have been on the PTO all three years. This year I am in a new role as Co-VP for Communications and Technology. I have been married to my husband, Justin, for 13 years. We have three kids - Hannah (2nd grade), Sarah (kindergarten) and David (2 years old). I am a Licensed Professional Counselor and I work part time so I can be home with my kids part time as well. I am involved in our church and enjoy reading and hiking. We have loved our experience at Barnwell so far and look forward to many years to come!
