Jacobson PTO 2021-22

Kristen Thurmond

My name is Kristen Thurmond and this is my family’s 8th year as a Jacobson Jet.  We have a daughter in 6th grade and a daughter in 7th grade.  I’ve been a classroom volunteer, Space Explorers Coordinator, PTO Secretary, PTO Fundraising Chair (really a Co-Chair because I had an amazing partner and team) and now I’m super excited to be PTO President.  When I’m not busy volunteering, I work PRN at Phoenix ER and Medical Hospital as the Registered Dietitian.  My husband Brian and I have been married for 19 years.  PTO has a dynamic and hardworking board this year and we hope to make it a great one despite these extraordinary times.  To make it successful we will need all of the parent and teacher community.  I look forward to a great 2021-22 school year. 

Leah Lang

I am so excited to be a part of the Jacobson PTO Executive Board! This will be my fifth year participating with Jets PTO.  My oldest son, Brayden, is a Jets alumni and a junior at Hamilton High and my youngest son, Evan, is a 6th grader.  I am happy to currently be a stay at home mom but I worked in education for 20 years before that.  I was a Family and Consumer Sciences teacher and then became a Guidance Counselor, both at Marcos de Niza High School in Tempe.  My husband, Scott, was also an educator and continues to be an advocate for education.  I am looking forward to a fun filled year working with Jacobson parents, staff, and students.

Scott Nunemaker

My name is Scott Nunemaker and this is my families first year at Jacobson.  Our son, Nixon, is in 2nd grade and our daughter, Monroe, is in Kindergarten.  We have been residents of Chandler since 2005 but our kids have attended the Kyrene School District as this is where my wife, Kira taught for 9 years.  Prior to joining the Jacobson PTO, I worked as the Co-Treasurer for the previous 2 years.  When I am not volunteering at Jacobson, I am a Vice-President for a local construction company as well as a proud supporter for everything our children are involved in outside of school.  Kira, Nixon, Monroe and myself are very excited to become part of the Jacobson family! 

Angie Johnson

My name is Angie Johnson and this is my second year serving on the PTO Board. I previously served on the Hospitality Committee. I really enjoy getting to know other parents and spending time celebrating our great teachers and staff. Prior to being a stay-at-home Mom, I had careers in IT and university student relations and leadership development. I am an Arizona native and a proud University of Arizona grad. Go Cats! My husband, Lars, is in IT and we have one son, Anderson in 2nd grade. My nephews are also Jacobson Jets! I look forward to making this a great year!

Kim Bannon

My name is Kim Bannon, and this is our family’s 3rd year at Jacobson (we spent 4 years at Basha Elementary) and my first year serving on a PTO committee.  I am a CPA and worked in the profession for 16 years before I became a stay-at-home mom.  I have been married to Rory for 16 years, and I have two kids at Jacobson.  My son is in 6th grade, and my daughter is a 2nd grader.  I have been a part of Art Masterpiece for 7 years, and last year, I worked with the Space Explorers Club in addition to volunteering in my kids’ classrooms which I love doing.  This is my 4th year and 3rd school where I have either been in charge of or worked on a Box Tops Committee.  The Box Tops Program has changed a lot in the past year with the transition from paper box tops to online receipt submission through the Box Tops for Education App.  Our school currently has only 78 Box Top App enrollees, and I know we can move that number north!  I am looking forward to making that happen with your help! 

Valentina Bonacalza

This is my fourth year on the Jacobson PTO Board.  I have two kids: Marco 7th Grade and Elisa 10th grades. We are Italian and with my husband and the kids we moved to England in 2012, we lived there for 6 years. In December 2017 we moved to Chandler and we are happily living here since then. My background is in nursing and a midwifery and I currently studying for the NCLEX so I can be a nurse here as well.  I have been a volunteer in the school for 4 years and I have made lots of copies for the teachers, I have chaperoned and helped with the Drama Club. I think that the teachers have to deal with lots of staff and I am more than happy to help and give back some love and time to them.  I have been the PTO Vice President in the first year and I have been the School Cents Coordinator for the last three years.

I used to spend lots of hours in school helping and I love it because everyone is very friendly and kind, the staff and the teachers are incredible, always ready to help and with a smile on their faces.

Brittany Gaitan - Committee Chair

Hi! My name is Brittany Gaitan and this is my third year on PTO as the Community Events Committee Chair. I’m a proud NAU Grad and currently work full time, overseeing after school programs and camps at 6 different schools, but love volunteering at Jacobson! My husband and I have been married for ten years and we have two Jets - Parker is starting 3rd grade and Kennedy is starting Kindergarten! I look forward to a fun and exciting year!  

Kellie McCarthy-Wilson - Committee Chair

My name is Kellie McCarthy-Wilson and this will be my 2nd year serving on the PTO board! I have three girls, a 2nd grader, 3 year old and 1 year old. 

I am a proud grad of ASU with my Bachelors in Exercise and Wellness. Prior to being a stay at home mom, I worked as a Health Coach for a corporate wellness company for 7 years. I am excited for a fun year and planning many great family eat out nights!  

Emma Garcia - Committee Chair