Harvard Elementary PTA Board 2026-27
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Helen Lee, President
president@harvardelementarypta.org
Hello! My name is Helen Lee and I am honored to serve as President for the 2026-27 school year. This is my fifth year as a Harvard parent and my third year on the PTA Board. Previously, I have volunteered as Co-Auction Chair for the Fundraiser Gala, helped out with Spirit Store sales, and served as a Nom Com member.
I am originally from Rochester, NY and graduated from MIT with a chemical engineering degree. I work for Savion Energy developing utility-scale solar and battery storage projects in Texas and Louisiana. I am married to Dan (Ramsay) and we have two sons, Hugo (4th grade) and Walter (2nd grade). We've lived in the Heights for 10+ years and we really enjoy being a part of the Harvard community.
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Brandi Hickman, Treasurer & President-Elect
treasurer@harvardelementarypta.org
Hi! I’m Brandi Hickman and I'm so excited to serve as PTA Treasurer, and President-Elect. This is our fourth year at Harvard and my second year serving on the PTA Board. I was born and raised in Bakersfield, CA, attended Howard University in Washington, DC, and have called Houston home since 2013. I start my day early as a Level 1 CrossFit coach leading 5:15 a.m. classes at Urban Athletics EADO, then move on to leading the HR Compensation function for a tech company from the comfort of my cloffice (closet-office). Wife to a talented architect, Don, and Mom to Corey, 3rd grade, and Cameron, Kindergarten, there is rarely a dull moment in the Hickman Haus! We live in Eastwood and love exploring new restaurants and biking around the neighborhood as a family. I’m looking forward to putting my love of numbers and organization to work to support our amazing school community!
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Sharda Sharma, Parliamentarian
parliamentarian@harvardelementarypta.org
Hi, Harvard families!
I'm Sharda Sharma, and I'm excited to serve as your PTA Parliamentarian for the 2026–2027 school year.
I'm a born-and-raised Houstonian who couldn't quite bring myself to leave—I earned both my undergraduate and law degrees from the University of Houston, met my husband in law school, and we've happily planted our roots right here in the Heights. We feel incredibly lucky to call the Harvard Elementary community home.
By day, I'm a personal injury attorney. By night (and weekends!), I'm a chauffeur, snack coordinator, homework helper, and enthusiastic sideline cheerleader for our three kids. Maya is starting 6th grade at Hogg Middle School, while Anya is in 5th grade and Avi is in 2nd grade here at Harvard. You'll usually find me bouncing between school events, music lessons, sports practices, and trying to remember whose water bottle belongs to whom.
When I'm not working or keeping up with my three kids, our family loves biking around the neighborhood, traveling, exploring new restaurants, cooking together, and making memories with family and friends. I've also had the privilege of coaching Girls on the Run over the past few years, which has been one of the most rewarding ways to connect with our amazing students.
I'm looking forward to another fantastic year at Harvard and am grateful for the opportunity to serve such an incredible school community. If you see me around campus, please say hello!
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Lisa Riley, VP Communications
communication@harvardelementarypta.org
Hi! My name is Lisa Riley and I am the VP of Communications. It’s my eighth year on the PTA board. I also volunteer in the library, in the classrooms, run the PTA Instagram, and this will be my ninth year chairing the annual Auction Fundraiser Gala. Thank you for making our galas such big successes for Harvard!
I grew up in Clear Lake, a suburb of Houston. After graduating from Texas A&M (whoop!), where I met my husband, Brad, I had a career as an engineer at NASA-JSC training astronauts on the computer and navigation systems on the Space Shuttle. I am now a SAHM to Allison (4th grade), Cameron (8th grade at Hogg MS) and our pup, Maisy. In my free time, I enjoy spending time with friends and family, traveling, and graphic design. Our family loves being a part of the Harvard Community!
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Jordan Chismar, VP Community Building
community@harvardelementarypta.org
Jordan Chismar is originally from Pennsylvania and has proudly called Houston home for the past 15 years. She lives in the Heights with her husband, three children, and their two dogs. Jordan loves building community and believes some of the best friendships and memories are made through getting involved locally. She has enjoyed being an active member of the Harvard Elementary community and is grateful for the opportunity to connect with families, support students, and help create fun and meaningful experiences for everyone.
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Erin Koshnick, VP Education
education@harvardlementarypta.org
Hi! I’m Erin Koshnick, a proud Harvard Elementary parent, current Vice President of Education for the PTA, and a lifelong Houstonian with deep roots in the Heights. As a 5th-generation Houstonian, it means so much to be raising my own family in the city that helped shape who I am.
My husband, Clint, and I have a daughter in 3rd grade at Harvard and a busy toddler at home who keeps us on our toes! Supporting public education and creating opportunities for all children to thrive is something I care deeply about. As VP of Education, I’m passionate about fostering a love of learning, encouraging enrichment, and helping families feel connected to our school’s academic mission.
Outside of school, I love spending time with my family at Donovan Park, walking through the neighborhood, or grabbing coffee with friends. I believe in working together as a Harvard community and doing what we can to make our school welcoming and strong for every family.
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Kara Skivington, VP Fundraising & Procurement Coordinator
fundraising@harvardelementarypta.org
procurement@harvardelementarypta.org
Hello! My name is Kara Skivington and I'm excited to serve as your VP of Fundraising this year. This will be my fourth year serving on the PTA Board, and it has been such a rewarding experience. I'm continually impressed by the dedication of the Harvard community of teachers, staff, and parents to enrich our children's education.
