Who We Are

Holly Freed 

Board President

“We’re helping to make education in East Aurora better for all students. In the long run, this benefits our community as a whole.”

Holly joined the board in 2021, citing her firm belief in EAEF’s mission to enhance the educational experience for students in the District. She works at US Taxation as an expert financial analyst. 

Holly has two children, Jason and Hannah, both of whom attended school in the District from K-12. 

She enjoys playing tennis, reading, and baking. She also serves as treasurer on the Lake Chautauqua Lutheran Center board.

Andy Schultz (EAHS ’98)

Board Vice President

“Helping to enhance the educational experience of East Aurora students and getting to see new initiatives that the foundation has funded are the most rewarding parts of serving on our board.“

East Aurora native Andy joined the board in 2022 to get involved with the community in a tangible way. He works at BWF Zuri, a national fundraising consulting company, as a senior director of data science.

He enjoys spending time with his wife, Courtney, and their three sons—each of whom attend one of the District’s three schools.

Kimberly McAtee (EAHS ’84)

Board Secretary

“I was thrilled to join the board. I love that we can fund teachers’ dream projects and give kids a more enriching experience!”

An East Aurora native and a retired East Aurora teacher who taught in the District for 32 years, Kimberly joined the board in 2025 to continue to serve EA’s students and teachers. Now, she works part-time at the Aurora Town Public Library.

Kimberly has been married to her college sweetheart for almost 36 years, and their two children, Ethan and Sarah, both graduated from EAHS and followed in their mom’s footsteps to become teachers.

She enjoys reading and participating in two book clubs (one of which she’s been a member of for 20 years), gardening, and creative writing. She hopes to write a book in the next year.

Kimberly also serves on the board of directors for the Aurora Players and has taught in and produced its summer “ProjectSTAGE” program for nearly 15 years.

Dan Brunson

Board Director

“I look forward to continuing to jump in where I’m needed.”

With 36 years of service, Dan is our board’s longest-standing member. He retired from the District after a 33-year career as a teacher and administrator and has served on the East Aurora Board of Education for 24 years.

Dan has worked to save the old growth trees at the former West Falls School, establish full-day kindergarten, expand Parkdale Elementary, provide renovations throughout the District, recruit two superintendents, reorganize grade levels for long-term stability, establish foundation financial support for teacher grants, advocate for UPK, address food insecurity, and encourage board leadership development.

Originally from Brooklyn, Dan studied teaching at Buffalo State University. He has been an active volunteer with the Kiwanis Club of East Aurora, Aurora Players, and Rural Outreach Center.

Betsey Dechert-Boss (EAHS ’82)

Board Director

“One of the best ways that we can nurture our community is to help support our incredible public school district. I find serving on the board a very enriching experience that continues to teach me so much about how one learns and the joys it can bring to everyone, no matter what age we are.”

East Aurora native Betsey has served on the board for nearly 15 years, citing her love of the beautiful community of East Aurora and her belief in EAEF’s mission. She previously served as both board president and vice president, and she worked as a family nurse practitioner and certified diabetes educator for 40 years before retiring in May 2026.

Betsey and her husband, Ken, consider themselves fortunate to have raised their three children through K-12 in the District (and she’s happy to note they’re all gainfully employed and reasonably well-adjusted adults)!

She enjoys playing tennis, pickleball, gardening, skiing, and walking her dog, Bertie, around town.

Laurie Eden (EAHS ’82)

Board Director

“I’m honored to serve on the board because I value our commitment to enhancing the educational experiences and opportunities of students in our district. Supporting innovative initiatives that inspire learning, encourage creativity, and promote student success is a meaningful way to give back to our community and serving on the board has proved to be a fulfilling experience.”

A proud East Aurora native, Laurie joined the board in 2021and works as a corporate tax manager at MOOG.

Laurie’s daughter, Allie, graduated from EAHS in 2013.

Laurie enjoys taking advantage of all the East Aurora community has to offer, including art and music events, walking the trails at Knox Park, and supporting its wonderful restaurants and shops.

Sarah Hornung (EAHS ’05)

Board Director

“As an East Aurora alumni, educator, and parent of three students in the district, I love being able to support the most well-rounded education possible for students in East Aurora. Due to my career, I also enjoy being able to share my experience and knowledge of curriculum and innovation with the board when we are reviewing classroom and teacher grants.”

East Aurora native Sarah joined the board in 2024 and currently serves as the assistant superintendent for curriculum, innovation, and pupil services in the Orchard Park Central School District. Prior to her current position, she served as a director of technology and special education teacher. She’s currently pursuing her doctorate at NYU in Leadership and Innovation.

Sarah and her husband, Patrick, have three children who all attend school in the District. She enjoys Pilates, walking and running with friends, listening to audiobooks, and attending her kids’ travel sports games.

She also serves on the board of directors for the New York State Association of Women Administrators (NYSAWA).

Andrea Kasperek (EAHS ‘91)

Board Director

“Having been a teacher, I most enjoy being involved in the schools my children now attend and having a hand in the impact the foundation has on our kids across all grade levels.”

As a strong believer in the power of education and an East Aurora native who loves her community, Andrea joined the board in 2023. Andrea has two children (a 9th grader and 7th grader) who attend school in the District.

