Meet The Board

Katie has proudly served on the Oneida Elementary PTO Board of Directors for the past two years and currently serves as Co-Treasurer for the organization. Prior to this role, she spent several years as Treasurer for the Willard Prior PTO, bringing valuable experience and dedication to supporting students and families throughout the district.

Katie is also a proud parent of three children in the district — twin middle schoolers entering seventh grade next year and her youngest, who will be a third grader at Seneca Street Elementary this fall.

By day, Katie is an educator at Knee-Hi to Knowledge Preschool and previously taught within the district as a fifth grade teacher at Durhamville Elementary. Her experiences as both a teacher and a parent give her a unique perspective and a deep understanding of the importance of collaboration between schools, families, and the community.

Katie is passionate about creating equitable and enriching experiences for all elementary students and believes that the heart of the PTO’s work should always center around benefiting children and enhancing their school experience. She enjoys working alongside staff, families, and community members to help create opportunities that bring students and their families joy.

Sierra DeFazio is a proud mom to two young girls — one entering first grade this fall and the other starting preschool. Before becoming a mom, Sierra spent over a decade working directly with individuals with developmental disabilities, where she developed a strong passion for helping others grow, succeed, and reach their full potential.

Over the past two years, Sierra has volunteered at nearly every PTO event and has also helped co-direct our annual Spring 5K. Her dedication, community involvement, and passion for inclusion have made a meaningful impact on our organization and the families we serve.

Sierra is excited to continue helping the PTO grow into an even more well-rounded and welcoming organization that reaches and supports students and families of all abilities. Her commitment to community, inclusion, and creating positive experiences for children makes her such a valuable part of our team.

Sarah Dustin has proudly called Oneida home since 2011. She is the proud mom of Ellie (7), stepmom to Lilianah (21) and Sebastian (23), and dog mom to three doodles who are fully convinced they’re humans.

Sarah has a strong passion for community involvement and supporting local families. Since 2023, she has served as President of the Friends of the Oneida Library, and in 2024, she began coaching AYSO 6U and 8U soccer teams. She has also previously been involved with the OSMS/OHS Music and Sports Booster programs while her older children attended the Oneida City School District.

Outside of volunteering and community involvement, Sarah enjoys making art, teaching workshops, and spending time outdoors on nature walks. Professionally, she works in higher education administration at Hamilton College.

Sarah’s dedication to community connection, family involvement, and creating positive experiences for children makes her a wonderful addition to our PTO team. We’re so thankful to have her involved and look forward to all the great things ahead!