PAPA
Providence Academy Parent Association
At Providence Academy, we believe parents are a vital part of our community. The Providence Academy Parent Association (PAPA) exists to bring families together, enrich our school life, and strengthen the bond between home and school.
Every Providence parent is already a member of PAPA, and together we:
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Plan and host events that build connection and joy.
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Coordinate volunteer opportunities that support teachers, students, and programs.
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Partner with the Development Office to make fundraising meaningful and mission-driven.
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Keep communication open and collaborative between parents and the school.
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PAPA is led by an Executive Board of eight parent representatives, chosen by fellow parents, along with one faculty member appointed by the Headmaster.
Together, we create the warm, welcoming community that makes Providence Academy feel like family.
eBulletin Announcements
Make Grandparents Day Memorable: Volunteers Still Needed
Planning for our most beloved day of the year is well underway. To make this day as special as it can be takes many volunteers. We still need your help! Do not worry, you will have the opportunity to experience the fun and excitement of the day too. Please consider...
Sign up now! Parent Mentor Program
Please join the PAPA Executive Committee in welcoming new families joining the Providence Academy community this coming school year by signing up for the Parent Mentor Program! The returning families who sign up will be requested to connect with their assigned new...
Monthly Faculty Meeting Snack signup
We are looking for people to donate snacks for the monthly faculty meetings. This is a great way to support our fabulous faculty. Your consideration is greatly appreciated. This is an easy way to contribute and it is very much appreciated. MS Faculty Meeting Snacks...
Grandparents Day Volunteers Needed!!
Planning for our most beloved day of the year has begun. To make this day as special as it can be takes many volunteers. We need your help! Do not worry, you will have the opportunity to experience the fun and excitement of the day too. Please consider helping us make...
Classroom Representatives – Lower School: 2026-2027
Interested in getting involved in your child’s classroom? Classroom Representatives help teachers coordinate volunteers, support classroom events, and welcome new families. Please sign up here. Virtus training is required and is completed virtually. A Classroom Rep...
2026-27 PAPA Executive Committee
Mrs. Lauren O’Neil, President
Mrs. Lauren O’Neil is proud to be serving as PAPA President this year. Lauren and her husband, Michael, have three daughters at PA. Emma is in 9th grade, Abby is in 7th grade and Mackenzie is in 5th grade. Lauren has been involved in volunteering at the school in roles such as classroom representative, Grandparent’s Day and chairing the LS Fall Fun Fair and the PAPA Secretary.
Mrs. Misty Laney, Executive Vice President
Mrs. Misty Laney is honored to serve as the Vice President of PAPA. Misty and her husband, Justin, have five children attending Providence Academy, representing the lower, middle, and upper schools. She has been involved in volunteering at the school in various capacities, including Grandparent’s Day, Snacks for Finals, chaperoning field trips and facilitating Cana Family Institute small group studies at Providence Academy. Misty is grateful to have the opportunity to serve Providence Academy and its families.
Mrs. Ali Van Straten, PAPA Treasurer
Mrs.Ali Van Straten is proud to be serving as PAPA Treasurer this year. She and her husband, Chris, have two daughters at PA. Aubrey is in 2nd grade and Kendall is in PreK. Ali has been involved in volunteering at the school in roles such as the Gala Committee, the Fall Fun Fair Committee, classroom volunteering, and serving as Room Parent. Outside of PA, she enjoys running and traveling with her family.
Mr. Peter Fjelstad, Secretary
Mr. Peter Fjelstad serves as the PAPA Secretary. Peter and his wife have two children who attend Providence - a fourth grader and a kindergartner. Peter is an attorney, who along with his wife, have served in various volunteer roles at Providence, including for the Annual Galas, Fall Fun Fairs, and other events
Mrs. Gina Illies, Vice President - Upper School
Gina and her husband Patrick have three children that all attend Providence Academy. Lola is in 12th grade, Vincent is in 10th grade, and Jack is in 7th grade. Gina’s passion is volunteering and being a part of this amazing community in so many ways. She is the co-leader of the Mom's in Prayer group at our school that meets every Thursday morning to pray for our beloved kids and staff. Outside of school, Gina teaches dance, plays lots of recreational sports, and manages her household. Gina is looking forward to serving our school and being the US representative.
Mrs. Tracee Koneru, Middle School Representative
Mrs. Tracee Koneru is in her first year serving as the Middle School Parents Association Representative. She and her husband, Sri, have two children at Providence: Aiden in 9th grade and Noah in 7th grade. Tracee has been involved at PA by serving as a lower school room parent, helping with Grandparents’ Day, and supporting PA sports programs. She is grateful to have the opportunity to serve as the middle school representative and support the PA community.
Mrs. Jessie Bollig, Vice President - Lower School (Grades 3-5)
Mrs. Jessie Bollig is serving her 2nd year as Vice President for the Lower School (3rd through 5th grade) on the PAPA board. She and her husband, Kevin, have two sons at Providence Academy. Their oldest Colton is entering 7th grade in middle school, and their youngest, Bryce is in 5th grade. Jessie has been involved at PA by serving as a room parent, helping with Grandparents’ Day, The Used Uniform Sale and served as the Fall Fun Fair Chair. Jessie loves how Providence Academy promotes a strong sense of community.
Mrs. Brittany Lada, Vice President - Lower School (Grades Pre-K-2)
Mrs. Brittany Lada has two children at Providence Academy in the lower school – Jackson is in 3rd grade and Madelyn is in 1st grade. After being warmly welcomed into the PA community, Brittany has made it her mission to pay that forward and make as many families feel the Lion community pride! Brittany has spent many hours volunteering as a classroom parent, helping with Grandparents day, and a member of the Fall Fun Fair committee.