Board of Directors
Your Elected Officers
My name is Brian Westlake, and I am humbled by the opportunity to serve you and our association, the Gwinnett County Association of Educators, as your new president. For nearly two decades, I have proudly taught social studies at Berkmar High School. I consider myself a Georgian, but I grew up in Florida and moved here after serving four years in the United States Marine Corps and attending college at Florida State University. I have been an active member of GCAE/GAE/NEA most of my career—serving on the board of both GCAE and GAE, and serving as a delegate to eight NEA Representative Assemblies. I believe in the power of collective action to lift the voices of those rarely heard in policy making…the bus drivers, cafeteria workers, custodians, paraprofessionals, classroom teachers, media specialists, counselors, and other support staff who impact the lives of students everyday. When we support those who serve students, our children benefit! One of my proudest career moments was when my vision to reimagine public schools resonated with over 60,000 Georgians who trusted me with their vote for State School Superintendent. I now look forward to working together with you to build the schools our children truly deserve! In solidarity always and forever!
I'd be remiss if I did not thank our outgoing officers for their past service to our association. Thank you!
Hey, Y’all! Thank you for choosing me to be your VP of GCAE! I am a 20 year educator in grades 6-12, and Higher Education, I have been a steward of NEA, FEA, and two locals in Florida. I have been a building rep, a local delegate, a FEA delegate, and on two bargaining committees. During my two years in Gwinnett County I have been active with GCAE. I have been an acting VP, a delegate to GAE and NEA, and the chair of the organizing committee where we have increased membership by 25%. We also hosted our first ever member appreciation picnic in May of 2021! Our outreach has increased by 178%, earning us recognition within the county and the community. I am honored to be a voice for every Educational Professional where all policies are made.
On a personal note, I have five beautiful, adult children and two grandchildren with my husband of 25 years. I love to read, camp, and tour my new home of Gwinnett! I look forward to working with each of you as we rebuild this union into the largest professional organization within the state of GA!
When you elected me as Director for District 2 in GAE, I was (and continue to be) honored and humbled by your readiness to step forward with me on behalf of our schools and students. To ensure that GCAE's affairs are safely seen to at home, I am thankful for your vote electing me as Treasurer for the Gwinnett County Association of Educators.
COMMUNICATIONS SECRETARY
District II DIrector
Dana Poole
Transportation Bus Manager, Collins Hill Cluster
As an Officer of GCAE, I look forward to being a much needed voice for Bus Mgrs., and Monitors. I currently serve as a SPED Bus Driver for the Central and Collinshill Clusters, and it is with great honor that I continue to serve the GCPS Community with fellow Board Members.
RECORDING SECRETARY
Central Gwinnett Cluster Leader
Jennifer Wurschinger
Teacher, Central Gwinnett HS
I am happy to serve Gwinnett Association of Educators as Recording Secretary. I have worked in Gwinnett County Public Schools as a social studies teacher for 15 years. I currently teach social studies at Central Gwinnett High School. I am committed to promoting pride and dignity among those who serve the students of Gwinnett County Public Schools.
Board of Directors
Melissa Biegler
Shiloh Cluster Leader
Teacher, Anderson-Livsey ES
Barbara Boyles
South Gwinnett Cluster Leader
Bus Driver, South Gwinnett Cluster
Frank Buckley
Discovery Cluster Leader
Teacher, Richards MS
Laura Cronic
Parkview Cluster Leader
Bus Driver, Parkview Cluster
Joe Gamble
Brookwood Cluster Leader
Teacher, Five Forks MS
April Gann
Collins Hill Cluster Leader
Teacher, Collins Hill HS
Leslie Grubbs
Grayson Cluster Leader
Teacher, Trip ES
Vance Harper
Duluth Cluster Leader
Bus Driver, Duluth Cluster
Veron "Captain Mike" Martin
Board Member
Bus Driver, Berkmar Cluster
Gissia Nunez
Organizing Committe Chair, GCAE FPE Treasurer
Teacher, ITC @ Berkmar HS
Elise Sheppard
Peachtree Ridge Cluster Leader
Teacher, Parsons MS
Sherri Thomas
Berkmar Cluster Leader
Teacher, Sweetwater MS
Jasmyne Thomas
Paraprofessional Representative At-Large
Paraprofessional, Sweetwater MS
Gail Thompson
Norcross Cluster Leader
Teacher, Chattahoochee ES
Char Wells
Meadowcreek Cluster Leader
Teacher, Meadowcreek ES