Lower School Committee Board Members
We are excited to welcome all of our 2025-26 Lower School PTO Board Members and Volunteers!
Left To Right:
Jennifer Macholtz, Cindy Runels, Alicia DiDonato, Emily Alice, Celena Hallstead, Lianne Ronzio, Ryan Svendsen
Files and Forms
PTO Inc. Meeting Minutes
Emily Alice
President
Theo (7th Grade) & Addelyn (4th Grade)
Emily and her husband Brandon have two children at Rancho, Theo and Addelyn. Their family first started Rancho in 2016, with Theo as a Mini-Mustang and Addelyn soon to follow.
Emily has served as a room parent for nine years. She has enjoyed supporting her teachers, working alongside fellow parents and getting to know Rancho’s fabulous students. From January 2022-May 2023, Emily served as the Lower School Parent/Teacher Liaison. She then went on to serve as the Lower School Vice President for one year. This is Emily's second year as the Lower School President.
In addition to being a mom, Emily graduated from Arizona State University with both her undergraduate and Juris Doctorate. She has practiced both federal and state law in Arizona as well as led a legal academic practice as a law professor, legal guest lecturer and has created legal curricula for various educational institutions nationally. Emily loves to travel, entertain with her loved ones, and spend summers in Flagstaff.
Emily is eager for the year ahead and grateful to be able to work with such an exceptional community of parents and teachers.
Alicia DiDonato
Vice President
Everett (4th grade) & Isaac (1st grade)
This will be the DiDonato family’s fifth year at Rancho Solano. Time flies! Alicia has enjoyed serving as Room Rep for Everett and Isaac’s classes and on the PTO in past years. It has been a pleasure to come together with other parents and teachers to help enrich the school experience for our families, staff, and students. Originally from Florida, Alicia moved to Texas to study Psychology at Southern Methodist University (also the Mustangs) and then Arizona to pursue her doctoral degree in Family and Human Development at ASU. After graduate school, Alicia worked in research and evaluation in a variety of academic and corporate settings. Outside of work and school, Alicia enjoys wining and dining, keeping active, exploring new places, and analyzing reality TV personalities. Alicia has held several leadership roles in various volunteer organizations. In this role with PTO, she looks forward to continuing to uphold the pillars of Rancho Solano, advance the goals of the school, support our teachers and staff, and foster rewarding connections within our community.
Celena Hallstead
Room Rep Liaison
Harrison (3rd), Kallan (1st), Isla (PK4)
Celena Hallstead and her husband Jonathan have three children at Rancho: Harrison, Kallan, and Isla. This is their third year as a Rancho family.
Originally from Roseville, CA, Celena earned her B.A. in English and Communications from Concordia University. She later followed her passion for cooking to Le Cordon Bleu in Los Angeles, earning her Grand Diplôme® and appearing on Food Network’s Cupcake Wars and Halloween Wars. She went on to run a successful meal prep business for athletes and professionals.
Now a proud mom of three, Celena has traded fine dining for mac and cheese mastery. She enjoys family time, baking creative cookie recipes, and supporting causes through nonprofit board work in Orange County.
Before joining Rancho’s PTO, she served as a room rep and fundraiser at her children’s previous school. As this year’s Room Rep Liaison, she’s excited to help build a strong, connected community while keeping things fun along the way.
Ryan Svendsen
Treasurer
Siena (5th)
Ryan and his wife, Courtney, have one daughter, Siena, who is in 5th grade and has attended Rancho since Pre-K 4.
Ryan was born and raised in Arizona, only having left Phoenix to attend school at the University of Arizona in Tucson. He graduated with a degree in Accounting, achieved his CPA license and worked at two large public accounting firms before joining the corporate accounting world. Currently, he serves as Senior Vice President of Finance at Arizona College of Nursing.
Ryan and his family enjoy outdoor activities, traveling, and spending time with friends and family in Arizona. They also spend part of the year living in the Guanacaste region of Costa Rica.
Ryan is excited to continue as Treasurer and looks forward to advancing the goals of the PTO while also overseeing and upholding all its fiscal responsibilities.
Jennifer Macholtz
Secretary, Auction Chair
Vivian (3rd)
Jennifer and her husband Jake are proud parents of two—Vivian, a 3rd grader at Rancho Solano, and Dylan, a 5th grader who keeps life equally lively outside of Rancho. This is the Macholtz family's fourth year as part of the Rancho community, and Jennifer has loved volunteering and getting to know the amazing families, students, and staff that make Rancho so special.
