president@harvardelementarypta.org

Hi! My name is Anar Abasov, and I am excited to serve as President for the Harvard PTA. My wife, Sarah, and I love the Heights community and are excited to further contribute to its growth. My family immigrated from Azerbaijan to Houston during my childhood thanks to the Energy industry. I have called Houston my home ever since then. I hold a Chemical Engineering degree from the University of Texas at Austin and an MBA from the University of St. Thomas in Houston. Sarah and I have three wonderful sons. Our two oldest sons attend Harvard Elementary School, and we look forward to the younger one joining them in the next few years. We look forward to working with the Community and the School this year.

advisor@harvardelementarypta.org

Hello! My name is Helen Lee and I am President-Elect for the 2024-25 school year. This is my third year as a Harvard parent and my first 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 excited and honored to be the future PTA President, and I'm glad I have this next year to learn the job from Anar and the rest of the Board!

I am originally from Rochester, NY and graduated from MIT with a chemical engineering degree. I work for Shell in our portfolio company Savion Energy developing solar and battery storage projects in Texas and Louisiana. I am married to Dan (Ramsay) and we have two sons, Hugo (2nd grade) and Walter (kinder). We've lived in the Heights for 10+ years and we have really enjoyed becoming a part of the Harvard community. Looking forward to a great year with both of our children at Harvard now!

parliamentarian@harvardelementarypta.org

Hello! My name is Laurie Tenny and I am serving as the Harvard Elementary PTA Parliamentarian for the 2024-2025 school year.

I am a native Houstonian, and a UH and University of St. Thomas alum. My husband, Matt, and I are parents to two awesome Harvard students in 3rd and 5th grade. I recently returned to work as an accountant after many years as a stay-at-home mom. Our family enjoys hiking, traveling, and eating at our favorite restaurants.

secretary@harvardelementarypta.org

Hello! I'm Claire Wrigley and I'm excited to be serving as Secretary for the 2024-25 school year. This is my third year on the board, previously serving as a grade representative, and I have helped with the annual fundraiser for the last 5 years as Auction Team co-chair. I grew up in England before moving to Houston 30 years ago. After graduating from UT Austin at the same time as my husband Andrew, we settled down in the inner loop area. I previously stayed home with my son, William (5th grade) but I recently returned to the workforce and I am keeping busy between home life, school volunteering and work. When I do have free time, I am an avid reader and love to watch movies with my family.

treasurer@harvardelementarypta.org

I am looking forward to serving as your PTA Treasurer. This is my first volunteer opportunity at Harvard and I am excited to give back.

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 2nd grade this year. Quinn is 4 and will follow behind him shortly.

I am sure I will see you around the campus. Please don’t hesitate to say hi or ask any questions.

fundraising@harvardelementarypta.org

Hi! My name is Lisa Riley and I am the VP of Fundraising. It’s my sixth year on the PTA board. I also volunteer in the library, in the classrooms, run the PTA Instagram, and this will be my seventh year co-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 an 11 year 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 (2nd grade), Cameron (6th grade at Hogg MS) and our puppy, Maisy. In my free time, I enjoy spending time with friends and family, traveling, shopping, and graphic design. Our family loves being a part of the Harvard Community!

communication@harvardelementarypta.org

@harvardelementarypta

Hi! I’m Nikou! I'm excited to be back on the board this year. Having served as the VP of Communications from 2020 to 2022, I'm thrilled to take on this role once again. My primary goal for this position is to ensure clear and effective communication. With nearly 20 years of experience in the marketing industry and a deep understanding of both traditional and digital marketing techniques, I am excited to bring these skills to the school.

More about me: I moved frequently when I was younger and attended UT Austin for undergrad, then UH for grad school, where I met my husband, Travis. In 2019, we moved to the Heights with our two children, Kian (5th grade) and Zayn (3rd grade). We love traveling, cooking, and playing with our two cats, Stevie and Twyla.

community@harvardelementarypta.org

Hello! My name is Sam Krenz and I am the VP of Community Development for the next two years. This is my second year on the PTA board and I am looking forward to continuing my involvement at Harvard Elementary!

I grew up moving around the states and abroad but landed in Texas for my last 2 years of high school. I graduated from Texas A&M where I met my husband, Rob. We have two sons, Matthew (2nd grade) and Kyle (PreK 4). After college I went to PA school at UTMB in Galveston and now work as a Physician Assistant in neurosurgery. In my free time I enjoy spending time with family and friends, baking, traveling and working out. We are excited about the new school year and getting to know more people in the Harvard family!

education@harvardelementarypta.org

I am excited to serve as VP of Education on the Harvard Elementary PTA. I value and respect the significance of this position in coordinating programming that crosses all grade levels, including assemblies, and library, STEM and art initiatives, to name a few. This is my second time on the board, and I am happy to be back working among this dedicated group.

