Hi there! My name is Swati Vauthrin. I’m a mother of 3, an active PS 87 community member, an Engineering leader in Tech (doing my own startup). My oldest will be entering 5th grade, my middle will be entering 2st, and our youngest will be entering 3s! I've been a class parent as well as former PA secretary and former K Rep at PS87 since 2020. A little about me is that I’m a cook and lover of food, a fashion enthusiast, a sports fan, a fitness practitioner, and an avid traveler. I’m also a mentor for rising Women in STEM. Really looking forward to partnering with you all and this community!

My name is Linda Ng and I have two children - Willa, a 3rd grader, and Emery, a 7th grader and PS 87 graduate. This will be my third year on the PA as Co-VP of Communications. I’ve also been a class parent for several years and have volunteered at many of the events during our 7 years so far at PS 87. I work as a veterinarian and data analyst in public health and have lived on the UWS for the past 11 years. I look forward to supporting the school and the community!

My name is Amy Lin and I have a 2nd grader and 4th grader at PS 87. This is my third year on the PA board as VP Admin. I have also been a class parent, co-chair of the school Book Fair, and helped out on the auction team. I have previous experience in the healthcare and education worlds, working as a high school science teacher prior to becoming a clinical dietitian. My husband and I have been on the UWS for over 15 years. We love raising our kids here and the PS 87 community!

Hi, I’m Sabrina Blum. My son Noah is in the 3rd grade, and my daughters Calla and Dalia (now in 6th grade at Booker T and 9th grade at Hunter) are both proud PS 87 graduates. I’ve been part of this wonderful school since 2016 and have had children go through every grade here, from Pre-K to 5th. I’ve served as class parent numerous times, as Kindergarten Rep in 2022-23, and as the Chair of Broadway Night since the fundraiser was revived post-Covid. I’m passionate about the arts and arts education, and that is why, in addition to chairing Broadway Night, I’m very excited to continue on in my role as VP of Enrichment for my third year. I am originally from Southern California, but my husband Eli and I have lived in NYC for over 20 years. I work part-time for the NYU Admissions Office, reviewing undergraduate applications, and in my free time, I enjoy taking dance classes and “New Yorking” around with friends and family.

Hi! My name is Emma Gardner and I have two children at PS 87 — Priya, a Kindergartener, and Jaya, a 3rd grader. I’ve loved getting involved in the school community over the past few years, serving as class parent several times, co-leading décor for the school auction, and pitching in wherever help is needed. Being part of such a thoughtful and engaged community is one of the things that makes PS 87 so special. Originally from Atlanta, I’ve lived in New York City for more than 20 years (!!!), and it truly feels like home. Outside of school, I work as a marketing and communications consultant for several major brands. I also volunteer with the Asylum Support Clinic, coach my daughter’s WSSL team, and enjoy staying active — whether that’s working out or exploring our amazing Upper West Side neighborhood on foot. I’m so grateful to be part of the PS 87 community.

My name is Erica Sammartino and I have one child at PS 87, Parker, who is in 3rd grade. This is my first year serving as Co-VP of Communications for the PA. I’ve loved getting involved in the school community and helping support the events and programs that make PS 87 so special. I have volunteered for Harvest Fest & Spring Fair, served as class parent, ran lead on my class's auction art project, organized food & beverage for the auction as well as helping update the school website. and I’m excited to support the school and help strengthen communication within our wonderful PS 87 community.

My name is Katie Baker and I have two boys at PS 87, a 4th grader and a 2nd grader. I have served on the PA Board as the Co-President for 2 years and on the School Leadership Team (SLT) for 3 years. In addition, I have been a class parent for several years and a constant volunteer at school events. I am passionate about cultivating inclusive school communities and thrilled to take on the new position of Co-Chair of Culture & Community with Quisha Tewlow. Professionally I work as a Behavior Analyst running an educational and behavioral consulting agency that works with a variety of public and independent schools in the tri-state area. In our free time you’ll find our family “adventuring” all over the city or playing a plethora of sports!

My name is Quisha Tewlow and I have two children, Luna (3rd grade) and Hendrix (10th grade). I’m excited to take on the role of Co-VP of culture and community this year alongside Katie Baker. I have had a lot of experience inside public schools all over the 5 boroughs, working as a teaching artist with National Dance Institute. Originally from Minnesota, I have called NYC home for the last 27 years. I’m proud to be a part of such a caring and dedicated community here at PS87 and look forward to another wonderful year.

My name is Erica Lum, and I'm the proud parent of Sam (3rd grade) and Grace (age 4). Originally from Northern California, I’ve called New York home for the past 22 years, with the last seven spent on the Upper West Side. As a member of the PS 87 community, I’ve loved getting involved both inside and outside the classroom—from co-leading class auction projects to lending a hand with graphic design and pitching in at school events. Our family is incredibly grateful to be part of such a welcoming and dynamic school community. I’m excited to continue supporting and contributing to the amazing work happening at PS 87!

