Our Leadership

Tammy Messmer, Principal

Education:

• Daemen College - Bachelor of Science, Elementary Education
• Canisius College - Master's Degree, Special Education
• Buffalo State College - School Building Leadership Certification

Previous education experience:

Ivymount School (2 Years):  18-21 year old students with autism

Furman L. Templeton:

• Teacher (5 Years): 3rd and 6th Grade
•  Reading Specialist and Early Learning Administrator (3 Years): K-6

What do you like most about working here?

I think we have extremely caring families and staff at Buffalo United Charter School. We are dedicated to better educating more children. I also believe that we are a positive academic option for families in the area.

Personal Information:

I am the proud mother of one son who enjoys to play sports; therefore I have become somewhat of a “soccer mom.”  I enjoy learning and reading.  In my spare time I enjoy outdoor activities such as running, kayaking, and camping.

Julie Walsh, Dean of Students/Instructional Coach

Education:

• Medaille College – Bachelors in Elementary Education, Grades 1st - 6th
• Medaille College - Master's in Special Education, Birth - 6 yrs.
• Daemen College – Extension in elementary education, Grades K - 1st
• Buffalo State College - Educational Leadership Certification, Beginning in the Fall of 2011

Previous education experience:

Previously, I have taught 2nd grade for one year, 4th grade for one year, and 3rd grade for three years. I have been in an administrative role for one year.

What do you like most about working here?

I would have to say that the staff and students at Buffalo United Charter School have relationships with each other that I haven’t seen in any other school. We focus on building positive relationships between the staff and students which is evident every day I come to work.

Personal Information:

I am recently married. I grew up in Lancaster, New York my whole life and will continue to reside there and raise a family. I come from a family of seven; which includes my mother and father, my two brothers, and my two Labrador retrievers. I enjoy playing sports and shopping in my spare time.

Tara Sims, Dean of Students 7-8

Education:

• Buffalo State College - Bachelor of Arts, in Economics
• University of Buffalo - Master’s Degree, Elementary Education.

Previous education experience:

At Buffalo United I was a kindergarten teacher for 4 years. Currently, I am the Dean of Students for K-2.

What do you like most about working here?

I love working with the kids each day. Each child is very unique here at Buffalo United. I know everyday when I walk into school there will always be a child who will put a smile on my face.

Personal Information:

This past year, my husband and I happily welcomed our child named Ayden! He is such a wonderful addition to our family. We also have a cat named Maxx. Hopefully we will have more children in the future.

Patty Zika, Dean of Students 2-4 

Education:

Previous education experience and number of years in the field:

What do you like most about working here?

I enjoy working with our students and watching them strive for success.  I also appreciate all of the professional development that is offered through NHA.

Personal Information:

I have been married to my husband for six and half years.  We have a two year old son and a daughter that is five months.

Carla Graves, Dean of Students K-1/Instructional Coach