2021-2022 Executive Board Members
Pamela Royal, PTA President
Pamela and Clayton Royal have two sons, Oliver (9th grade) and Miles (5th grade) and have been part of the Gulledge family for 9 years. Pamela is currently serving as President where she hopes to enable our families to easily reengage with both the school and PTA during our return from a largely virtual school year. Previous rolls have included Vice President of Programs, Vice President of Communications, Vice President of Membership, Book Fair Chair, Fine Arts Coordinator, Grade-level Coordinator, Square-1 Art Coordinator, After School Programs Coordinator and a contributing member to many other committees and groups. Pamela is also an active member of the Jasper Hight School PTSA where she currently serves as Council Delegate. She held various rolls during her time with Robinson Middle School PTA. Pamela is an active member and volunteer at her church. She enjoys being outdoors, hiking, cycling, exercising, gardening, crafting, reading, watching movies, researching anything and spending quality time family and friends.
"I joined PTA because I loved being a stay-at-home mom and wanted to seek a way to stay involved and make a difference in their daily lives at school. My first experience volunteering at Gulledge was with Book Fair back when my oldest was in Kindergarten; the idea that I was promoting literacy and catching glimpses of my boys in the hallways had me hooked. My boys recognize the difference I am making and are proud to have me working for them at school. I've made the best of friends volunteering with the PTA, and while we may differ in our employment status and/or the amount of time we have to give, our dedication to our school is the same. Our Parent Teacher Association really does provide a unique opportunity to connect with faculty and staff and truly have an impact on our students day to day lives."
Tejal Pandit, 1st Vice President, Programs
Tejal and Parth Pandit have a son going to 5th grade. Tejal is serving in her first year as Vice President of Programs for Gulledge PTA . She previously served as Welcome Committee Chair, Sage/Diversity Chair and an active volunteer for various events. Tejal has a masters degree in Marketing Management. She enjoys helping around the community, reading, solving puzzles, hiking and spending quality time with friends and family.
"I joined PTA out of pure curiosity and willingness to understand how it helps the kids' education. And the opportunity to take a glimpse of my kid in his favorite place was tempting. I learned how much hard work goes behind the scene from teachers and staff. That made me respect our educators tremendously and in the process I made some great friends who are always helping me learn new things."
Erin Sears, 2nd Vice President, Communications
Erin and Kale Sears have three children, Finn (9th grade), Grey (7th grade) and Ainslee (4th grade). They have been part of the Gulledge family for 10 years. Erin is serving in her second year as Vice President of Communications for Gulledge Elementary PTA. Previous roles have included Newsletter Chair, Grade-level Coordinator, Field Day Coordinator, Spirit Stick Coordinator, Reading Program Coordinator, Ways and Means, Treasurer, and President. Her family attends Christ United Methodist Church and loves to serve as a host family to exchange students. This year they are joined by Marieke (10th grade). Erin is also active with Robinson Middle School PTA, Jasper High School PTSA, Jasper High School Band Boosters, City of Plano Swimmers Leadership Council and the Plano ISD Board Advisory Committee on Diversity. Both she and her husband are active volunteers with Cub Scout Pack 200 and Scout Troop 999. Erin works from home as a pharmacist with IngenioRx. She spends her free time running and cheering for her Longhorns.
"Being active with PTA has been a vital part of my days at Gulledge since 2012 when Finn started kindergarten. It is an easy way to feel part of the community and feel at ease with the place and the people my children spend the majority of their day. Gulledge PTA serves as an active partner with the faculty and staff to optimize our children’s educational experience and promote a positive environment."
Andrea Cunningham, 3rd Vice President, Ways and Means
Andrea and Ryan Cunningham have a son in 6th grade at Robinson and a daughter in 2nd grade. Andrea has been involved in the Gulledge PTA for the past several years. She is currently serving as VP of Ways and Means and her previous roles have included VP of Membership, Community Outreach Chair, Scholarship Committee Chair, Lifetime Member Selection Committee Chair, Color Run committee member, School of Excellence committee member, and room parent. Andrea is a Licensed Professional Counselor-Supervisor, a Certified Yoga Teacher, and co-founder of a counseling practice in Plano. Andrea is an active member of her church and enjoys spending time with family and friends.
"I joined Gulledge PTA when my son was in Kindergarten in order to become a member of the school community. I value education and wanted to demonstrate this to my child. I wanted to know about the school, support the amazing teachers and staff, and also contribute to the education of all children within the community through PTA programs and donations of curriculum specific materials to the school."
Sheetal Gandhi, 4th Vice President, Membership
Sheetal and Nirav Gandhi have a son in 4th grade at Gulledge. Sheetal has been involved with the Gulledge PTA for 2 years as an active volunteer and committee member in various PTA events. She has served as Classroom Support Coordinator and School Supplies Coordinator. Sheetal is currently serving her second year as Vice President of Membership. She is a certified software developer and worked in the private sector before becoming a stay-at-home mother upon moving to states. She enjoys biking, travelling, and spending quality time with her family.
“I joined Gulledge PTA to be a part of the system in which my son is getting his educational foundation. Being part of the Gulledge PTA made me believe this is the best way to show my child the value of education and contribute my best to his education. It also allows me to support amazing teachers and staff for contributing their best for community.”
Krisinda Lingenfelter, 5th Vice President, Volunteers
OPEN, Parliamentarian
Audra Potts, Secretary
Audra and Blake Potts have a daughter in 3rd grade and a daughter in kindergarten. This is Audra’s first year to be involved in the PTA Executive Board and she will serve as Secretary. Audra has previously volunteered for class parties and Field Day. Audra is a Project Manager for Cinco Energy Management Group where she primarily focuses on oil and gas legal research and investigation. Audra is an active and serving member of her church. She enjoys attending Camp Gladiator workouts and running as well as spending time with her family at their family-owned property and boating at local lakes.
“I joined Gulledge PTA to be connected to the community and be actively involved with my children’s school and education. As PTA Secretary, I am excited to work with the PTA Board, to provide encouragement and support to the Gulledge faculty and staff.””
Melinda Rodriguez, Treasurer
Melinda and Jason Rodriguez have been married for 14 years and have two sons. Roman is in 4th grade and Deacon is a 2nd grader. This is Melinda's first year on the PTA Board but has been a member of the PTA for 4 years. Melinda owns a business in Plano and volunteers with Tails from the Heart Animal Rescue. Melinda enjoys geocaching, camping, and swimming with her family.
Joining my sons' PTA has always been a goal of mine. The PTA provides an opportunity to meet other parents, and I feel like I am helping my community. Dr. Seuss says, 'Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better. It's not.'"
