Friends of Wildwood PTOFriends of Wildwood PTO is an independent 501(c)(3) organization. Donations to Friends of Wildwood PTO are tax-deductible. For tax purposes, our EIN is 47-4013946.
Friends of Wildwood PTO's mission includes community-building and other important Wildwood IB World Magnet initiatives. |
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MEET THE BOARD
Renee Neumeier, President
Renee, her husband, Owen, and their 6th-grade daughter, Lettie, moved to Wildwood right before kindergarten. Renee loves Wildwood and sees being part of the PTO as a way to get more involved and support the school's needs, as well as, the students and their families. Her first experience working with the PTO was when she worked with members to plan the Book Bash. Renee is passionate about community engagement, racial equity, and social justice. She also enjoys gardening, hiking, traveling, and indulging in macarons.
Renee, her husband, Owen, and their 6th-grade daughter, Lettie, moved to Wildwood right before kindergarten. Renee loves Wildwood and sees being part of the PTO as a way to get more involved and support the school's needs, as well as, the students and their families. Her first experience working with the PTO was when she worked with members to plan the Book Bash. Renee is passionate about community engagement, racial equity, and social justice. She also enjoys gardening, hiking, traveling, and indulging in macarons.
M. Viviana Proano, Vice President
Viviana & her husband, Matt, moved to Norwood Park in 2009. Having grown up in Arlington Heights & Champaign-Urbana, they wanted the quaint feel of a suburb while still living in the city. When it was time for their son Finn (3rd grade) to attend school, they learned the ins & outs of CPS & used the lottery system to access the best education possible. Wildwood has been an amazing school and thanks to the PTO, a community they can call home. They both believe in giving back as much as they receive and hope to do so by supporting the PTO.
Viviana & her husband, Matt, moved to Norwood Park in 2009. Having grown up in Arlington Heights & Champaign-Urbana, they wanted the quaint feel of a suburb while still living in the city. When it was time for their son Finn (3rd grade) to attend school, they learned the ins & outs of CPS & used the lottery system to access the best education possible. Wildwood has been an amazing school and thanks to the PTO, a community they can call home. They both believe in giving back as much as they receive and hope to do so by supporting the PTO.
Meghann Artes, General Board Member
Meghann and her husband Joe (Lyons) have lived in Wildwood with their three kids - Tate (6th grade), Jake (4th grade) and Millie (2nd grade) who all attend Wildwood School. Their family loves being part of the neighborhood and school community. Meghann is an associate dean and teaches animation and filmmaking at DePaul University. She loves making films, occasionally enjoys working out (but more often doesn’t), and never misses a chance to hunt for a hidden gem at a good flea market or antique shop.
Meghann and her husband Joe (Lyons) have lived in Wildwood with their three kids - Tate (6th grade), Jake (4th grade) and Millie (2nd grade) who all attend Wildwood School. Their family loves being part of the neighborhood and school community. Meghann is an associate dean and teaches animation and filmmaking at DePaul University. She loves making films, occasionally enjoys working out (but more often doesn’t), and never misses a chance to hunt for a hidden gem at a good flea market or antique shop.
Sammi Balik, General Board Member
When Sammi Balik and her husband, Reuben, were looking for their forever home, their realtor suggested Wildwood for its perfect combination of city access with a strong community feeling. They moved here in 2024 and couldn't be happier. They have a first grader, Ben, at Wildwood and their daughter, Sage, is a future Wildwood student. Sammi began volunteering for PTO events while Ben was in Pre-K and joined the board this year to engage more deeply with the school community. Sammi works in communications for Northwestern University Facilities - she loves being in an academic setting. In her free time, you can find Sammi doing improv comedy, working out, reading, and going on neighborhood walks with her family.
When Sammi Balik and her husband, Reuben, were looking for their forever home, their realtor suggested Wildwood for its perfect combination of city access with a strong community feeling. They moved here in 2024 and couldn't be happier. They have a first grader, Ben, at Wildwood and their daughter, Sage, is a future Wildwood student. Sammi began volunteering for PTO events while Ben was in Pre-K and joined the board this year to engage more deeply with the school community. Sammi works in communications for Northwestern University Facilities - she loves being in an academic setting. In her free time, you can find Sammi doing improv comedy, working out, reading, and going on neighborhood walks with her family.
Yasmin Chaudhury, General Board Member
Shortly after college, Yasmin visited a now-closed bar in Edgebrook and thought, “Huh, this is where grown-ups live.” A little over a decade later, while house hunting in Wildwood, she had the same thought—until her husband gently reminded her that she was, in fact, one of the grown-ups now. Yasmin has called Wildwood home for six years with her husband, Dan Malik, their first-grade son, David, and baby James. She works in human resources at Feeding America, where she is grateful to support work focused on helping people facing hunger. She enjoys being involved at Wildwood and getting to see David and his friends in their school world. Outside of that, Yasmin is usually up for coffee, a walk, a cargo bike ride, or anything that helps tire out the kiddos.
