Meet Your Leadership
2024-2026 Leadership
Why do we PTA?
PTA leaders are passionate volunteers. The phrase "every child. one voice." is at the core of their drive to spend their time and effort in advocating for Broward County students at the county and state levels. Each member of this Board was sparked by a unique experience in their own lives that started them down the path of a PTA volunteer.
We would like to introduce you to the members of our Executive Leadership Board. Please say "hi" to them when you see them at your schools and or events!
Phyllis Shaw
President
"I PTA because I want to help children and families. I want to provide a voice to the children and families without a voice. PTA for me is NOT about fundraising, it is all about advocating. being part of PTA is my greatest job and it is one of my goals to help create well rounded and prepared future leaders by advocating and equipping our children for whatever comes next include adulthood. Let’s create a revolution together and for the next set of leaders."
Burt Miller
First Vice President
PTA's mission is to make every child’s potential a reality by engaging and empowering families and communities to advocate for all children.
We are dedicated to children’s educational success, health, and well-being through strong family and community engagement, while remaining accountable to the principles upon which our association was founded.
Ashley Atkinson
Treasurer
PTA's mission is to make every child’s potential a reality by engaging and empowering families and communities to advocate for all children.
We are dedicated to children’s educational success, health, and well-being through strong family and community engagement, while remaining accountable to the principles upon which our association was founded.
Cornelia Watson
Vice President for Organization
"My mother is my biggest inspiration for why I PTA. Here is one of the reasons of why I PTA. When I started high school, my school bus stop was more than a mile from my home. I had to be at the bus stop at around 5:30 in the morning, which at that time was almost pitch-black. My mom was not ok with that and as she dropped me off at my bus stop that first morning, she then followed the school bus during its morning pickup route, to see if the bus passed closer to our home, and it did. She then contacted the school, and the schoolboard and was put in contact with the transportation department. My mom got the school bus stop changed to an Elementary School down the street from our home. That first morning at the elementary school there were no lights, and the school was not open as you can imagine, at 5:30 in the morning. My mom, again, contacted the school and school board and got them to not only turn on some lights, but also unlock the school and had someone on campus while we waited on the school bus. We received lighting, shelter and protection. She affected change for not just me, but for the other children as well. She taught me that parents are the best advocates for the little ones and if one parent can make a difference, then imagine what a whole association of parents can do."
Keishel Defreitas
Recording Secretary
Why PTA? Why not PTA.. I have a 14-year-old son who was diagnosed with ADHD. Before he was diagnosed the teachers labeled him as just a bad behaved child, and just didn't try to help him. I then decided to join the PTA at his school to have his voice heard and to help other parents like me manage with having a child with ADHD. The system does not always protect our kids, and I want to protect not just my son but all children. All children voices need to be heard and I am here to do just that..
Crystal Hayes
Vice President for Leadership
"Why I PTA: I believe in the power of community and the impact of education on our children's future. Joining the PTA allows me to actively contribute to shaping our school environment, ensuring it's nurturing, inclusive, and supportive for every student. By volunteering my time and skills, I aim to foster strong connections between parents, teachers, and administrators, working together to enrich educational experiences and empower our children to thrive."
SAba Aamir
VP Education
PTA's mission is to make every child’s potential a reality by engaging and empowering families and communities to advocate for all children.
We are dedicated to children’s educational success, health, and well-being through strong family and community engagement, while remaining accountable to the principles upon which our association was founded.