
Parents Association
At PS 87, every parent is automatically part of the Parents Association—no dues required! The PA helps our school thrive by funding important programs, organizing volunteers, and sharing school news.
We partner closely with the administration to enrich every child’s learning experience, while advocating for high-quality public education and a welcoming school community.
What We Do At a Glance
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Host 30+ school-wide events each year
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Fund and support multiple enrichment programs across all grades
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Provide several teacher trainings annually to support professional growth
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Fund essential classroom materials, technology, and equipment
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Support families through morning meet-ups, Gather & Grow continued learning series, and participation in District 3 events.

Get Involved
Join our monthly PA General Meetings to stay informed and share your thoughts.
Run for officer or committee chair roles in the spring elections.
Volunteer!

Support Our School
The PA raises funds to cover what the Department of Education doesn’t, like playground improvements, classroom assistants, professional development, and enrichment programs. Your donations—big or small—make a real difference. Watch for our Family Giving campaigns and special events like the Harvest Festival and Auction. Thank you for supporting PS 87!
Upcoming Meeting Dates
General Parents Association Meetings
2025
September 26 @ 8:30am
October 23 @ 7:00pm
November 21 @ 8:30am
December 18 @ 7:00pm
2026
January 16 @ 8:30am
February 12 @ 7:00pm
March 27 @ 8:30am
April 23 @ 7:00pm
May 15 @ 8:30am
June 11 @ 7:00pm
All parents are welcome. Meetings alternate between in-person (mornings) and Zoom (evenings). Zoom links are in the newsletter on ParentSquare.
SLT Committee
2025
November 17 4:30-5:30pm
December 15 4:30-5:30pm
2026
January 12 4:30-5:30pm
February 9 4:30-5:30pm
March 16 4:30-5:30pm
April 13 4:30-5:30pm
May 18 4:30-5:30pm
June 15 4:30-5:30pm
Dual Language
Meeting dates coming soon.
Meet the Executive Board

Co-President
Eliz Battin
My name is Elizabeth Battin and I have been a member of the PS 87 community since 2019. I have a 6th grader, 3rd grader and Kindergartener. This is the second year of my term as PA Co-President. I also teach a Design Studio at the New York School of Interior Design and practice in the field. You will often find me with my family in the Big Yard or Riverside Park doing all of the sports with this wonderful community.

Co-President
Kristina Podsiadly
Kristina, a mother of two and experienced educator, is excited to serve the role of PA Co-President. With over 15 years in education, holding roles such as Curriculum Consultant, Science Department Chair, and Grade Team Leader, she currently owns a curriculum consulting business and teaches science for an online consortium of independent schools. Kristina holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Biology and a Master's Degree in Curriculum and Teaching from Teachers College, Columbia University. Kristina deeply appreciates the PS 87 school community and the humbling strength of its PA leadership. When she's not teaching science or mingling in the big yard, you can find her hiking with her family, enjoying her daily yoga practice, or frequenting Trader Joe's. With both of her children attending PS 87 this year, she is committed to fostering a strong and supportive environment for all.
VP of Administration
Amy Lin
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!

VP of Community Affairs
Corinne Roller
My name is Corinne Roller. I have two children at PS 87, in first grade and fourth grade. I'm thrilled to continue in my role as VP of Community Affairs, ensuring that our community knows how decisions made at the city, state and federal level will impact our children, as well as help PS 87 families engage with our wider community. This work dovetails with my professional life as a communications and public affairs consultant. I grew up in Virginia, but New York has been home for more than 16 years. My family loves to be outdoors, experience new places and cultures, and see live music! We are all PS 87 superfans, and excited to continue as a part of this dynamic one family under the sun.

VP of Enrichment
Sabrina Blum
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.

Co-VP of Communications
Swati Vauthrin
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!

Co-VP of Communications
Linda Ng
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!

Co-VP of Culture and Community
Katie Baker
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!

Co-VP of Culture and Community
Quisha Tewlow
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.

Co-Secretary
Alicia Aucoin
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Co-Secretary
Erica Lum
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!

Co-Treasurer
Rahul Pillai
I’m Rahul Pillai, and I’m excited to be serving as Co-Treasurer. I’ve spent more than ten years working in finance, and before that, I had a very different career building ships and submarines. My wife and I have two boys at PS 8- Kabir in 3rd grade and Avram in 1st grade. We feel so lucky to be part of this wonderful community. When I’m not working with numbers, you’ll usually find me reading historical fiction or cooking (often with two curious taste-testers by my side!). I’m looking forward to helping the PA continue supporting our school and community.
Co-Treasurer
Anirban Dasgupta
My name is Anirban Dasgupta and I will be returning for a fourth year as PS87 co-treasurer. I have three sons in PS87 - Dylan, my eldest (fourth grade, dual language), Giles, my middle son (second grade, dual language) and Julian, my youngest son (K, dual language). My wife Amy and I love the PS87 family and have deep respect for what it brings to the entire community. I look forward to continuing to contribute alongside the phenomenal group of volunteers in the PA. Professionally, I work in M&A/corporate development at an e-commerce / technology company and have been an investment banker for 10+ years prior to that.

Family Giving Officer
Melody Solowsky
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.
Family Giving Officer
Stephanie Nassimi
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!

Co-Fundraising Officer
Emily Laurence
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.

Co-Fundraising Officer
Tara Johnson
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.

Volunteer Coordinator
Alexis Marinkovich
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!

Teacher Liaison
Leah Schiff
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.

Co-Fifth Grade Rep
Lindsay Cline
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!

Co-Fifth Grade Rep
Katie McGuinn
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.
Sandra Maldonado
Dual Language Rep
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.



