I’m a seasoned bank regulator, mom of two, former MTE PTA Treasurer, current PTA President, and during the fall, soccer coach for both my son and daughter’s teams.  My background is in finance, so I genuinely enjoy a good budget, I’m handy with a spreadsheet, and I know how to make sure every dollar works as hard as our volunteers do.  My goal is simple: raise the funds, spend wisely, show up, support our staff, all while trying to be a little creative and keep a good sense of humor.  None of this happens without an amazing Board and dedicated volunteers, so please consider joining the PTA! 

Hi, I’m Caitlin! I’m excited to be part of our PTA board as secretary. My daughter begins 1st grade this year, and my 2-year-old son will be at MTE soon enough. Having grown up in this area, it’s amazing to be raising my own family here now. I look forward to strengthening connections between families and helping create a positive school year. 

Hi! My name is Pawan Sahota, and I’m your PTA Treasurer this year. I have two daughters in 6th and 3rd grade. I’m excited to be involved and support our school community. I work professionally as a Director of Human Resources. Outside of work, you’ll usually find me at the soccer fields or spending time with family and friends. I’m looking forward to a great year and getting to know more of our school families! 

Hi! I’m Dana Montanez, the VP of Communications. I’m mom to a 1st grader and a 4th grader.  When I am not shuffling kids around to all their activities, I also serve as Vice President and Program Director for my family’s nonprofit, the Montanez Foundation. This is my 2nd year on the PTA board, and I’m excited to support our school!

I have been the DEIB (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging) Representative for the last 4 years on Matthew Turner’s PTA Board, and I am excited to keep the momentum as the VP of Outreach. My goal is to ensure that ALL students and families feel a sense of inclusion and belonging at Matthew Turner. I have worked alongside representatives from the other elementary schools and the middle school in our district to ensure we are all aligned. When I am not representing the underrepresented, I work to expose the Benicia community to visual arts through the local nonprofit organization Arts Benicia. I'm also the proud parent of a 10th grader, 7th grader, and 2nd grader. Please reach out if you feel there is an area that needs better representation here at MTE or if you’re interested in helping with one of the many inclusive events I put together throughout the school year. 

Hi! My name is Alexa Ponder & I’m the VP of Programs this school year. I have two daughters, a sixth grader at BMS & a fourth grader. This is my eighth year as a Matthew Turner parent & my third year on the PTA board. I work as an Oncology RN, spend most of my weekends on the sidelines of soccer fields, love good coffee, yoga, the ocean, & our puppy Finn.

Hi, I'm Puneet Khera, your Parliamentarian. I've been part of MTE PTA since my daughter Myra, now a 5th grader, started here in TK. I've spent over 25 years in the corporate financial industry, but some of my favorite adventures happen outside the office, on road trips and travels with my family.