PRESIDENT

Donna is in her 11th year in Kocurek PTA as a Koala mom to 5th grader Isaac and 10th grade Akins Eagle, Alex. She loves working with our Kocurek volunteers, and is always excited for the next Monster Mash. Donna is the committee chair of Cub Scout Pack 81, and was the Kocurek CAC co-chair for 10 years. She is a City of Austin employee of 24 years, currently working in the City's Project Connect Office. Donna holds a Bachelor of Arts in Geography from Texas State University and a Master of Arts in Human Services from St. Edwards University.

VICE PRESIDENT

This is Clarissa Horner’s 7th year serving on the Kocurek PTA board.  She served as co-chair of the beautification committee for 2 years, 2 years as Parliamentarian, as Secretary and Communications Chair. She enjoys volunteering at Kocurek, especially in the classroom, supporting school fundraising initiatives and planning events for the koala community. Clarissa is mom to 5th Grade Koala, Audrey, and Kocurek graduate, Kate, a 7th grader at Ann Richards. Clarissa is a graduate of the University of Texas at Austin and works in IT for the Attorney General’s Office.

TREASURER

Amanda and her husband, David, are the proud parents of two Kocurek Koalas: Lena (3rd grade) and Jane (Kindergarten). The 2024-2025 school year is the family’s third year as PTA volunteers and Dr. Brown’s second year as Treasurer. As a Chicana and data scientist, Dr. Brown is passionate about representation of women in STEM and believes that “If you can see it, you can be it.” She has previously served on the Local Board for the American Chemical Society, volunteered as judge for the Greater Austin Regional Science & Engineering Fair, and served as a Grant Reviewer on both the City of Austin Grant for Technology Opportunities Program (GTOPs) and the National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowships Program (GFRP). Professionally, Dr. Brown manages a data analytics team for a Fortune 25 healthcare organization. She is a certified Project Management Professional (PMP) and holds a doctorate in Computational Physical Chemistry from the University of North Texas, with a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry from St. Edward’s University.

SECRETARY

Shellie is the proud mom of two Kocurek Koalas: Avery, who is in 5th grade, and Vaughn, who is in 3rd grade. This school year marks Shellie’s 4th year as a PTA volunteer. After serving as Membership Chair for two years and as Secretary for one year, she’s excited to return for her second term as Secretary. Shellie volunteers for PTA to connect and support other Kocurek families and to stay engaged with our school community. She particularly enjoys helping out at Beautification Days and Monster Mash. Her husband Jason, of 24 years, often finds himself volunteering alongside her, adding his support to their many activities. Both of Shellie's girls participate in Excel Level Gymnastics and she contributes as the Booster Club Treasurer. When she isn't working at her full time job or volunteering, she loves reading, spending quality time with her family, diving into creative projects, and staying physically active.

PARLIAMENTARIAN / SPONSORSHIPS

Troy Woods is a proud Koala parent, along with his wife Emily. Their kids, Cora, 5th grade, and Evan, 3rd grade, have been on or around the Kocurek campus for the past eight years. Troy is in his second year as Parliamentarian after having served the prior three years as the Sponsorship Committee Chair, bringing in new sponsors year after year to support our Koalas. Troy stays busy as a Sr. Network Engineer for the Lower Colorado River Authority as well as running a small side business supporting IT needs for small businesses. Emily, an Elementary Art Teacher, has contributed time and talent to the PTA as well, most recently recognized for her efforts on the mural in the Pre-K 3 wing in 2022 and as creator of the 2024 Kocurek Yearbook. The Woods’ favorite PTA events are Monster Mash, Glow Dance, and Penny Wars.

HISTORIAN

Kelly Power is a proud Mom of current Kocurek Koala, Alyson, 5th grade, and second year Bailey Bear Lauren. Kelly has been a member of the Kocurek PTA family since 2017 and has been very active on the board for 5 years as co-chair of the Beautification Committee and then as our VP! Kelly was responsible for personally winning a grant for $3,000 to help with beautification improvements. Kelly has also helped advocate for Kocurek by communicating with AISD about campus needs including the two new playground awnings and replacement picnic tables located throughout the school. As a volunteer, Kelly has dedicated hours on PTA activities such as Monster Mash, Glow Dance, Block Party, and other various events and fundraisers throughout the school year. She was the reason our koalas got professional school photos during COVID, hauling her photography equipment to the school and setting up outside at least 8 different days during the year. Professionally, Kelly is a photographer and holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration & Marketing from the University of Alabama.

MEMBERSHIP CHAIR

Membership@kocurekpta.org

Emily has one child who is currently a Kocurek Koala and one Kocurek graduate. She has been a school volunteer for eight years, first at schools in Waco and now at Kocurek! Her favorite Kocurek PTA events are the seasonal campus beautification days. Emily works at The Texas Tribune.

SCHOLARSHIP CHAIR

SCHOLARSHIPS@KOCUREKPTA.ORG

Jessica is a proud parent of two Kocurek Koalas, Aden in 5th grade and Avery in 2nd grade. Jessica is excited to serve on the Kocurek PTA Scholarship Committee this year. She has previously volunteered with the PTA Hospitality Committee as well. Jessica also enjoys being a part of the Kocurek community as a substitute teacher. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences, a Master of Arts in Teaching, and Master of Education in School Counseling.

KMS HOSPITALITY CHAIR

Kristina is a proud mom of a current Koala, Jade, 1st grade, and a 4-year-old, Siena, who attends West Oak Preschool. This is Kristina’s second year with the PTA. Her favorite part of volunteering at Kocurek is getting to know the school faculty on a more personal level, interacting and seeing the kids during their school day, making friends with other Kocurek parents, and helping with school events. Professionally, Kristina owns her own travel agency, Travel By Kristina. She loves planning vacations for her clients as well as traveling to new places with her family.

BEAUTIFICATION CHAIR

BEAUTIFICATION@KOCUREKPTA.ORG

Katie is a proud parent of two daughters, a second grader and a fifth grader at Kocurek Elementary. She deeply appreciates the Kocurek community and enjoys contributing to PTA events. In her free time, she loves reading books, playing with her dog, and taking walks.

COMMUNICATIONS CHAIR

Katie and her husband, Andrew, are proud parents of two Kocurek Koalas – Sam in first grade and Addie in third. She is grateful for the Kocurek community and all they do to help students learn and grow in a safe and welcoming environment. As a volunteer, she loves getting to know the teachers, staff, and families, and feeling more connected to the community. Katie works as a copy editor at an international aid organization.

VOLUNTEER CHAIR

SPONSORSHIP CHAIR

SPONSORSHIPS@KOCUREKPTA.ORG