Meet the Candidates: December 2025

How many years have you lived in the South Orangetown Central School District? 
I am a committed community member for the past 3 years with two grandchildren who attend SOCSD schools 

What is your post-secondary educational and employment/professional background? After 31 years of dedicated service to the NYC Board of Education, I recently retired as an elementary school principal. I began my career as a teaching assistant while working toward my education degree. Upon obtaining my teaching degree, I taught at both elementary and middle school levels and eventually became an administrator. For approximately 18 years, I led my school as principal, serving grades PreK-5 and guiding it to become the first authorized International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme (PYP) school in the NYC Board of Education. Under my leadership, the school embraced the PYP International Baccalaureate philosophy, which emphasizes transdisciplinary connections and inquiry-based learning. I inspired teachers and students alike to engage thoughtfully with the curriculum, fostering global-mindedness through curiosity and critical thinking.

What is your vision for public education in our community? As a passionate advocate for quality education, I am seeking a position on the school board to help ensure that every child receives the resources and support that they need to thrive academically and socially. This would include exposing them to various educational experiences and tapping into their strengths and interests, while also meeting their individual needs. In particular, students with special needs who require dedicated support and advocacy. I am committed to ensuring our district provides inclusive programs, resources, and opportunities that meet the needs of all learners. Additionally, I will work to foster a respectful, positive, and collaborative culture both within our schools and in our board meetings, ensuring all voices are heard and valued. Together, we can continue to build a district where every child and family feels welcome and supported.

What are your priorities in terms of policy and governance? 1. Stronger Instruction for All:
I will champion evidence-based instruction for both literacy and mathematics, support teacher training, and advocate for students to receive targeted instruction to help ensure that every child becomes a confident reader, mathematician, and critical thinker.
2. Support for Students with Diverse Needs:
Every student deserves access to quality education. I’ll be a proponent of resources, inclusion, and individualized instructional support for students with special needs.
3. Building a Positive School Culture:
I’ll uplift our community's call to restore respect, collaboration, and open dialogue on our board, keeping the focus on our kids, not politics or division.

What experiences and expertise have prepared you to serve as a Board of Education member? As a principal for 18 years, I worked tirelessly to build and sustain strong partnerships with the Parent Teacher Association, superintendent, and district school board representatives. By prioritizing consistent communication, full transparency, and mutual trust, I fostered a collaborative environment that led to measurable improvements in student success and school climate. Through proactive outreach, open dialogue, and a commitment to keeping families informed, respected, and involved, we created a school culture where all stakeholders, parents, educators, and district leaders worked together as one inclusive team. These relationships enabled effective decision-making and delivered meaningful results for our students.
As a school board representative, I will bring the same dedication, collaboration, leadership, and deep respect for all voices in our community. I am committed to advancing policies that support academic excellence, equity, and the well-being of every child.