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Western Region PTA Announces Deborah Kassirer as Region Director for 2026–2027
Western New York – The Western Region PTA is proud to announce the appointment of Deborah Kassirer as the Region Director for the 2026–2027 term, a volunteer leadership position. A dedicated PTA leader and accomplished professional, Deborah brings a wealth of experience, passion, and commitment to supporting children, families, and school communities across the region.
Deborah has been an active and engaged member of the Western Region PTA for many years, serving in a variety of volunteer leadership roles including Special Education Chair, Associate Director, and Secretary. She also founded the Orchard Park Special Education PTSA, where she held multiple officer roles, including President and Secretary, for many years and has been a strong advocate for inclusive education and family support.
Beyond her PTA involvement, Deborah is an accomplished professional with over two decades of experience in accounting, auditing, and advisory services. She currently serves as the Internal Audit and Advisory Services Director at Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, where she leads financial, compliance, and operational audits and provides strategic process improvement guidance. Her expertise in governance, risk assessment, and organizational leadership brings a valuable perspective to her role within PTA.
Deborah holds multiple professional certifications, including Certified Public Accountant (CPA), Certified Internal Auditor (CIA), and Certified in Risk Management Assurance (CRMA), among others. She is widely respected for her leadership, analytical expertise, and ability to collaborate effectively with diverse stakeholders. In addition, she is a certified 200-hour yoga instructor, reflecting her interest in wellness and her openness to incorporating creative and engaging opportunities into regional programming.
Her extensive community involvement further reflects her dedication to service. Deborah has also contributed her time and leadership to organizations such as the Junior League of Buffalo, the Parent Network, and the Western New York Institute of Internal Auditors.
As Region Director, Deborah will lead efforts to support local PTA units and councils across Erie (excluding the City of Tonawanda and Grand Island), Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, Genesee, and Wyoming Counties. She will focus on strengthening leadership development, expanding family engagement, and advancing advocacy initiatives that support the success and well-being of all children.
The Western Region PTA is excited to welcome Deborah into this role and looks forward to her leadership, vision, and continued dedication to the PTA mission.
Please join us in congratulating Deborah Kassirer on her appointment as Western Region PTA Region Director for 2026–2027.
For more information about the Western Region PTA, visit WesternRegionPTA.org.
Contact:
Beth-Anne Diodato-McPhillips
Western Region PTA
Communications@WesternRegionPTA.org
November 15, 2025 - Western Region PTA Resolution on Structured Literacy for Students with Dyslexia Passes Unanimously at NYS PTA Convention
Western Region PTA proudly announces that NEW RESOLUTION #1: Implementation of Structured Literacy for Students with Dyslexia – 2025 has been adopted unanimously by delegates at the New York State PTA Annual Convention held in Niagara Falls on November 15, 2025.
Authored by Western Region PTA board members, the resolution calls for the implementation of evidence-based structured literacy instruction to support all students, including those with dyslexia.
This milestone represents a powerful commitment by NYS PTA to advancing equitable access to literacy and ensuring that every child has the opportunity to develop strong reading skills through proven instructional methods.
This unanimous passage reflects strong statewide support for structured literacy and reinforces the urgency of ensuring all students have access to effective reading instruction.
With this adoption, NYS PTA formally supports policies and practices that promote structured literacy, reinforcing the organization’s mission to advocate for the education, health, and well-being of every child.
Western Region PTA extends its sincere gratitude to the advocates, educators, families, and PTA leaders across the state whose voices and support helped bring this resolution forward.
Together, we move one step closer to achieving literacy for all.
Read the full resolution here: 2025-Adopted-Resolution.pdf
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