Board

Meet our Board!

Kyra Tarquinio (President) - I am a mother of two children, my oldest is in 4th grade and my youngest in UPK at Kinry Road. Due to their large age gap I know I will have many years between Vassar and Kinry Elementary Schools. Because of this I am making it my priority to be as involved in the community and district as possible, along with helping it thrive. I cannot wait to give our children exciting events and school year. I thrive on organizing events and pride myself on being highly involved in the planning and execution of events for children and staff of the students. 

Kelly Smith (Vice President) - I am a wife and a mother to a daughter who will be entering 3rd grade communications class this year. I work as a School Monitor for Kinry as well as I work freelance assisting with marketing research and customer service relations. It has been a pleasure volunteering and being a member of the board. Being on the PTA is a wonderful experience. I enjoy being involved with the schools and working with teachers and staff to help give our kids the best year they can have.

Christina Venturini (Events Chairman) - I was born and raised in Moscow, Idaho. I moved to NY, 15 years ago. I met my husband Christian, and we have 4 children together. John is 9 and is in 4th grade. Helen (Ellie) is 7 and in 2nd grade. Cynthia (Thia) is 4 in Pre-k at Kinry. And Lena is 2 at home with me as I am a stay-at-home mom. I also teach ISR swim lessons on the side, as well as having a small charcuterie business. I am so excited to get to know the people in our school district, as well as help the PTA grow and communicate with those in our community as well.

Barbara Coste (Membership Chair) - This fall will be my 10th year as a parent with the Wappingers Central School District. My husband and I have 5 children. Our two eldest are in college, our 5-year-old is enrolled in Kindergarten at Vassar Road Elementary where he completed UPK. Alongside them we have a 4-year-old, and 1 year old. In my free time, I enjoy walking, reading and all things baking and cooking. I love spending time with my family and host them often. Prior to becoming a stay-at-home mom, I worked in the field of Education. I was both certified in General Education and students with special needs with the DOE. During my tenure, I was a lead teacher, having taught students ranging from grades K through 7th. After hours I lent my skill set to high school students needing enrichment. While with the DOE I was also the UFT liaison for my school.  Before taking my leave to stay at home with my little ones I was pursuing an administrator position within my district. While teaching I worked tirelessly with my eldests elementary school to form several extracurricular activities. I was also an active member of the school's PTA. There I used my experience to lead events and gain new members. If you ever have any questions or just want to say hi, please don’t hesitate to reach out. 

Veronica Martinez (Communications/Secretary) - I am an alum of the Wappingers Central School District. I am currently attending DCC in hopes of graduating in 2024. 

I am the sister to 3 amazing little people. My brother will be attending Kindergarten at Vassar Road this coming fall. When he started UPK I knew I wanted to become an active member of the PTA. I have also enjoyed volunteering and the PTA felt like the perfect place for me to share my time and knowledge. I am an avid writer and have been published in DCC’s The Community. When the opportunity to become the social media chair arose I jumped at the chance and I am excited to help run this aspect of the PTA. 

Shawna Pinto (Events) - I am a wife, boy mom and Cubmaster. I have a 2nd grader at Vassar and a 6th grader at Kinry. I am very active with the schools and scouting. I run multiple events such as Picture day, Mums, Book Fair, and Trunk or Treat. I am looking forward to what this year brings!

Jenn Pollock-Hurst (Arts in Education) - I am a wife and mom to a Vassar Kindergarten little guy named Brayden. I owned and ran a dance school in Westchester County for 20 years, which I then sold just prior to the Pandemic to be able to spend more time with my then one year old. I was also elected and served as the United States National Team Captain for the World Dance Championships in Reisa Germany for seven years, running and organizing the US National team. In addition, I sat on the board of the Condo Association in Peekskill where we lived prior to purchasing our home here and was also elected to the board of my National Sorority in college as well, and worked to help schedule and organize various events etc.  I had so much fun volunteering at various PTA events last year as my son attended the UPK program at Vassar Rd. and then was honored to be asked to step up in the spring as Vice-President to replace someone who was leaving the position after quite a few years. I am excited to now be formally elected into the Vice President position at Vassar Rd. and can’t wait to help make this a super fun year for everyone!!

Please feel free to contact us by email: vassarkinrypta@gmail.com

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