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 - Michelle Erste
Michelle Erste is Barnwell PTO Co-President this year, a role she is very excited to continue from last year into her final year at Barnwell. In addition to her board roles, Michelle has been involved in volunteering for Barnival and STEAM week, among other things, since her family joined the Barnwell community in 2016. Michelle is a Barnwell Alum herself, having attended Barnwell for 4th and 5th grades, so she loves the school! Michelle and her husband Lou have two children. Leah is a Barnwell alumna and in 7th grade at Haynes Bridge Middle School, and Gabriel is in 5th grade. In addition to her day job as a Marketing Director for an emergency management consulting firm and her role on the PTO, Michelle can be found driving her children to and from dance and soccer, running their synagogue's Religious School, or reading a book in her favorite hammock in the backyard. The Erste family also includes Daisy the mutt, Georgie the corgi, and three cats - Charlie, Mimi, and Harry.
Co-President - Megan Gann
Megan has been on our board in various roles since coming to Barnwell and is thrilled to be our co-president this year. Her family has been in the area since 2013 and at Barnwell since 2018. Along with her husband, Kyle, Megan has 2 children, Willis (1st grade) and Emmett (7th Grade). Megan believes that a school's biggest resource is its people and is happy to be involved. She is an active member of the community volunteering at Barnwell, Haynes Bridge MS, Cub Scout Pack 499, BSA Troop 226 and in the neighborhood of Rivermont.
Treasurer - Dani Lawson
My name is Dani Lawson, and I’m Treasurer for 2022-2023. Martin and I have two children at Barnwell—Lena in 5th and Davis in 2nd. 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!
Secretary - Melissa Branen
This is Melissa Branen’s second year on Barnwell’s PTO and this year she is serving as Secretary. She and her husband Eric have one daughter, a Kindergartner named Morgan. Melissa is a part-time working mom and also teaches Bible Study, is a member of Johns Creek’s Recreation & Parks Advisory Committee, and is excited to begin her first year co-leading a Girl Scout troop. Her daughter also keeps her busy with gymnastics, dance, swimming and now girl scouts. She loves Barnwell and the local community and plans to stay actively involved for many years to come.
VP School Enrichment - Eboney Echols
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.
VP School Enrichment - Holli Freeman
Hi, my name is Holli Freeman, and this will be my first year serving as Co-VP of School Enrichment. My husband Eric and I have been in Alpharetta for 12 years, and our son, Cooper, is in first grade. Eric grew up in Kennesaw and I’m from the Mississippi Gulf Coast (Long Beach). I lived there for 30 years before moving here in 2010. Before I became a stay-at-home mom in 2016, I enjoyed working at WSB-TV in the Programming department. We enjoy spending as much time with our families as possible, traveling, and cooking. I look forward to working with others on the board to support the school and its staff and getting to know this community even better.
VP Family Events - Teresa Oshlo
My name is Teresa Oshlo and I am VP of Family Events for 2022-2023. This is my second year at Barnwell and my first year serving on the board. I thoroughly enjoyed volunteering at Barnival, Teacher Appreciation Week, and as head room parent for each of my children’s classrooms. I truly believe it takes a village and I am excited to help the PTO continue to keep Barnwell the amazing school it is! Ryan and I have been married for 13 years and have three children; Liam is in 5th grade, Aubrey is in 3rd grade, and Lochlan is in 1st grade. We are thankful to have relocated to Johns Creek from suburban Chicago in 2021 and are thrilled to be an active part of the Barnwell family!
VP Family Events - Jaclyn Perilman
I am Jaclyn Perilman, VP of Family Events. This is my first year being a part of the PTO at Barnwell and our second year at the school. My husband Zev and I have two current students, Mia is in kindergarten and Caleb is in 2nd grade. We had so much fun at all of the events last year and I am looking forward to another great year!
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!
VP Fundraising - Lauren Kermani
My name is Lauren Kermani. I am Co-VP Fundraising and I am excited to support our Barnwell Bears! My husband, Frank, and I have 3 boys, Koosha and Kian are in college and Kasra is a Kindergartener at Barnwell this year. I am a local real estate Broker with a small team specializing in North Atlanta. I am excited about serving on your PTO because I know that the best schools have strong parental support and a strong foundation in school is so important for the kids and our community. I look forward to working with you this year!
VP of Academic Enrichment - Elyse Robleto
Hi! I’m Elyse, Mama of the Robleto clan & Co-VP of Academic Enrichment. My favorite thing to do is spend time with my goofy and fun loving family. Our years at Barnwell have been amazing and we're ready for another great one!
VP of Academic Enrichment - Donna Thompson
My name is Donna Thompson and I'm excited to serve as the Co-VP of Academic Enrichment for the Barnwell PTO board. We've been a part of the Barnwell community since our son Donovan, now a 2nd grader, started Pre-K. In prior years, I've been a Room Parent, an activity volunteer and have had the honor to assist with decorating the staff lounge for appreciation week. I'm thankful that job flexibility is allowing me to take on this role. I look forward to what this school year brings...GO BEARS!
VP of Teacher Support - Aubrey DeSarro-Garman
Hi, my name is Aubrey DeSarro-Garman, and I’m thrilled to serve my 2nd year as CO-VP for Teacher Support, especially as a former teacher myself. My husband Jeremy and I have been married for 13 years and have two children here at Barnwell. Luca is in 5th grade, and Gianna is in 4th grade. I’ve actively volunteered for PTO events, such as, Barnival, Mother-Son Bingo, served as a room parent, and currently serve as the chair overseeing Room Parents, all of which are incredibly rewarding. This 2022-2023 school 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 and look forward to another awesome year ahead!
VP of Teacher Support - Nikki Peacock
My name is Nikki Peacock and I am VP of Teacher Support. I have four children, Jacob (5th grade), William (2nd grade), Sam (Kindergarten), and Kate (3 year old). This is my 1st year serving on the PTO at Barnwell. We have been at Barnwell since my oldest was in Kindergarten. We love this school and all that the parents and staff do to make it what it is! I can’t wait to serve alongside the wonderful PTO board members to make this year the best! A fun fact is that I went to Barnwell as a student many years ago! Our family loves to travel, play soccer, and serve at our church!
VP Community Outreach - Dyuti (Dee) Amin
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!