My name is Stephanie Nassimi and I have a 1st grader and 4th grader at PS 87. This is my second year on the PA board as Co-Chair of Family Giving. In addition to volunteering at the school, I also work full time as an accountant at a large investment bank. My family is looking forward to another wonderful year at PS87!

I am Melody Solowsky, mom to a rising second grader. I was born and raised in NY, graduating from NYU. I moved to the UWS 11 years ago, and knowing about the school’s well-deserved reputation, I was very pleased that my daughter was able to attend PS 87. We had wonderful teachers the past two years. I have enjoyed getting to know so many parents the last two years, along with working the Face Painting booth at Harvest Fest and Spring Fair. I work in administration at a large NYC-based financial institution, but much of my free time is spent with my daughter in the PS 87 playground. I look forward to helping PS 87 with continued success.

Hi, my name is Emily Laurence. I have had 3 children at PS87 ranging from PreK through 5th Grade. This year I'll have Annabel in 1st Grade, Eliza in 4rd Grade and Rupert in 7th Grade at Booker T. This is my 4th year on the Harvest Festival and Spring Fair committees, and serving as Class Parent. Being involved in the PS87 community has been a lot of fun and I feel fortunate to have met many wonderful friends through the school. Outside of PS87, I am on the Australian Women in New York committee and coach girls soccer at WSSL.

I’m the mom of two boys at PS 87 (2nd and 4th grades), and I’m thrilled to co-launch the new Fundraising role. Our goal is to team up with local businesses and bring in sponsorships, so the PA can keep saying “yes” to more for our kids. At PS 87, I’ve served as both a Class Parent and the Class Parent Liaison, helping to keep families connected and communication flowing. Outside of school, I work in a local newsroom. I love reading (especially books unrelated to current events), baking, picnicking in the park, and spending weekends at the baseball field or in the Big Yard—our family’s unofficial backyard.

My name is Alexis Marinkovich, proud mom to two amazing girls—Rue, a spirited 3rd grader at PS 87, and Leona, our honorary PS 87 student who can’t wait to join her big sister as soon as she’s old enough! My husband and I were both born and raised in San Diego, CA but have made NYC our home for the past 13/17 years. Our family is deeply grateful for the warmth, support, and vibrant spirit of the PS 87 community. It truly feels like home to us. I have spent the past few years feeling the joy of volunteering inside and outside the classroom. Being a class parent, leading signage for The Auction, Harvest fest and Spring fair etc. That’s just one of the many reasons I’m so passionate about helping others find meaningful volunteer opportunities that strengthen the PS 87 community we love so much. So excited for the year ahead!

My name is Leah Schiff and I’m the mom of Harlow who is a 1st grader at the school and Dylan who is in 6th grade and a PS 87 alum. This is my 6th year as a PS 87 parent and I’m excited to join the PA board and take on the new role of Teacher Liaison. I have been a class parent for both of my kids and I feel like I have gotten to know many of the teachers at the school. I have volunteered for various PS 87 events and I’m looking forward to this role so that I can support the teachers who are so important in our kids’ lives. I love this school and the UWS community. I’m also the co division head of G7 soccer through WSSL.

My name is Lindsay Cline, and I'm excited to be one of the 5th Grade Reps this year! I have two children at PS 87 - a 5th grader and a 1st grader, and a busy 3-year-old who can't wait to join in a few years. My family has lived on the Upper West Side for the last 12 years, and we have loved raising our kids here. Over the years, I've enjoyed being involved in the PS 87 community - whether volunteering as a class parent, Harvest Fest/Spring Fair committees, organizing Girls On The Run, or lending a hand at the school auction. There’s always something exciting happening at PS 87, and I’m looking forward to supporting the 5th grade and our amazing school community!

Katie McGuinn has been an active member of the PS 87 community since 2016, with a family deeply rooted in the school. She is the proud parent of a 3rd grader and a 5th grader currently at PS 87, and also a 9th grader who is a proud graduate of both PS 87 and Booker T. Professionally, Katie is a physician at NYP-Weill Cornell, where her expertise in logic and problem-solving gleaned from the DOE application process is put to good use. Her passion for children, combined with her love of parties and a flair for themes, makes her uniquely suited for the role. She is excited to bring her skills to the 5th Grade, helping to be part of the team planning a fabulous capstone year and ensuring a smooth, thriving transition to middle school for all students.

Hi! I’m Sandra Maldonado, and I’m so happy to be part of the PS 87 community. I was born and raised in Mexico City and have called NYC home for the past 10 years. My family joined PS 87 in 2019 through the Dual Language Program. I’m a proud mom of a 3rd grader and a 6th grader who is now an alum. Since 2023, I’ve been serving as a Dual Language Co-chair, and I’m excited to step into the role of DL Representative this year. Before moving to New York, I worked in PR and Corporate Communications for international companies. Being part of PS 87 has been such a joy, and I look forward to helping our community grow even stronger.