Ben Franklin Elementary PTA

Co-President: Heather Vandenberg, president@mybenfranklinpta.org 

This is my 2nd year as co-president, 5th year on the board, and 7th year at Ben Franklin. I have a 3rd grader at Franklin and 6th grader at Rose Hill Middle. I’m passionate about giving back to our community and have tried a plethora of roles, from school support to fundraising and a handful of chair roles along the way. From large events like the Carnival to everyday tasks like adding color to the bulletin boards it all brings me joy. The PTA has given me the opportunity to connect with so many parents, students, and staff over the years that I may not have otherwise met, and those connections are priceless.

Co-President: Astrid Staneff, president@mybenfranklinpta.org

This is my 3rd year on the board and 2nd year as Co-President.  I have a 1st and 3rd grader attending Ben Franklin and consider myself fortunate to have become a part of such an inclusive community at Ben Franklin.  I am motivated to extend this sense of belonging to families from all walks of life.  One of my most cherished aspects as a PTA member is the opportunity to work closely with both students and staff.  Supporting our incredible staff nurtures an environment that facilitates growth, learning, and self-discovery.  I look forward to another wonderful year working with you all!

Co-Treasurer: OPEN POSITION, treasurer@mybenfranklinpta.org

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VP Technology: Sinan Ussakli, communications@mybenfranklinpta.org

Sinan has 2 children Batu (2nd) and Duru (5th). When he has time left from his busy engineering job, he always tries to find some new ways to give back to community. He believes communication is a key aspect of improving relations between communities, so he uses this as an excuse to spam people's inboxes. He always has some tricks in his sleeve, be careful.

VP Education: Sara Castillon, education@mybenfranklinpta.org

I am excited to join the PTA Board this year and to become a part of this wonderful community. I have two kids, Lexi (Kinder) and Luke (2 y/o). I have been working in the field of education for over 10 years, 5 of which I was a MS/HS Science teacher.  I’m looking forward to using my education expertise to support teachers, staff and parents, and to bringing exciting opportunities for students this year!

VP After-School Enrichment:  Luke Johnson, afterschool@mybenfranklinpta.org

 Luke is excited to join the PTA Board this year!  Looking forward to making the best of the schools continued growth for afterschool enrichment. His two kids are at Ben Franklin, in 2nd and 4th grade.  

CO VP After-School Enrichment:  OPEN POSITION, afterschool@mybenfranklinpta.org
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VP School Support: Sheila Van Bergen, schoolsupport@mybenfranklinpta.org 

I have two kids, Brinkley (graduate) and Evelyn (5th grade).  We love hiking, exploring new areas, and watching sporting events (especially our Clemson Tigers)! I look forward to supporting our teachers, students, and parents. 

VP Special Events: OPEN POSITION, events@mybenfranklinpta.org

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VP Health and Wellness: Lakshmi Kuduganti health@mybenfranklinpta.org

I am Lakshmi Kuduganti and this is my first time on the Ben Franklin PTSA board. Excited to be a part of the largest child advocacy organization in the community and looking to see how I can make a difference. I have two boys (Zubin- 10) and Zian (6.5) who would love to be active in the Franklin community as much as we do:).

VP Fundraising: Devon Konikow, fundraising@mybenfranklinpta.org

I have two children, Ashton (2nd) and Beckett (joining Ben Franklin next year). I am excited to lead our fundraising efforts to provide the resources to help build an enriching school environment through the PTA.  Let's have a great year!