Volunteer Spotlight
January 2025: Jillian Bright
Introducing the Mays Chapel Elementary PTO Volunteer Spotlight of the Month, Jillian Bright:
- Hometown: Baltimore, MD
- Your elementary school mascot: Roland Park Rams
- Children/grade: Juliette 8th grade at Cockeysville Middle, Lexie and Josie 5th grade at Mays
- When did you start volunteering at MCES? I started volunteering when my oldest started kindergarten.
- What you do as a volunteer: In the past I was a room rep, grade level liaison, and volunteered in the classroom. I am currently in my 3rd year running the Birthday Book Club.
- Why did you get involved in volunteering? I got involved in volunteering because it’s a great way to support the teachers and the school community as a whole. It’s also a good way to meet other parents.
- What you love most about MCES: My favorite thing about Mays is how diverse the student population is. That was a huge factor when my husband and I were looking to buy a house in this area when our oldest was a toddler.
- How do you spend your free time? What’s free time?
I spend most of my time taxiing kids around to activities and watching them on the soccer field and basketball court. On the rare occasion that I have some down time, I love to read and hike.
December 2024: Tara Gupta
Introducing the Mays Chapel Elementary PTO Volunteer Spotlight of the Month, Tara Gupta:
- Hometown: Bethesda, MD
- Your elementary school mascot: Ashburton Elementary School Pegasus
- Children/grade: 3 kids - Shalin, Gr 5, Arya Pre-K, Maanav - 2's class in Preschool
- When did you start volunteering at MCES? I started volunteering in the Fall of 2021 when the kids were back to school in-person.
- What you do as a volunteer: I have enjoyed helping out as a lunch volunteer, helping teachers during field trips and Field Day and participating on the PTO as the coordinator of the school assemblies. My favorite event to volunteer at is the Trunk or Treat where we proudly decorate our trunk every year!
- Why did you get involved in volunteering? I think it is so important to support our teaching staff and help to create a positive and engaging learning environment. I also enjoy that my son feels pride when mom shows up as a chaperone or as a school volunteer. I want my kids to feel supported even when they are at school.
- What you love most about MCES: I love that the teachers and staff want to get to know your child on a deeper level. All of my son's teachers have always been extremely supportive of him at school and with his extra curricular interests as well.
- How do you spend your free time? I love hiking at Oregon Ridge, doing Pilates and reading Historical Fiction novels about WWII.
November 2024: Shelby Maltese
Introducing the Mays Chapel Elementary PTO Volunteer Spotlight of the Month, Shelby Maltese:
- Hometown: Grew up in Owings Mills
- Your elementary school mascot: Glyndon Elementary - Thoroughbreds
- Children/grade: Emily 3rd and Paige 1st
- When did you start volunteering at MCES?: 2020 when Emily started Kindergarten
- What you do as a volunteer: Help with Trunk or Treat and any other event or activity that’s needed
- Why did you get involved in volunteering?: Wanted to find a community to be apart of and be close to my kids with all the events
- How do you spend your free time?: Baking/cooking with the girls, reading, and just being with family and friends
October 2024: Katie Benson
Introducing the Mays Chapel Elementary PTO Volunteer Spotlight of the Month, Katie Benson:
- Hometown: Catonsville, Maryland
- Your elementary school mascot: Hillcrest Hedgehogs!
- Children/grade: Maggie is in 3rd grade in Mrs. Mangano’s class. My son is in kindergarten at a different school.
- When did you start volunteering at MCES? When Maggie was in kindergarten I started to get involved with the PTO.
- What you do as a volunteer: I coordinate the Back to School Picnic and am also coordinating Mays Day this year!
- Why did you get involved in volunteering? I love seeing how happy the events and activities that the PTO hosts make the kids. The success of many of the PTO events depends on volunteers!
- What you love most about MCES: The community feel.
- How do you spend your free time? My free time is spent mostly shuttling kids to activities and sports! But, I love to read when I can!
September 2024: Esther Kim Lee
Introducing the Mays Chapel Elementary PTO Volunteer Spotlight of the Month, Esther Kim Lee:
- Hometown: Baltimore, MD, born and raised!
- Your elementary school mascot: I don't remember if we had one. I went to Riderwood Elementary.