Shortly after college, Yasmin visited a now-closed bar in Edgebrook and thought, “Huh, this is where grown-ups live.” A little over a decade later, while house hunting in Wildwood, she had the same thought—until her husband gently reminded her that she was, in fact, one of the grown-ups now. Yasmin has called Wildwood home for six years with her husband, Dan Malik, their first-grade son, David, and baby James. She works in human resources at Feeding America, where she is grateful to support work focused on helping people facing hunger. She enjoys being involved at Wildwood and getting to see David and his friends in their school world. Outside of that, Yasmin is usually up for coffee, a walk, a cargo bike ride, or anything that helps tire out the kiddos.
Audrey Hamdan, General Board Member
Audrey and her husband, Warner, live in the Norwood Park neighborhood and are new to the Wildwood community. They have 1 daughter, Esme (1st grade). As teachers in the city, they both believe deeply that connection and community make a school great! Excited to meet new people and serve on the Wildwood PTO.
Audrey and her husband, Warner, live in the Norwood Park neighborhood and are new to the Wildwood community. They have 1 daughter, Esme (1st grade). As teachers in the city, they both believe deeply that connection and community make a school great! Excited to meet new people and serve on the Wildwood PTO.
Cristin Kelly, General Board Member
Cristin and her husband Gavin moved to the North Edgebrook neighborhood right before their oldest (Teagan, 3rd) entered Kindergarten. They feel so lucky to be part of Wildwood's vibrant school community. This is Cristin's first year on the PTO board. She currently manages the front office of a small pediatric practice in Skokie, and Gavin is a CPS school administrator. When not at work, you can find them with Teagan, her sister Mara (Kindergarten), and their dog, Winnie, playing in the playground or enjoying their backyard.
Cristin and her husband Gavin moved to the North Edgebrook neighborhood right before their oldest (Teagan, 3rd) entered Kindergarten. They feel so lucky to be part of Wildwood's vibrant school community. This is Cristin's first year on the PTO board. She currently manages the front office of a small pediatric practice in Skokie, and Gavin is a CPS school administrator. When not at work, you can find them with Teagan, her sister Mara (Kindergarten), and their dog, Winnie, playing in the playground or enjoying their backyard.
Cristina Moravy, General Board Member
This is Cristina Moravy’s fourth year on the PTO. She and her husband, Leif, moved to Wildwood nine years ago. She loves the woods and small-town feel Wildwood provides, while remaining so close to the city. Her oldest, Simone, is starting 5th grade this year, while her son Axel will be entering 3rd grade. Cristina taught 4th grade before she started staying home with her children. She’s looking forward to helping the PTO provide lots of opportunities for the students and families of Wildwood to connect and have fun while raising money for school resources. She loves reading, traveling, and seeing live music.
This is Cristina Moravy’s fourth year on the PTO. She and her husband, Leif, moved to Wildwood nine years ago. She loves the woods and small-town feel Wildwood provides, while remaining so close to the city. Her oldest, Simone, is starting 5th grade this year, while her son Axel will be entering 3rd grade. Cristina taught 4th grade before she started staying home with her children. She’s looking forward to helping the PTO provide lots of opportunities for the students and families of Wildwood to connect and have fun while raising money for school resources. She loves reading, traveling, and seeing live music.
Katie Murphy, General Board Member
Katie (Taft High School) and her husband, Andrew (Notre Dame HS), moved their kids and dog, Velma Dinkley, to Wildwood for the sense of community and Wildwood's IB curriculum. Katie has spent over a decade in the nonprofit sector and is currently the Database, Technology, and Advancement Services Manager for Harper College Educational Foundation. She joined the PTO to continue fueling her passion for education and making the world a better place, especially for kids. When not at home, Katie, Andrew, Finnegan (5th grade), Wyatt (1st grade), and Gideon (3 years-old) can be found at Disney or professional/Little League sports games.
Katie (Taft High School) and her husband, Andrew (Notre Dame HS), moved their kids and dog, Velma Dinkley, to Wildwood for the sense of community and Wildwood's IB curriculum. Katie has spent over a decade in the nonprofit sector and is currently the Database, Technology, and Advancement Services Manager for Harper College Educational Foundation. She joined the PTO to continue fueling her passion for education and making the world a better place, especially for kids. When not at home, Katie, Andrew, Finnegan (5th grade), Wyatt (1st grade), and Gideon (3 years-old) can be found at Disney or professional/Little League sports games.
Sarah Nelson, General Board Member
Sarah and her husband, Ted, moved to the Wildwood community seven years ago. Their son, Wade, is starting third grade this year. Sarah is a Global Indirect Tax Director at Grant Thornton and also runs a business that assists political committees with campaign disclosure filings. In her downtime, she enjoys gardening, reading, Lego, and volunteering in the Cook County Forest Preserves.
Sarah and her husband, Ted, moved to the Wildwood community seven years ago. Their son, Wade, is starting third grade this year. Sarah is a Global Indirect Tax Director at Grant Thornton and also runs a business that assists political committees with campaign disclosure filings. In her downtime, she enjoys gardening, reading, Lego, and volunteering in the Cook County Forest Preserves.
