ABOUT US

Amanda O'Leary, President

In wanting to become more involved in our school's community, Amanda joined the PTO in 2019 and has held the role of President since Fall 2020. By day, Amanda works full time as Director, US Venue Sourcing for Emota/Ashfield Meetings & Events. When she's not working or volunteering, Amanda enjoys cheering her boys on from the sidelines of their many various sports, traveling, attending music festivals and planning the next family adventure!  ​

Greg Hudson, Vice President

Greg and his family moved to Toms River in 2018. In addition to his volunteering duties for the PTO, he is an airline Captain flying out of Newark, NJ.  Greg also chairs the communications committee for his union.  Greg enjoys working out on his Peloton, running marathons, going to Yankees games, cooking, and golfing. Greg loves to host friends by the fire-pit or for dinner parties.​

Rachel Hill, Treasurer

After her oldest completed Kindergarten, Rachel wanted to join the PTO to become more active in the school her children would attend for the next 10 years!By day, Rachel is a dedicated Stay-At-Home Mom, and by night, she takes on the role of Master Chaos Coordinator! She has a passion for shopping and staying on budget!In her free time, Rachel loves putting her fashion degree to good use by getting creative and crafty with her kids. She also cherishes date nights with her husband and enjoys fun outings with her "Momtourage."​​

Shawnna Volpe, Fundraising Chair 

Shawnna moved to New Jersey in 2019, and has been enjoying every moment of exploring this beautiful state! Shawnna joined the PTO to meet new people and to volunteer at her daughter's school, as she just loves getting involved in the community and lending an extra hand at our fundraising events. In her spare time, Shawwna likes to find new activities around New Jersey to do with the kids—there's always something fun to discover! She's also a big fan of Peloton workouts, which helps her stay energized throughout the day. Shawnna cherishes date nights with her husband, especially when they catch a Yankees or Giants game together.  Traveling back to Connecticut to visit family and friends is something Shawnna looks forward to whenever time permits.

​Carolyn Kaminsky, Recording Secretary/Social Media Chair

Carolyn is excited to be apart of Walnut street elementary PTO as the Social Media Chair. Carolyn's background includes working as a professional dancer for many PBS kid shows such as Super Why Live, Sid the Science Kid Live, Sesame Street Live, and Fisher Price Live. She then decided to make the move from the NYC life to the Jersey Shore with her two kids, Daniel and DJ. Carolyn currently runs and manages SWEAT440 New Jersey Locations. When she isn’t working out, you can catch Carolyn teaching dance, judging dance competitions, stilt-walking, or making fun Instagram reels @tapandtonewithcarolyn . Carolyn is excited to bring her love and passion of social media to Walnut Street Elementary! Make sure you follow @walnutstreetelempto  

Jessica McDermott, Teacher Appreciation Chair

Jessica moved to Toms River with her Family in 2016. Jessica is the State Director for Training and Education in New Jersey and Delaware for Varsity Spirit. She also coaches Barnegat High School Varsity Cheerleading along with the Cosmic Rays at World Cup Allstars.  Jessica volunteers on the Executive Board for the NJCDCA and is very involved in both of her Children’s athletic teams. On her free time you will see her supporting her Daughter at her cheerleading competitions or on the baseball field playing the walk up songs for her Son’s travel baseball team!