Jennifer Askins, Co-President
My name is Jennifer Askins and I will be serving as co-president for the 24-25 School Year. I am a Lexington native. My husband and I have two children, Wofford (Fourth Grade) and Baker (Second Grade). I am a nurse practitioner at Lexington Medical Center Urgent Care. This is my third year serving on the board. I previously served as vice president and staff appreciation chairman. I am excited to serve in my role this year as co-president. Serving on our PTA allows me to purse my passion of supporting and enriching the future of our children and the PHES community. Our PHES PTA has another great year planned and I am so excited to be a part of this amazing organization!
Kristen Parks, Co-President
Hi, I'm Kristen, and this is my 5th year serving on the PHES PTA board. I am currently serving as the vice president this school year and have previous experience being co-president, secretary, and staff appreciation chair. I have two children, my oldest is beginning his first year at the middle school, and my youngest, Lucia, will be in 3rd grade continuing in the Spanish immersion program. I love Pleasant Hill, and I have a passion for serving our families, teachers, and staff as I am an educator myself. I look forward to this school year as we soar to excellence!
Tricia Morris, Vice-President
My name is Tricia Morris and I will be serving as PTA vice-president for the 2024-2025 school year. I am a South Carolina native and have been in the Midlands for the past 15 years. My husband and I have two children, a 6th grader at PHMS and a 2nd grader here at PHES. This is my first year serving on the PTA and I am looking forward to working with all of our fantastic teachers, parents, and volunteers!
Rachel McCaston, Secretary
My name is Rachel McCaston and I am the lucky mom of my 4th and 2nd grade daughters. We have been involved with PHES since my youngest was in 4k and really love the cougar community! We enjoy being outside, reading, and trying to craft. I am also a social studies teacher at Lexington High School.
Christy Stokes, Treasurer
My name is Christy Stokes, and I am serving as Treasurer. Although I grew up in California, I have lived in Lexington for the past 10 years. My husband and I have two children attending PHES, in the first and fifth grades, and one entering PHMS. Currently, I am a homemaker and volunteer Guardian ad Litem, in addition to being in my third year on the PTA board (and my first year on the PHMS PTSA). This school is amazing, and I am delighted to help take care of our awesome PHES community again this year.
Lauren Smith, Communications Chair
I’m thrilled to serve as the Pleasant Hill Elementary PTA Communications Chair this year. I was born and raised in Northeast Tennessee but married a South Carolina guy and have called Lexington my home since 2015. A proud two-time alumna of the University of South Carolina, I spent the first decade of my career in higher education and now work for the South Carolina Department of Revenue. My three kiddos are ages 6, 4, and 2. My oldest is in first grade at PHES. My role on the PTA combines my passions of supporting local education and strategic communication.
Kathryn Kaphusman, Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion Chair
Hello, I'm Kathryn Kaphusman, this year's Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Chair. My husband and I moved to this area from North Carolina, and we've been raising our two sons here since 2016. I'm passionate about creating environments where every student is valued and included. Having been involved with our school's PTA and SIC in years past, I have an understanding of our school community, and I am dedicated to collaborating with teachers, parents, and students to ensure that our school is a welcoming and supportive place for all.
Rebecca Mathews, Events Chair
My name is Rebecca Mathews and will be serving as the Events Chairwoman. I am a graduate of USC and grew up in the Midlands. My husband and I now live in Lexington and we have three children. Our oldest is a 4th grader at PHES. This is my first year serving on the PTA Board, and I look forward to working with all of our parents, students and teachers this year.
Sarah Lewis, Staff Appreciation Committee Chair
I'm very excited to serve as the Staff Appreciation Chair this year! I served on the Committee last year and room parent for both of my daughter's classes every year. I truly have a passion for supporting our staff and making sure they receive the recognition and spoiling that they deserve. I am originally from Ohio but moved to Myrtle Beach as a child. I graduated from the University of South Carolina in 2009 with a degree in Psychology. I have been married to my wonderful husband for 16 years and we have two daughters; one in 1st grade and the other in 3rd.
Stacy Fernandez, Volunteer and Member Recruitment Chair
I’m Stacy and I am serving as the chair for Volunteer & Member Recruitment. This will be my 2nd year helping the PHES PTA. Previously helped with the PTA at another school. I enjoy working to improve the community I live in, especially the schools. I am married to my high-school sweetheart & we have 3 kids. I am a Registered Nurse and work full-time. When I’m not cleaning crayon off the walls or stepping on hot wheels, I enjoy reading, oil and watercolor painting, home projects, and laying out by the pool while my husband smokes a brisket.
Denise Zocco, Fundraising Chair
My name is Denise Zocco and this will be my first year on the PTA as Fundraising Chair for the 2024 - 2025 school year. I was born and raised in central New Jersey where I met my husband. We moved to Lexington in 2015. My husband and I have a sixth grader at PHMS, third grader at PHES, and a three year old. As a parent myself, I deeply value the opportunity to contribute to our school community in meaningful ways. I look forward to collaborating with other dedicated parents and educators to create positive initiatives and enrich the educational journey for all students.