Our Mission
Our mission is to give our Barnwell Bears the tools and resources they need to reach their full potential, both in school and out. We are the parents and teachers who advocate for our children. We strive to use our voice to make a difference for the education, health, and welfare of Barnwell students and families.
Our Leadership
Co-President - Sogol Zebarjadi
Hi, my name is Sogol Zebarjadi and I will be serving as Co-President on our PTO board this year. My husband Sam and I have two children; Rayan is in 6th grade, and Ariana is in 3rd grade. I love volunteering at our school and so happy to be a part of this community. I’m excited for the year ahead and look forward to collaborating with the school and fellow parents on the many fun activities and enrichment opportunities we provide for our students!
Co-President - Michelle Erste
Hi, I'm Michelle Erste and I am excited to be Co-President this year! Even before joining the board, I've been actively involved in volunteering for Barnival and STEAM week since we joined the community 5 years ago. I am a Barnwell Alum myself, so I especially love this school and our PTO! My husband Lou and I have two kids - Leah who is a Barnwell grad and now in 6th grade and Gabriel in 4th grade. In addition to my day job as a Marketing Director for an engineering consulting firm and my role on the PTO, I can be found driving my children to and from dance and soccer practices or reading a book in my hammock in the backyard. The Erste family also includes Daisy the dog and three cats - Charlie, Mimi, and Harry.
Treasurer- Megan Gann
Megan is happy to be a part of the Barnwell community volunteering on our board as well as active in her neighborhood and with Cub Scout Pack 499. She has a 6th grader at Haynes Bridge and a Kindergartener at Barnwell. Her biggest goal is to ensure all donations are used to the best benefit for the families and staff at our school. Megan is serving her 3rd year on the Barnwell PTO board, and 2nd as Treasurer.
.jpeg/:/cr=t:13.28%25,l:0%25,w:100%25,h:39.06%25/rs=w:600,h:300,cg:true)
Secretary - Kate Kuehn
Hi, my name is Kate Kuehn, and I am serving as the Secretary for this year’s PTO board. My husband Rob and I have 2 kids; Abby is in 5th and Andrew is a 7th grader at AMMS. I can not believe we have been a Barnwell family for 8 years! Over the years I have enjoyed all the volunteer opportunities the school has to offer. Some of my favorites include Room Parent, Book Fair, 5th Grade Events, Spirit Wear and most recently, Secretary. While this may be our last year at Barnwell we will always be Barnwell Bears!
VP Technology and Communication - Kate Hall
Hi, my name is Kate Hall and I will be serving as CO-VP for Technology and Communications on the PTO Board at Barnwell. My husband Justin and I have a daughter, Molly, who just began 4th grade at Barnwell and she's been a Bear since 1st. We are so happy to be a part of this community and I look forward to being more involved with the school!
VP Teacher Support - Kristin Funt
My Name is Kristin Funt, I have been married to my husband Andrew for 15 years and we have two children. Taylor is 9 and just began 4th grade and Jacob is 11 and is a 6th grader. I was born and raised in Pompano Beach Florida. I graduated from University of Central Florida in 2002. I lived in Florida for over 30 years before we were relocated to Denver, Colorado in 2014. We moved to Alpharetta in September of 2016 from Denver. I am very excited to be a part of the PTA. We love Barnwell and I couldn’t be more thankful to be able to be a part of this community. I am looking forward to an incredible 2021-2022 school year.
VP Teacher Support - Aubrey DeSarro-Garman
Hi, my name is Aubrey DeSarro-Garman, and I’m thrilled to serve as CO-VP for Teacher Support this year, especially as a former teacher myself. My husband Jeremy and I have been married for 12 years and have two children here at Barnwell. Luca is in 4th grade, and Gianna is in 3rd grade. I’ve actively volunteered for PTO events, such as, Barnival and served as a room parent for the past four years, which is incredibly rewarding. This 2021-2022school year will be productive, fun, and memorable because of our partnering with staff and families! Our family is grateful to be a part of this amazing Barnwell community.
VP Family Events - Emily Glahn
My name is Emily Glahn and I am VP of Family Events for 2021-2022. This is my 7th year at Barnwell, and my 6th year serving on the board. Brad and I have 3 kids, Sydney a 8th grader, Grayson a 5th grader, and Walker who is 4. We have loved being Barnwell Bears and look forward to being here many more years. Go Bears!
VP Family Events - Ryan Uptegraph
VP Fundraising - Lissa Webber
Hi, my name is Lissa Webber and I will be serving as VP Fundraising on the PTO Board this year. My husband Jonathan and I have two children, Claire (1st Grade) and Ryan (Pre-K). We are thrilled to be part of the Barnwell family and look forward to getting to know everyone!
Melissa Branen - VP of Academic Enrichment
My name is Melissa Branen and I am excited to serve for my first time on the PTO as a Co-VP of Academic Enrichment. My husband Eric and I have a 4-year-old daughter named Morgan, who is our only child. We consider ourselves very fortunate to have the opportunity for Morgan to attend the Pre-K program this year. Although this is our first year at Barnwell, we already love it and plan to be actively involved with this wonderful school for many years to come!
Elyse Robleto - VP of Academic Enrichment
I’m Elyse Robleto, mom of 4 with 2 here at Barnwell. We moved to Georgia a couple years ago and have fallen in love with the area and especially with Barnwell Elementary. I’m looking forward to an awesome year and am excited to be CO-VP of events.
Dani Lawson- VP of School Enrichment
My name is Dani Lawson, and I’m Co-VP of School Enrichment for 2021-2022. Martin and I have two children at Barnwell—Lena in 4th and Davis in 1st. I have previously volunteered as a Room Parent and assisted with Staff Appreciation Weeks. I look forward to this new role and supporting Barnwell to keep it so special!
Eboney Echols - VP of School Enrichment
Hi, I’m Eboney Echols, I am honored serve on the PTO committee as the VP of school enrichment. I have a 3rd grader Edison Echols who has attended Barnwell since he has been in kindergarten. Barnwell has been extremely good to me as well as my son, so when the opportunity came up to serve, I reached out to see how I can help. My husband and I moved to the Roswell Alpharetta area 8 years ago to be closer to his job. We also have two children who attend Johns creek High School. One is a senior and the other is in the 10 grade.
Dyuti (Dee) Amin - VP Community Outreach
My name is Dyuti (Dee) Amin, and I am excited to serve as CO-VP for Community Outreach this year. I am an accountant and currently working from home. My husband Samir and I have been married for 10 years and have two children, Jasmin and Jase, here at Barnwell. They are both in 1st grade! We love all things outdoors... hiking, running, soccer, etc... We hope to be more actively involved at Barnwell and our community as we attempt another return to "normal" during these COVID times. Looking forward to a fantastic school year!