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 – C. Cardenas
Vice President – L. Moore
Secretary – R. Nett
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
C. Cárdenas, proud mom of a rising Sophomore who also plays flute in the band! She is an amazing and intelligent human who is in AVID and 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!
Vice President
L. Moore, I am excited to serve as Vice President for the 2021-2022 school year. My husband Don and I have been married for 18 years and have two children: Donnie, an 11th grader here at East Meck, and Kynna, an 8th grade student. I am a former elementary teacher and currently work at CPCC in College & Readiness. I enjoy crafting, thrifting/reselling & family time. We have a wonderful school with a dedicated principal, teachers and staff. I look forward to the adventures a new school year brings.
Secretary
R. Nett, mom of a rising freshman from the Horizons program at Randolph, 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.
Treasurer
M. Rantala, parent of two juniors 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. Haynes, teaches European history at UNC-Charlotte. Her oldest son is a senior in the IB program at East Meck, who is active in Science Olympiad and French club and on the men’s tennis team. Past president of the PTSO, she has loved getting to know the wonderful staff, students, and families at East Meck.
EMHS PTSO GENERAL BOARD MEMBERS
Advocacy
C. Miller, proud mom to a daughter on Junior IB Diploma who swims, sews and serves our community. I am a Relator, Input and believer of Equity. I am a Foodie as well!
Advocacy
A. Poku-Kankam, father of a rising junior in the IB program and two previous East Meck graduates. Chairing the Advocacy Committee and an avid thinker, who likes to call himself an amateur photographer.
Advocacy
M. Wilson, I’m the father of a senior at East Meck HS; I teach history at UNC Charlotte.
Assistant Treasurer
J. Sanford, mom to a rising sophomore 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.
Beautification
M. Tracy, my daughter is new to East Meck this year as a sophomore. My son graduated last year. I am a Corporate Wellness and Women’s Health and Hormone Coach. I enjoy yoga, gardening, and being outdoors.
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 & Spirit Nights
J. Federal, parent of a rising Sophomore (IB Program) who has a talent for music. I’m glad to be working with the team to support the educators at East Meck. I enjoy the study of Yoga, plants and anything outdoors.
Grant Writing
M.B. Ausman, mom of a rising sophomore 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.
Membership
J. Maid, mom of a rising freshman graduated from Randolph IB program who is a proud member of East Meck Marching Band and a fourth-grader at Parker Academic Center. Originally from India, I work full time for a Healthcare Management Company. I serve as a Vice President for Parker Academic Center PTA (formerly known as Barringer Academic Center). Besides volunteering as a judge for different school-level competitions, I enjoy my free time with gardening, cooking, and hobby crafting.
School Improvement Team (SIT) Liaison
C. Mellon, mom of a rising junior in the IB-diploma program at East Meck. Cross-country and track mom enthusiast, and avid public school supporter. Loves family, friends, adventuring, good books, and witty conversation.
Social Media & Communications
M. Heller, Allow me to briefly introduce myself… I am a professional Space Planner/Interior Designer. A lot happened in 2005, I had my first son Isaac, I graduated from CPCC and opened my business, Heller Designs and Space Planning. In 2008, my second son was born, Oliver. I am from Fairmont, WV. I’ve lived in Charlotte for 20+ years. I enjoy gardening, and being with family and friends! What people say about me: I’m a go getter and get things done.
Staff Events & Appreciation
V. Johnson, I have a 10th-grader at EM and an 8th-grader at Randolph, and have been working with PTAs since they 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.
Student Services Liaison
J. Tate, excited to serve our East Meck families! Returning PTSO Board Member, parent of junior 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.
Sunshine
R. Leake, mom of freshman son and senior daughter. Enjoys reading, hiking and traveling with my family.
Website & Communications
G. Ombach, mom of a freshman daughter in the IB program, who 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
M. Demakis, mom of a rising freshman, so probably knows less about East than you do! Enjoys reading, bargain hunting, and nagging seniors into writing their best Common App essays.
At-Large Member
S. Y. Mason-Watson, Our family is new to East Meck High School. My husband and I are the parents of a 10th 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
E. Trosch, Father of a 9th and 10th grader, both of whom are in the I.B. program at East Meck, who want to start a debate club, play for the basketball and track teams and one of whom is in the Band. I was born and raised in Charlotte in the Cotswold area and my family has had a long connection with East Meck with two of my nieces and my nephew graduating from East. My law firm, Conrad, Trosch and Kemmy, has been supporting East Meck sports for over ten years on the baseball field signage and announcements at the football games. I am hoping to bring my creative problem-solving skills as a lawyer and my optimism as a human to the PTSO.
