Meet the APA PTSO Board
Welcome to the Academy for Performing Arts!
My name is Kimmie Sasarak, and I have loved the first year at APA. I am a proud mother of 2, a daughter entering her sophomore year in the fall as a Dance Major, and a son who is a 7th grade at McManus Middle School in Linden. I am thrilled to be part of such a diverse, committed, and talented community and I look forward to supporting you and focusing on what we may build together. I have been active in the Project Graduation Class of 2025 Committee, along with serving as Vice-President and currently President for 2 years on McManus Middle PTA Board. I am a Union County native, growing up in Linden. In my spare time, I enjoy spending time with my family and traveling.
Professionally, I am a Manager for an Anesthesia Billing Company in Cranford.
KIMMIE SASARAK
APA-PTSO President
PG 2025 CHAIR
HEATHER FORD
APA-PTSO PRESIDENT FOR 2025-26
Heather is looking forward to another exciting year on the APA PTSO. Heather has served on the Class of 2026 Project Graduation Committee since 2022. She has also been an active participant in the APA PTSO events over the past two years. Heather is a mom of two girls - Sanae, who is a Junior Dance Major at APA and Zarie, who is an 8th grade student with her eyes set on hopefully joining the APA family in 2025.
In her professional life, Heather leads the legal department as Deputy Counsel of a school district.
Heather is enthusiastic about her future on the Board as the PTSO President during the 2025-2026 school year.
VIOLET ESCURRA
Vice President
Hello my name is Violet Escurra, my daughter, Gabriela Decampos is a junior Dance Major at APA. I have been an active PTSO member for the past 2 years. I find incredible value in being of service to others. It has been an honor to serve and help the PTSO committee. I look forward to an amazing year ahead.
VANESA GARZON
Treasurer
Vanesa Garzon lives in Linden. She started her role as treasurer at UCVTS-APA in 2022-2023. Some of her duties include, managing funds, reports, budgets, and ensuring controls and audits. Vanesa is a fulltime working mom of two, including one APA Theater Major Antonella (class of 2026).
JACQUI LAMORTE
Corresponding Secretary
Jacqui LaMorte is the dedicated Secretary for the Parent-Teacher-Student Organization (PTSO) at UCVTS-APA, where she plays a pivotal role in ensuring the smooth operation of the organization’s initiatives. She is a busy working mom of four, including two APA Dance Majors, Olivia (Class of 2026) and Isabel (Class of 2028)
JULIA MIRANDA
Recording Secretary
Julia is looking forward to her first year on the PTSO Board. Her daughter, Kaitlyn, graduated from APA Dance program in 2023. Her other daughter, Lia, is a sophomore Dance major.
KAREN GOBERN
Board of Education Liaison
Karen is looking forward to her first year on the APA-PTSO Board as Board Liaison. Her daughter, Jordyn, is a dance major, APA Class of 2027. Along with her Board duties, Karen will continue her work as a Co-chair of Project Graduation Class of 2027 and Spiritwear Lead.
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