Born and raised in Arizona, Jennifer graduated from Arizona State University with degrees in Sociology and Philosophy. Before shifting her focus to family life, she had the unique opportunity to dance professionally for the Arizona Rattlers and later performed around the world with Royal Caribbean International.
Outside of school activities, she enjoys traveling, live theater, discovering new restaurants, practicing yoga (RYT200), and supporting charitable causes. The Macholtz family loves trips to Florida, are Disney fanatics, and share their home with two lovable golden doodles.
Jennifer is looking forward to a fantastic school year filled with connection, celebration, and continued support for Rancho’s incredible teachers and families.
Lianne Ronzio
Fundraising/Grant Liaison
Tripp (5th) & Callen (2nd)
Lianne Ronzio and her husband Chris are the proud parents of two boys—Tripp (5th grade) and Callen (2nd grade). They have been a Rancho family for the last 5 years.
Originally from Boston, Lianne and Chris recently celebrated 22 years together and now call Arizona home. Lianne received her BS from Endicott College in Massachusetts, worked with pediatric oncology patients and as a teacher, nanny and personal assistant before taking on her favorite role of Mom full time. Their family enjoys traveling, spending time at their home in Flagstaff, and cheering on the Phoenix Suns!
She has been actively involved with the PTO as a room representative and subcommittee member, and is excited to serve on the board this year. In addition to her PTO work, Lianne can often be seen on campus working as a substitute teacher.
Cindy Runels
Communications Liaison
Connor (1st) & Henry (4th)
Cindy and her husband, Dave, have two children at Rancho, Henry (4th) and Connor (1st). This is their 6th year at Rancho. Cindy served as a room rep followed by secretary of the PTO and this will be her 4th year as the communications liaison. She has enjoyed getting to meet the many wonderful families of Rancho through this role as well as contributing to a culture of support for our students, staff and parents.
Cindy is a registered nurse who practiced at hospital bedside for 7 years followed by case management and utilization review for insurance.
They have 2 giant dogs, 2 cats and 2 guinea pigs. As a family, they enjoy getting outside, swimming, hiking and visiting new places and family. Cindy enjoys volunteering for animal rescues, a good book and travel adventures. She looks forward to continuing the collaboration of the PTO, staff and families to make 2025-26 an amazing year!
Files and Forms
PTO Teacher Lead
Ms. Rachel Smith
Hello! My name is Rachel Smith, and I am thrilled to be your PTO Teacher Lead this year! This will be my seventeenth-year teaching and my fifth with Rancho Solano. I am so happy to be part of this wonderful community! I graduated from Arizona State University with a degree in Early Childhood Education in May of 2008 and was awarded the Outstanding Student Teacher Award from ASU along the way. I believe that communication and collaboration between parents and teachers is imperative in creating supportive, positive, enriching environments for all students to thrive. I look forward to working alongside all of you to achieve our goals!
Files and Forms
A SPECIAL THANK YOU
TO OUR SUB-COMMITTEE CHAIRS
Kathryn Adams
3-4-5 Community Event Planner
Thomas (5th)
Hi! I’m Kathryn Adams, and I’m truly excited to serve as the 3-4-5 Community Event Planner for our PTO this year.
My family has been part of the Rancho Solano community for the past seven years, and it has become such a meaningful part of our lives. My son, Thomas, is currently in fifth grade, and we have enjoyed every step of our journey here.
I’m originally from Northern California, where my family and I started a business before relocating it to Reno in 2004. While helping run the business, I also joined the Nevada Air National Guard in 2009. A few years later, in 2014, I made the decision to step away from both the Guard and our business to focus on raising my son. In time, I pursued my long-standing interest in real estate, earning my Nevada license in 2017.
In 2018, our family moved to Paradise Valley so Thomas could attend Rancho Solano Preparatory School. From my very first visit, I could feel that this campus was a special place—full of heart, purpose, and community.
I’m looking forward to getting to know more of our 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade families and to creating fun, memorable events. I’m always open to new ideas, so please feel free to reach out. I’m excited to work together to make this year a wonderful one!
Melissa Daou Atallah
Mix & Mingle
Gala
April (PK4)
Melissa and her husband, Nadim, have one daughter, April, who will be in PK4 this fall. Their family has been part of the Rancho community for two years, starting when April was in PK2, and it’s become a such meaningful part of their lives.
