2025-26 PTO Board Members

Greetings J.V. Washam Family and visitors. Welcome to the 2025-2026 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 25-26 school year will be my 9th year at Washam and 12th 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 lucky husband of Cathy, who is a Talent Development Teacher in CMS, and the proud father of Emmie (16) Nicole (13), Ben (9) and fur baby, Ripley (4). Needless to say, most of my free time is spent with my family and helping coach Ben's Pop Warner National Championship Football Team, 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.

Lynn has Irish twins at Washam, in 4th and 5th 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. After realizing they missed city life, they found their way to Charlotte. A lover of reading, theater, and adventures, she's excited for her third year on the Board (this year as President) and 4th year as Co-Chair of the Sweetheart Dance.

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 daughter entering 5th grade and a son heading into 3rd at J.V. Washam.
With a background in education, Katie taught at Mooresville High School before shifting into consulting, supporting school communities across the country. She now works remotely as a Manager of Instructional Strategy and Design for Discovery Education.
Katie is an active part of the Washam community, having served on several committees and as PTO Secretary the previous two years. She is looking forward to another amazing year ahead!

My name is Michelle Tesmer, together my husband and I have 4 children; 2nd grader at JV Washam, a Sophomore and a Junior 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 second year on the board and I look forward to becoming more involved with JV Washam!

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 four years ago. She has a son in 2nd grade and a daughter in 1st grade. She studied early childhood education and, after eight wonderful years as a stay-at-home mom, she's excited to be returning to work part-time as a preschool teacher this fall. She's looking forward to a fantastic school year together in her first year on the board and second as Co-Chair of the Sweetheart Dance. She's looking forward to a fantastic school year together.

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.

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!

This is Lauren’s second year as Co-VP of Fundraising. She has two children at J.V. Washam, one going into 5th grade and the other going into 2nd grade for the 25-26 school year. Lauren is a Charlotte native, and graduated from North Mecklenburg High School. She completed her undergraduate and graduate programs at UNC-Chapel Hill. Lauren worked for with children and families for 15 years as a Social Worker until last year when she joined her families company as an independent insurance agent. “I am excited to serve my first year on the PTO board,” she said. In addition to her role on the PTO Board, Lauren has served as a room parent, and a Committee Chair for the School Store and Co-Chair for the Holiday Shop.
Lauren looking forward to another wonderful year at JV Washam!

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.

Aimee is mom to Henry (5th grade) and Thea (2nd grade). She’s served as a room parent for both kids the past two years, co-chaired the Teacher Appreciation Committee last year, and is chairing it again this year—alongside serving as Co-VP of Volunteers. Originally from Georgia, Aimee has lived in the Charlotte area since 2017. She works in communications, is married to John - who you will find on Friday mornings opening car doors in his bright yellow Hawk Squad shirt - and she loves reading, embroidery, and all things Taylor Swift.

Rebecca has a 3rd 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 first year on the PTO.

Melissa is mom to a 5th and 2nd grader at J.V. Washam. Originally from Long Island, she earned her B.A. in Communications and Journalism near Scranton, PA — yes, like The Office!

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 to join 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 nonprofit supporting local families.