King PTO is a 501(c)3 nonprofit that supports the school’s mission of “Keeping The Dream Alive Everyday.” We’re a membership organization that welcomes all parents and guardians of King students and all school faculty. Everyone is automatically a member, with one vote per member at any general meeting.

Questions? Email us at [email protected].

Board members

Lisa Arnsdorf

President

My kids: Gus & Callum Chaiken, are in 5th & 3rd

Years on PTO: 1st at King; I served on the PTSA at our previous school

When I’m not focused on PTO, I: Work for a small software company managing new clients

Favorite school event: Curriculum Night (nerd alert!)

Coffee or tea: Coffee with lots of milk

Go-to-karaoke song: None. I'd rather be dancing

Fun fact: I always have a book or an embroidery project in my bag

Why I joined the PTO: I love building relationships with the faculty, staff, and community and helping our teachers bring their awesome ideas to life

Harini Sundararaghavan

Vice President

My kids: I have a kindergartener at King and a 6th grader and Clague

Years on PTO: 1st at King

When I’m not focused on PTO, I: am a Biomedical Engineering Professor at Wayne State University

Favorite school event: Bagel Friday

Coffee or tea: Coffee

Go-to-karaoke song: Shoop by Salt-N-Pepa was my go to in my 20s but I am not sure I could sing it now 😄

Fun fact: Traveling is when my family is happiest.

Why I joined the PTO: To support the school, community and my kids.

Buffy Beattie

Secretary

Sara Hammerschmidt

Co-Treasurer

Shital Patel

Co-Treasurer

My kids: Thiya & Niyam Patel, are in 4th & Kindergarten

Years on PTO: 1st

When I’m not focused on PTO, I: Work for a German Auto Supplier as a Finance Manager

Favorite school event: International Night (love the cultures, music, outfits, and foods)

Coffee or tea: Coffee with milk and sugar

Go-to-karaoke song: None, prefer to listen and dance.

Fun fact: I love family traditions and love creating special memories with my family and friends.

Why I joined the PTO: I want to be part of creating a positive experience for all the students. I look forward to getting to know more families, working alongside our wonderful teachers and staff, and creating a strong school community.

Missy Plegue

PTO Council Representative

Meredith Laverty

Technology Director

My kids: I have a pre-K kid, a kindergartner, and a middle schooler.

Years on PTO: This is my first year officially on the board.

When I’m not focused on PTO, I: Work in tech activism, using software engineering to keep the internet weird and free.

Favorite school event: Bagel Friday. Because coffee.

Coffee or tea: Coffee. See above.

Go-to karaoke song: Anything by The Cranberries or Alanis Morissette.

Fun fact: I take an alarming number of work meetings from my bike.

Why I joined the PTO: Teachers and school staff are incredible humans, and I’m genuinely grateful for everything they do. This role gives me a chance to support them while still, ideally, hiding behind my computer screen.