Jyoti Parmar, President
For over 20 years, I’ve been proud to call Gainesville home. As a 1.5-generation immigrant, my commitment to this community is deeply personal, and I’m honored to serve Alachua County’s families as the President of the Alachua County Council of PTAs. My journey in public education advocacy started at the local level—serving as PTA President at Williams Elementary and Vice President at Lincoln Middle School—and has grown into roles on the Florida PTA Board and statewide committees.
Whether I’m co-organizing legacy celebrations to honor our local history or working as an Organizing Representative with Sierra Club Florida to fight for environmental justice, my goal is always to strengthen the connections between our families and the community. My background is diverse—from managing retail portfolios in Manhattan to owning an Italian restaurant—but my heart is here in Alachua County. I live here with my husband, child, and our cats, and I’m dedicated to working alongside you to support our students and schools.
Crystal Gronostalski, Vice President
I am an educator with Alachua County Public Schools, a parent within the district, and currently serve as Vice President of the Alachua County Council of PTAs. I have been actively involved in PTA leadership for more than five years, beginning as Fundraising Chair at Wiles Elementary and later serving in several leadership roles at Meadowbrook Elementary, including Boosterthon Chair, Vice President, and Vice President of Fundraising.
Through my various PTA leadership roles, I have helped raise more than $150,000 for Alachua County public schools. In addition to fundraising, I have helped lead school programs, teacher appreciation initiatives, and community partnerships that directly support students, educators, and families.
As both an educator and a parent, I am deeply invested in the success of our public schools. I am passionate about strengthening the connection between families, schools, and our community, supporting local PTA units, advocating for students and educators, and helping ensure families have a meaningful voice in our schools.
Ody Kian, Treasurer
I’m happy to be serving on the ACCPTA board as Treasurer for the second year. I was previously the secretary of ACCPTA. I have experience working in the non-profit sector and in education in various teaching roles. My current work is mainly in community engagement and school support. I’m a proud parent of two ACPS students.
Leslie McLendon, Secretary
I am happy to be serving in my second year as ACCPTA Secretary. I am an Alachua County native and have two children currently going to county schools. I served on the PTA board of my daughter’s elementary school for two years, and I’ve been a general PTA volunteer for several years. I look forward to serving on the county council!
Kristen Mau, Past President
& Communications Chair
My PTA experience began when I was a teacher at Hidden Oak Elementary. I benefitted from the strong sense of community and support that PTA helped to create. So when I had my own children (now 17 and 21), I jumped on the opportunity to become a parent volunteer. PTA was a natural fit – I could continue to be an advocate for all children while offering help to the hardworking teachers and staff. I have held many PTA roles at all school levels, including president, vice president, teacher and staff appreciation, grade level coordinator, Heart to Heart chair, and programs. At the county level, I’ve enjoyed the opportunity to serve as family engagement chair, secretary, and president. I’m looking forward to continuing my involvement with our county council PTA this year – providing guidance to PTA and PTSA leaders and serving our community in the best way possible! I truly believe that when we all work together every child can realize their potential, and I am proud to be a part of such a passionate and caring group of people.