Jessie Spencer - President
Kiddos :
Reese (7th) and Brooks (5th)
How long you have been at BMES:
We started here at BMES when Reese was in Pre-K, so this is our 9th year on campus
Previous volunteering at BMES :
This is my 8th year serving as the BMES PTO president and I have LOVED getting to sped time in their classrooms throughout the years during reading groups, class parties, field trips, etc. I am also a member of the BMES Site Council.
Why you volunteered to be on the Exec Board:
I got involved in committees through PTO when my daughter was still in preschool and was quickly asked to consider a larger role on the board...obviously, I accepted. It is a GREAT way to serve not only the students, but the amazing staff as well. What we do, truly makes an impact and that is such a wonderful feeling!
Favorite thing about BMES:
BMES is TRULY a community in and of itself. From the moment we stepped foot on the campus in preschool, staff and administration took the time to learn our names, give friendly smiles and make us truly feel like we were at our home away from home. The vibe on campus is genuinely positive and everyone (kids and adults) WANTS to be there! And of course....there is Mr. Owsley, projecting leadership and positivity each and every day!
Something fun about Jessie:
I have a weakness for pets....currently, we have 1 crazy puppy, 2 guinea pigs, 7 chickens and 1 desert tortoise. We like to call it our mini-farm. I also have a penchant for all things DIY and my husband is currently trying to figure out how to remove Pinterest from every device I access. When not taking care of our furry, feathered or shelled crew, you can usually find me at a soccer, lacrosse, baseball, basketball, volleyball or track field/court cheering on one of my kiddos!
Kiddos :
Reese (7th) and Brooks (5th)
How long you have been at BMES:
We started here at BMES when Reese was in Pre-K, so this is our 9th year on campus
Previous volunteering at BMES :
This is my 8th year serving as the BMES PTO president and I have LOVED getting to sped time in their classrooms throughout the years during reading groups, class parties, field trips, etc. I am also a member of the BMES Site Council.
Why you volunteered to be on the Exec Board:
I got involved in committees through PTO when my daughter was still in preschool and was quickly asked to consider a larger role on the board...obviously, I accepted. It is a GREAT way to serve not only the students, but the amazing staff as well. What we do, truly makes an impact and that is such a wonderful feeling!
Favorite thing about BMES:
BMES is TRULY a community in and of itself. From the moment we stepped foot on the campus in preschool, staff and administration took the time to learn our names, give friendly smiles and make us truly feel like we were at our home away from home. The vibe on campus is genuinely positive and everyone (kids and adults) WANTS to be there! And of course....there is Mr. Owsley, projecting leadership and positivity each and every day!
Something fun about Jessie:
I have a weakness for pets....currently, we have 1 crazy puppy, 2 guinea pigs, 7 chickens and 1 desert tortoise. We like to call it our mini-farm. I also have a penchant for all things DIY and my husband is currently trying to figure out how to remove Pinterest from every device I access. When not taking care of our furry, feathered or shelled crew, you can usually find me at a soccer, lacrosse, baseball, basketball, volleyball or track field/court cheering on one of my kiddos!
Mike Marcinko - Co-Vice President
Kiddos :
Raelynn 4th and Tegan 6th
How long you have been at BMES:
6 years
Previous volunteering at BMES :
PTO, crosswalk, Dad’s Club
Why you volunteered to be on the Exec Board:
I want to make a difference
Favorite thing about BMES:
I love the positive energy
Something fun about Mike:
I collect first edition books, vinyl records, and rocks/minerals/fossils … fun fact: I love the Cleveland Browns.
Kiddos :
Raelynn 4th and Tegan 6th
How long you have been at BMES:
6 years
Previous volunteering at BMES :
PTO, crosswalk, Dad’s Club
Why you volunteered to be on the Exec Board:
I want to make a difference
Favorite thing about BMES:
I love the positive energy
Something fun about Mike:
I collect first edition books, vinyl records, and rocks/minerals/fossils … fun fact: I love the Cleveland Browns.
Elise Snyder - Co-Vice President
Hi all! My name is Elise Snyder and I have two boys at BMES, Luka (6th), Reed (3rd), and Kol (9th). Luka started at Black Mountain in Kindergarten so we've been here for six years and counting.
I started volunteering in Luka's kindergarten class which eventually blossomed into helping out at various events. Now I'm going on my third year as Co-Vice President of our PTO. Through being an active member of the PTO I was able to see where the money we raise goes and how much good we are able to do for our kids. I guess you could say I was hooked and when the opportunity came to be a part of the Executive Board it seemed like a natural fit.