Before moving to Arizona three years ago, Melissa and Nadim lived and worked in Dubai for 12 years, where April was born. From one desert to another- they must really love the heat! Relocating across the world was no small change, but Rancho quickly made them feel at home and became the place where they found community and made their first close friends in Arizona.
Melissa holds degrees in International Business and Business Economics and has worked as a Global Communications Consultant for the past 12 years. She first got involved with the PTO as the PK3 Room Rep Liaison and is excited to take on a bigger role this year, helping plan two of her favorite events- Mix & Mingle and the Gala.
She and her family are grateful to be part of the Rancho community and are looking forward to another fun and meaningful year ahead.
Noelle Cowley
Mustang Giving Circle
William (1st), Pierce (PK4) & Caroline (PK3)
Noelle and her husband Gregg have three children at Rancho Solano, William (1st), Pierce (PK4) and Caroline (PK3). This is their fourth year at Rancho Solano and Noelle served as a room rep for her daughter Caroline this past school year.
Before becoming a mother to three children, Noelle attended the University of North Carolina at Charlotte where she met her husband Gregg. She graduated with a Finance and Marketing degree and played 4 years of collegiate lacrosse. After college, Noelle got her first job working at Lowe's Corporate and held various finance roles for six years.
In 2018, Noelle's husband Gregg had the opportunity to move to AZ for work, so she sadly left Lowes and got a job working at Sprouts Corporate doing merchandise planning & analysis work.
At the end of 2021, she hung up her corporate hat and decided to focus on raising her kiddos. In her free time, Noelle loves working out, trying out new restaurants, is an avid sports fan, and planning her next trip.
Her goal this year with Mustang Giving Circle is to help streamline the process and be a helping hand.
Adriana Djavairian
Kinder-2nd Community Event Planner
Juliana (5th) & Jack (2nd)
Adriana and her husband Art, have 2 kids at Rancho Solano. Juliana (5th grade) and Jack (2nd grade). It is their 6th year at Rancho and they have enjoyed each year watching their kids grow up in this community.
Born and raised in Canada, Adriana moved to the United States to be with her husband. First living in Michigan, then California and (hopefully) finally settling down in Arizona in 2019. Adriana received her Bachelor of Arts from the University of Western Ontario and worked in marketing at 3M Canada. Later on working for a pharmaceutical company (where she met her husband) in their finance department. After moving to the United States, she received her RYT 200 and taught yoga; teaching daily until the day her daughter was born. After her son was born she found herself with a full time job as a mom to two kids. And she's had fun ever since, watching them grow, taking them on adventures and being able to be a part of their life.
In her free time, you can find Adriana taking a pilates class, reading a book or creating art for their home. As a family, the Djavairians love to spend time together in Flagstaff, golf, travel to new places and cook together.
Allyson Farnham
Snack Fairy Assistant
Greyson (PK4)
Allyson and her husband, Lucas, have three boys Garret, Griffin and Greyson (Pre-K4) and this will be their fourth year at Rancho. The Farnhams relocated to Scottadale from the Front Range in 2021 for better weather and love calling Arizona home! Allyson grew up in Minneapolis, Minnesota and earned her B.A. in International Political Economy from Colorado College. She spent five years in Portland, Oregon studying and working in the medical field before transitioning into business. She and Lucas purchased their first restaurant in 2011 and spent the next ten years growing their business and family in Colorado before moving to Arizona in 2021.
Today Allyson's main focus is her family and role as M.O.M. as well as serving as Director of True North Academy, a local private microschool her oldest son attended for two years, that offers a schooling option for kids and families who haven't found success at their local public or private schools. Allyson also worked with the PTO and served as Room Parent at Copper Ridge, a local SUSD school from 2022-23. Allyson loves traveling, reading, mahjong and being active in her community and is excited for the year ahead.
Katie Ganz
Splash N Dash
Field Day
Jack (4th)
Katie and her husband, Eric, have had their son, Jack, at Rancho since he started Kindergarten in 2021. She immediately became an active member of the Rancho community by working as Room Rep and volunteering as much as possible, including helping with the PTO. Meeting other Rancho families and knowing many students, parents, teachers, and administrators in this amazing community is important to her. Katie graduated from the University of Arizona with her Doctorate in Pharmacy - but don't worry, if you are an ASU fan, she and her husband are a house-divided, as he got his degree from ASU, and now Jack plays for the Jr. Sun Devils Elite Hockey Program. She enjoys traveling and spending time with friends and family. She is looking forward to her roles within the PTO this year and cannot believe her son will be in 4th grade!
