PTA Executive Board Members 2023-2024
President: Margot La Scala, president@edgemontpta.org
Hello, I’m Margot LaScala and I’m from Haworth, New Jersey- just a short ride up the Parkway. My husband, Drew, and I moved here in 2020 with our daughter, Ava (7). We have since welcomed Theo (1.5), a future Edgemont student! Ava is in second grade and has loved every minute of her time at Edgemont, where values such as respect and inclusiveness create an atmosphere of happiness and peace. The culture of Edgemont is truly special and I’m honored to join the PTA board where I can serve a community that means so much to our family. I have previously worked in fundraising and investor relations and currently work as a freelance writer within the interior design industry. I look forward to celebrating Edgemont with you at our many coming events for the year!
Vice President: Katie Place, vicepres@edgemontpta.org
Hi! I’m Katie Place. I am from West Milford, NJ but have called Montclair my home for the past 15 years. My son Jack will be in 3rd grade and my son Finn will be a Kindergartener. Jack started Edgemont online during the pandemic and while it’s been a slow and steady journey, last year was our first year to completely experience all that the school has to offer. While I have no actual qualifications to be the PTA Vice President, I can tell you that I am at my happiest surrounded by community and joyful children. I feel home at Edgemont and want you to as well. PLEASE stop me and say hello, ask a question, talk to me about the band PHISH…anything!
Recording Secretary: Lesley Peller, secretary@edgemontpta.org
I’m originally from Dallas, TX, but moved to the Northeast for school and never went back! We moved from Brooklyn to Montclair in 2017, and our daughter is an upcoming first grader. We also have a younger son in preschool. I fell in love with Edgemont from the moment we toured and knew I wanted to be as involved as possible! It’s truly an honor to work alongside these wonderful people who are all vested in making our school the special place it is for our children. If you see me, please come say hi and introduce yourself!
Corresponding Secretary: Erin Johnson, communications@edgemontpta.org
Hi – I’m Erin! My husband and I moved to Montclair from Brooklyn in 2016 with a tiny newborn who is now a (not so tiny) 7 year old second grader at Edgemont! Fun fact – while my husband grew up across the GW Bridge in Westchester, I grew up in the cornfields of southern Ohio. My graduating class was just over 100 students so I feel very lucky to have landed in this small but fierce school family! This year, I will be in charge of getting the word out about all things Edgemont. There are many exciting things planned for this school year and we can’t wait to tell you all about them! If you see me or my husband – stop us for a chat! I love to rave about all the teachers and staff here and my husband loves Pearl Jam so surely we all have something in common!
Treasurer: Rich Reynics, treasurer@edgemontpta.org
Hi! I’m Rich Reynics, PTA Treasurer. My wife Mary and I have lived in Montclair since the start of 2019, and have three children ages 7, 5 and 3 – so we’re still early on in what’ll be a decade at Edgemont! Our oldest is entering the 2nd grade this fall and our next will be starting kindergarten, with one more coming up in a few years. Mary and I both love this community! Edgemont is really a special place and we’re so glad to be a part of it.
Vice President, Fundraising: Susan Firth, fundraising@edgemontpta.org
Hi! I’m Susan Firth. I am from Chittenden, Vermont, near Killington, but I have been in North Jersey for almost twenty years, in Montclair for 7. I have two kids; Simon is in 3rd grade and Otis is starting kindergarten. Simon’s year of COVID kindergarten was quite the ride, but 1st and 2nd grade felt pretty normal. Amazing teachers and community sure don’t hurt! In previous jobs in my random career path, I coordinated events and fundraisers of all scales. That experience will help in my role as co-VP of Fundraising. Last year, I was our Recording Secretary, but I also help out with Enrichment, Health and Wellness events such as Walk & Roll to School, Fun Day, Hospitality and Teacher Appreciation and many other amazing things we put together for our school. Seeing a hundred children enjoying whatever we’re pulling off at the moment is a real highlight of my life, and makes it all completely worth it. I also work part time for Courtney Rombough Architecture as her assistant/ project manager/ right hand woman, and I do the social media for Chewing the Fat Band. See you soon at all the things Edgemont!!
Vice President, Fundraising, Alice Pittman, fundraising@edgemontpta.org
Hi, I’m Alice Pittman. I grew up in Maryland (DC suburbs). After spending a few years in South Dakota and a decade in Durham, North Carolina, we moved to Montclair in 2018. We have a child at MHS and a fourth grader at Edgemont. We have found Edgemont to be a truly wonderful school with a great community. I am excited to continue on the PTA Board as co-VP of Fundraising to fund all the events and experiences that make Edgemont so special!
Vice President, Membership & Bylaws: Jen Walton, membership@edgemontpta.org
Hi! My name is Jen Walton. I grew up in Rochester, NY then lived in the Washington, D.C. area for many years. After a brief move to Austin, TX we made the move to Montclair in 2019. Best decision ever! Second best decision was deciding to go to Edgemont after friends told us how great it is. I feel so lucky to be a part of this amazing community and even prouder to serve on the PTA board as VP of Membership and Bylaws. I’m looking forward to making this 2023-24 school year the best one yet for our kids and families!