Here are the 2020-2021 PTA Board of Directors:
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The PTA Board members each wanted to share an introduction - and let you know that you can contact any of them at any time with question / comments / suggestions.
Karen Mitchell Smith (President)
My name is Karen Smith. I was born in Buffalo, NY, but spent most of my life living in North Carolina. I have recently relocated to the Pacific Northwest and am proud to have a grandson attending Canyon Creek Elementary. Both as a grandparent and the site director and talent acquisition for the Champions before and after school care program, I have had the opportunity to grow to love and cherish Canyon Creek Elementary School. I am excited to be working with a community with such diversity and commitment. Whichever direction we choose to take in this upcoming challenging year, I will be there to support you and help facilitate the evolution of our school, community, and organization.
I first came to visit the Pacific Northwest from North Carolina in 2015. The moment my plane banked, and I saw the Puget Sound, with the Olympic Mountains in the background, I knew this was where I wanted to live. In 2018 we finally relocated to Bothell and have absolutely loved our time here. In over 20 years as a childcare director, I have had the pleasure of watching children learn and grow. I have even had their children come under my care. During this time, I have learned a lot about how to create a warm and nurturing environment for children, and work with their families to ensure all their needs are being taken care of. In 2016, I earned my Master's degree in early childhood education, furthering my commitment to our next generations. I followed this up with an MBA in 2020 to help round out my knowledge.
Outside of the PTA, I love reading, playing games, cinema and theater, gardening, and spending time with my grandchildren. Before putting down roots in Bothell, I had the chance to travel, living in Warsaw, Poland for two years and visiting England, France and Germany while there. I hope to see more of the world once it is safe to travel again.
This year will bring numerous new challenges that none of us had anticipated at this time last year. I look forward to meeting you and will take all your concerns and feedback into consideration. Canyon Creek is a fantastic school, but together we can make it even better. The more parents become involved in their children's education, the better off they will be. Please feel free to reach out to me with any initiatives you would like to see get started. Our community is what makes us successful and we need every parent, teacher, and student to be heard if we want to make the most of this upcoming year.
Melanie McKenzie (Vice President: Programs)
With all the uncertainty and uneasiness of our current climate, this upcoming school year is already overwhelming and a tad stressful. Despite that, I am so honored and proud to still be part of Canyon Creek PTA. My name is Melanie Mckenzie and I am the VP Programs for this year. For that past two years, I served as the President of Canyon Creek PTA and that enriching, engaging experience has led me to this new position.
I am the proud mom of 4 boys (yes, really) - ages 24, 22, and 9 year old twins. I grew up in Southern California and moved up to this amazing Pacific Northwest nearly 10 years ago. My twins have attended Canyon Creek for the past three years and sadly we only have two more years at our incredible school.
I look forward to this upcoming school year, despite the challenges. However, as we all know, challenges bring new opportunity for growth and that is what I know our school and PTA will do.
Jennifer Snyder (Vice President: Communications)
Hi! I’m Jennifer (Jenn) Snyder and this is my 12th year as a Canyon Creek parent. My youngest child will be in 4thgrade. Over years I have seen many changes at Canyon Creek as our school has grown. The one constant has been how much we love being a part of the Canyon Creek family.
I have three children attending Northshore School District schools. In addition to my fourth grader, I have a middle schooler and a high schooler.
I have served in various roles with Canyon Creek PTA. I have been Advocacy Chair, Membership Chair, Nominating Committee member, Summer Fun Playdate Chair, and enjoy helping where I am needed. This year I am taking on a new role for me as VP-Communications.
Prior to becoming a stay at home mom, I worked in the field of social services. My passion has always been helping others, which makes PTA a good fit for me. My husband and I have called Bothell home for the last 14 years. Before moving to Bothell, we lived in Southern California where I was born and raised.
If you ever have any questions or just want to say hi, please don’t hesitate to reach out.
Emily Cross (Secretary)
My name is Emily Cross and my family and I moved to Bothell and Canyon Creek 3 1/2 years ago. Moving mid school year seemed like an impossible transition but my children immediately felt at home here. They quickly made friends and felt welcomed and cared for by the teachers and staff. I have 3 children, but this year only two will be at Canyon Creek. Aria is in 2nd grade, Lucas is in 5th and my eldest Ella will be attending Skyview as a 6th grader.
Mumtaz Zimbalist (Treasurer)
My name is Mumtaz Zimbalist and this coming fall, I will have a 5th grader (Sofia) and a first grader (Laila) at Canyon Creek. Last year was our first year at Canyon Creek, and despite it being a school year unlike any other, my family got to know and became friends with many wonderful, warm, and interesting people in the Canyon Creek elementary community.
