The FRES PTA election is June 10th at 7 p.m. at the Dive Bar & Grille in Savage (8600 Foundry St, Savage, MD 20763). Come out to vote and enjoy some appetizers. Drinks will be purchased on your own.
If you are interested in running for the 2024-2026 PTA board, visit FRES PTA BOARD MEMBERS NEEDED for 2024-2026 Term | Forest Ridge Elementary School PTA
2024-2026 FRES PTA Candidates
President
Barbara Gumes
Hi! My name is Barbara Gumes and I am interested in being your next PTA president. I have been highly active with the FRES PTA for the last 2 years. I am currently the Recording Secretary as well as the chair for the Carnival Committee. In addition, I’ve been involved with the annual Fall Festival, Health & Wellness Fair and Staff Appreciation activities.
My husband of 13 years, Darrell and I relocated to Maryland from Virginia in 2012. Our only child is a current 2nd grader at FRES. I am an infant/toddler developmental specialist with over 25 years of experience in early childhood education and intervention. I currently work for the Lourie Center for Children’s Social & Emotional Wellness and am contracted as an Early Interventionist to the Montgomery County Infants & Toddlers Program.
As PTA president, I look forward to working closely with the parents, teachers, staff and administration at FRES to continue and expand on the great programs and activities the PTA has to offer. In addition, I will strive to support the FRES community in advocating for our children’s education at the local and state level.
Vice President 1
Syed Askari
I am eager to join the FRES PTA Board because I am deeply committed to enhancing the educational experience for all students at our school. As a parent, I have seen firsthand the positive impact that a dedicated and proactive PTA can have on a school community. Serving as the Vice President of the PTA would allow me to contribute my skills and enthusiasm towards fostering an inclusive, supportive, and dynamic environment for our children. My professional background in project management and community outreach equips me with the organizational and leadership skills necessary to effectively support the PTA’s initiatives. I believe in the power of collaboration and would work diligently to strengthen the relationship between parents, teachers, and administrators. By facilitating open communication and encouraging active participation, we can address the needs of our school more comprehensively. I am particularly passionate about creating opportunities for all families to engage in school activities, regardless of their background or circumstances. My vision includes expanding programs that support student enrichment, advocating for necessary resources, and promoting a culture of volunteerism and involvement. I am excited about the prospect of working alongside a dedicated team to implement innovative solutions that benefit our entire school community. Joining the FRES PTA Board is not just about making a difference for my own children, but about contributing to a legacy of excellence and community spirit that will benefit all students. I am committed to leveraging my experience, creativity, and dedication to help FRES continue to thrive and grow as a vibrant educational community.
Vice President 2
Natalia Chenier
My name is Natalia Chenier and I am the mom of an upcoming 3rd and 5th grader. We became part of the FRES community 2 years ago and I have been volunteering with the PTA and attending meetings ever since. It has been a wonderful experience to help out with many of the PTA events. I believe that the PTA has an important role in providing opportunities for families to come together and get to know one another better, as well as support the school’s teachers and administrators. I hope to continue this rewarding work as a future board member. I am originally from Canada and love most things maple because “what Canadian doesn’t, eh!?” In my professional life I am a program evaluator, assessing the impacts that programs and services have on those who are using them.
Treasurer
Daniel Federline
Daniel Federline graduated from the College of Behavioral and Social Sciences at the University of Maryland, earning a B.A. in Government and Politics. Continuing his education, Dan attended the University of Maryland School of Law, where he specialized in technology law. During his time there, he distinguished himself as a Student-Attorney by providing advice to small businesses on intellectual property concerns and lobbying the Maryland General Assembly to ban smoking in cars with young children.
After obtaining his JD and passing the Maryland State Bar, Dan began his career in corporate law. He then transitioned to a pivotal role as Branch Chief at the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD) Office of Acquisitions. In his position, Dan leveraged his legal knowledge, leadership skills, and government contracting expertise to make significant contributions to child health and development initiatives.
In his free time, Dan serves as President of the Board for the non-profit Bridging Gaps, Inc., which seeks to bridge poverty gaps in underprivileged communities with current projects providing meals to elementary school children qualifying for free and reduced lunch. He is also a Watch D.O.G.S. volunteer at FRES, where his two daughters attend elementary school.
Recording Secretary or Corresponding Secretary
Ashley Brown
My name is Ashley Brown, and I am the proud mom of an upcoming 2nd grader. I am originally from the Philadelphia, PA area, but I moved down here to attend the University of Maryland, where I eventually met my husband, Dan. Currently, I am a scientific technical writer for a gene therapy manufacturer.
Holding a position on the FRES PTA Board would allow me to take a larger role in supporting and celebrating our educators and students for the next 2 years. I’ve really enjoyed volunteering for various PTA events and committees since my son started at FRES, and those experiences have given me an even greater appreciation for the work that educators do every day and the impact they make on our children and ultimately the world. It is my personal desire to leave the world in a better place than it was when I arrived in it. I have chosen a career field (healthcare) that allows me to do just that, and serving on the PTA aligns with this life goal in a new and exciting way. Through my volunteering, I’ve had a chance to enhance the lives of our FRES students and the education they receive, and I’ve had many chances to show my immense gratitude for the important work that teachers and support staff do every day. It is no easy task teaching small children, yet they do it with vigor and grace every day. I’d very much like to continue to volunteer in a greater capacity with the FRES PTA as the FRES students and educators have become an important part of my community, and they are very deserving of all the support the PTA can give to help them be successful in life.
PTA Council of Howard County Delegate (2)- NO CANDIDATES