Cheryl North, General Board Member
Cheryl North is mom of Wildwood students in 4th and 5th grade. She loves volunteering at Wildwood and appreciates the efforts of both the teaching staff and PTO in providing positive experiences for the Wildwood community.
Cheryl North is mom of Wildwood students in 4th and 5th grade. She loves volunteering at Wildwood and appreciates the efforts of both the teaching staff and PTO in providing positive experiences for the Wildwood community.
Samantha Paulson, General Board Member
Samantha Paulson grew up in the area and attended a CPS high school, Northside College Prep. Her husband, Cam, is from northern Wisconsin and they have three kids: KP (3rd grade), JoJo (Kinder) and Goldie (9 months). Samantha is a CPS teacher and works specifically with ML and DL students on the northwest side of Chicago. She also coaches and plays volleyball.
Samantha Paulson grew up in the area and attended a CPS high school, Northside College Prep. Her husband, Cam, is from northern Wisconsin and they have three kids: KP (3rd grade), JoJo (Kinder) and Goldie (9 months). Samantha is a CPS teacher and works specifically with ML and DL students on the northwest side of Chicago. She also coaches and plays volleyball.
Claire Schaul, General Board Member
Claire grew up in the area and has lived in Wildwood for 12 years with her husband, Ryan, and two kids. She has Dean, a 7th grader, and Mae, a 5th grader. Claire is a career-long marketer, currently leading marketing efforts for Humana. Claire loves the feeling of community in the school and neighborhood. The PTO events help bring the community together to have fun and make a better school for our kids. In her free time, you’ll find her cooking, getting some exercise, or hanging out with friends and family.
Claire grew up in the area and has lived in Wildwood for 12 years with her husband, Ryan, and two kids. She has Dean, a 7th grader, and Mae, a 5th grader. Claire is a career-long marketer, currently leading marketing efforts for Humana. Claire loves the feeling of community in the school and neighborhood. The PTO events help bring the community together to have fun and make a better school for our kids. In her free time, you’ll find her cooking, getting some exercise, or hanging out with friends and family.
Katie Shinnick, General Board Member
Katie and her husband, Tim, moved to the North Edgebrook neighborhood ten years ago and have two sons at Wildwood - Danny in 5th and Michael in 3rd. Katie is "across the tracks" teaching at Edgebrook Early Childhood Branch, and is passionate about early childhood education. This is Katie's fourth year on the PTO Board, and she looks forward to another great year working with the community.
Katie and her husband, Tim, moved to the North Edgebrook neighborhood ten years ago and have two sons at Wildwood - Danny in 5th and Michael in 3rd. Katie is "across the tracks" teaching at Edgebrook Early Childhood Branch, and is passionate about early childhood education. This is Katie's fourth year on the PTO Board, and she looks forward to another great year working with the community.
Christie Starzec Wagner, General Board Member
Christie and her husband, Christian, are lifelong Chicagoans and CPS alumni. They moved to Edison Park 8 years ago, with their current first-grader, Ben, joining Wildwood in kindergarten, and Gretchen starting preschool this year. Christie works for the federal government as an employment attorney and is excited to join the Board as a general member this year!
Christie and her husband, Christian, are lifelong Chicagoans and CPS alumni. They moved to Edison Park 8 years ago, with their current first-grader, Ben, joining Wildwood in kindergarten, and Gretchen starting preschool this year. Christie works for the federal government as an employment attorney and is excited to join the Board as a general member this year!
Amanda Urtega, General Board Member
Amanda has been a resident of Wildwood since 2018, along with her husband, Bryan. She is the proud parent of a 7th grader, Rose. She is a teacher with CPS, with the roots of her career in education at Wildwood School, where she was a SECA with Mr. Wiedegreen and the late, great Ms. Payne. She and her daughter Rose also sing with St. Mary's contemporary choir across the street. Mrs. Urteaga is an accomplished visual artist and actress with 20 years of experience in Chicago's theatre community. A Jeff award winner and drama teacher, she taught and directed students in drama club with the help of the PTO at Wildwood during her SECA days. This endeavor culminated in a night of scenes from novels that the students studied in the classroom, and ultimately launched one student as a professional actor. She is very happy to be part of the PTO this year and looks forward to working alongside her friends and neighbors.
Amanda has been a resident of Wildwood since 2018, along with her husband, Bryan. She is the proud parent of a 7th grader, Rose. She is a teacher with CPS, with the roots of her career in education at Wildwood School, where she was a SECA with Mr. Wiedegreen and the late, great Ms. Payne. She and her daughter Rose also sing with St. Mary's contemporary choir across the street. Mrs. Urteaga is an accomplished visual artist and actress with 20 years of experience in Chicago's theatre community. A Jeff award winner and drama teacher, she taught and directed students in drama club with the help of the PTO at Wildwood during her SECA days. This endeavor culminated in a night of scenes from novels that the students studied in the classroom, and ultimately launched one student as a professional actor. She is very happy to be part of the PTO this year and looks forward to working alongside her friends and neighbors.