Cathy Praissman
Brookfield
Summary
Seasoned PTO President with demonstrable leadership in coordinating school events, fundraisers, and community outreach initiatives. Strong interpersonal skills with ability to build relationships among parents, teachers, and administrators. Notable strengths include strategic planning, effective communication, and problem-solving capabilities. Proven track record of increasing parental involvement and enhancing educational experiences for students.
Overview
11
11
years of professional experience
Work History
Catering/Assistant Sous Chef
Christie Catering
Barkhamsted
12.2022 - Current
- Facilitated food preparation and presentation for private clients and large-scale events.
- Supported setup and breakdown of catering events to ensure smooth operations.
- Delivered exceptional customer service by engaging with guests during events.
- Assisted front-of-house operations, prioritizing guest satisfaction throughout events.
PTO President
Whisconier Middle School
Brookfield
08.2021 - 06.2024
- Planned special events such as family nights, carnivals, holiday parties.
- Developed annual budget for approval by the PTO Board of Directors.
- Collaborated with teachers, staff, and administrators to coordinate student-centered activities.
- Solicited donations from local businesses in support of PTO initiatives.
- Led recruitment efforts for volunteers to help with PTO events and activities.
- Coordinated with the school administration on upcoming projects, fundraisers, and other activities.
PTO Board Member
Huckleberry Elementary
Brookfield
08.2014 - 05.2020
- Worked collaboratively with staff members to ensure successful implementation of programs.
- Conducted monthly meetings with other board members to discuss upcoming events and activities.
- Created and maintained an online presence for the organization through social media platforms.
- Collaborated with teachers on educational enrichment initiatives supported by the PTO.
Volunteer School Garden Coordinator
Huckleberry Elementary
Brookfield
08.2014 - 03.2020
- Assisted with fundraising efforts, including event planning and donor outreach.
- Sowed seeds, planted seedlings, and transplanted crops by hand or with mechanized equipment.
- Developed strategies that promote efficient use of resources such as water and energy.
- Recorded information such as production costs, yields, grades, moisture content, and other data related to crop production.
- Harvested crops at the optimum time for maximum yield and quality.
- Organized fundraising events for the school community.
- Instructed small groups of children in various activities in the school garden.
- Collaborated with teachers on developing lesson plans for upcoming units.
- Developed grant proposals to secure funding for nonprofit organizations.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Behavioral Studies
Wilmington University
New Castle, DE12-2002
Bachelor of Nursing - Nursing
Beebe School Of Nursing
Lewes, DE06-1996
Skills
- Membership growth
- Volunteer recruitment
- Organizational development
- Delegation
- Fundraising expertise
- Effective leadership
Timeline
Catering/Assistant Sous Chef
Christie Catering
12.2022 - Current
PTO President
Whisconier Middle School
08.2021 - 06.2024
PTO Board Member
Huckleberry Elementary
08.2014 - 05.2020
Volunteer School Garden Coordinator
Huckleberry Elementary
08.2014 - 03.2020
Bachelor of Science - Behavioral Studies
Wilmington University
Bachelor of Nursing - Nursing
Beebe School Of Nursing