Quaker Ridge PTA

The Quaker Ridge PTA is a nonprofit organization made up of parents, teachers, and administrators who volunteer their time to enrich the Quaker Ridge Elementary School experience for all students. We welcome and value your involvement—whatever your schedule allows!

 

PTA activities include planning and supporting programs and services that benefit Quaker Ridge students and the school, raising funds to make these initiatives possible, and fostering a strong sense of community among families, students, and staff.

 

qrpta executive committee 2025-2026

President - Sandra Brudnick 

President Elect - Aly Zamith

Treasurer - Erin Bass

Secretary - Brooke Vaupen

VP of After School Clubs - Heather Cronin

VP of Classroom and Student Needs - Courtney Hunter

VP of Communications - Jamuna Krishman

VP of Development/Fundraising - Jackie Swanson

VP of Programming - Drew Kramer

 

 

President: Sandra Brudnick 

I am looking forward to my 5th year in the QRS community and 4th year on the Executive Committee! I have two children at QRS, my daughter, Zoe (5th grade), and a son, Ari (2nd grade) and one alum, Olivia who is in 8th grade. I was an elementary school teacher for over 20 years before our move to Scarsdale in 2021. Being new to the community, the best way to meet people was to volunteer and get involved. I love overseeing all of the exciting fundraising endeavors like the spirit wear, evening event and more, as well as working with incredible co-chairs of my committees. My favorite events at QRS are the Book Fair and Rise&Read because I love when parents and kids get to share the love of reading. In addition to being involved at QRS, I love spending time with my family and friends, especially when traveling, cheering on Boston sports teams, and playing tennis and mahjong. I am so excited for this year at QRS, I know it will be the best yet!

 

President-Elect: Aly Zamith 

2025 is the first (and only!) year I’ll have all three of my kids at Quaker Ridge—an exciting milestone for our family! I’m now in my third year on the PTA and feel lucky to be part of such an active and welcoming school community. I am pretty competitive and love playing sports; I also love traveling, reading and all things architecture and interior design. I’ve met so many wonderful people through volunteering—especially as a class parent and as chair of Photo Day (my favorite day of the year!). Other Quaker Ridge favorites include Rise & Read mornings with Ms. Byrnes, the legendary Halloween Parade, and the Color Run in the spring. There are so many events slated throughout the year—it’s easy to join in, have fun, and meet new people.

 

VP of After School Clubs: Heather Cronin

I have lived in Quaker Ridge for 4 years with my husband Greg, and my 3 kids, Henry (5th grade), Madeline (3rd grade), and Olivia (1st grade).  In my day job, I am the VP of Clinical Affairs at SafeHeal, a medical device start-up focused on providing stoma-free solutions for patients post colorectal cancer surgery.  When not at work, you can mostly find me on the baseball diamond (we are a baseball/softball family!) and when I’m not cheering on my kids from the stands, I can be found running road races or just running in town.  My favorite events at QRS are the Tinker Fair, Book Fair, and color run.  I'm proud to be part of the QRS community and look forward to a great '25-'26 school year! 

 

 

 

 

VP of Classroom and Student Needs:  Courtney Gallo Hunter 

I have 3 children, Alexandra (3rd grade), Liam (1st grade) and a 1 year old girl, Olivia. I am the VP, Public Policy for Crisis Text Line, which provides free, 24/7 mental health support and crisis intervention services via text and chat. So I'm always happy to talk about anything related to mental health or politics! In my free time, you can find me snuggling my french bulldog, Harley, or baking some elaborate children's birthday cake. I am proud to be a member of the QRS community and excited for the 24-25 school year! 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

VP of Communications:  Jamuna Krishnan

I have three kids at Quaker Ridge- Amartya (fifth grade), Neela (second grade) and Nithin (second grade). I grew up in Michigan and am a proud University of Michigan alum. I currently work as a pulmonary and critical care physician at Weill Cornell in New York City. My hobbies are reading (favorite childhood book: Anne of Green Gables), gardening, and reality TV. I have enjoyed getting to know the Quaker Ridge community- my favorite QRS events are Family Ice Skating and the Halloween Parade.                  

  

 

 

 

 

 

VP of Development/Fundraising: Jackie Swanson  

I am so excited to be in my second year on the PTA as VP of Fundraising, after moving to Scarsdale in 2022. My husband Brian, daughter Juliette (3rd grade), son Daniel (Kindergarten), and son William (1) are all thrilled to be part of such a wonderful community! In addition to being a mom of 3 amazing kids, I am also a Managing Partner in Management Consulting where I specialize in growth strategy for the retail, fashion, and consumer products sectors. My favorite event at Quaker Ridge is the benefit, where I led the silent auction the past two years. I am so excited for another great school year ahead!  

  

VP of Programming: Drew Kramer

 A proud resident of the Mamaroneck Strip since 2019, I am excited to take a bigger role in the Quaker Ridge PTA  this year as VP of Programming. Passionate about creativity and learning through experience, I will continue the PTA's commitment to producing events that inspire, educate and create community. My favorite events are the school play and color run because they encourage students to step outside of their comfort zones and try things. Outside of the PTA, I am a writer, artist and dog person. Ask me about my Floofs!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Secretary: Brooke Vaupen

I have been living in Scarsdale with my husband and our two daughters, Lyla (5th grade) and Hallie (2nd grade), since 2016 and feel grateful to be part of the QRS community. I’m a corporate attorney turned health and wellness coach and enjoy staying active in local life. I love to travel, cook, hike, see live music, and discover new restaurants. Some of my favorite QRS events are the Back-to-School Picnic, Halloween, and Rise & Read. I always enjoy visiting the school to see the teachers and students in action and am excited to take on a larger role in the QRS community this year!

  

 

 

 

 

Treasurer: Erin Bass 

I am excited to be back at QRS for another year. This 2025-2026 school year, my oldest son is in 11th grade at SHS, my daughter is in 8th at SMS and my youngest son, Nate, is in 1st grade at QRS. We’re looking forward to a great year meeting new people and seeing many familiar faces around school. This is my second year in my second stint as treasurer for the QRS PTA and I have also chaired the school fair. In my spare time, I enjoy volunteering at various different Westchester organizations, walking, reading and needlepointing.