MEET THE 2022- 2023 PTA EXECUTIVE BOARD







Ryan Garrity, President
Ryan was born and raised in the southwestern suburbs of Chicago. He attended Eastern Illinois University where he earned his BA in English. After college, he met his wife Lindsay. Shortly after they married, he returned to school to earn his MBA from Benedictine University. They moved to Downers Grove in 2015. Together they have 3 sons Keegan (3rd), Patrick (2nd) and Theo (Kindergarten). After spending several years working in Financial Services, Ryan recently switched gears in his career and has found a home at Advocate Aurora Health in Pharmacy Supply Chain. In his free time, he enjoys spending time with their boys, coaching, fishing, golf, craft beers and vacationing at their family cabin in Sister Lakes, MI. This is Ryan’s 3rd year on the PTA board and 1st year as President.
Amy Houser, Vice President
Amy grew up in St. Louis, MO and attended Indiana University (go Hoosiers) where she met her husband, Andy. After graduating IU with a BA in Telecommunications she moved to Chicago where she worked in advertising which evolved into print and digital sales management and operations. In the fall of 2013 Amy, Andy and their young family moved to Downers Grove as their oldest was approaching school age. They have 3 kids Cole (7th), Morgan (6th) and Abigail (3rd). This is Amy's 2nd year on the board and 1st year as VP.
Mary Ann Beesley, Vice President, Standing Committee
Mary Ann grew up in Forest Park, IL. She went to Northern Illinois University where she earned her Elementary Education degree, then went on to earn a Masters in Education from National-Louis. Mary Ann and her husband Patrick moved to Downers Grove in 2016. She currently teaches 2nd grade in Mannheim District 83. Mary Ann and Patrick have two sons: Max (2nd) and Dean (Kindergarten) as well as 3 dogs. In her free time, Mary Ann enjoys running and fostering dogs. This is her second year on the PTA board.
Meggen McKenzie, Co-Vice President, Ways and Means
Meggen grew up in Schaumburg, IL. She attended Winona State University where she earned
her bachelor’s degree. Meggen began working in the marketing industry right out of college
spending time in field marketing, consumer promotions, and shopper marketing before
switching gears into the mobile app/digital industry where she is now employed with Fetch
Rewards. Meggen met her husband (Tim) in 2012 and in 2014 they got married and moved to
Downers Grove, IL. She has three daughters – Abby (6 th ), Brynley (2 nd ) and Cailey (K). In her freetime, Meggen enjoys walking, vacationing at her lake house on Table Rock Lake, reading, and DIY house projects. This is Meggen’s first year serving on the PTA board and she’s excited to be a part with all three of her daughters at Kingsley this year.
Lindsay Garrity, Co-Vice President, Ways and Means
Lindsay was born and raised in Chicago and attended Western Illinois University. She moved to Downers Grove 7 years ago with her husband, Ryan and their son's Keegan (3rd), Patrick (2nd) and Theo (kn). Lindsay has 15+ years of comprehensive experience in event management in and serving professional and trade associations. Lindsay currently serves as the Manager of Events for the Water Quality Association. In her free time she enjoys interior design, reading and lake adventures with friends and family. Lindsay is thrilled to be serving the PTA for the 1st year with Meggen as co-chairs of Ways and Means.
Todd McLain, Vice President, Finance
Todd was born and raised in Matteson, IL and moved to Downers Grove in 2000. He has a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting from Eastern Illinois University, where he met his wife Mary. Together they have three children: Justin (14), Alexandra (12) and Owen (10). Todd is a Computer Audit Specialist for the State of California. This is Todd’s second year on the PTA board as the VP of Finance.
Devon Hickmann, Membership
Profile coming soon!
Ellen Swanson, Secretary
Ellen was born and raised in Hinsdale, Illinois. She attended Hinsdale Central High School and the University of Illinois, Champaign/Urbana where she earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology. Ellen then continued her educational career at the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities, and earned her Masters and Doctorate degrees in the field of Educational Psychology. Ellen went on to pursue her school administrative certifications as Principal, Director of Special Education and Superintendent. Throughout her career, Ellen has served as a School Psychologist, Assistant Principal, Principal, Special Education Supervisor, and has served as the Assistant Superintendent for Student Services with Lombard District 44 from 2010-2013 and Community Consolidated School District 62 in Des Plaines, Illinois since 2013.
Ellen met her husband, Derek, in 2013 and has three children including her two step-sons, Drew (15) and Erik (13), and daughter Kensi (5) who is beginning Kindergarten this school year. In her free time, Ellen enjoys spending time with her husband, family and friends, doing fun mom and daughter activities with Kensi, vacationing at their Florida home in Naples, playing tennis, golf, walking, and she loves any type of warm weather! This is Ellen’s first year on the Kingsley PTA board serving as the Secretary, and she is excited to serve the Kingsley community in this role.