Education
Graduates Degree in Education and Applied Behavior Analysis
Experience
15 years in education, specifically in special education
From the unsettling incidents elsewhere in Bucks County, I would urge the board to rework sections 113.1 and 113.2 to emphasize the use of evidence-based, ethical practices with frequent administrative oversight. Protecting our most vulnerable population; those who often cannot self-advocate, need protections to ensure their rights and dignity are upheld. Additionally, I would like to see increased correspondence with our state and federal representatives regarding continued special education funding for our local community during an uncertain time for the federal Department of Education. In order to focus on a strong Pennridge, we need assurances that the funding we rely on will not be interrupted or eliminated.
Yes, of course! Attendance is the bare minimum citizens should expect from their school board directors and candidates. At the most recent board meeting I praised the recent EDR increase; a stipend increase for coaches, directors, and teachers of extracurricular activities. School communities, especially #PennridgeProud, benefit greatly from the extra staff time and commitment in helping students' explore their interests. Our newest addition at Pennridge: girls flag football, is already drawing a lot of attention!
I hold undergraduate and graduate degrees in education, have 15 years of school experience specializing in IEP design and implementation, am a former social studies teacher, and maintain certifications as a Licensed Behavior Specialist (LBS-PA) and Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA). I have 15+ years of experience supporting students with autism and significant training in conflict resolution and crisis intervention. More importantly, I’m a concerned parent who believes schools shape students as citizens and neighbors. I will approach decisions for our district and community with a level head, a focus on data, and a commitment to peer-reviewed research.
Education
Bachelor of Arts in English
Experience
Marketing Specialist
I would like to see a fair bidding policy introduced in Pennridge. The district should have more control over the vendors it selects to perform work on behalf of taxpayers. Some firms can take advantage of the process by underbidding and underdelivering on quality work, thereby wasting taxpayer dollars when the work needs to be fixed later down the line. Additionally, Pennridge also needs a policy like this to prevent taxpayers from paying for frivilous contracts like Vermillion Consulting in 2023. Our opponents' allies signed a contract with no cap on spending, full reimbursement for unlimited travel and meals, and no defined deliverables. We need a policy to protect taxpayers from being taken advantage of like this again in the future.
Yes, I have and am. At the most recent April board meeting, I spoke during the public comment period in support of Teachers that made a difference in my life when I attended Pennridge. I feel it's important to give our teachers, past and present, their proper recognition for all of their contributions to ours and our children's lives. Even when I haven't been able to attend meetings in person, I've been streaming them on the Ram News Network to make sure I'm up to date on the latest happenings. Of note, I'm concerned with the potential difficulties with funding that we will likely encounter as a result of the uncertainty surrounding the future of the Department of Education and online charter schools draining public school funds.
Most recently, I served as a Marketing Specialist for an e-commerce company. I have broad experience understanding budgets, planning, and communication. I graduateded from the welding class at UBCTS. I spent many years learning and crafting my trade, and understand the importance of supporting and growing the trades in Pennridge. During the early part of my career, I was also involved in education. I served as an assitant teacher in a kindergarten class for several years, and I worked as a facilities manager when not in the classroom. I have a compelling and deep background that gives me the skills I need to continue to build a school district that meets the needs of every student who attends.
Candidate has not yet responded.
Candidate has not yet responded.
Candidate has not yet responded.
Education
Associates of Fine Arts from Bucks County Community College
Experience
Laboratory management and veterinary technician
I would like to see a more robust policy on training for teachers handling mental health and behavioral issues in our schools. Mental health problems rank highest on issues for students according to the PSBA, and we should empower our teachers with the knowledge and training to support students struggling with their mental health. I have been pleased to see the district offering seminar opportunities for families to learn more about things impacting their children, such as social media awareness, but I would like to see more done to educate our teachers on handling these issues.
Yes. I appreciate the way the board recognizes outstanding students, staff, and community members during the meetings. I spoke during public comment at April's meeting in support of the increase to the Extra Duty Responsibilities pay for our extracurricular coaches and staff. These positions had not received a raise in 10 years, despite achieving successes such as high school ladies' soccer state champions. I was happy to see the board unanimously vote to approve this increase, as these staff members help our kids learn and grow outside their curricular studies, and they deserve to be appropriately compensated.
I am a former laboratory manager, where I primarily focused on process improvement, training, and compliance. There, I learned an understanding of balancing business needs with the needs of employees while working within a budget. I have lived in Bucks County for most of my life and now have a 5-year-old daughter entering Pennridge next year. I have built a career as a horse trainer and a vet assistant for an equine dentist in Bucks County. I interact with the community daily, and I get to be a part of identifying creative solutions that positively impact lives.
Education
BBA in Finance with a Minor in Healthcare Management, Temple University 2003
Experience
Skilled Nursing Care Consultant
I would work closely with Pennridge administration and teachers to ensure each policy supports all students equally. Specifically I would be interested in investigating two policies. First, Policy 105 relates to curriculum writing. I think it would be smart to add language that would prevent what occurred under the previous board, when five school board directors went against the advice of teachers and administration and allowed an outside consultant access to rewrite curriculum. Another policy I would like to look at is 115 related to the technical school. As much as possible, there should be flexibility in scheduling to allow students to take electives and foreign language at the high school, even if this means using online options.
I’ve regularly attended school board meetings since before the 2023 election, including both general and committee meetings. To support student success, board members should be active and engaged. One part of the general meetings I value is the Superintendent’s report. Dr. Berrios does a great job highlighting the accomplishments of our students, staff, and community. From sports wins to academic awards, recognizing teachers and staff members across various departments, and thanking community members—it’s inspiring to see people come together to celebrate Pennridge.
In addition to being a resident of the district since 2004, I have three children who attend Pennridge schools. I have a degree in Finance and work as a consultant in skilled nursing. Skilled Nursing is among the most, and perhaps the most regulated industry in the nation. This makes me no stranger to operating an organization within the funding constraints we face today as a district. The Commonwealth has placed unfunded mandates on our district and we must work together to achieve a successful budget that will promote academic achievements in Pennridge.