Before having her kids, Andrea worked as an English teacher at Orchard Park Middle School for 14 years.

She loves walking, reading, gardening, and music.

Jeffrey Markello (EAHS ‘83)

Board Director

“I missed being involved in our amazing school district and have been honored that EAEF has allowed me to continue to pursue my passion for education in our community. The good work we do can change the trajectory of a child’s life.”

East Aurora native Jeffrey has served on the EAEF board for nearly 15 years, joining after he stepped down from the Board of Education when he was appointed as town prosecutor for East Aurora. He’s the managing partner of Sakowski & Markello, LLP and has served as the Aurora Town Justice since 2009.

In his legal practice, Jeffrey has routinely served as an attorney for children in custody, abuse, neglect, PINS, and JD proceedings, further cementing his belief in the positive impact of education for people of all ages.

Jeffrey is the very lucky husband of Mia, who serves on the District’s Safety Committee, and the very proud father of Katherine and Anthony, both of whom graduated from EAHS. He’s a Bills fan and enjoys tennis, golf, pickleball, and traveling.

He also serves on the Suburban Adult Services Inc. (SASi) Foundation Board and the East Aurora Rotary Club Foundation Board.

Susan McClaren

Board Director

“It’s been absolutely amazing and gratifying to see our grants in action—observing the enrichment of our students’ and teachers’ experiences from grants makes me so honored to be part of this hard-working board. Serving on the board has also allowed me to get to know and enjoy so many terrific community members whose paths might not have otherwise crossed with mine.”

A proud resident of East Aurora for the past 33 years, Susan has served on the board for 21 years, citing her belief in the importance of strong public education as both a public school graduate and the daughter of public school educators. She loves that EAEF allows her to give back to the community and have a meaningful impact on students.

She’s previously served as board president, vice president, and secretary, and she’s worked as a labor and employment lawyer for 34 years. 

Susan and her husband, Mike, have three children who all graduated from EAHS: Casey, Jack, and Luke. She enjoys visiting them, taking bootcamp classes, playing tennis and pickleball, and learning new things.

Prior to EAEF, Susan served on the East Aurora Community Nursery Board for 11 years.

Brittany Neumann (EAHS ‘07)

Development Director

“There’s something special about seeing how my work will impact generations to come. It’s fun to go back to my old schools to see how EAEF grants afford students new, innovative opportunities in the same classrooms where I used to learn.” 

An East Aurora native with a wealth of experience in community-focused philanthropy and event management, Brittany joined the foundation in 2023 to lead its efforts to enhance student learning experiences in the District. She leverages her not-for-profit background and local roots to expand EAEF’s reach and solidify its role as a pillar of positive community change.

Brittany enjoys spending time with her family, which includes her husband, two daughters, her German exchange daughter, and two rescue pups. She likes serving as an AFS host parent and volunteer, reading, exploring WNY, traveling, and doing puzzles.

Megan Ross

Marketing & Operations Coordinator

“I’m proud to contribute to an organization that makes such a positive impact on students, empowering them with fun, hands-on educational opportunities that cultivate new skillsets and a deep love of learning.”

With a background in journalism and marketing (including in higher ed), Megan manages EAEF’s print and digital communications. She’s also responsible for streamlining day-to-day operations for EAEF, supporting the Development Director in executing all projects, campaigns, and events.

She’s the author of “The ABCs of Pitties,” a children’s book that dispels negative stereotypes against pit bulls while fostering an early love of reading, with 30% of profits going back to local WNY rescue organizations.

Megan lives in Holland with her husband, daughter, and two rescue pit bulls. She enjoys strength training and Pilates, creative writing, reading, and listening to a smorgasbord of rock, pop punk, and indie bands.

Cindy Bojak

Scholarship Administrator

“I love being able to use my skills, and I really enjoy watching the board in action. Seeing their dedication and belief in the mission of the foundation is inspiring, and I’ve learned the meaning of cooperation, consideration, and consensus from observing their interactions.”

With a dedicated and organized approach, Cindy oversees the intricate process of scholarship distribution for EAEF. She helps bridge the gap between high school achievement and the next chapter of students’ educational journeys.

Prior to EAEF, Cindy held roles in both the Hamburg School District for 18 years and the East Aurora School District.

Cindy and her husband have lived in East Aurora since 1985, with both their children (Adam and Tara) graduating from EAHS. Now, she has grandchildren who attend school in the District.

Cindy loves to read, sew, work with her hands, take weekend trips, and travel.

Matt Brown

District Liaison

“I’m grateful to work with such an incredible foundation that values education and consistently invests in opportunities that enrich the experiences of our students and staff. It’s inspiring to be part of a community that comes together to ensure our students have access to meaningful experiences that will have a lasting impact on their lives.”

As principal of East Aurora Middle School and the EAEF district liaison, Matt fosters opportunities for collaboration between the District and EAEF. He’s been the district liaison for six years, citing the incredible impact that EAEF grants have on students and the reward of helping to enhance education and make extraordinary opportunities possible for EA students.

Matt loves traveling with his wife, Christy, and their children, Camryn, Adalyn, and Brody, and spending time with their dogs, Mamba and Willow. He’s also a huge fan of the Bills and basketball.

Matt is also a member of the East Aurora Rotary Club.