Jen Gray
Student Appreciation
Book Fair
Grayson (3rd) and Declan (K)
Jen and her husband Justin, have two children: Grayson (3rd grade at Rancho) and Declan (Kindergarten at Rancho). This will be our 4th year as part of the Rancho family!
Jen is from Palo Alto, CA and graduated from Colgate University with a double Bachelor of Arts degree in English and Theatre. After college, she returned home to become a senior marketing executive in San Francisco for several Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) startups. Over the next 13 years, she led go-to-market efforts for several high-growth B2B and B2C companies – that is until she was stolen away by marriage to Arizona over 10 years ago. Since then, Jen has focused on growth of a different kind, the kind with little humans! However, she’s still managed to consult for various tech startups and maintain several leadership and volunteer positions for non-profits such as the Junior League of Phoenix, Support My Club, the Boys & Girls Club and more.
Before joining Rancho’s PTO ecosystem as the Fundraising and Grant Chair for the last 2 years, Jen has served on multiple PTO committees and as a Room Parent for our former school, Pinnacle Presbyterian Preschool. Jen is a people person, constantly putting her theatre degree and improv comedy experience to good use, but she also loves spending time with her family, traveling, hiking, yoga and she is on a never-ending search for the perfect squid ink pasta (let her know if you find one)!
Kaitlin Griffin
Denim & Diamonds Event
Testing Week
Brayden (4th) & Avery (2nd)
Kaitlin and her husband Ian have three boys, Brayden (4th grade), Avery (2nd grade) and Everett (PreK3 at CASY Preschool). This will be their 5th year at Rancho.
Kaitlin graduated from Arizona State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Tourism Development and Management with certificates in Convention Sales and Meeting Planning and Special Events Management. She worked in the events industry up until she became a mom. She loves spending time with her family and friends, traveling, and outdoor activities.
Kaitlin has served as a room parent for the last 2 years and is honored to be a part of the Rancho PTO subcommittee for a 2nd year. She is looking forward to another amazing year.
Hannah Kaufman
Food & Wine Club
Ella (3rd)
Hannah and her husband Peter, have a daughter, Ella, in third grade. This is her 4th year at Rancho and has loved getting to know all of the wonderful families. She previously served as a Room Rep and Secretary of the PO at our pre-school, Camelback Desert School. In addition, she has served as Room Rep at Rancho for two years and enjoys supporting our teachers and families!!
Hannah is from Long Island in New York and has been living in Scottsdale, Arizona for 11 years. She graduated with a BA in both Political Science and Sociology from Tufts University as well as having a Masters in Elementary and Special Education. In addition to being a former teacher, her primary career has been working in the Event industry. She has worked for companies such as Sports Illustrated, planning events in sports, entertainment, hospitality, and parties galore. She currently works as a Consultant in Events for NBCUniversal.
When not working, she is an avid sports fan (Go Yankees & Jets!!) and loves spending time with family and friends, playing tennis, trying out new restaurants, shopping, and traveling.
With her husband being in the food business, she is privy to the best places to eat in town. She is so excited to be chairing the new food and wine club to bring the taste of local restaurants to families at Rancho!
Emily Morrison
Snack Fairy Assistant
Jett (3rd) & Jade (1st)
​
Hi, I’m Emily Morrison — mom to Jett (3rd grade) and Jade (1st grade). This is our fourth year at Rancho, and I’ve loved being part of this amazing community.
Last year, I had the joy of being room mom for Jade’s kindergarten class, and I’ve always enjoyed helping make events feel extra special. This year, I’m one of the Snack Fairy assistants and excited to sprinkle a little magic wherever I can — especially when it comes to showing our incredible teachers how much they’re appreciated.
When I’m not at school, I’m working in real estate, planning travel, or just soaking up life’s little moments. I’m constantly inspired by all the PTO does and grateful for the chance to be involved!
Palak Patel
Holiday Store
Zian (4th), Ziva and Zyra (2nd)
Palak is thrilled to be part of the PTO this year and to serve as the coordinator for the upcoming Holiday Fair. Palak and Jay are proud parents of three amazing kids — Zian, who is in 4th grade, and twins Ziva and Zyra, who are in 2nd grade at Rancho. She’s passionate about creating meaningful experiences for children and believes in the importance of building a strong school community.
