Profession
Parent Leader, Language Access Coordinator, Interpreter
Campaign Phone
5859440994
I’m a parent with deep, lived experience in the Rochester City School District. I’ve had seven children in the district—three still attending—and all have had special needs. I’ve spent years advocating not just for my own kids, but for other families navigating a system that can often feel overwhelming.
I’ve served as PTA president at two schools, volunteered in many more, and stayed deeply engaged in our community. I lead a Cub Scout Pack and support a local Scout Troop. I’m also a parent volunteer for the League of Future Voters and a proud graduate of the Parent Leadership Training Institute (Cohort 10). For over eight years, I’ve worked with the Greater Rochester Health Foundation and Healthi Kids to push for policy changes at the local, state, and national levels.
When I’ve faced barriers, I’ve fought to find solutions—not just for my family, but for others. I’m running because I want to be part of building a system that listens, responds, and works for every child.
We need community involvement, this is not a new idea. We talk a lot about community involvement, but without real policy change, it doesn’t happen. I’ve seen good ideas get shut down because current policies don’t allow for flexibility or true partnership with families and community groups. To improve education, we need to change the policies that block progress and open up space for meaningful community engagement. I bring lived experience and a deep understanding of those barriers—and I’m ready to help break them down.
Many families turn to charter schools because they feel the district has failed them. To change that, RCSD needs to rebuild trust. That starts with clear communication, stronger family engagement, and making sure every student has access to the opportunities already available in our schools. We have incredible programs, but too many families don’t know about them—or can’t access them equitably. If we focus on holistic support and truly include families in the process, we can begin to earn back their trust and strengthen our district from within.
As a parent, I’ve seen this firsthand. COVID was traumatic—not just for students, but for entire families. Ignoring that won’t help anyone heal. Many of our kids felt abandoned or lost structure, and then were expected to return to a system that didn’t adapt to what they’d just been through. We need to meet families where they are, rebuild trust, and provide the emotional and academic support our children need to grow and thrive. Healing has to come before learning.
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Profession
Educational Consultant
Campaign Phone
5853608262
I bring over two decades of experience as a global educator, school leader, and youth program developer, including roles in the Rochester City School District and internationally. I’ve led schools, coached teachers, supported students with diverse needs, and managed systems change. My work has always centered equity, accountability, and building strong relationships, and I’m prepared to bring that same focus to the board.
While there are not new ideas, there are effective ones that can lead our district toward a path of quality education for all. I will advocate for more student-centered alternative pathways, including career and technical education, dual enrollment, and community-based learning models. I also support expanding restorative practices, culturally responsive curricula, and school-based wellness hubs that integrate academic and mental health supports. We must reimagine success beyond test scores and ensure every student sees a future in their education.
Charter schools reflect families’ desire for alternate, responsive options. RCSD must reflect on why families are leaving and focus on creating thriving district schools. That means investing in strong school leadership, improving school climate, and holding ourselves accountable for consistent excellence. Families should choose RCSD schools because they are the best option.
We need a districtwide commitment to trauma-informed care and social-emotional learning. That includes hiring more counselors and social workers, integrating mental health support into daily instruction, and partnering with local organizations to reach families. Academic recovery must be paired with healing—and we must meet students where they are, not where we wish they were.
Profession
Executive Director
Campaign Phone
5853549549
I’ve spent nearly 20 years serving youth in Rochester. As a former Youth Advocate working for a non-profit in RCSD schools, I worked closely with students, families, and educators—gaining firsthand insight into the challenges facing our school communities.
I bring direct experience supporting students on their college and career paths, along with a strong foundation in organizational leadership and systems change. I hold a Master’s in Strategic Leadership and a Bachelor’s in Social Work, and currently serve as Executive Director of a local nonprofit. I believe leadership is rooted in service.
Most importantly, I’m a proud RCSD graduate and parent of an RCSD graduate. I understand and have lived some of challenges our families face and remain deeply committed to ensuring every student has the opportunity to succeed.
We are at a critical state where we must think outside of the box concerning education in Rochester. The willingness to explore education models and identifying new and creative ways to engage our community partners will be key. We must strengthen early grade literacy by investing in reading supports and partnering with community programs to ensure every child reads at grade level by third grade. Our commitment to true authentic community and family engagement will be the key to better understanding the concerns and needs of our families to support student success from the classroom to the community.
The expansion of college and career pathways, inclusive of dual-enrollment, and vocational training, along with paid internships, would also better position students to graduate ready for real-world success. I also believe the Board of Education plays a vital role, and should increase efforts to drive systems of accountability, particularly the board level.
The primary role of charter schools in Rochester is often described as providing families with alternative educational options. However, this is a complex issue that warrants deeper examination—particularly in terms of associated costs, actual student outcomes, and the impact on district resources.
I believe the Rochester City School District must clearly demonstrate its commitment to improving student achievement. The community is calling for a focus on stability and measurable outcomes, including grade-level reading, graduation rates, and post-secondary readiness. Additionally, the district should do a better job of promoting its unique programs and opportunities, many of which remain underrecognized.
While declining enrollment presents challenges, it also offers a chance for the district to course-correct, realign resources, and strengthen its educational mission.
We must respond with a sense of ongoing urgency and empathy. The district must continue to invest in targeted academic recovery, including small-group tutoring, extended learning time, and individualized supports—especially in reading and math. We cannot afford a one-size fits all approach. We must also treat mental health as foundational, not optional. Increasing access to school counselors, social workers, and trauma-informed staff. It is important that our students feel heard, supported, and seen. Our district has many offerings in place, we must continue working to ensure there is knowledge and access.
Finally, we need to partner with families and community organizations to extend support beyond the school walls.
