OUR MISSION
We’re the VME PTO—a team of dedicated volunteers made up of passionate parents, dedicated teachers and a love for our school community. As a certified nonprofit 501(c)(3), our mission is to enhance and support the educational experience at Veterans Memorial Elementary, while building a strong bridge between home and school.
We believe in the power of community and we’re here to:
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Encourage parent involvement in meaningful, doable ways
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Provide volunteer support where it’s needed most
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Raise funds that directly benefit the greatest number of students
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Partner with staff to make big ideas happen—from courtyard makeovers to classroom wish lists
Whether it’s organizing events, upgrading spaces, or simply showing up—we’re here to make a difference, together.
OUR VALUES
Connection
We believe magic happens when families and educators work together.
Inclusion
All voices matter. All families belong. Everyone has something to give! Whether it’s time, talents, or ideas.
Enrichment
We go beyond the basics to create fun, memorable, and meaningful experiences for our students.
Transparency
We’re an open book! Clear communication, shared decisions, and keeping everyone in the loop is how we roll.
Purpose Over Perfection
We’re not aiming for Pinterest-perfect. We’re here to make a real difference, with heart and intention behind every fundraiser, event, and initiative.
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Nicole Geraghty
President
Hi everyone! I’m Nicole
I’m excited to step into my second year as PTO President. I’ve been an active member of the PTO for going on 9 years. My son is heading into 8th grade, and my daughter will be starting 3rd, so we’ve been a part of this amazing school community for quite some time.
I’m really looking forward to working alongside the incredible group of ladies on our board, and especially excited to welcome new families into the PTO. We want this to be a group where people feel encouraged to join in, lend a hand, and enjoy being involved.
Here’s to a great year ahead!
Elina Wolf
Vice-President
Hi! I'm Elina
I’m looking forward to continue serving on the VME PTO Board in my fourth year as Vice President.
In my role, I help plan school events, coordinate fundraising efforts, and advocate for the needs of students and teachers. I’m a proud parent to a second grader and fifth grader at VME.
I enjoy spending time with family and friends, playing tennis, and traveling. I’m so excited about another amazing year making special memories and building strong connections within our school community!
Caitlin Whittington
Vice-President
Hi! I'm Caitlin
My husband and I moved to Naples in 2011 when I began my graduate internship with CCPS. After completing my internship, I was fortunate to accept a position as a school psychologist with the district, where I worked for four years before my first daughter was born.
Today, I’m a stay-at-home mom to three children, all of whom attend VME! When I’m not busy driving the kids to and from their many activities, I love spending time with family and friends, volunteering at my church, taking Pilates classes, and getting creative with crafts.
This is my fourth year serving on the VME PTO Board, and I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunity to support our students, teachers, and school community. I’m especially thankful for the wonderful friendships and connections I’ve made through VME over the years. It truly is a special community to be a part of!
OUR PTO BOARD
Hayden Kobert
Treasurer
Hi! I’m Hayden
I am in my third year serving as Co-Treasurer, and fourth year volunteering with the PTO. My role on the PTO Board includes planning and executing events, coordinating fundraising efforts, and promoting family, business and community partnerships. As a parent of two at VME, I am passionate about creating a positive and enriching learning environment for all students at VME. Additionally, it is gratifying to reward and honor the teachers and staff for all they do on a daily basis for our children.
After having moved from Colorado in 2018, my husband and I love living in sunny southwest Florida. We have a daughter in second grade, and a son in third grade. When I am not volunteering with the PTO, I enjoy spending time with family and friends, playing pickleball, and traveling.
I encourage each of you to contribute to the efforts of the PTO by volunteering your time, donating to our non-profit organization, and attending our fun events! I am looking forward to another wonderful year ahead!
Kelly McCann
Treasurer
Hi! I'm Kelly
This is my sixth year on the VME PTO, and I’m excited to continue serving as Co-Treasurer. My husband Ryan and I have two daughters at VME.
I'm passionate about supporting VME families, students, and staff, and I’m looking forward to another great year with the PTO.
Bianca Caputo
Secretary
Hi! I'm Bianca
After volunteering with the VME PTO for the past three years, I’m excited to serve my first year as a member of the PTO Board. I feel incredibly fortunate to have two children at VME and look forward to giving back to the school community that has meant so much to our family.
Outside of volunteering, I enjoy spending time with my husband and children, traveling, boating, and creating lasting family memories.
Best wishes for a wonderful school year!
Ilana Katz
Communications
Co-Chair
Hi! I’m Ilana
I am a proud mom of two current VME students in Grades 2 and , and one recent graduate. This year is my 2nd year as the PTO’s Communications and Social Media Chair. I’m so excited to help keep our families connected, informed, and engaged throughout the year.
This is our 4th year at VME after moving to Naples from Toronto, Canada. I love being part of the incredible VME community and enjoy finding creative ways to support our school.
When I’m not working as a Speech-Language Pathologist, collecting various hobbies, building websites for fun or chauffeuring my kids around, you’ll usually find me spending time with my family and dogs, watching musicals, or diving into something creative.
Christy Ruiz-Castañeda
Communications
Co-Chair
Hi! I’m Christy
I am excited to join the amazing VME PTO as a communications support behind the scenes, helping bring my creativity to showcase all the amazing things our PTO does for our school community.
I am a proud mom of three kids attending CCPS schools. Both my boys are graduates of VME having attended since their Kindergarten year and my daughter is currently a VME student in the second grade.
We moved to Naples in 2010 from Miami, Florida to enjoy a slower pace of life and grow our family. Since then, we had our three amazing kids, added two Goldendoodles and my husband and I have opened and continue to operate our local pharmacy business in town.
Our family loves to travel and enjoy what Naples life has to offer in between our busy school and sports schedules. Both boys play competitive baseball and our daughter is playing softball and loving horse back riding.
This year will mark year 11 for our family at VME and I am excited to continue to be apart of our amazing school community!
Stephanie Scalise
Staff Liason
Hi! I'm Stephanie
I’m proud to serve as the PTO Teacher Liaison this year.
I graduated from Florida Gulf Coast University and was lucky enough to intern right here at Veterans Memorial Elementary. I was hired immediately after graduation and have been teaching at VME for the past 17 years. I currently teach third grade and love being a part of this amazing school community.
I also have two children—one entering fifth grade and one starting kindergarten—so VME is truly like a second home to our family. I’m excited to help strengthen the connection between our staff and families this year!
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Erin Delgado
Staff Liason
Hi! I'm Erin
I am the school counselor at Veterans Memorial Elementary. After six years in the classroom, I transitioned into school counseling, where I found my passion for supporting students’ academic, social, and emotional growth. This is my 7th year at VME and my 13th year in the district, and I truly enjoy helping students thrive both in and out of the classroom.
When I’m not at school, I enjoy spending time with my friends and family. I am also looking forward to working with our PTO and collaborating with our teachers to support our school community. It’s going to be a great year!