President

👩‍👧‍👦 Karla Barajas and her husband, Eddie, are proud Basha parents to two amazing kids — Alexa, a spirited 4th grader, and Gabriel, a new kindergartner this year! 🐾

🏡 The Barajas family made the big move to Arizona in June 2024 and are absolutely loving their new home and community!

🐶 Their family wouldn't be complete without their two lovable English Bulldogs, Jefe and Rosie, who bring nonstop snuggles and smiles.

📚 Karla stepped into the role of PTO President in 2025. She’s passionate about creating meaningful connections, supporting our teachers and students, and helping make every school year full of fun, memories, and success. 🎉

💚 She’s excited to be a part of the Basha Bobcat family and can’t wait to see what this year brings!

Co- President

Nicole Short and her husband, Matt, have proudly called our neighborhood home since 2017 🏡. Together, they’re raising three wonderful children—Ellie (5th grade), Abby (4th grade), and Jackson (2nd grade).

As a family, the Shorts are avid travelers ✈️ and adventurers ⛺. They love camping, heading up north to the mountains 🏔️, and are on an inspiring quest to visit every National Park in the USA 🇺🇸—already checking 25 off their list! 🌲

Nicole has been a dedicated volunteer at Basha for many years 💙, lending her time and creativity to PTO events 🎉 and Art Masterpiece 🎨. She is excited to begin her second year as PTO President 🐾. She is passionate about bringing students, teachers, and families together 🤝, and she’s eager to continue building a strong, connected, and supportive community for all Bobcats 🐾.

Nicole truly loves being part of the Basha family 💛 and is looking forward to making this school year a fantastic experience for everyone! 🎓✨

Vice President

Mandy Falk has been a proud member of the Basha Elementary family for the past 7 years! Now in her third year of active PTO involvement, she’s loving the chance to connect even more with our incredible teachers, staff, and students.

👦 Mandy’s son Archer is in 6th grade
👧 Her daughter Elliot is in 5th grade
Both are proud Basha Bobcats! 🐾

With a big heart for community and a passion for creating fun, memorable experiences, Mandy is excited to keep supporting the school and helping make a difference for all Basha families.

Treasurer

Garrett and his wife, Lauren, are proud parents to two Sadie a recent Bobcat graduate and Callie (4th grade) ✏️. As a family, they love to travel whenever they can 🌍✈️, fitting adventures in around their daughters’ busy sports schedules ⚽🏐. In his spare time, Garrett enjoys hitting the golf course (not always successfully ⛳😂) and staying active 💪. He is now serving his third year as Treasurer on the Basha Elementary PTO 💼📊.

Secretary

👨‍👩‍👧‍👧 Megan Zappulla and her husband, Rob, are proud Basha parents to Rae (2nd grade) and Maren (Kindergarten). 🌵 An Arizona native, Megan has loved raising her family in Chandler since 2020, staying close to friends, family, and the community she calls home.

🥾 In her spare time, Megan enjoys exploring the outdoors on a hike, 📚 curling up with a good book, and 🍽️ cooking delicious meals for her family and friends.

💙 Megan is excited to serve as Secretary for the Basha PTO this year and looks forward to getting more involved in a meaningful way—supporting our teachers, students, and the Bobcat community she loves. 🐾

Media & Marketing

Jen Burtner and her husband, Ryan, have proudly called Chandler home since 2014 🏡, where they enjoy raising their two children and being active members of the community 💙. Their son, Greyson, is a 6th grader at Basha Elementary 🐾, continuing the Bobcat tradition that his sister began during her years there (2014–2020). This year, their daughter started an exciting new chapter as a Sun Devil at Arizona State University 🔱.

Jen has a passion for the outdoors 🌿, fitness 💪, and photography 📸. She loves capturing life’s meaningful moments while staying closely connected to family, friends, and the community 🤝.