Ryan Garrity, President

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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 (4th), Patrick (3rd) and Theo (1st).   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 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 4rd year on the PTA board and 2nd year as President.

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Amy Houser, Vice President

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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 (8th), Morgan (7th) and Abigail (4th). This is Amy's 3rd year on the board and 2nd year as VP.

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Sarah Wilhite, Vice President, Standing Committee

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Sarah was born and raised on the Southside of Chicago and attended Loras College and Saint Xavier University.  She has lived in Downers Grove for 10 years with her husband Dane, their daughter Madelyn (2nd) and dog Molly.  Sarah is starting her 22nd year teaching 8th grade in Berwyn South School District 100. In her free time she enjoys time with family, and friends, and traveling. Sarah is looking forward to her new position on the PTA board. 

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Meggen McKenzie, Co-Vice President, Ways and Means

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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 (7th ), Brynley (3rd ) and Cailey (1st). 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.

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Lindsay Garrity, Co-Vice President, Ways and Means

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Lindsay was born and raised in Chicago and attended Western Illinois University. She moved to Downers Grove 8 years ago with her husband, Ryan and their son's Keegan (4th), Patrick (3rd) and Theo (1st). 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 her 2nd year with Meggen as co-chairs of Ways and Means. 

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Jeff Leesman, Vice President, Finance

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This is Jeff's first year on the PTA.  Profile coming soon!

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Devon Hickmann, Membership

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This is Devon's second year on the PTA.  Profile coming soon!

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Ellen Swanson, Secretary

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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 (16) and Erik (14), and daughter Kensi (6) who is beginning 1st grade 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 2nd year on the Kingsley PTA board serving as the Secretary, and she is excited to serve the Kingsley community in this role.