Meet Our Board
Tammy Petschke, President
I am a mom of three boys and have been actively volunteering with the PTA since my 16 yr old began first grade at Carpenter Elementary. This is my 4th year at ARMS and my last year as part of the ARMS PTSA before my youngest heads to Panther Creek.
I encourage parents to consider volunteering in some capacity this year. Whether it's ringing sales at the book fair, making staff appreciation goody bags at home or helping set up for a staff luncheon, there's something to fit everyone's schedule. You'll find that being actively involved at your child's school makes a huge difference. You will be connected to what's happening at school and get to know some of the staff. And you'll likely meet some other parents that may end up becoming a new friend.
Feel free to reach out to me if you have any questions or concerns! president@armsptsa.org
Mark Dixon, Vice President
This will be my 3rd year on the Board and several more at Parkside and Carpenter Elementary schools I am proud to be an involved parent so I can have a voice in the school community. Father of Tori (8th) and Thomas just moved up to Panther Creek High School this year. With this year being a new start, I am excited to seek ways to engage with the students and start new traditions. If you have any ideas for student or teacher engagement, please let the PTSA know about it! Even better, volunteering a small amount of time makes a big difference... it is worth your time.
Cheryl Vo, Treasurer
This is my second year volunteering as treasurer for ARMS PTSA. I have previously served as treasurer and audit chair for Carpenter Elementary School PTA and enjoy volunteering for school activities.
I have three kids Noah (10th), Caleb (9th) and Izzy (6th) who keep me very busy between work, school and activities. We are originally from Northern Virginia and relocated to the Triangle in 2013. In our free time we love to go on outdoor adventures and explore new places to eat!
I have spent my entire professional career working in government finance and compliance and look forward to offering my services to the ARMS PTSA.
Barbara Schmitt, Secretary
My name is Barbara Schmitt. I'm the mother of Xavier (7grade/track 4) and Debora (age 3).
I am originally from Brazil and had been living in Florida for the past 23 years, until my family and I moved to Cary in July, 2021.
I am a notary public and Portuguese translator and feel privileged and honored to now also become a part of the ARMS family.
I have always been a PTA member since my son began kindergarten. I've always felt it was important to be involved in the school and help whenever possible.
Carolyne Sealy, Communications Chair
This is my third year volunteering at communications at ARMS PTSA. My daughter, Ava, is in 8th grade – Track 4.
I was born and raised in India during the initial part of my life. I moved to the Cary/Morrisville area in 2000.
By profession I am a Software Engineer, hence my passion to volunteer in communications. I am looking forward to a wonderful year working with staff, parents and students and help ARMS in any way I can!
Cora O'Carroll, Member At Large
I am Mom to Charlotte who is in 7th grade and Caleb who is in 3rd grade at Carpenter Elementary.
I am from Ireland and moved to Cary last year after 11 years in New Jersey and Massachusetts.
This is my second year at ARMS and my first year as Member at Large. I have found volunteering in the school a great way to get to know other parents, kids and teachers in the school.
I am a stay at home Mom and enjoy Yoga and reading in my free time.
Cathy Hallam, Audit Chair
This is my first year volunteering as Audit Chair for ARMS PTSA. I am a stay-at-home mom to two boys, Andrew who is in 8th grade at ARMS and Evan who is in 3rd grade at Carpenter Elementary.
I have previously served as Treasurer for Carpenter Elementary PTA and currently serve as nominating chair. I have been volunteering with PTA since my oldest son entered Kindergarten. I enjoy volunteering in the classroom as well as PTA activities and events as it is a great way to meet parents and stay involved.
Samina Firdous, Art Reflections, Book Fair Chair and Nominating Committee Chair
My name is Samina Firdous. I have a daughter Maryam (6th grade). This is my first year serving as a reflection chair, book fair chair and as a nomination committee in Alston Ridge Middle School PTSA.
I have been part of PTA since my daughter was in the elementary school. I served as a cultural art rep, communication chair, reflection chair and secretary before. I love volunteering, it makes my daughter very happy to see me in her school and helping them. I have always felt that when you are involved in your child’s school, you get to connect with more people, make new friends and know more about what’s going on in the school.
Join the PTSA Board for the 2023-24 School Year
Nominating Committee- Several of our current PTSA board members have students heading to high school next year and/or have completed their 2 year term for their roles. We are looking to fill positions for the 2023-24 school year:
President, Vice President, Secretary, Communications Chair, Membership Chair, Fundraising Chair
No experience required! If you are interested in learning more about any of these positions please email president@armsptsa.org
Time commitment as a board member is one board meeting per month with administration. Our current board members are happy to answer questions regarding their roles. The 2023-24 election will be during our June General Membership Meeting.
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WITHOUT AN EXECUTIVE BOARD WE WILL NOT BE ABLE TO CONTINUE PROVIDING ALL THE PROGRAMS AND SUPPORT THAT THE PTSA BRINGS TO THE STUDENTS & STAFF AT ARMS.
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Our current board members are happy to answer questions regarding their roles. Email us your questions at board@armsptsa.org
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The 2023-24 election will be during our June General Membership Meeting.
Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better. It's not.
Dr. Seuss
