president@harvardelementarypta.org

Hello! My name is Helen Lee and I am honored to serve as President for the 2025-26 school year. This is my fourth year as a Harvard parent and my second 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 (3rd grade) and Walter (1st grade). We've lived in the Heights for 10+ years and we really enjoy being a part of the Harvard community.

treasurer@harvardelementarypta.org

Hi! I’m Brandi Hickman and I'm so excited to serve as PTA Treasurer. This is our third year at Harvard and my first 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, 2nd grade, and Cameron, Pre-K at Kipling Street Academy - Montrose, 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!  

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!

communication@harvardelementarypta.org

@harvardelementarypta

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!

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.

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 2nd 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.

fundraising@harvardelementarypta.org

procurement@harvardelementarypta.org

Hello! My name is Kara Skivington and I will be serving my second year as the VP of Membership & Volunteer Coordinator. Being involved in the PTA the previous three years has been such a rewarding experience, and I am continually impressed by the dedication of the Harvard community of teachers, staff, and parents to enrich our childrens’ 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 (3rd grade) and Mary (1st 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!

volunteer@harvardelementarypta.org

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 3rd grade this year. Quinn will begin kinder 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.

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.

classof2032rep@harvardelementarypta.org

classof2031rep@harvardelementarypta.org

classof2030rep@harvardelementarypta.org

classof2029rep@harvardelementarypta.org

classof2028rep@harvardelementarypta.org

classof2027rep@harvardelementarypta.org

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.