PTA Board Members 2010-2011

President:  Allie Jewsbury   

I became a Westbriar parent in the fall of 1997.  We have two children here – my son, Jake, in first grade and my daughter, Jacqueline, in third grade. 

I served as PTA Treasurer for two years and also as chair of Cultural Arts, Fall Festival, Kindergarten Coordinator and been an active classroom volunteer.  When I accepted the role as Treasurer, I was a brand new Westbriar parent and didn't know many parents!  Any apprehension I had about volunteering for the PTA as a newbie, went away immediately.  The PTA members were extremely welcoming and friendly and they bent over backwards to show me the ropes.  Being involved in the PTA brings great personal satisfaction to me, and my children LOVE to see me at school events and contributing to projects around Westbriar. 

Prior to becoming a “mom” I was involved in the hospitality industry as Director of Meetings and Events for several associations in the metro area.  I have been able to continue my involvement in meetings through my consulting business, Capitol Planning LLC.  I also work part time for a tutoring and educational coaching company in Fairfax called Educational Connections, Inc.

I have been a Westbriar Mom since 2006 when my oldest started Kindergarten.  She is now in 4th grade, and my younger daughter is in first grade.  Both my husband and I grew up in the DC metro area and really enjoy Vienna’s hometown feel.  I have a Masters in Environmental/Marine Biology, and after taking a few years off to be a stay-at-home Mom and teaching science at a local preschool, I am now working part-time at Booz Allen Hamilton. Along with volunteering for Westbriar's PTA, I am a Docent at the Smithsonian’s Sant Ocean Hall exhibit in the Museum of Natural History.  I have volunteered on a variety of PTA committees and look forward to helping Westbriar while on the PTA board.  I am amazed at the dedication of the parents, students, and staff at Westbriar and hope that I can contribute to the continued success of such a great school.

Secretary:  Ossen D'Haiti

We have been Westbriar Elementary School parents and active PTA members since 2008. We have three children that have been inspired by WES and are proud Falcons.  Next year, we will have one child in the second grade.

We have always enjoyed volunteering to support our children’s education and activities.  I recently held the position of PTA Secretary at the previous school attended by our children before seeking and moving to this great school in Fairfax County.  Since becoming a Falcon Parent, I have remained involved with various WES activities and volunteer opportunities to include D.O.G.S. (Dads of Great Students).  I hope to engage and to encourage more Dads to get involved in the PTA and to contribute to the tremendous opportunities made possible by the wonderful teachers & staff and PTA at WES.  We believe that our children’s education is paramount and should be the result of a partnership between the efforts of the school and the support of the family.

Treasurer: Claudia Kern 

I have been living in the Vienna area for 10 years, and have the privilege of being part of the Westbriar Family for 4. We have a daughter, Andrea who’s going to be in 4th grade, and a son, David in 2nd grade. I was born and raised in Caracas, Venezuela and came to the US in 1993 for my Master’s Degree in Business Administration (MBA) at Georgetown University. My professional career has ranged from being part of the Credit Committee in charge of Multinational Companies at Citibank, to Management and Financial Consultant. After a few years as a stay-at-home mom I decided to go back to work as a Realtor with Long & Foster, and I’m licensed in VA, DC and MD.

I have been involved with the PTA through volunteering at different events that are prepared throughout the year. This year I co-chaired the Family Fun Night, and I have been a “Room Mom” for 2 years.

I have come to realize the importance of the PTA in our children’s education, especially in these challenging times. As a Treasurer, I would be looking into the best and more efficient ways of handling our monetary resources.

I am a second year Westbriar parent with a son in 1st grade.  I have heard so much about the active involvement of parents and staff and am proud to have witnessed it firsthand in my first year at Westbriar.  I am excited to contribute my time and energy to make a difference in our students' and faculties' school experience.  Last year I chaired the 5K and 1 Mile Walk/Fun Run and volunteered in various ways to help the kindergartners acclimate to their new surroundings.

I am an IT Director for a major corporation and like to use my project planning skills in my PTA and mom duties!  I have met so many great parents and friends in my short time at Westbriar, as has my son, and we are looking forward to 6 more fabulous years at school.  As President-Elect, I hope to learn from the current President and Board and carry on the tradition of excellence and involvement in our children's lives.