About

ABOUT

Wakefield Schools Foundation is a 501c3 non-profit organization.

With the ability to use funding for a variety of purposes such as providing teachers and enrichment programs from literacy specialists and language teachers to art programs and teaching assistants, school foundations enable communities to raise funds and direct them to the schools for specific needs and innovative projects that are not otherwise funded through state and local funding.

GOALS

The Wakefield Schools Foundation (WSF) recognizes the importance of STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) education in providing diverse learning opportunities that engage and inspire all students. Our goal is to support and enhance educational experiences by funding sustainable programs, resources, and positions that may not otherwise be available through traditional school funding sources.

Expand Access to STEAM Education

Provide students across all Wakefield schools with meaningful opportunities to explore STEAM disciplines through innovative programs, hands-on learning experiences, and enrichment opportunities.

Fund Sustainable Programs and Positions

Invest in long-term educational initiatives, staffing, and resources that strengthen STEAM instruction and create lasting impact for students and teachers.

Support Academic Excellence

Enhance student achievement by providing access to programs, technology, and experiences that foster critical thinking, creativity, collaboration, and problem-solving skills.

Strengthen Community Partnerships

Build relationships with local businesses, families, alumni, and community leaders to create a network of support for Wakefield schools and their students.

Promote Equity and Opportunity

Ensure all students have access to high-quality STEAM experiences regardless of background, helping prepare them for future educational and career opportunities.

Cultivate a Culture of Innovation

Encourage curiosity, creativity, and lifelong learning by supporting programs that inspire students to explore new ideas and develop real-world skills.

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Meet The Board Of Directors

Helen

O’Shaughnessy

President

Helen has lived in Raleigh for more than twenty-five years, with the last eight years in the Wakefield area. Helen is a partner at Wake Family Law Group in Raleigh.

Helen’s daughter attends the Wakefield schools. Helen has been involved with the PTA at her daughter’s former elementary school, having served on various board positions, including President. Presently, Helen serves on the PTSA at Wakefield Middle School as the VP of Fundraising. Helen is also actively involved in Girl Scouts as a co-leader.

Helen believes that through the Wakefield Schools Foundation we can provide additional arts and STEAM opportunities for all Wakefield children that otherwise would not be possible and that strong school communities lead to stronger communities generally.

Heather

Morell

Treasurer

Heather Morell is an operations and business leader with more than 20 years of experience in finance, strategy, and organizational development. She has held leadership roles across Fortune 500 companies and high-growth organizations, helping teams improve performance, drive growth, and strengthen financial accountability.

Heather is passionate about supporting students, educators, and families through strong public schools and community engagement. As Treasurer of the Wakefield Schools Foundation, she leverages her financial and operational expertise to help ensure the Foundation’s resources are managed responsibly and effectively to maximize impact across the Wakefield school community.

Heather lives in Wakefield with her wife and their children and is proud to serve an organization dedicated to enriching educational opportunities for local students

Michelle

Tomlinson

Director of Development

Michelle and her husband have proudly called the Wakefield community home since 2006. Their three children have attended Wakefield schools since kindergarten and are now students at NC State University, Wakefield High School, and Wakefield Elementary School.

A dedicated advocate for public education, Michelle has been actively involved in the Wakefield school community for many years, serving in various PTA leadership roles and as a member of the WCPSS Board Advisory Committee. She is passionate about building strong partnerships between schools, families, and the community to create meaningful opportunities for students to thrive.

Professionally, Michelle serves as Director of Operations for a local real estate team, where she specializes in strategic planning, organizational leadership, and operational excellence.

Michelle believes in the power of community investment to enhance educational experiences and is excited about the impact the Wakefield Schools Foundation can have in supporting academic excellence and enriching opportunities for students across all Wakefield schools.

Committees

School Community Liaison

Chris Merrin is pleased to serve as School Liaison for the Wakefield Schools Foundation. She is passionate about strengthening school programs that incorporate STEAM, since her son participated in many of these programs when he was a Wakefield student. Chris currently teaches second grade at Wakefield Elementary and serves as the chairperson of the Wakefield Strong committee. She has been a member of the Wakefield community since 2007.

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