I grew up in Alvin, TX (home of Nolan Ryan) and moved to Houston after graduating college at University of Houston, studying Supply Chain Management. Before I became a SAHM, I was working in Procurement for a local engineering firm. I have two children, Adam (4th grade) and Mary (2nd grade). In my spare time I enjoy cooking, traveling with my family and friends, the occasional opportunity to craft, and all our families’ extracurricular activities and events. I love this community and look forward to another great year at Harvard!
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Holly Sothen, VP Membership & Volunteering
volunteer@harvardelementarypta.org
I am incredibly excited to serve as your VP of Membership & Volunteering for the 2026–2027 school year. Our family is kicking off our fourth year at Harvard, and I can't wait to jump into this year! Since joining the Harvard community, I have volunteered for the Nom Com, field trip liaison, and gala committee serving as the beverage committee co-chair for the past two galas. Professionally, I have over 20 years experience working in Human Resources. I am thrilled to channel my professional background in community building, relationship management, and team collaboration into organizing our amazing members and volunteers!
I graduated from Auburn University (War Eagle!), where I met my husband, Ryan. We moved to Houston 17 years ago and settled in the Heights nearly a decade ago. We absolutely love the neighborhood feel and walkability! We have two kids at Harvard—Olivia (3rd grade) and Grant (1st grade)—plus a very full house that includes a cat, 2 fish, and 3 dogs. You will frequently see me out walking the dogs around the neighborhood.
As a family, we are always on the go with kid's activities. When we are not busy, we love to swim, play games, travel, and spend time with family and friends. I am looking forward to connecting with you and making this a fantastic year for our Harvard community.
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Matt Cumbie, Assistant Treasurer
treasurer@harvardelementarypta.org
I am looking forward to serving as your PTA Assistant Treasurer. I am excited to continue to support all the great work the PTA does for our school.
I grew up in the Houston area and have lived near or in the Heights since 2010. I have seen this area grow so much. This has turned into a great community for my boys, Collin and Quinn, to grow up in.
Collin is starting 4th grade this year. Quinn will be in 1st grade at Harvard this year.
I am sure I will see you around the campus. Please don’t hesitate to say hi or ask any questions.
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Kara Burns, Secretary
secretary@harvardelementarypta.org
Hi! My name is Kara Burns and I am the Secretary for the 2025-27 school years. This is my second year on the Harvard PTA Board and I am excited for the upcoming school year.
I grew up in Amarillo, Texas before attending college at the University of Oregon. After graduation, I briefly lived and worked in Washington D.C. and Austin, Texas before meeting my husband, Ricky, and settling in Houston. We have two daughters, Sabine (7), who is entering 2nd grade, and Cecilia (3) who attends nursery school at St. Marks CDC. Before becoming a stay at home mom, I worked in the legal field as a paralegal and taught yoga in various locations around the Houston area. I am excited for the upcoming school year and am looking forward to becoming more involved with the Harvard Community.
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Camila Bastos, Parent Representative, PreK & Kinder
classof2032rep@harvardelementarypta.org
Hola! I’m Camila Bastos Munera, and I’m so excited to be your Pre-K & Kinder Parent Rep this year. I’m originally from Bogotá, Colombia, and Houston has been home for the past 8 years (we love the Heights!). By day, I work in marketing for the oil & gas industry, shaping how big, complex ideas get told. I’m married to Juan, who works in real state development, and our son Lorenzo already came through Pre-K here at Harvard and is starting Kindergarten this year, so this community already feels like family. Starting school is such a big first chapter, and I’d love to help make it feel a little easier for families who are just at the beginning. Can’t wait to connect with more of our new parents
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Meaghan Grass, Parent Representative, First Grade
classof2031rep@harvardelementarypta.org
Hi! I’m Meaghan Grass and I am proud to be your First Grade Rep for the 2026-2027 school year. This is my first year on the board and I’m looking forward to becoming more involved in the Harvard community.
My husband and I are both Houston natives and we are very excited to be raising our boys in the Heights! Before becoming a SAHM, I had a career as an elementary school teacher in HISD. Education is my passion!
I have two sons and my oldest, Everett, will be in first grade this year at Harvard. My youngest will join the Harvard family next year as a kindergartner. We love traveling to and exploring new places together as a family.
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Kellie Blackburn, Parent Representative, 2nd Grade
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Jean Marie Howard, Parent Representative, 3rd Grade
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Jennifer Santiago, Parent Representative, 4th Grade
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Megan Freeman, Parent Representative, 5th Grade
classof2027rep@harvardelementarypta.org
Hi, I'm Megan Freeman. I am excited to be serving as the 5th Grade Rep for the 2026 - 2027 school year! My husband Taylor and I have two boys, Cooper (5th) and Cade (3rd). Our boys are very active with sports and other activities, so we are always on the go! I am a former teacher turned parent volunteer. I love being involved with Harvard and am very excited to start my role in the PTA as your 5th Grade Rep. I look forward to working with you all!
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Cathryn Estes, Advocacy Chair
Hi! My name is Cathryn Estes and I will co-lead the parent Advocacy committee. I’m a passionate supporter of public education: my mother taught in Houston-area school districts for over 25 years, and my late husband was a band director for Wisdom High and Episcopal High School for a combined 7 years after we moved to the Heights from Baton Rouge in 2011.
I am the proud Mom to my son, who attended Harvard 2nd-5th (now attends Hogg), and my daughter, who is in 3rd grade at Harvard.
I grew up in Deer Park and earned my chemical engineering degree from UT Austin. I have always worked in the chemical industry but recently took a leap into the start-up world focusing on making jet fuel from renewable energy and captured carbon dioxide.
I travel internationally for my job and see so much value for our kids to learn within an IB program. I love getting to know more of the Harvard community and look forward to working with the amazing group of parents who volunteered to support the school and staff.