Meet this year’s PTO presidents

Tanya Cooper

Mountain Brook High School

Background: Cooper graduated from MBHS and attended the University of Alabama. She has been married to her husband, Skip, for 33 years, and they have four children and three grandchildren. 

About MBHS PTO: According to Cooper, the MBHS PTO encourages parents to volunteer for over 25 committees at the high school and brings speakers to monthly meetings to inform parents and stimulate conversation. “All of our meetings have been in a round table setting to encourage involvement and parental participation,” she said. 

Looking ahead: In addition to bringing in engaging and relevant speakers, the MBHS PTO has started a capital campaign, Transformation 2016, to raise funds for the improvement of the mall, library and lunchroom. This summer, the mall, which Cooper called “the hub of our school,” has received a “much-needed makeover” with charging stations, increased seating and a food cart.

Best thing about MBHS: “It is a student-involved school, and we have some incredibly talented students who do many amazing things as well as administrators who go above and beyond,” Cooper said. 

Kristin Ritter

Mountain Brook Junior High 

Background: Ritter grew up in Texas and graduated from Rhodes College. She has been married to her husband, Bill, for nearly 20 years, and they have four children.

About MBJH PTO: “Consolidating schools means that not only are there so many new parents with lots of talent, but also that the work is spread out among these numbers,” Ritter said. “It is a privilege to be involved with an organization in which you can work with new people who have the same goal: to continue to be a presence in your children’s school life even when the child may not be so sure.”

Looking ahead: “With funds raised, we will continue to update classrooms with new furniture,” Ritter said. She would like to see “better attendance at PTO meetings and engaging discussion of topics relevant to what is happening at MBJH.” Her ultimate goal is to build a better sense of community among all those involved at MBJH.

What makes MBJH special: “New friends, new faces, new teachers and new opportunities are all part of the junior high experience,” Ritter said. “Students begin changing and finding their own places, and MBJH does a great job of giving them that opportunity.” But new opportunities and independence can also be the school’s greatest challenge, especially as it relates to social media. “We are all facing the same issues, and I do believe ‘it takes a village,’” Ritter said. 

Amy Maziarz

Brookwood Forest Elementary

Background: Maziarz grew up in Guntersville, Alabama, and graduated from the University of Alabama. She and her husband, Jim, have two daughters. Maziarz is a broker and real estate agent with Red Hills Realty. 

About BWF PTO: “We have so many wonderful families that are committed to making BWF the best it can be,” Maziarz said. “These families are always eager to help whenever help is needed.” 

Looking ahead: The BWF PTO is working on a few changes to fundraisers, and they have begun construction on a portion of the lunchroom. “I am so excited to see the response from the students and families when the work is complete,” said Maziarz. 

What makes BWF special: “The teachers and administrators at BWF are the best,” said Maziarz. “We are so blessed to have such caring and compassionate leadership at our school.” 

Amy Littleton 

Cherokee Bend Elementary

Background: Littleton grew up in Mountain Brook and graduated from Rhodes College before receiving a MS in physical therapy from UAB. She worked as a physical therapist at UAB before becoming a stay-at-home mom. Littleton and her husband, Michael, have three children. 

About CBS PTO: The Chief PTO supports faculty, staff, students and parents with over 50 committees. “Although we have many committees, we strive to work together as a community that provides our children with experiences that enhance their education,” Littleton said.

Looking ahead: “The Chief PTO will continue to raise funds to support our school through our Chief Sponsors programs, Red and Yellow Color Run, Winter Dinner & Auction, sportswear and the spring carnival,” Littleton said. “We will also celebrate our 5th Annual ‘The Bend’s Got Talent Show.’  The Bend’s Den, our new collaborative learning classroom, will be available for all classes to use.”

What makes CBS special: “FOAC [Fair Oaks Adventure Curriculum] is a team-building program whose activities promote healthy relationships and respectful communication with your peers,” Littleton said. “Ask any CBS graduate what the three rules of FOAC are, and they can quickly say, ‘I will be safe, I will do my best, I will value myself and others.’” 

Britt Redden

Crestline Elementary

Background: Redden attended Crestline and graduated from MBHS. After attending Vanderbilt University, Redden met her husband, Chuck, with whom she now has four children. 

About CES PTO: “The PTO allows parents to be involved at the school and helps cultivate what we refer to as the ‘Crestline Family,’” Redden said. 

Looking ahead: The new media center will open on the first day of school, thanks to last year’s PTO’s fundraising. “The media center will allow children to learn in a 21st century environment,” Redden said. The computer lab will also be moved and renovated.

What makes CES special: “We are the largest elementary school, but it does not feel that way,” Redden said. “Our administration and staff make sure that no child feels like a number and that every child has a chance to succeed. The PTO works to get parents involved at the school and helps facilitate events to connect families and faculty.” 

Emily Lassiter

Mountain Brook Elementary 

Background: Lassiter grew up in Montgomery, attended Auburn University and graduated from law school at the University of Alabama. She practiced law for seven years before becoming a stay-at-home mom for her two girls. 

About MBE PTO: According to Lassiter, MBE PTO brings together the school’s dedicated teachers, administrators and staff with parents “who donate time and money to make our school the best it can be.” 

Looking ahead: MBE recently received a grant that will help the school introduce STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) to the students, and the design for a new playground is nearing completion. “But one of the most exciting goals for me this year is to bring everyone together to celebrate our vibrant community,” Lassiter said. 

What makes MBE special: Lassiter called MBE a fantastic school because of “passionate and dedicated teachers, highly skilled administrators, a great staff and engaged parents.”