I am the mom of a kindergartener and third grade student at Syracuse Latin. Over the past few years, I've loved getting to know the Latin community, and I have come to believe that family involvement is one of the most important ingredients to a thriving school. When parents and caregivers are engaged, showing up, volunteering, sharing ideas, and building relationships with teachers and staff, it strengthens the whole community. This is a big part of why I have embraced the opportunities for family involvement at Latin. 

At the same time, I recognize that being involved isn't always easy. Between work schedules, other kids, and the everyday demands of family life, showing up isn't always simple, and it looks different for every family. The PTO cares about making sure there are meaningful ways for everyone to participate, whatever their time or circumstances allow, so that involvement feels welcoming rather than one more thing to squeeze in. 

I've also seen the value or family involvement from a professional lens. Working in education for over 15 years, across both K-12 and higher education, one lesson has always stayed consistent: students do best when schools, teachers and families work as true partners. 

Coming soon! 

My wife and I have two girls at Latin, Kate and Emily, who are 6th and 3rd graders. We've lived in the Strathmore neighborhood for 14 years! I am currently the CFO at Auburn Community FCU, and have been in the banking industry for almost 20 years. I was previously Treasurer for my fraternity's Alumni Association for 5 years, during which we began a $1 million fundraising campaign for extensive renovations to our Chapter House.

I'm excited to take on the role of PTO Treasurer to give back to an organization that's provided such wonderful experiences for my children!

After 2 years of fun with spreadsheets serving as our PTO treasurer, I'm excited to move into the role of Secretary. I live in the University neighborhood with my husband Sam, my three children (1st, 5th and 7th graders at Latin), and our dog Margot. I worked in school operations and taught enrichment classes at DC Prep in Washington, DC and taught English to middle schoolers in South Korea, so I have a ton of respect for the hard work of everyone in the Syracuse Latin building. I have spent my career in nonprofit management, government relations, fundraising, and Board consulting. I want the work of the PTO to be fully transparent and accessible to all of our wonderful families and strive to make the support given to our educators and students feel seamless and meaningful. 

I'm Monica McKinnon. My son, Gabe is in third grade at Syracuse Latin, and this is my third year on thePTO board as Social Chair.

Serving on the board for the past two years has been a blast, and we’ve managed to pull off some seriously amazing things together. If you made it out to our events recently, you know we’ve been aiming high! This past year, our Fall Family Night was officially the biggest one ever. Between organizing the Holiday Shoppes, the Back to School Social, Multicultural Night, our big Bingo fundraiser, and Family Night Out, my main goal has been making sure our school community feels connected, supported, and—most importantly—celebrated.

When I’m not wearing my PTO event-planner hat, you can often find me around the school volunteering, serving up the areas best pizza at Apizza Regionale, helping my oldest adjust to college life downstate, and sometimes relaxing at home in Syracuse's Strathmore neighborhood. 

I pride myself on always being available to talk or help, so please know my door is an open one.