- Children/grade: Ethan (MCES '24 Grad), Arabella, 3rd
- When did you start volunteering at MCES? '18
- What you do as a volunteer? I've helped out in the classrooms, helped with the fifth grade farewell ceremony and laminating. Excited to volunteer as the Spirit Wear Coordinator for the '24-'25 school year!
- Why did you get involved? To support the teachers of my children in their classes.
- How do you spend your free time? Reading, crafting, trying new foods, spending time with my family.
June 2024: Kristin Johnston
Introducing the Mays Chapel Elementary PTO Volunteer Spotlight of the Month, Kristin Johnston:
- Hometown: Fanwood, NJ
- Your elementary school mascot: We didn't have one!
- Children/grade: Caroline, 1st and Ryan, 5th, Andrew 7th at Ridgely
- When did you start volunteering at MCES? when we moved to the area in 2017.
- What you do as a volunteer: Join in where ever needed! :)
- Why did you get involved in volunteering? I wanted to be a member of the school community, support the school and get to know more people
- What you love most about MCES: Not only do my children receive a great education, but they are learning to be great people too.
- How do you spend your free time? My family loves doing outdoor activities together and exploring! :)
May 2024: Danielle Ascione
Introducing the Mays Chapel Elementary PTO Volunteer Spotlight of the Month, Danielle Ascione:
- Hometown: Fairfield, Connecticut
- Your elementary school mascot: Stallion
- Children/grade: Sisley (grade 3); Dominic (grade 6 Ridgely, Mays alumni)
- When did you start volunteering at MCES? 2022
- What you do as a volunteer: Bookfair and a-MAYS-ing Race
- Why did you get involved in volunteering? Volunteering is such a meaningful way to contribute to the community and make a positive impact on the lives of others. Providing them with well-maintained and enriching spaces fosters their development and ensures they have safe and enjoyable environments to learn and play in. Volunteering not only benefits the current students and staff but also lays the groundwork for a brighter future for all.
- What you love most about MCES: The diverse community, my children have made some amazing friendships that will last a lifetime as well as I. I am always learning from the rich experiences and perspectives of others in the community.
- How do you spend your free time? Hiking, playing soccer, crocheting, gardening
April 2024: Amanda Wood
Introducing the Mays Chapel Elementary PTO Volunteer Spotlight of the Month, Amanda Wood:
- Hometown: Parkville, MD
- Your elementary school mascot: Oakleigh Elementary Owls
- Children/grade: Jack/grade 6 at Cockeysville Middle School and Maddie/grade 3 at MCES
- When did you start volunteering at MCES? 2017 when Jack was in Kindergarten
- What you do as a volunteer: Organize the annual adult night and helping at various events throughout the year
- Why did you get involved in volunteering? To be a part of my children's learning
- What you love most about MCES: I love being a part of the Mays community. I have loved watching my children grow and thrive under the amazing care and instruction of the teachers and staff.
- How do you spend your free time? cooking, baking, reading
March 2024: Mike Gillispie
Introducing the Mays Chapel Elementary PTO Volunteer Spotlight of the Month, Mike Gillispie:
- Hometown: White Hall, MD
- Your elementary school mascot: A deer
- Children/grade: Sarah, 8th and Megan, 5th
- When did you start volunteering at MCES? My wife and I have been volunteering here and there for a while.
- What you do as a volunteer: Currently helping plan movie nights
- Why did you get involved in volunteering? I like helping with whatever is needed.
- What you love most about MCES: The community and faculty have been awesome to be around since day one.
- How do you spend your free time?: Looking for fun activities that are deceptively educational.
February 2024: Chelsea Ortega
Introducing the Mays Chapel Elementary PTO Volunteer Spotlight of the Month, Chelsea Ortega:
- Hometown: Hurlock, MD
- Your elementary school mascot: Huskies
- Children/grade: James/4th, Owen and Bryce/2nd
- When did you start volunteering at MCES? When James was in Pre-K (2018)
- What you do as a volunteer: Help in the cafeteria, staff the book fair, and serve as the Secretary of the PTO
- Why did you get involved in volunteering? I wanted to share in my children's school activities and help the MCES community
- What you love most about MCES: The people! The teachers, staff and administration make MCES a wonderful place for every child.
- How do you spend your free time? With family, reading, and taking walks with our dogs
January 2024: Dani Ryan
Introducing the Mays Chapel Elementary PTO Volunteer Spotlight of the Month, Dani Ryan:
- Hometown: I grew up in Lutherville, MD, we now live in Cockeysville, MD.
