Board Bios

My name is Dara Silver. My son Israel is in 1st grade at Lakewood and my daughter Mimi is in 6th grade at Pine Springs Preparatory Academy. I was born in Lima, Peru and raised in Fayetteville, NC. I'm an arts administrator and work with non-profit art organizations and artists across the state. In my spare time, you can find traveling across the triangle for soccer and gymnastics, enjoying arts and cultural events, and eating good food. I'm happy to serve as PTA President and look forward to meeting you all this year! 

My name is Cliff Dyer.  My two kids are Lakewood students in the Spanish immersion program in 2nd and 3rd grade.  I was born and raised in Durham, and served on the DPS LGBTQ Task force in 2023 and 2024.  I'm a software engineer, and in my spare time, I like to do rock climbing, play piano, read books, hike, and ride bikes.

My name is Erich Melville and I'm the proud dad of Leo (a rising 2nd grader in the Dual Language Immersion Program) and Felix (a preschooler and future Bulldog). My wife and I are both from Chapel Hill and chose to move back to the area in 2020 to raise our boys, be close to family, and engage in the eclectic Durham community that we've always loved. When I'm not dadding, I enjoy spending my time recreating outside, which includes biking, running, swimming, climbing trees, etc. It's an honor to be your PTA Secretary!  

My name is Jessica (Jessie) Braverman and I have one bulldog in 5th grade and another entering K this year. Professionally, I am the owner of a residential architecture and landscape design business. In my spare time I spend time with my family, do Ninja Warrior obstacle racing, play soccer, and I like to paint, quilt, and write short fiction. I've previously been on the board as the Fundraising Co-Chair and an at-large member, and I'm happy to continue to serve our community as our Treasurer this year. 

Hi!  My name Is Becca Moussa and I'm a 4th grade teacher at Lakewood and a 4th  year Lakewood parent.  I expect to be here 'til 2031 and I'm happy about it!  I have 3 kids at Lakewood and love the happy feelings in the building and among staff.  Bulldogs know how to have fun!  I love to read, write, work out, be goofy with my kids, and keep up with my friends all over the world.  My mission is to make PTA a home for all parents and teachers who want to connect, volunteer and improve the school for our kids.

My name is Tony Macias and I have a 3rd and K child at Lakewood. I’m also the father of future Lakewood student Ramona. I am an interpreter/translator of English and Spanish, and also a consultant and trainer on language justice. In my free time I enjoy reading, gardening, hiking, cooking and rock climbing. I also love being an active part of our neighborhood and school community- Go Bulldogs!

My name is Katie Tosh and I have two daughters at Lakewood in 2nd and K. I'm an education researcher at the RAND Corporation, and also serve as the president of the board at Family Preschool. In my free time I enjoy hiking, camping, biking, running, cooking, reading and drawing. This is my second year as Fundraising co-chair for the Lakewood PTA and I look forward to another great year!

My name is Gina Arnone and I'm a mom to rising 3rd and 5th grader. I'm an education researcher, and I stay connected with my community through various volunteer roles. I also love watching and playing soccer with my family, hiking, and dancing tango. I served as an officer on the pta board 3 years - 2021-22 through 2023-24, and look forward to serving at-large and as needed.

I served as PTA President for two terms during the  22-23 and 23-24 school years. I am a Lakewood alum and product of Durham public schools. I am a mother of 4 kids who all attend(ed) Durham Public schools. My son Ahmad is a rising 3rd grader at Lakewood. My son Ibrahim (also a Lakewood alum) is in 8th grade at The School of Creative Studies. My adult children, son Xavier, graduated from SCS in 2019 and my daughter, a junior at UNC-SA graduated from Jordan HS in 2021. 

I will continue to serve Lakewood in my capacity as an at large member of the PTA board and as their Parent Organizer via the DPS Foundation.  Go Bulldogs! 

My name is Amy Pait and I’m currently serving as the Crayons2Calculators chair. I have a 1st grader at Lakewood in the dual language program. My spare time is spent reading books, trying to avoid stepping on legos, and watching DPAC shows.

I am the parent of two Lakewood students, Henry and Wendell, who are both in the Dual Language Program. We love our Lakewood Elementary community! I am a Biology Instructor at Durham Tech. For fun I like to hike, bike, rock climb, cook, dance, weave, play board games and read books. For the PTA, I organize volunteer parents to bring snacks for the Teachers and Staff at Lakewood.