East Mecklenburg High School Parent Teacher Student Organization (EMHS PTSO) is dedicated to the development and success of the students and the support of teachers and staff at East Mecklenburg High School. The goals of the organization are to foster a sense of community, facilitate communication, encourage volunteerism, provide resources, and advocate for the needs of the EMHS community.
Find ways to get involved and make a difference at East Meck.
Executive Board
Principal – Rick Parker
President – R. Nett
Vice President – P. Pohlheber
Secretary – A. Hernandez
Treasurer – M. Rantala
Questions? Email emhsptso@gmail.com or complete this form.
Learn about the board positions here or by clicking a position below.
EMHS PTSO EXECUTIVE BOARD MEMBERS – OFFICERS
President
R. Nett, mom of a sophomore and a 2021 East Meck Marching Band graduate in the IB-diploma program. Native German speaker, who likes to garden, cook/bake, and to bring people together.
Vice President
P. Pohlheber, proud mom of a rising IB Freshman from Randolph. A proud dance mom and softball mom. I love to travel, sports, and cook.
Secretary
A. Hernandez, blessed mom of two daughters, a ninth grader at East Meck and a senior in the Charlotte Teacher Early College. I am a first generation American of Mexican heritage and a native Charlottean. Family means everything to me and I enjoy serving my East side community, especially when young people, our future, are involved.
Treasurer
M. Rantala, parent of two seniors in the IB Career Path program who participate in Cross Country, Track, Baseball, and Student Congress. A native Charlottean who is also an alum of East Meck, she enjoys lazy Sunday afternoons and is a passionate advocate for public school education.
Advisor
C. Cárdenas, proud mom of a rising Junior who also plays flute in the band! She is an amazing and intelligent human who takes lots of AP and honors classes. Born in Venezuela and native Spanish speaker, who loves to connect people of diverse backgrounds especially around food!
EMHS PTSO GENERAL BOARD MEMBERS
Advocacy
K. Murray, mom of a rising junior in the IB diploma program. She serves as the Junior Board treasurer. I am a local area business attorney. I enjoy reading and trying new restaurants.
Assistant Treasurer
J. Sanford, mom to a junior in the IB diploma program. Graduate from East Meck in 1987 (after moving from NY my senior year). RN at CMC, I like to travel, hike, cook and relax.
Assistant Treasurer
S. Parik
Beautification
OPEN
Communications
OPEN
Corporate Partnerships
A. Harris
Direct Giving
H. Millen, my children have grown up in the IB program at Lansdowne and Randolph. I have been an active member of the PTSO throughout the years. I enjoy reading and cooking.
Easy Money Promotions
D. Stallings, mom of a rising sophomore (IB program) on the Lady Eagles varsity basketball team as well as rising 8th and 6th grade sons. Business execution consultant in the banking industry who enjoys trying new recipes, being outdoors, and relaxing with her family.
Grant Writing
M.B. Ausman, mom of a junior on the varsity basketball team and in the IB-diploma program. Evaluation and assessment consultant for nonprofit cultural orgs and museums in the Carolinas who likes traveling, hiking, and being on the water.
Hospitality
B. Hair, proud mom of a rising Junior who is heavily involved in the theater and chorus programs and will represent East Meck on the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Youth Council this year. Elementary teacher in CMS and an Alumni of East Mecklenburg who believes in the public education system. Interests include Broadway shows, travel, cooking and reading.
IB Liaison
V. Johnson, I have been working with PTAs since my kids were in kindergarten. I work in finance and accounting, am a fitness buff, and play the piano, clarinet, and drums. For fun I like to ski and travel.
IB Liaison
S. Thamatur
Membership
J. Maid, proud mom of a rising sophomore who participates in marching band, swim team, and student congress. My younger child attends Parker Academic Center in fifth grade. Originally from India, I work in healthcare information technology and serve on the board of Parker Academic Center’s PTA. Apart from coaching and judging school-level competitions, I also enjoy gardening, cooking, and crafting.
Nominating
C. Mellon, mom of a rising senior in the IB-diploma program who participates in Cross Country, Track and Student Congress. She loves family, friends, adventuring, good books, and witty conversation. She is an avid public school supporter and big fan of East Meck!
School Improvement Team (SIT) Liaison
M. Papanikolaou, mom of a sophomore and freshman currently on the IB track. I’m a huge fan and advocate of public school in general and East Meck specifically, and own a small business called write4college to help seniors write the best college essays they can! You can usually find me on the sidelines of my kids’ soccer games and swim meets, reading, bargain hunting, or being with friends and family.
Social Media & Communications
J. Sidranski, mom to an incoming freshman daughter from Randolph, twin daughters starting out at Randolph MS as 6th graders, and a senior daughter at Providence High School. Have worked with multiple schools including RMS to keep people in touch and up to date through Facebook and Instagram. Love spending time at the beach and long road trips with my family.
Spirit Nights
C. Sturdahl, Mom to a rising Senior, who is a “Theater Kid,” GSA president and an East Meck softball player. I have 2 older children who also attended East Meck. I am an Elementary School Secretary and am very knowledgeable of the ‘inner workings’ of schools and CMS. In my spare time I enjoy running and being outdoors.
Staff Events & Appreciation
D. Spain & D. Rhodie
Student Services Liaison
J. Tate, excited to serve our East Meck families! Returning PTSO Board Member, parent of a senior in the IB Diploma Program who is also a member of the XC and Track teams. Passionate about driving inclusion, greater representation, and hearing the voices of all of our community members.
Student Services Liaison
L. Riley
Sunshine
N. Toth
Website
G. Ombach, mom of a sophomore in the IB program; enjoys reading, spreadsheets and time with family. Also a member of the PTSO Student Services Liaison Committee.
EMHS PTSO OTHER BOARD MEMBERS
At-Large Member
G. Concha de Sauceda, bi-lingual, blessed to be the parent of two beautiful children, a rising Junior and a 7th grader. My family and extended family are really important to me. I am a native of Charlotte. I am of Mexican decent. I look forward to working together to increase membership of the PTSO.
At-Large Member
A. Gieser
At-Large Member
S. Y. Mason-Watson, My husband and I are the parents of an 11th Grader in the IB program and are proud East Charlotte residents. As a teacher’s kid, education advocacy is an integral part of my persona. Being able to combine a science and healthcare background with my legal training affords me the unique opportunity to pay it forward in service to the PTSO Board and the East Meck community.
At-Large Member
L. Wells, mom of two students attending East Meck. One is a rising sophomore and the other is an incoming freshman. As a mom of two and an elementary school teacher, I know the importance of parent involvement. That’s why I’m excited to serve on the board this year! I look forward to being of service and helping to make this school even greater than it already is.