As a bit of background, I attended Duchesne Academy, LSU for undergraduate, and Albany Law School where I obtained my juris doctorate (and met my husband, Charles!). After practicing law in New York for 8 years, I moved back to Houston, and I am currently working as a Tribal Court Judge. My family landed in the Heights in 2016 and I cannot think of a better community in which to live. For the 2024-25 school year, my daughter, Olivia, will be entering 4th Grade, and my daughter, Eva, will be entering 2nd Grade. We are happy to be a Harvard family.

volunteer@harvardelementarypta.org

Hello! My name is Kara Skivington and I will be serving as the VP of Membership & Volunteer Coordinator. Being involved in the PTA the previous two 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 (2nd grade) and Mary (Kindergarten.) 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!

classof2030rep@harvardelementarypta.org

@harvardes2030 (Coming Soon)

Hello, I’m Sharda Sharma, and I’m very excited to serve as your Pre-K / Kinder Representative! I was born and raised in Houston, and I went to undergrad and law school at UH. Can’t seem to escape this city BUT love being here and part of the Heights/Harvard Elementary community! I met my husband in law school and we married shortly after graduating. I am an attorney specializing in personal injury and immigration and also a FULL TIME mommy to three kids - all of which are at Harvard Elementary. Maya is in 4th grade, Anya is in 3rd, and my youngest, Avi, will be in Kinder! We love traveling, spending time with family and friends, and cooking all sorts of tasty meals together! I look forward to the upcoming year!

classof2029rep@harvardelementarypta.org

@harvardclassof2029rep

Hi! My name is Kara Burns and I am the First Grade Representative for the 2024-2025 school year. This is my first 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 (6), who is entering 1st grade after loving her Kindergarten year at Harvard, and Cecilia (2) 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.

classof2028rep@harvardelementarypta.org

@harvardes2028

Hello! I am RoShelle Salinas, a 2nd grade representative, and this is my first year serving on the board for the PTA. I am a native Houstonian and graduated from the University of Houston, where I was also an exchange student in Mexico for one summer. I came home fluent in Spanish and found my husband, Rodrigo! Our family is a blend of cultures and traditions that consists of three fun boys in 2nd, 5th, and 7th grade who keep us busy and engaged with school and sports activities. I work for the Houston Auto Dealers Association and produce the Houston Auto Show, so feel free to ask me about the latest cars. Our family enjoys traveling, boating, cooking, and sports - Go Astros!. I love our elementary school for its incredible community and how everyone comes together, whether during disasters or for fun events.

classof2027rep@harvardelementarypta.org

@harvardes2027

Hi! My name is Sally Carr and I am the 3rd grade class rep this year. This will be my 7th year as a Harvard mom, but first year in a PTA position.

I grew up in Las Vegas but went to school on the east coast. I graduated from Drexel University with degree in Chemical engineering and earned an MBA from LSU while working in Baton Rouge. I have worked in petrochemical industry for 25 years.

My husband Austin and I have been married 14+ years and now have 3 kids. My son Andrew just graduated from Harvard and now attends Lanier, my Harvard kids are Ansley (3rd grade) and Addie (1st).

I enjoy skiing, the beach, mountain hiking and reading, however I spent my time driving kids to activities.

classof2026rep@harvardelementarypta.org

@harvardes2026

Hi! I’m Christine Gonzalez, your 4th Grade PTA Rep. I grew up in Alief, then graduated with a BA from UT, and then with a M. Ed from the University of St. Thomas. I absolutely loved working in education for 16 years, until I decided to stay home with my own kids for awhile. My husband Mark and I have five children: three are still in school and two have grown up and flown from the nest. Christian (5th grader at The Westview School), Ryan (4th grader at Harvard), and Abel (7th grader at Hogg MS). In my spare time I run around with my boys, read, write, draw, paint, garden, and work out. Here’s to a fantastic year!

classof2025rep@harvardelementarypta.org

@harvardes2025

Hello! My name is Amy Seeburger and this year I am serving as the 5th Grade Representative on the PTA board. Prior to this role, I served on the board representing various other grades. In addition, I am a member of the Teacher Appreciation Committee. I have a 7th grader at Hogg Middle School, a 5th and 1st grader, both at Harvard. This will be my 8th year as a Harvard parent!

My undergraduate degree is from Texas A&M University and I have a master's degree from SHSU. Before becoming a stay at home mom, I was a school counselor at Kingwood High School. I enjoy all things Houston Astros, traveling, spending time with friends and family, good weather, Disney World, our walkable neighborhood, the Aggies, and volunteering. I am very much looking forward to a GREAT year at Harvard!

Hello! My name is Rachel Fairbank and I am the ECSE parent rep. I am originally from upstate New York, where I got my bachelor’s in biology from Cornell University. I moved to Houston to do a Ph.D. in developmental biology at Baylor College of Medicine, then transitioned into science writing, getting an MFA in creative writing from University of Houston. I currently work as a freelance health reporter, covering topics in health and fitness for a number of national publications. I am married to Badri (Velamur), who works in tech, while my son Vedant is a student at Harvard Elementary.

Hi! My name is Laura Fitzgerald and this year I’m happy to serve as Special Projects(playground). This is my third year serving on the Harvard PTA Board. I’m excited to be helping finish up the playground project and coordinate the installation in early 2025! I went to TCU for undergrad then moved to Houston to get a Masters degree in Speech-Language Pathology. After working in hospitals and rehab centers, I decided to stay home with our daughters full time. My husband John and I have two daughters, Emma (3rd grade) and Caroline (2nd grade) who are both at Harvard! We love living in the Heights and being a part of the Harvard Community! We are looking forward to a fun school year!

Hi! My name is Cathryn Estes and I will co-lead the parent Advocacy committee along with Claire Wrigley. 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 2nd 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.