- Your elementary school mascot: Dolphins (When I went there it was Lutherville-Timonium Elementary School. Now it's just Timonium Elementary)
- Children/grade: Maddie (4th) & Liam (Kindergarten)
- When did you start volunteering at MCES? 2021
- What you do as a volunteer: PTO Treasurer
- Why did you get involved in volunteering? My career is in Finance and when I heard the PTO needed a new Treasurer, I knew I could help. After COVID, especially, I wanted to join the PTO so that I could be involved in bringing back some of the fun and excitement of school. The things that I remember and cherish the most about my elementary school experience, I wanted my kids to also have those experiences.
- What you love most about MCES: The amazing staff and the lifelong friendships that my kids have made.
- How do you spend your free time? Usually on a soccer field or basketball court watching a kids game.
December 2023: Dana Cline
Introducing the Mays Chapel Elementary PTO Volunteer Spotlight of the Month, Dana Cline:
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Hometown: Cortland Manor, NY
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Your elementary school mascot: Lion
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Children/grade: Kaylee 7th grade at Ridgely, Natalie 5th grade and Jamie, 3 years old
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When did you start volunteering at MCES? 2018 When Kaylee was in first grade
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What you do as a volunteer: Attend PTO meetings, organize community events, and support other parents organizing events
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Why did you get involved in volunteering? I got involved to bring the community together and to support events that create memories for Mays Chapel students
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What you love most about MCES: I love the teachers, community and extracurricular activities. My children love to participate in "Girls on the Run", the school play and Race for Education.
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How do you spend your free time? I spend my free time with my family and friends. I enjoy being at the beach, traveling, running, being outside and watching my children play sports.
November 2023: Dori Wojtowycz
Introducing the Mays Chapel Elementary PTO Volunteer Spotlight of the Month, Dori Wojtowycz:
- Hometown: Born and raised in Baltimore.
- My elementary school mascot: I graduated from Timonium Elementary (formerly Lutherville-Timonium Elementary) - Go Dolphins!
- Children/grade: I have two children at MCES this year. Ginny is a 4th grader and Tommy is in 2nd grade.
- When did I start volunteering at MCES? I have been volunteering and on the MCES PTO since Ginny was in Kindergarten.
- What I do as a volunteer: Currently, I am on the board and am the lead of MCES spirit wear and am organizing the development of the first school store at Mays.
- Why did I get involved in volunteering? I’ve always wanted to be involved in my kids school experience- a “sunshine mom” of sorts, so I really enjoy being a member of the school community and helping out where I can. The teachers and staff do so much for our kids that it feels good to give back as a volunteer.
- How do you spend your free time? In any free time I can scrounge up, when I am not carting a kid to dance or soccer, I am an avid reader - I love finding something new and interesting to read. I also love to take trips to the beach - Ocean City, MD is my second home! I’m looking forward to a school year full of fun PTO activities and events! Paws Up!
October 2023: Anne Hoffman
Introducing the Mays Chapel Elementary PTO Volunteer Spotlight of the Month, Anne Hoffman.
- Hometown: Columbia, SC (but I moved to the Pacific Northwest when I was 22 so that sort of feels like I grew up there too.)
- My elementary school mascot: North Spring Crickets
- Children/grade: Beatrice (3), Opal (7) Opal is a former MCES student
- What I do as a volunteer: I've been on the board for the past several years in the communications role. I maintain the Facebook page as well as maintain the website.
- Why did I get involved in volunteering?: I am a firm believer that schools are enriched with parent involvement.
- What I love most about MCES? The thing I love most about Mays is the diversity of the student body. Mays in particular is a very diverse school from socio-economic to religion to ethnicity. I appreciate that my children are a part of a community that is welcoming and inclusive.
- How do I spend my free time? What free time? :) I spend most of my time shuttling my kids to various activities because aren't we all just unpaid Uber drivers at this stage? I travel quite a bit for both work and pleasure. I think between me and my husband we have been to 9 countries and over 25 cities just this year with at least 3 more countries and several more cities being added to that list by the end of the year.
September 2023: Amanda Reisz
Introducing the Mays Chapel Elementary PTO Volunteer Spotlight of the Month, Amanda Reisz.
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