2026-2027 PTO Board Members
“We're committed to building strong connections between parents, teachers, and students. We love our Washam family.” -Lynn B. President 2025-26
Principal: Jaime Tecza
Greetings, J.V. Washam Family and visitors. Welcome to the 2026-2027 school year!!
My name is Jaime Tecza, pronounced "Teska," and I am the proud principal of J.V. Washam Elementary. A little bit about myself, the 26-27 school year will be my 10th year at Washam and 13th 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 full-time 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 jumped county lines 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 the lucky husband of Cathy, who is a Talent Development Teacher in CMS, and the proud father of Emmie (17) Nicole (14), Ben (10) and fur baby, Ripley (5). Needless to say, most of my free time is spent with my family and I wouldn't have it any other way. When I can find the time, I love to golf, hike, and watch any Pittsburgh sports- especially the Steelers. 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.
Co- President: Lynn Bettencourt
This is Lynn's 2nd year serving as President and 4th year on the Board. This is her final year at J.V. Washam. Her son is in 5th grade, and she has a daughter in 6th grade at Bailey. A native of Massachusetts, she has lived in five states (MA, ME, CA, GA, and NC). Lynn has lived in LKN for 7 years now and has loved the mix of city, lake, and adventure life. She is a lover of reading, theater, adventures (she runs a local Women's Adventure Club), and supports community involvement. Lynn is excited (and a little teary-eyed) for a year of lasts, including her 5th and final year as Co-Chair of the Sweetheart Dance.
Co- President: Katie Sandler
Katie has lived in the Lake Norman area since 2005, settling in after earning her Master’s in Teaching from Duke University—though she proudly cheers for her other alma mater, UNC Chapel Hill. She has a son heading into 4th grade at J.V. Washam and a daughter entering 6th grade at Bailey Middle School.
With a background in education, Katie taught at Mooresville High School before shifting into consulting, supporting school communities across the country. She most recently worked remotely as a Manager of Instructional Strategy and Design for Discovery Education.
Katie is an active part of the Washam community, having served on and chaired several committees as well as the PTO board Secretary and Vice President. She is looking forward to another amazing year ahead, this time as co-president.
Treasurer: Michelle Tesmer
My name is Michelle Tesmer, together my husband and I have 4 children; 3rd grader at JV Washam, a Junior and Senior 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 activities! This will be my third year on the board and I look forward to becoming more involved with JV Washam!
Co-VP of Fundraising: Ornela Harney
Ornela was born in Albania, raised in Greece, and moved to the U.S. 14 years ago. After many years in NYC, her family settled in Charlotte five years ago. She has a son in 3rd grade and a daughter in 2nd grade. She studied early childhood education and, after eight wonderful years as a stay-at-home mom, she's excited to be returned to work part-time as a preschool teacher last fall. She's looking forward to a fantastic school year together in her second year on the board and second as Co-Chair of the Sweetheart Dance. She's looking forward to another fantastic school year together.
Co-Secretary: Lisa Land
Lisa has a 3rd grade daughter at Washam and enjoys supporting her various activities. She grew up between Orange County, California and the beautiful state of Utah, then moved to Las Vegas. There she met her Charlotte-native husband and they moved back to the area in 2010. Lisa worked as an emergency RN for several years before becoming a pulmonary and critical care NP. Lisa enjoys themed parties, everything homes, meeting new people, and started a new career in real estate in 2024. She enjoys volunteering as co-chair for the Sweetheart Dance, Bulletin Board, and School Tours committees along with coaching for Girls on the Run, and is looking forward to serving the PTO Board this year as Secretary.
Co-VP of Volunteers Lauren Wolf
Lauren has a son in second grade, a son in coming into Kindergarten and 3 year old daughter in preschool. 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 second year serving on the PTO board and is looking forward to it!
Co-VP of Volunteers: Lauren Perkins
Lauren’s is currently serving her third year on the PTO Board. This is her first year as CO-VP of Volunteers after serving two years of CO-VP of Fundraising. Lauren has two children, one going into 6th grade at Bailey Middle school and another going into 3rd grade at J.V. Washam. Lauren is a Charlotte native and graduated from North Mecklenburg High School. She completed her undergraduate and graduate programs at UNC-Chapel Hill. Lauren works as an independent insurance agent. In addition to her role on the PTO Board, Lauren has previously served as a room parent and is currently a Committee Chair for the School Store, Hero Events and is Co-Chair for the Holiday Shop. Lauren is looking forward to another wonderful year at JV Washam and building lots of new relationships through the PTO!
Co-Secretary: Megan Jones
I’m Megan — born and raised in Georgia, now happily cheering on two amazing girls in 3rd and 4th grade. I’m a General Manager at a restaurant in the Charlotte airport. I’m used to fast-paced days, big crowds, and keeping things running smoothly… which honestly makes PTO life feel right at home for me.
I love helping people, hosting family and friends, and spending time with my husband and daughters. When I’m not working or mom-ing, you’ll probably find me reading a good book, shopping, or planning our next fun get‑together. I’m excited to bring positive energy, teamwork, and a whole lot of enthusiasm to our PTO this year!
Co-VP of Fundraising: Aimee Yeager
Aimee has a 3rd grade daughter at Washam and a 6th grade son at Bailey. In addition to serving on the PTO Board, she also serves as the chair of the Teacher Appreciation Committee and as a room parent for the past three years. Originally from Georgia, Aimee has lived in the Charlotte area since 2017. She has a Bachelor of Science degree in Communications Studies and Public Relations from Kennesaw State University and Master of Divinity degree in Christian Education from Mercer University's McAfee School of Theology. She currently works as the Director of Communications for the Western North Carolina Conference of The United Methodist Church where she shapes messaging, communications strategy, media relations, and crisis management for the Bishop's office and over 600 local churches. She is married to John, who is also a regular volunteer and familiar face around Washam! In her free time she loves reading, embroidery, sourdough baking, and all things Taylor Swift.
Co-VP of Communications: Rebecca Bross
Rebecca has a 4th grade daughter at JV Washam. She grew up in Virginia but has called the Charlotte area home for over a decade. She holds a masters in applied psychology from Sacred Heart University and works for a non-profit as a senior development manager. Rebecca has been a room parent for several years, is co-chair of the Holiday Shop, and looking forward to her second year on the PTO.
Co-VP of Communications: Melissa Cuff
Melissa is mom to a 3rd grader at J.V. Washam, and a 6th grader at Bailey. Originally from Long Island, she earned her B.A. in Communications and Journalism in PA.
She began her career in media as a reporter and radio host before moving into hospitality and event planning. In 2010, she and her husband relocated to Cornelius, NC, where they enjoy family adventures like camping, beach days, and movie nights.
Melissa works full-time in hospitality and is excited for her second year on the PTO Board as Co-Communications Chair. She's been an active volunteer at Washam for years, as a room parent, and co-chairing the Holiday Shop — efforts that inspired her to launch a holiday nonprofit supporting local families now in it’s 5th year.