Meet Your 2022-2023 Highland PTO Board Members
Julie E. Furnas - President
I am honored for the opportunity to be your Highland Elementary PTO President and cannot wait to see what the new school year brings. I served as the Communications Coordinator for two years during the height of the pandemic, when communication from our school and community was most important. I have two daughters, one in 3rd grade and a preschooler. I am a huge movie buff, and I love to write, travel and spend time in the outdoors like a true Bendite.
Natasha Cagle - Vice President
I am looking forward to a fantastic year at Highland. This is my second year with Highland. My son Hudson is 6 years old. I am a staffing consultant in the office services division for Express Employment Professionals. I am originally from Trinidad and Tobago and grew up in Boston. I enjoy spending time with Hudson and going for walks. I love fashion and dance. As a mom, I love teaching my son that you can do things for others without expecting something in return. Empathy, honesty, compassion, respect, and manners go a long way.
Treasurer
Amy Banton - Secretary
I have one child at Highland (so far)! My son Wally is going into 1st grade. I also have a four year old, Teddy, and a two year old, Evie. I am so thrilled to be a part of the Highland PTO as the Secretary! Currently I am a full time mom and I also work part-time at Stone Soup. I am a PNW native who enjoys tennis, football, movies, and a good true crime documentary.
Whitney Cheng - Communications Coordinator
I am excited for this opportunity to support the amazing Highland community through PTO! I have two kids at Highland, Maia and Henry. We love to spend time outside as a family. Cheers to a great school year!
Ting Lo - Giving Campaign Coordinator
I am grateful for the opportunity to serve on the PTO board as the Giving Campaign Coordinator. I have a daughter Ava who's going into 2nd grade. I enjoy the outdoors and love to doodle and read in my spare time. I look forward to yet another great year at Highland!
Taelor Little - Events Coordinator
This is my second year as the Events Coordinator, and my family's 4th year at Highland. I have four children, two will be attending Highland this year. Rosalie will be in 3rd grade, and Calvin will be in 1st. I also have three year old twins, James and Georgia. Although we were not able to have a full schedule of events last year, we were able to end the year with a fantastic Spring Carnival. I am looking forward to having all of our events back this year for Highland families to enjoy.
Cory Pavlovich - Events Coordinator
Though it's only my second year as a Highland parent, my Piper Pride runs deep! We feel so lucky to be a part of this incredible school and it's a privilege to serve on the PTO. Events help build community and encourage enthusiasm; Taelor and I are excited for the many events we have planned for the year ahead. My son Luke is a first grader, and my youngest Andrew (4) is eager to start kindergarten next year. Family is my biggest passion ~ And I absolutely adore mine!
Enrichment Coordinator
Brecia Hale - Volunteer Coordinator
Hello Highland Families! My name is pronounced Bree-sha but I also answer to Bre. I love being involved in all the things so I'm excited to be the coordinator responsible for helping you all get involved as well! I have three children (one of whom currently attends Highland) and during the school year I run a part-time daycare in my home because, well... We've established that I like to stay busy, right? When I'm not surrounded by the sweet chaos of my children I enjoy reading, dancing, and tending to my houseplants.
Jessica Bentley - Storyline Liaison
I have a deep love for the Storyline approach. Its key principle is that, in order for learning to be meaningful, it has to be memorable, and that's been our experience at Highland. Last year was our first year, and it was magical to see my daughter and her class make the story come to life & actually enjoy learning. I'm excited to take on the role of Storyline Liaison and support the wonderful staff at Highland. Outside of school, you might find me and my daughter paddle boarding or riding bikes with her baby brother in tow, re-reading the Harry Potter series, grabbing a coffee & Ocean Roll from Sparrow, or attempting to DIY something in our 1972 fixer upper!