Meet the McKay PTC

President

Andy De Mars

Andy is a husband, a father of a Conestoga 7th grader (McKay graduate) and a McKay 5th grader, with his day job in start-up software sales. He has many years as an Art Literacy and school volunteer, current PTC President and former VP at McKay Elementary, current PTO President at Conestoga Middle School, Program director / head coach for Skyhawk Wrestling Club (Southridge’s youth program,) Assistant wrestling coach at Southridge High School and Assistant Titans lacrosse coach (Southridge, Mountainside, Aloha youth combined.) For fun, he is a private pilot, outdoorsman and jiu jitsu competitor.

Vice President

Gillian Johnston

Gillian has a 2nd and 5th grader this year and loves how every staff member at McKay knows each of our students by name and creates a welcoming space for all. Her 'Why' for being involved with the PTC is to support our teachers and staff at McKay as they put their energy into helping our students grow. Her favorite ways of doing this are through attending events like Back to School Night, volunteering for Art Literacy, spending time in the hallways looking at the displays, and especially during Staff Appreciation week May 5th - 9th.

Treasurer

Laura Gomez

With over 15 years in the beauty industry, Laura Gomez has worked in luxury day spas, med spas, salons, and skincare clinics, gaining expertise in skincare, eyelash extensions, and brow shaping. Holistically trained at the Euro Institute of Skin Care, she prioritizes quality over quantity, using high quality products with natural ingredients.

As the owner of Project Ink Lash and Brow Studio in Portland, Oregon, Laura blends her expertise with a passion for boosting confidence. She continually expands her knowledge through advanced training, ensuring every client leaves feeling radiant, empowered, and ready to take on the world.

Beyond the studio, Laura enjoys being involved in her community. As the Treasurer of the McKay Elementary PTC, she loves helping create a welcoming environment where kids can learn and thrive. A proud mom of a second grader and a soon-to-be kindergartener, she understands the importance of connection in both business and in life. On weekends, you’ll find her spending time with her family, playing board games, having movie nights, and cheering on her kids at sporting events.

Secretary

Nicole Betz

Nicole is the Secretary for the 2024-2025 school year. Bio coming soon!

Fundraising Co-Chair

Lauren Miller

Lauren is a native-Nevadan who left the desert for cloudier skies and the four seasons Oregon has to offer. Her son Logan is in PreK and daughter Isla is in 1st grade at McKay. Lauren loves the community that McKay offers both its students and families. This is her first year on the PTC board, and she's happy to be sharing the fundraising board position with such a great partner in Krismin. She is also part of the parent team that runs the newly formed McKay Green Team.

Lauren has worked at Legacy Health as a sonographer for more than 10 years. In her free time, she enjoys traveling with her family, cheering on the Portland Timbers and talking about recycling

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Fundraising Co-Chair

Krismin Inocentes Bell

Krismin is a nonprofit leader and advocate for educational and economic equity, with over 15 years of experience expanding opportunities for underrepresented communities. She began her career as a third-grade teacher in Brooklyn before stepping into leadership roles focused on postsecondary success and economic mobility. Now based in Oregon, Krismin serves as Executive Director of The Philippine American Chamber of Commerce of Oregon (PACCO), championing small businesses and entrepreneurs across the state. When she’s not working, she loves spending time with her family, cheering on her son at soccer games, and supporting the McKay school community.

Communications Co-Chair

Isaac Lamb

Isaac is an award-winning actor, director, and educator with over 20 years of experience in the performing arts. Primarily interested in a multidisciplinary approach, he has created work at the intersection of music, movement, image and text for both stage and screen. Although he has worked regionally for years, Isaac is dedicated to making work in the performing arts scene of the Pacific Northwest where he makes his home with his wife, Amy, their twins, Hazel and Ezra, and two precocious cats. When he's not working, Isaac spends his time playing music, hiking and biking with his kids, rooting for the Portland Trail Blazers, and volunteering.

Communications Co-Chair

Erin Harper

Erin is the proud mother of a Kindergartener and 4 year old who will be joining McKay in fall 2026. She is thrilled to be joining the McKay community. Watching the teachers, staff and children interact with so much care and love brings her hope and joy for our future.

Erin currently works at the head of HR at a technology company called Marco Polo. In her free time she enjoys traveling, anything outdoors (especially in the sun!), and spending time with friendly and friends.

Interested in Joining the PTC?

Joining the McKay PTC (Parent Teacher Club) is a great way to support your children and the larger McKay Community. You can attend our monthly meetings or join the Board - both have a huge impact, including:

1. Improved student outcomes: Research shows that children who have involved parents perform better academically and behaviorally.

2. Networking & Building Community: PTC meetings are a great opportunity to meet other parents, teachers and the principal. They can help form and strengthen key relationships in your and your child's life.

3. School Support: PTCs provide support to teachers and staff, and help create a supportive school environment.

4. Getting involved in your child's education: By participating in the PTC, you'll be demonstrating to your child the importance of education and community. It also offers the rare opportunity to proactively help shape your child's educational experience.

5. Helping to make positive change: You'll have the opportunity to be part of the solution and help make positive changes.

If you're interested in becoming more involved with the PTC, come to our next meeting (check out the events page for dates) or email us at mckayptc@gmail.com.