I love being able to be a part of those who help make our school better. I believe our Black Mountain kids are amazing, as are their parents, and the sense of community at BMES is one of my favorite things about this school. When I'm not doing PTO related things, I also work at the school as a Kindergarten Aide, Lunch Aide, Recess Aide, and sometimes as a substitute in the office. I am always open to helping out when I can, so please don't hesitate to chat me up!
Hi all! My name is Elise Snyder and I have two boys at BMES, Luka (6th), Reed (3rd), and Kol (9th). Luka started at Black Mountain in Kindergarten so we've been here for six years and counting.
I started volunteering in Luka's kindergarten class which eventually blossomed into helping out at various events. Now I'm going on my third year as Co-Vice President of our PTO. Through being an active member of the PTO I was able to see where the money we raise goes and how much good we are able to do for our kids. I guess you could say I was hooked and when the opportunity came to be a part of the Executive Board it seemed like a natural fit.
I love being able to be a part of those who help make our school better. I believe our Black Mountain kids are amazing, as are their parents, and the sense of community at BMES is one of my favorite things about this school. When I'm not doing PTO related things, I also work at the school as a Kindergarten Aide, Lunch Aide, Recess Aide, and sometimes as a substitute in the office. I am always open to helping out when I can, so please don't hesitate to chat me up!
Nic Kremer - Treasurer
Kiddos:
Doug (7th grade at STMS) Matt (4th grade at BMES) Mabel (1st grade at Montessori)
How long you have been at BMES:
2 years
Previous volunteering at BMES:
PTO Treasurer, Room parent, Financial Literacy Program, Field Trip Chaperone
Why you volunteered to be on the Exec Board:
I was looking for ways to make a bigger impact than just within the classroom walls and wanted to be able to have a voice on important decisions that BMES PTO has to make.
Favorite thing about BMES:
The staff and principal, the flexibility they offer when dealing with children across the learning spectrum (from gifted students to those with special needs), and the small community feel and friendliness among the families.
Something fun about Nic:
I'm from Chicago (North Side!) and a city girl at heart but I love to hike, adventure outside, and enjoy this beautiful state.
Kiddos:
Doug (7th grade at STMS) Matt (4th grade at BMES) Mabel (1st grade at Montessori)
How long you have been at BMES:
2 years
Previous volunteering at BMES:
PTO Treasurer, Room parent, Financial Literacy Program, Field Trip Chaperone
Why you volunteered to be on the Exec Board:
I was looking for ways to make a bigger impact than just within the classroom walls and wanted to be able to have a voice on important decisions that BMES PTO has to make.
Favorite thing about BMES:
The staff and principal, the flexibility they offer when dealing with children across the learning spectrum (from gifted students to those with special needs), and the small community feel and friendliness among the families.
Something fun about Nic:
I'm from Chicago (North Side!) and a city girl at heart but I love to hike, adventure outside, and enjoy this beautiful state.
Melissa Kartler – Secretary
Kiddos:
Beckett (4th Grade) Easton (1st Grade) Piper (4yo Future Bob-cat)
How long have you been at BMES:
We started in Kindergarten 4 years ago, so this will be our 5th year on campus.
Previous Volunteering:
Pre-Covid PTO Co-Secretary, Room Mom and too many committees to name! I love being able to volunteer on a small and big scale.
Why you volunteered to be on the Exec Board:
I love the knowledge that comes with being able to see why our school is making the decisions it is for my kiddos, and I wanted to be able to make a big impact with my time in addition to classroom volunteering.
Favorite thing about BMES:
The staff hands down. From the principal to the crosswalk guard and everyone in between, it's so nice knowing each individual is caring for my kiddos with love and respect in my absence. Also, the parents are hands down the most giving of all the schools with both their time and resources. It really is a tight knit community!
Something fun about Melissa:
We are just wrapping up building our home for the last FIVE years. It's been a labor of love, but I'm happy to say we made it out alive! We're excited to get back to camping, biking, hiking, dirt bikes and anything that gets us out exploring! And when we're not exploring you can find us on the baseball fields with 3 kids on 4 teams.
Kiddos:
Beckett (4th Grade) Easton (1st Grade) Piper (4yo Future Bob-cat)
How long have you been at BMES:
We started in Kindergarten 4 years ago, so this will be our 5th year on campus.
Previous Volunteering:
Pre-Covid PTO Co-Secretary, Room Mom and too many committees to name! I love being able to volunteer on a small and big scale.
