2025-2026 Candidate Statements

  • Tracy DiCanto: 

    Gayman Community -

    I am running for the GHSA President role for the upcoming 2025-26 school year. I have served on the board as both Secretary (2019-21) and Treasurer (2021-2025) and have enjoyed my time on the Board as we've developed new programming and have had a lot of fun! I would love the opportunity to continue to support all of the amazing work we do to make our kids experience at Gayman a great one. I hope to be able to continue incorporating additional programming that everyone will enjoy with the rest of the Board and our school community. We could not do any of what we do each year without the commitment, support and caring that all of our volunteers and families share with us! I've also supported GHSA as Yearbook Chair, Bingo Chair, Gayman Loves the Earth Chair and as a member of some of our committees currently and in the past.  I will only have one daughter at Gayman heading into this year and for Harper and all of our graduating 5th graders who are the first class headed to Tohickon for 6th grade hope to ensure that they have a very special year as we graduate our 5th and 6th graders in 2026. Outside of GHSA, I'm married to DJ Pete and am currently the VP, Strategy and Operations for SCA Health creating innovative value-based programs for our physician partners. I volunteer for The Farmette, coach 10U and 12U softball and sit on the Board for the Plumstead Hawks Softball Association, and teach for Art Goes to School.

    Here's to a great 2025-26 school year! I'd love to hear any ideas or feedback you may have for next year so please do not hesitate to reach out. 

     

    Megan Monforte:

    I have been a Gayman parent for the last nine years and either a homeroom parent, Kindness Counts Club chairperson, school musical parent coordinator, Mustang Muse editor, or member of the GHSA board for the last eight. Sometimes, all at once. 

    I am running for my fourth and final term as a board member for the 2025-2026 school year because I truly enjoy being an active and helpful member of our wonderful school community. This upcoming year will not only be my last as a Gayman parent, it will be the last the school serves K thru 6th graders. I would like to support our school community through the process of seeing two grades through their last year at Gayman as well as participate in setting up future board members and families for success during a time of transition. 

    After three years as VP of Communications, I’m seeking to switch roles. As VP of Community, I will bring considerable knowledge of Gayman and its operations and opportunities to the board. I look forward to working closely with the President and other board members on beloved annual events and traditions, while also brainstorming new and exciting experiences for students and families. 

    Currently I’m the copywriter for Travis Manion Foundation and (kinda sorta) working on a novel. In my spare time, I take tap and ballet, love reading and being outside, watch “Gilmore Girls” on a loop, and work as an unpaid Uber driver for my active kids. My husband, Mike, works for CBS in New York but can often be found at Gayman events, chatting and pitching in. Our eldest, Matt, is an 8th grader at Tohickon (you may have seen him on stage as Beetlejuice recently); our middle guy, Gavin, is a 6th grader getting ready to join his brother in middle school; and Molly, our youngest, is in 4th grade and really wishes she had two more years at Gayman. 

    I believe my enthusiasm for our school and my years of experience on the GHSA Executive Board make me a good fit for VP of Community for 2025-2026. I’m looking forward to another year of ensuring Gayman remains the magical place that it is. 

     

    Devon Summersgill:

    To the HSA nominating committee,

    As a dedicated parent and active member of our school community, I am excited to submit my candidacy for the role of Vice President of School Enrichment. I believe that learning goes beyond the classroom, and I am passionate about supporting programs that inspire curiosity, creativity, and growth in our students.

    In this role, I look forward to working closely with fellow board members, teachers, and administrators to identify enrichment opportunities that align with the needs and interests of our students. My goal is to help create meaningful, engaging experiences that spark a love for learning.

    I bring with me a collaborative mindset, strong organizational skills, and a commitment to fostering partnerships—whether that means securing resources, coordinating with teachers and school administrators, or engaging families in the enrichment process. I also recognize the importance of evaluating and evolving our programs to ensure they continue to meet our school’s goals.

