MEET the 2026-2027 PTO
CO- PRESIDENTS
Why did you join the PTO? I wanted to have a positive effect on my children’s education. Studies show overwhelmingly that students who have involved parents achieve higher in their education.
One fun fact about yourself: I have ridden on an elephant!
What’s your favorite snack, drink, or guilty pleasure?
Snack: Roasted and salted pistachios
Drink: Iced Coffee or Diet Coke
Guilty Pleasure: Chocolate! Any kind except Mint
What would students be surprised to learn about you? I’ve had the same best friend since we met in 7th grade. Thats 26 years!
What’s one thing you hope families know about the PTO? We are doing our best! We need support from other parents even when we look like we’ve got everything handled.
COURTNEÉ SKIPPS
Why did you join the PTO? - I wanted to be a part of my kids school and get to know more parents.
One fun fact about yourself - I love anything Crayola related, especially the Dandelion crayon.
What’s your favorite snack, drink, or guilty pleasure? - Lefse with butter and brown sugar.
What would students be surprised to learn about you? - I’ve held a brain.
What’s one thing you hope families know about the PTO? - Its not as scary as TV, movies, and memes make it out to be.
DAWN BUGGE
SOCIAL MEDIA & ROOM PARENT COORDINATOR
Why did I join the PTO? I joined the PTO board because I want to give back to our school community, support our students and teachers, and help make a positive difference in the elementary experience for my child and all her peers.
A fun fact about me: I am currently training for a HYROX race and train at Orange Theory in Mill Creek! I have also done Ragnar twice and have just recently really found my love for fitness and training. There is something very satisfying in watching yourself get stronger!
My favorite drink: I am definitely one of those people that always has several drinks going at one time! I try to drink as much water as possible in a day but break it up with a protein shake or a dirty alani! SO good! My all time favorite snack are cool ranch doritos. I cannot buy them and have them in my house because I have absolutely zero will power with them!
What would students be surprised to learn about you? I have done hair for 19 years! I did a "running start" program when I was in high school and graduated high school and beauty school at the same time.
Whats something I would love families to know about the PTO? I hope more families know that the PTO is for everyone. Whether you have five minutes or five hours to give, your involvement and ideas are always welcome. PTO involvement creates a strong and fun school community, and it takes alot of help to make that successful!
EMILY ERDMAN
CO-VICE PRESIDENTS
Why did you join the PTO?I joined the PTO because I wanted to have an active role in my children’s school, build community, and work together to create a welcoming, supportive environment where all of our families can thrive.
One fun fact about yourself A fun fact about me is that I was interviewed on the news when the Olympic Torch came through Seattle in 2002!
What’s your favorite snack, drink, or guilty pleasure? My favorite snacks include chocolate covered pretzels and anything lemon flavored!
What would students be surprised to learn about you? Students might be surprised to learn that I read about 60-80 books a year!
What’s one thing you hope families know about the PTO? One thing I hope that families know about the PTO is that we welcome new faces and new ideas! We hope to see you at an upcoming meeting.
BECKY HEWITT
Why did you join the PTO? To get more involved in the school community
One fun fact about yourself: I have driven across the United States 4 times.
What’s your favorite snack, drink, or guilty pleasure? Chips, coffee, playing too many games on my phone.
What would students be surprised to learn about you? I can say the alphabet backwards really fast.
What’s one thing you hope families know about the PTO? We can't do what we do without you!
MEGAN DRONGOWSKI
Why did you join the PTO? I want to be a part of helping students, families, and staff feel connected and have fun!
One fun fact about yourself? I love hiking, camping, gardening, and pretty much anything that gets me outside.
What’s your favorite snack, drink, or guilty pleasure? Mango BoBa!!!
What would students be surprised to learn about you? This is my 13th year to be a part of the Seattle Hill community.
What’s one thing you hope families know about the PTO? We love our Seattle Hill Families and hope to help people find this to be a place of connection, support, and fun!
HEIDI ELLERBECK
TREASURER
Why did you join the PTO? I joined the PTO to give back to the school
One fun fact about yourself: I'm an avid cyclist and ride for the Taco Time NW Cycling Team
What’s your favorite snack, drink, or guilty pleasure? Really good third-wave coffee
What would students be surprised to learn about you? When I'm not at the school or coaching them in softball or basketball, I work for the Seattle Mariners
What’s one thing you hope families know about the PTO? I want everyone to know how rewarding it is to be around all these wonderful kids while volunteering and how much fun that is.
JOHN CHOINIERE
SECRETARY
Why did you join the PTO? To be more present in my kid’s school life and to give back to the staff and school community.
One fun fact about yourself: I love to draw and I was born in Brazil.
What’s your favorite snack, drink, or guilty pleasure? Coffee & Blue Raspberry Redbull Italian Soda
What would students be surprised to learn about you? I love to travel and I have been to 32 states.
What’s one thing you hope families know about the PTO? That we are a team of volunteers working hard to make the school community a better one :)
GIORDANNA DE ALMEIDA
HOSPITALITY COORDINATOR
Why did you join the PTO? To make my voice heard and be as involved as possible in the school system for my daughter
One fun fact about yourself - I was Chris Pratt's Dad's dietitian in my 20s!
What’s your favorite snack, drink, or guilty pleasure? Deep fried ice cream is my favorite dessert. I can't resist!
What would students be surprised to learn about you? I can speak French.
What’s one thing you hope families know about the PTO? You can help make changes that are important to you and your family!
JULIE BLY-THAKE