Why you volunteered to be on the Exec Board:
I love the knowledge that comes with being able to see why our school is making the decisions it is for my kiddos, and I wanted to be able to make a big impact with my time in addition to classroom volunteering.
Favorite thing about BMES:
The staff hands down. From the principal to the crosswalk guard and everyone in between, it's so nice knowing each individual is caring for my kiddos with love and respect in my absence. Also, the parents are hands down the most giving of all the schools with both their time and resources. It really is a tight knit community!
Something fun about Melissa:
We are just wrapping up building our home for the last FIVE years. It's been a labor of love, but I'm happy to say we made it out alive! We're excited to get back to camping, biking, hiking, dirt bikes and anything that gets us out exploring! And when we're not exploring you can find us on the baseball fields with 3 kids on 4 teams.
Debbie Greene - Classroom Liaison
Hi, I am Debbie Greene. I have lived up in Cave Creek for 20 years and love it up here. I have four children, two of them attend Northern Arizona University and Ari and Charley are at BMES. Ari is in third grade and Charley will be entering into Kindergarten this year. I have been involved with the Cave Creek School District for many years. I was employed at Lone Mountain when my older kids were students there. I have tried to keep involved by volunteering when needed. I have been a room mom for my sons class two years in a row. I enjoyed working with the teacher and parents in Ari’s class, which brings me to get involved further into the school by joining the PTO. I decided to take on the role of Hospitality/Committee Director this year as well and look forward to spoiling our staff and helping in events for school. I enjoy party planning, fitness and spending time with family. I look forward to being a bigger part of Black Mountain and working with all the wonderful staff and families.
Hi, I am Debbie Greene. I have lived up in Cave Creek for 20 years and love it up here. I have four children, two of them attend Northern Arizona University and Ari and Charley are at BMES. Ari is in third grade and Charley will be entering into Kindergarten this year. I have been involved with the Cave Creek School District for many years. I was employed at Lone Mountain when my older kids were students there. I have tried to keep involved by volunteering when needed. I have been a room mom for my sons class two years in a row. I enjoyed working with the teacher and parents in Ari’s class, which brings me to get involved further into the school by joining the PTO. I decided to take on the role of Hospitality/Committee Director this year as well and look forward to spoiling our staff and helping in events for school. I enjoy party planning, fitness and spending time with family. I look forward to being a bigger part of Black Mountain and working with all the wonderful staff and families.
Joann Paradies - Member At Large
Hi, I am Joann Paradies. Our family has been at BMES for 5 years with our 3 daughters: Caroline (10th grade), Abigail (7th grade), and Vivienne (4th grade). I have previously volunteered at various PTO events such as the family dance, grandparents breakfast, fall festival, teacher appreciation and trunk or treat. I have also helped in the classroom each year with class parties, field trips and financial literacy.
This year I am taking on the role of "Member At Large" on the PTO Executive Board in order to stay involved in events at the school with our youngest daughter, to get to know other parents better, to help where I can for our school to continue to thrive, to hopefully contribute in a positive way to the culture and community of our school, and to set an example for our daughters in participating, giving back and being a part of the greater good.
Some of our favorite things about BMES are the staff and principal, that it is a school with an emphasis on the arts, that the focus is on HOW not just WHAT our children think, they encourage them to be individual, outside the box thinkers and problem solvers who are developing skills beyond the elementary classroom.
And for some fun facts about me....I have moved 22 times since graduating HS. I played volleyball in college and coached the past 10 years. And I even know how to play the flute and piano! :)
Hi, I am Joann Paradies. Our family has been at BMES for 5 years with our 3 daughters: Caroline (10th grade), Abigail (7th grade), and Vivienne (4th grade). I have previously volunteered at various PTO events such as the family dance, grandparents breakfast, fall festival, teacher appreciation and trunk or treat. I have also helped in the classroom each year with class parties, field trips and financial literacy.
This year I am taking on the role of "Member At Large" on the PTO Executive Board in order to stay involved in events at the school with our youngest daughter, to get to know other parents better, to help where I can for our school to continue to thrive, to hopefully contribute in a positive way to the culture and community of our school, and to set an example for our daughters in participating, giving back and being a part of the greater good.
Some of our favorite things about BMES are the staff and principal, that it is a school with an emphasis on the arts, that the focus is on HOW not just WHAT our children think, they encourage them to be individual, outside the box thinkers and problem solvers who are developing skills beyond the elementary classroom.
And for some fun facts about me....I have moved 22 times since graduating HS. I played volleyball in college and coached the past 10 years. And I even know how to play the flute and piano! :)