MEET THE BOARD--PART 1
Lisa Henderson, President
I just took a look at our newly installed paver and thought, “Wow, we’ve been a Cossitt Tigers for a long time!” Our oldest, Nathan, graduated from Cossitt in 2007 followed by Ellie and David and then a ten year jump to our twins, Avery and Owen, who are currently in fourth grade. Throughout these years I have volunteered in many capacities and am truly humbled to be the PTC’s current President.
When I think about what I want for this year a few words come to mind: normal, healing, and fun. I want to get back to normalcy - shop at Target ALONE while my kiddos learn math from our incredible teachers. I would like us all to heal. This has been an incredibly difficult year and a half for kids and adults. Lastly, I want us to have fun. Seeing all the smiling faces at the Back to School Party brought me so much joy. If anyone has any suggestions, questions or comments, hop on over to the online directory where you will find all my contact info!
Jennifer McElroy, First Vice President
This is my first year serving on the Cossitt PTC Board. Since being in La Grange, I have been active in volunteering, both at the school as well as through the local women’s group, La Grange Neighbors and Newcomers. I recently returned to work at the Chicago Architecture Center in the marketing department. I have 2 kiddos at Cossitt: Weston (2nd) and Harper (1st) and I have 2 stepsons: Lochlan (Sophmore at LTHS), Cashel (8th at Park). I am excited to be part of such a great community of parents and I look forward to an incredible year!
Laurie Haning, Treasurer
This is my 2nd year serving on the Cossitt PTC Exec Board. I love the programs the PTC is able to bring to the Cossitt community and am excited to see many of them return this year. I have two Tigers, Hunter (6th) and Kyler (4th), and have lived in LaGrange for 9 years. I’ve worked in Finance and Accounting for 16 years and look forward to serving as Treasurer this year.
Katie Vercellino, Assistant Treasurer
I have lived in LaGrange for three years and am excited for my first year on the PTC board as Assistant Treasurer. I have a daughter in third grade and a son at Barnsdale and I work for a financial services company. I am most excited for the return of the Clothing Sale, my favorite Cossitt fundraiser!
Vanessa Prinz, Administrative VP
This is my 7th year as a Cossitt parent and 3rd year on the PTC Board. One of the things I love about Cossitt is how active our PTC is, thanks to the generous families that contribute to the fundraisers, and of course all the parents that volunteer their time and talents to provide so many amazing programs and events. I am mom to Cossitt 1st grader Keller, 2nd grader Fiona, 4th Grader Calista and Cossitt alum 7th grader Vander. I have lived in La Grange 11 years and own a local lactation consulting private practice. My goal for this year is to fill all our chair and committee volunteer positions so we can (safely) go all out with all the programs and events we weren't able to do last year!
Amy Crumrine, Enrichment VP
This is my 2nd year serving on the board and I am most excited about all the in school activities our kids will be able to enjoy again this year. I have two tigers, Osten (3rd) and Asher (2nd). I grew up in Northern Virginia just outside Washington, DC. I moved to Chicago in 2005, and our family settled in La Grange about 4 years ago. I'm a journalism major, pastry chef, swim instructor, mom and more. I've had several bosses refer to me as a jack of all trades, master of none. I'm still trying to decide what I want to be when I grow up.
Debra Reid, Fundraising VP
This is my 2nd year serving on the PTC Board and what I love most about Cossitt is the close-knit community. It is so much fun seeing all the kids and parents outside the school during drop-off and pickup. I have two Tigers Marshall (2nd) and Sydney (1/2 Day Kindergarten). I have lived in La Grange for 6 years and I am a stay-at-home mom. My goal for this year is to increase our school spirit - so please buy lots of Cossitt SWAG to show your Tiger Pride!!
Dawn Collins, Social VP
This is my 8th year as a Cossitt Parent and my 4th year serving on the board. I’ve served as First VP, President and am now in my second year as Social VP. I have three boys, Owen (15), Andrew (13), and Jonas ( 9 - almost 10). I’ve had so much fun at Cossitt over the years. I’ve hosted Social Fundraisers, volunteered for CCC’s, and other events, and served in the LRC. I have met so many wonderful friends along the way. I’ve lived in La Grange for 11 years. I’m a Counseling Psychologist by education and training, but am currently using my skills to keep my home and my family going. As a parent of a child who has a cognitive disability, I’m so happy that Cossitt participates in the Nora Project which promotes disability inclusion. I am so thrilled that we are able to do more social events this year and look forward to supporting fun activities such as the Family Fun Night, Trivia Night and the Talent Show!
Jenny Tatro, Secretary
This is my first year serving on the PTC board. We have a third grader, Vivienne, and a 4-year-old future Tiger, Evelyn. We love living in La Grange and have been here for almost seven years. I work at an advertising agency full-time but I'm grateful to have an opportunity to serve on the board and meet so many other amazing parents and families at Cossitt.
