Welcome to
Monmouth Beach Education Foundation
Learn more
Monmouth Beach Education Foundation
The Monmouth Beach Education Foundation (MBEF) is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization founded in 2024 whose mission is dedicated to enhancing the educational experience of all Monmouth Beach School students. Through community fundraising and an annual collaborative grant process, the MBEF provides funding for innovative projects, initiatives and equipment that enrich the curriculum and the learning environment for the Monmouth Beach School.
About Us
Courtney Wladyka
Co President
Michael Melando
Board Member
Colleen Campbell
Board Member
Jason Melando
Treasurer
Kristina Schmelz
Secretary
Burt Barham
Board Member
Courtney grew up in Illinois and earned a degree in Marketing from U of I. She worked as a Marketing Director at Food Network Magazine where she collaborated with Fortune 500 Advertisers to create integrated content across a 360 platform. Since moving to MB from NYC, she has been an active member in the community through various fundraisers and events including the Griffin Street Playground Fundraiser, Shore to Help Golf Outing, Beachstock Concert and the Monarch Beach Awareness Campaign. She is currently a Director of the MB PTO 5K and a member of the MB Shade Tree Commission. She resides in Monmouth Beach with her husband Joe and four children - Lillian, Joey, Benny and Penelope.
Jason has spent the past 20+ years working in financial planning, risk management and insurance in both NY and NJ. After living in NY for over a decade he relocated back to his home county of Monmouth Beach where he now lives with his wife Emma and two boys, Harry and Max . He is committed to the MB community, currently serving as the Co-Chair of the Monmouth Beach Rec Committee managing the soccer program and works with a fantastic team to enhance and expand the rec offerings, establishing great new initiatives for residents to enjoy. In his spare time, he coaches soccer and basketball, enjoys the beach whether it be right here at home, in Hawaii or in Australia.
Kristina grew up in MB and graduated from MBS (Class of 1996). She received her undergraduate degree from the University of Chicago and her law degree from the Cardozo School of Law. She worked as a trial attorney for the Committee for Public Counsel Services in Boston and the Office of the Public Defender in Freehold, NJ before returning to work for her family’s businesses Sea View Auto Corp. and Sea Breeze Ford as in-house counsel. She has been a member of the MB Planning Board for 5 years and was recently appointed to the Monmouth Beach Recreation Committee. Kristina has coached numerous Shore Rec soccer and basketball teams and also currently coaches her sons’ U9 travel soccer team. Kristina lives in MB with her husband Ryan Farissier and their 3 kids Mikey, Nate and Eliza
Michael grew up in Kearny, New Jersey, with roots in Bayonne. After earning his bachelor’s degree from New York University he chose education as a pursuit, earning a master’s degree in school administration from Regent University. A teacher for ten years, and a school administrator for fourteen, he is native to the partnerships between community and public schools. Michael, his wife Lauren and son Gavin became residents of Monmouth Beach in 2016. Michael has also been a member of the Monmouth Beach Recreation Committee for five years.
Burt grew up in Monmouth Beach where he attended Monmouth Beach School (Class of 1994) and went on to attend high school at Christian Brothers Academy. He received his bachelors in Business Management at Monmouth University. He is the Principal of his family’s mechanical contracting company, Barham Mechanical Group. Burt is a board member for the Jersey Shore University Medical Center Foundation. He resides in Monmouth Beach with his wife Annie and their two sons, Tommy and Beau.
Colleen Campbell is a dedicated mother of three—Kevin (6), Kyle (4), and McKenna (2)—viewing motherhood as her most important role. Professionally, she is a seasoned executive with over 13 years of experience in translating long-term vision into actionable strategies across various industries, including health & wellness, sports, financial, and media. She has successfully launched brands and managed growth opportunities, earning recognition as a partnership creator and brand builder with notable work for billion-dollar brands like Under Armour, AMEX, Equinox, SoulCycle, and the recent PIF-funded project Kayanee in the Middle East. With a deep passion for education, supported by a master’s in secondary education, Colleen values the efforts to equip children for success and continually seeks ways to further support schools and their teams.
Events
Grants
We Look Forward to Hearing Your Ideas!
The MBEF is looking to provide funding in the form of grants for
innovative projects, initiatives, and equipment that enrich the
curriculum and learning environment within the Monmouth Beach
School when State, local or other funds are not available.
Teachers, administrators and staff members are eligible to apply for
grants from the MBEF.
Please contact Board Member Courtney Wladyka with any questions: MBEFoundation@icloud.com.
Please note, all grants require superintendent approval
Grant Cycle Opens June 17th! We look forward to hearing your
suggestions and partnering with you for the 2024-2025 school year!
MBEFoundation@icloud.com