    Our children deserve programs that excite and empower them, and I would be honored to help shape those experiences as Vice President of School Enrichment. Thank you for your consideration and for your continued support of our school.

    Warm regards.

     

    Amelia Davitt:

    My name is Amelia Davitt, and I am honored to be nominated for the GHSA Executive Board position of VP of Communications for the 2025-2026 school year.  My two children, Eddie and Leah, are currently in second grade at Gayman.  Some of our very first interactions with anyone at Gayman were at their kindergarten orientation where we were greeted by GHSA board members.  It struck me how genuinely friendly and welcoming they were.  That's the kind of home and school community I want to be a part of.  

    During my time as a Gayman parent, I have volunteered at many GHSA events, have served on event committees, and have been a homeroom parent.  All of that has allowed me to understand the behind-the-scenes planning, coordination, and hard work that it takes to put on all of the amazing events along with the necessary communication between the school and families.  It has also fostered many positive relationships and friendships with other parents and with school staff.  

    Along with being a mom, I am a retired police officer.  I believe that my 20 year career in the New York City Police Department is a testament to my desire to be of service to my community.  It has strengthened my problem-solving and leadership skills as well as my ability to work collaboratively with different people to achieve a common goal.  I also have the strong communication and organizational skills that are necessary to effectively fulfill this position. 

    I am continually impressed with what a great school community we have at Gayman.  I am so happy to be a part of it, and I am committed to ensuring that not only do our students have an amazing elementary school experience, but that our teachers, staff, and parents do, too.  All of this is why you can be confident that I will be your ideal VP of Communications.

     

    Kim Gauthier:

    I’m excited to submit my nomination for the Vice President of Finance for the 2025 – 2026 GHSA board. I’ve served on the board for the last 4 years, including 1 year as the Secretary and the last 3 years as the VP of School Enrichment. I have made a positive contribution to Gayman and the GHSA through the work I’ve done, including collaborating with the librarian and other special teachers to bring in authors and supplies for their studies, as well as volunteering for the various events GHSA sponsors.

    I bring extensive financial experience to this role. In my professional life, I am Head of Facilities and Engineering at a biotechnology company where I manage an approximately $30M operating budget and a $25M capital budget. In my volunteer life, I have been a part of the budget creation for GHSA for the past 4 years, giving me a good understanding of the operational budget for the GHSA. I’ve also co-led multiple events, most notably the color run since its inception. In addition, I am a part of the finance committee for TreeHouse Books, a non-profit organization in Philadelphia that promotes reading, writing, thinking, family engagement, and community connection. These experiences, along with my understanding of the need to accommodate two graduating classes next year, make me a suitable candidate for this role.

    Thank you for your consideration.

     

    Jessi Winn:

    As a dedicated parent and active community member, I, Jessica Winn, am excited to bring my energy, creativity, and organizational skills to the role of Vice President of Fundraising for the Gayman Elementary School Home and School Association. I have one child, Mitch, who is currently in 5th grade, and my younger son, Connor, will be starting kindergarten this September.

    With a background in psychology and a strong desire to support students, teachers, and families, I am confident in my ability to help plan and execute fundraising efforts that are both effective and inclusive. I have served on many committees and volunteered for numerous school events, giving me a clear understanding of how valuable community involvement is to our school’s success.

    My experience in leadership roles and my deep commitment to building strong connections make me well-suited for this position. I understand the importance of collaboration and communication, and I am enthusiastic about working with other HSA members to ensure our fundraising initiatives are purposeful, well-organized, and aligned with the needs of our school community.

    In addition to my professional and volunteer experience, I bring creativity and strategic thinking to the table. I enjoy brainstorming fresh fundraising ideas, refining existing events to maximize participation, and ensuring that all families feel welcomed and valued in the process. I am also detail-oriented, dependable, and motivated by a genuine passion for helping our school thrive.

    Above all, I care deeply about the students and families of Gayman Elementary and want to contribute in a meaningful way. I would be honored to serve as VP of Fundraising and to help build a strong, supportive, and successful school community.