Palak holds degrees in Biomedical Engineering from the University of California, Irvine (UCI) and in Computational Mathematical Sciences from Arizona State University (ASU). She spent several years working in corporate settings, where she developed strong organizational and leadership skills. After the birth of her twin daughters, Palak made the decision to step away from the corporate world to focus on family life. She now manages the operations of her husband Jay’s private medical practice.
Outside of work and PTO activities, Palak enjoys cooking for her family, spending time with them, traveling, staying active, and exploring healthy living. She’s looking forward to working with other parents, staff, and volunteers to make the Holiday Fair a memorable event for everyone!
Lana Petjukevica
Holiday Store
Felix (1st) and Axel (PK4)
Lana Petjukevica and her husband Nishant Nishant have two children: Felix (1st grade) and Axel (entering PreK-4). It is their 2nd year at Rancho Solano and they are thrilled to be part of this wonderful community!
Originally from Latvia, Lana earned her B.A. in Business Management from Leeds University, UK. Her current passion and focus is on establishing her recent plant based food vendor business.
Lana enjoys travel, exploring new places and cultures, cooking delicious meals for her friends and family, hosting and anything fitness.
Before joining Rancho’s PTO, she served as a room rep at her children’s previous preschool and is excited what this year is to bring.
Elena Shaw
Teacher Appreciation Week
Monthly Lunches and Raffle
Chloe (3rd)
Elena and her husband Devon have 2 children. Chloe is in 3rd grade and West is almost 1 (Future Mustang).
Elena graduated from the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism & Mass Communications at ASU. She's worked in the entertainment industry in LA before joining the corporate world. She met Devon when they were living in New York City and moved back to Scottsdale to start their family. Before having West, Elena owned a multi location children's boutique and online store, Cricket + Ruby. She's now looking forward to soaking in time with West & Chloe and settling into her new role as a stay at home mom.
Elena served as Teacher Appreciation Chair last year and has also been a room rep. She is looking forward to another amazing year with the Rancho Community.
Cindy Spear
Denim & Diamonds Event
Testing Week
Ryker & Blake (3rd)
Cindy and her husband Scott Spear have two children whom are twins Ryker & Blake (both will be in 3rd grade). They have been a Rancho family member for 4 yrs, starting in Pre-K4.
Cindy is from Yellowknife, Canada and her husband Scott is from Iowa. Cindy graduated from Wash U Medical school with a Bachelor’s degree in Biology and Psychology; and a Masters Degree in Therapy. After practicing over 10years, she opened up her own multi -facility Physical Therapy Company. Selling after the twins were born; she currently decided to stay home, as a stay at home mom to her amazing twins and husband! She currently maintains many volunteer positions with various non-profits organizations around the US. Also assisting in starting a non-profit years prior, the CHAD program; which helps under- privileged young boys have role models and have opportunities to go to college.
Cindy is excited and grateful to be able to volunteer at Rancho, and she looks forward to this next year!
Sara Spector
Mustang Moms Book Club
Caiden (5th) & Dylan (8th)
Sara and her husband, Louis, have two children at Rancho - Dylan (8th) and Caiden (5th). This is the family’s 9th year at Rancho Solano and they are excited to continue to support this amazing community.
Sara has her BS in Nutrition from Oregon State University and an MBA from Keller School of Management. She and her husband own a commercial landscape business, and in addition Sara leads the Mesa chapter of She Runs This Town and is completing her YTT500. When she’s not working, Sara enjoys practicing and teaching yoga, reading, running, golfing, hiking, karate, fishing and generally being outdoors.
Sara looks forward to continuing to support and nurture the Rancho community and is excited for that this next year brings!
Ashley Turco
Gifting & Snack Fairy Assistant
Luca (1st) & Landry (K)
Hello, I'm Ashley Turco. Alongside my husband, we've enjoyed 13 years of marriage, establishing our home in Scottsdale after moving from Florida four years ago. Our family is centered around our two wonderful boys who have been at Rancho now for four years; Luca, eagerly awaiting first grade and Landry, entering into Kindergarten.
Originally from Naples, FL, my career in real estate spanned over a decade where I managed a successful firm, specializing in residential sales, home design, and property flipping. Outside of work, I've dedicated much of my life to charitable endeavors.
Aside from being a devoted mother, I actively served as a room rep for our children. This is also my second year serving on a PTO subcommittee. Meanwhile, my husband contributes his expertise to Scottsdale's luxury real estate market.
Scottsdale has truly become our cherished home, offering a strong sense of community and belonging. Witnessing our children's happiness and success brings us immense joy, and we credit Rancho Solano for preparing them well for the future.
