BOARD OF TRUSTEES

Meet the Board of Trustees

Alfred J. Wright, Chair
Alfred (A.J.) Wright has served on the Tapestry Charter School Board since 2017. As Director of Government Affairs at Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield of Western New York, he advises on policy and strategy while fostering relationships with government officials.

A.J. holds a bachelor’s degree in political science from St. Lawrence University. He is an active community member, serving on the Amherst Chamber of Commerce Board, coaching youth baseball, and volunteering as a Ride for Roswell team captain.

Betsy Behrend, Trustee
Betsy Behrend brings over 20 years of experience in education advocacy and program management to the Tapestry Charter School Board. She manages Say Yes Buffalo’s scholarship program, awarding over $3 million annually to support students in higher education.

A lifelong advocate for equity and opportunity, Betsy’s leadership and dedication strengthen Tapestry’s focus on community impact and student success.

Jeremy Hazelton, Trustee
Jeremy Hazelton joined the Tapestry Charter School Board in 2020. As the Executive Director of 716 Ministries, he focuses on workforce and community development through programs that build economic opportunity in Buffalo.

Jeremy lives with his wife and three children on Buffalo’s West Side. His leadership and commitment to equitable opportunities make him an invaluable member of the Board.

Taylor Hunter, Trustee
Taylor Hunter, a Tapestry Charter School alum, joined the Board to give back to the school that shaped her. She is a SUNY Cortland graduate and a two-time All-American in track and field, breaking records while serving as Student Government President.

Currently an Account Executive at United Way of Buffalo & Erie County, Taylor brings expertise in leadership and community engagement, aligning with Tapestry’s mission to inspire future leaders.

Lynn S. Bass, Trustee
Lynn Bass began her education career in 1982 as a school psychologist, later serving as Director of Special Education & Pupil Services in the Cleveland Hill District. A longtime Buffalo resident, she joined Buffalo Public Schools in 1996, advocating for expanded quality education options.

A founding member of Tapestry Charter School, Lynn helped lead the expansion through high school, opening Tapestry High in 2006 with support from the Gates Foundation. As principal for a decade, she proudly watched her son and hundreds of students graduate from a diverse, caring community built for success.

Luanne Firestone, Vice-Chair
Luanne Firestone joined the Tapestry Charter School Board in 2017 and is the Executive Director of Family Promise of Western New York, a nonprofit supporting homeless families. Her commitment to service and advocacy enriches her contributions to the Board.

Luanne earned a Master of Arts in Theology and a Bachelor of Arts in Education. She brings a deep understanding of community and leadership to her work with Tapestry.

Dr. Hilary Lochte, Trustee
Dr. Hilary Lochte, a Trustee since 2020, is an Assistant Professor at Buffalo State College specializing in teacher preparation and multicultural literature to promote equity in classrooms. She also directs the Buffalo Urban Teacher Graduate Residency Program.

Dr. Lochte earned her Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctorate in Education. Her dedication to diversity and teacher development aligns closely with Tapestry’s mission.

Patrick Lewis, Trustee
Patrick Lewis has been a Tapestry Charter School Trustee since 2015. He is a marketing professional at Mower, specializing in paid media and strategy, and has previous experience with Animal Planet and The Travel Channel.

Patrick earned his Bachelor’s degree in marketing and lives in Buffalo with his wife, Ashley, and their children. His expertise in communication and strategy enhances Tapestry’s innovative approach.

Daniel Robertson, Trustee
Daniel Robertson is a Buffalo native and the Program Manager of the Boys and Men of Color Initiative at Say Yes Buffalo. He is dedicated to mentoring youth and has been recognized for his community contributions, including Buffalo Business First’s “30 Under Thirty.”

Daniel earned his Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education and a Master’s in Organizational Leadership. His work reflects Tapestry’s mission to empower students through equity and opportunity.

Samantha (Sam) Gaerte, Trustee
Samantha (Sam) Gaerte joined the Tapestry Charter School Board in June, 2024. As the Director of Business Planning at Evergreen Health, she focuses on project management and compliance, supporting the organization’s mission of providing accessible healthcare in Western New York.

With a background in English Literature and Public History, Sam is also a Tapestry parent. Her passion for education and strategic planning enriches her role on the Board.

Tanya Schneerer, SPHR, Trustee
Tanya Schneerer serves as Vice President of Human Resources for a private equity firm, specializing in strategic HR leadership and diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives. Her 20+ years of experience span industries like technology and hospitality.

Tanya’s expertise in organizational growth and employee engagement aligns with Tapestry’s vision of fostering inclusive educational opportunities.