2024-25 PTO Board Members

My name is Jaime Tecza, pronounced "Teska," and I am the proud principal of J.V. Washam Elementary. A little bit about myself, the 24-25 school year will be my 7th year at Washam and 10th as a principal with Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools. In 2000, I moved from Erie, PA to begin my teaching career at Blythe Elementary. I was a fourth and fifth grade teacher for 7 years before earning a fellowship called the North Carolina Principal Fellowship award. This allowed me to go back to school fulltime to learn how to be a school administrator. During my final year of earning my administrative degree, I worked at Bradley Middle as the 6th grade administrator/Principal Intern from 2007-2008. Upon graduating from UNC Charlotte with my Masters of School Administration, I was hired as the Dean of Students at Davidson IB Middle School and served in that position from 2008-2010. I then moved to Cabarrus County where I worked for four years as both the Assistant Principal and Assistant Principal of Instruction at Boger Elementary and Irvin Elementary, respectively. My last role was at University Park Creative Arts where I served as the proud principal for 3 years. I am lucky husband of Cathy, who is a Talent Development Teacher in CMS, and the proud father of Emmie (15) Nicole (12), Ben (8) and fur baby, Ripley (2). Needless to say, most of my free time is spent with my kids and I wouldn't have it any other way. When I can find the time, I love to coach my son's football team, golf, hike, and watch any Pittsburgh sports. I look forward to working with you all to continue making J.V. Washam Elementary a top school in North Carolina. Please don't hesitate to contact me with any questions.

Jen has one daughter in 7th grade at Bailey Middle and a second daughter in 4th grade at J.V. Washam. This is her 5th year serving on the PTO Board, and has previously enjoyed volunteering her time on many Washam committees. Jen is a Midwest girl, born in Indiana and a graduate from Purdue University. She is a stay at home mom and very excited to continue to serve on the J.V. Washam PTO Board.

Erica has a daughter in the 5th grade, a son in the 3rd grade, and a sweet rescue pup at home! Erica is a Charlotte native and attended UNCC, receiving a BA in Health Communication and Gerontology. After several years as a stay at home mom, Erica now works at a local mental health private practice. She has served on several committees and was co-VP of Volunteers last year. She loves getting involved and is looking forward to another great year!

My name is Michelle Tesmer, together my husband and I have 4 children; 1st grader at JV Washam, a Freshman and Sophomore at Hough and 1 who graduated from Hough! I graduated from Iowa State University with a B.S in Accounting and have worked in many areas of Accounting. I enjoy being active, cooking, and traveling when I’m not watching my children’s activites! This will be my first year on the board and I look forward to becoming more involved with JV Washam!

My name is Lauren Perkins. I have two children at J.V. Washam, one going into 4th grade and the other going into 1st grade for the 24-25 school year. I am a Charlotte native, having graduated from North Mecklenburg High School. I went to UNC-Chapel Hill and received 2 Bachelor’s degrees and a Masters of Social Work. I moved back to Charlotte in 2012 and have been in the Lake Norman area for the last 5 years. I am excited to serve my first year on the PTO board. I have also served as a room parent and Committee Chair for the School Store and this year as co-chair for the Holiday Shop. I’m looking forward to another wonderful year at JV Washam!

Lauren has a son in first grade, a son in preschool who will join the Washam Hawks next year and a 2 year old daughter. She was born and raised in Nj, where she taught special education and coached gymnastics for 7 years, then moved to PA and was an early intervention behavioral therapist for 7 years. Lauren graduated from LaSalle University with a Bachelor’s in elementary/special education and earned a Master’s degree from Slippery Rock University in special education. She moved to NC in 2023 looking for better weather and more outside time with her family! Currently Lauren is a stay at home mom and has enjoyed volunteering her time at J.V. Washam! This is her first year serving on the PTO board and is looking forward to it!

Katie has a daughter who is going to be a 4th grader and a son who is going to be a 2nd grader at Washam. She has lived in the Lake Norman area since 2005, moving to the area after receiving her Masters degree in Teaching at Duke University, though she’s a UNC Tarheel at heart. Katie spent several years teaching at Mooresville High School before becoming an Education Consultant and Coach, working with admins, teachers, and students all over the nation. Katie currently works remotely as a Manager of Instructional Strategy and Design for Discovery Education. Katie has volunteered on several committees and has been a room parent at Washam, this is her second year on the board as Secretary. She is looking forward to another great year at Washam!

Melissa has a son who is in 8th grade at Bailey and a daughter who is going to be a 5th grader at Washam. She has lived in the Lake Norman area for the past 19 years, moving to the area after receiving her Bachelors at East Carolina University. Melissa grew up in Pennsylvania and Connecticut but North Carolina is where she calls home. She spent several years in sales before deciding to be a stay at home mom shortly after her daughter was born. Melissa has been on several committees and a room parent every year her children have been at Washam, this is her third year on the board. She is looking forward to a great LAST year at Washam!

Brian and his family moved to NC from Indiana in 2017. He and his wife, Jill, have a 6th grade son at Bailey and 4th grade daughter at Washam. He holds a Bachelor of Science in electrical and computer engineering technology from Purdue University. Professionally, Brian is a renewable energy segment leader, displaying a fervent passion for energy, effective teamwork, and diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives. When he’s not looking for opportunities to see live music with his family, he is trying to defend his home from future pets as his wife has already brought home nine. This is Brian’s second year on the board and is looking forward to a great year!

Lynn has Irish twins at Washam, in 3rd and 4th grades. A native of Massachusetts, she graduated from the University of Southern Maine before moving to Los Angeles. After LA she bounced to Savannah, GA to be with the love of her life and start a family. Then realizing they missed city life, found their way to Charlotte. A lover of reading, theater, and adventures, she's excited for her second year on the board as VP of Volunteers and 3rd year as Co-Chair of the Sweetheart Dance.

Tabitha has three sons; a second-grader and a kindergartner both at Washam, and a two year old at home. Tabitha grew up in Los Angeles and met her husband in high school. After attending college at Hope International University majoring in early childhood education and minoring in child psychology and Biblical Theology, she followed her new husband to Charlotte, NC who was pursuing a career in NASCAR. She is a proud stay-at-home mom with dreams of being a business owner one day. This is her first year on the board after serving as room-mom for two years.