Meet The Arizona PTA Team
President
Sara Gagliardi
I am an Arizona native. I have 4 children and 4 grandchildren who I absolutely adore. I started PTA to become more involved with the education side while my youngest boys were struggling. I served as secretary and president of Mountain Shadows PTSA for a total of 5 years before coming to Arizona PTA. I am very proud to say our PTSA won many membership awards in the state for our group’s efforts. I have served on the state level as Field Service Chair, acting region director as needed, Vice President of Membership, 1st Vice President, and now President. I look forward to continuing my journey with Arizona PTA in order to fulfill my passion of helping others be successful leaders and advocates for all children
Vice President
Danielle Padia
Danielle Padia is an Arizona Native who attended the same elementary & high school her 2 children attended. She studied at GCC, ASU West, and earned her Master's degree at NAU. She served at her local unit as President, Vice President, Secretary & Treasurer over 8 years, 3 years on the Az PTA Board of Managers and Executive Committee as the North Central Maricopa Region Director, and is now honored to serve as the Vice President for AZ PTA going on her second year. She's been part of the AZ delegation at the National PTA Conference for the last 3 years & LegCon 2023. She lives in Glendale with her husband, and 8th grader and works Full Time in the Peoria Unified School District. Danielle is looking forward to supporting local units as well as the organization
Samantha is a devoted mother of two and has been happily married for 15 years. Balancing family life with her career as the Volunteer Coordinator for Old Vail Middle School, and with her involvement with PTA, she excels at creating a supportive, inclusive environment. She has been actively involved with her children's PTAs for the last 3 years, serving on the Board as Communications Vice President, and then President for two terms. She is honored for the chance to continue advocating for the children in the State of Arizona. Samantha's dedication to her family and her community is at the heart of everything she does.
.jpg)
North Central Maricopa Region Director
Monique Nieto
As a proud mom of four and an Arizona native, I have been deeply involved in the PTA for six years, serving as president of the local board. My journey with the PTA began because of my youngest children; I wanted to be actively involved in their education and advocate for them. This initial involvement quickly blossomed into a passion. I love helping people and am dedicated to supporting our local units and the PTA mission. I look forward to continuing to make a positive impact on our community through the Arizona Parent Teacher Association
Health & Safety Chair
Heidi Carpenter
​Heidi jumped into PTA when her oldest daughter started kindergarten in 2022. She is the current Treasurer of Desert Willow Elementary PTA. Heidi is the mother of two and an occupational therapist. Heidi has 12 years of volunteer leadership experience with occupational therapy organizations. She hopes to work with local units to keep health & safety topics for all children.
Marketing & PR/ Communications Chair
VACANT
This could be you!
Contact office@azpta.org if you are interested in helping Arizona PTA with social media and marketing messaging.
Arts in Education Chair
VACANT
This could be you!
Contact office@azpta.org if you are interested in helping Arizona PTA with social media and marketing messaging.
Family & Community
Engagement Chair
Allen Little
​Allen is a husband and a father of 6 children and 6 grandchildren. He has a background in Information Technology, Real Estate, and Culinary Arts. He currently serves as Vice-president of the Kingswood PTSA. He has sat on numerous boards such as (CAP) Community Action Partnerships and various Illinois Realtor Association Advocacy Committees. Allen, being a single father raising his 3 children before his remarriage understands firsthand the challenges of parenting, the importance of being involved in your child's education in school and out, the effects their surroundings, our society and social media have on our precious children. He also understands the importance of Family and Community as these are intricate and important pieces to a child's growth and development. He looks forward to bringing his experience and knowledge to the Arizona PTA to enrich Family Engagement as well as Male Engagement throughout this Great State of Arizona.
Leadership Development Chair
Chantelle Little
Chantelle decided to join her local PTA after relocating from Illinois. She figured this was a good way to meet new parents. Shortly after attending her first meeting, she was elected to her 1st Board seat. After her first state Convention she realized that a spark had formed not only to advocate for the children in her area but for all children. Together with her husband they share 6 children, 5 grandchildren and a very active Schipperke (Diamond). Chantelle has a passion for helping others develop and advance in their career as well as in life. She lives to learn something new daily.
Additional Committees & Members
*Committee Chairs
Interested in joining or need more information about committees?
Email: office@azpta.org
for 2023-24
(2024-25 will update in August after 1st BOM meeting)
Advocacy Committee
Kirsten Morgan*
Allen Little
Arts in Education Committee
Sharon Clark Frierson*
Shana Wilson
Reflections Sub-Committee
Sharon Clark Frierson
Shana Wilson
Colette Campbell
Amanda Reyes
Kirsten Morgan*
Danielle Padia
Budget & Finance Committee
Tiffany Rogers* (Acting Chair)
Terrie Minnick
Kirsten Morgan
Bylaws Committee
Diversity Committee
Angela McCallister*
Chantelle Little
Caitlin Dragun
Allen Little*
​
Family & Community Engagement Committee
Male Engagement Sub-Committee
Conor Martin*
Allen Little
Nicole Martin*
Chantelle Little
Monique Nieto
Danielle Padia
Field Service Committee
Health & Safety Committee
VACANT*
Heidi Carpenter
Chantelle Little*
Conor Martin
Leadership Development Committee
Amanda Reyes*
Jessica Miranda
Membership Committee
State & Local Unit Relations (SLUR) Committee
Danielle Padia
Amanda Reyes
Tiffany Rogers
Sharon Clark Frierson
Nathan Padia
Caitlyn Martin
Youth Committee
Office Management Team
Sara Gagliardi
Danielle Padia
Brittany Smith
Tiffany Rogers
Samantha Wootton
Kirsten Morgan
Elections Committee
(2 Elected Members)
To be determined
Samantha Wootton *LEAD
Kirsten Morgan
Tiffany Rogers
Terrie Minnick
​
Marketing & Public Relations Committee
Teacher of the Month - Marketing Sub-Committee
Monique Nieto*
​
Nominating Committee
(7 BOM Members)
To be determined
Convention Committee
Kirsten Morgan *LEAD
ALL BOM Members
​
Site Selection - Convention Sub-Committee
Vacant
Awards - Convention Sub-Committee
Vacant
Registration - Convention Sub-Committee
Vacant
Credentials - Convention Sub-Committee
Amanda Reyes
Workshop - Convention Sub-Committee
Vacant
Meal Functions - Convention Sub-Committee
Vacant
Hospitality - Convention Sub-Committee
Vacant
Rules - Convention Sub-Committee
Vacant
Decorations - Convention Sub-Committee
Vacant
Convention PR - Convention Sub-Committee
Vacant
Program - Convention Sub-Committee
Vacant