Affinity Spaces

Workshop Description: This is an intentional, safer spaces for AAIP students to gather with others who share that identity, so that we can talk more openly about our experiences and needs, and think about how we can support each other better. 

Participants can expect: Discussion

This workshop is offered: PM, sessions 3 & 4

Content Level: Beginner

Speaker Bio: Emily Peterson is a Universal Culture & Climate Coach with MMSD.  She is the proud mom of 2 children and 2 dogs.  She loves to travel and eat good food. 

Workshop Description: This is an intentional, safer spaces for Biracial students to gather with others who share that identity, so that we can talk more openly about our experiences and needs, and think about how we can support each other better. 

Participants can expect: Discussion

This workshop is offered: AM, sessions 1 & 2

Content Level: Beginner

Speaker Bio: Chelsey Tubbs is Associate Superintendent of Schools, Madison Metropolitan School District. Previously, Chelsey served as the Deputy Chief of Elementary Schools for the Madison Metropolitan School District in Wisconsin. In this role, she supported the Chief of Schools by taking on significant responsibilities related to building the capacity and evaluating principals, providing strategic quality support to and supervision of schools while leading for racial equity and Black Excellence through effective instructional leadership and change management. She began her career as an elementary public school teacher in New York City. During her years in New York, she served in several roles from teacher to principal in the South Bronx, Harlem, and Brooklyn in both elementary and middle schools. She was the recipient of New York City's Chancellor's Big Apple Award for Teacher Excellence. 

Workshop Description: This is an intentional, safer spaces for Black students to gather with others who share that identity, so that we can talk more openly about our experiences and needs, and think about how we can support each other better. 

Participants can expect: Discussion

This workshop is offered: AM, sessions 1 & 2

Content Level: Beginner

Speaker Bio: Cynthia Moore's career began in Madison, at Mendota Elementary School as their School Social Worker and then later became their PBIS coach. My commitment to enact justice at both the individual and systemic level transitioned into my current role as the District Lead for Culture & Climate. I am a  Restorative Justice trainer, and circle keeper working from the Central Office.  My vision is to continue to lift and restore justice in education.

Workshop Description: This is an intentional, safer spaces for Jewish students to gather with others who share that identity, so that we can talk more openly about our experiences and needs, and think about how we can support each other better. 

Participants can expect: Discussion

This workshop is offered: PM, sessions 3 & 4

Content Level: Beginner

Speaker Bio: Shahanna McKinney-Baldon is an Evaluator and Clinical Program Mentor at Wisconsin Center for Education Research at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. She has held leadership roles with public education and Jewish community organizations. 

Workshop Description: Este es un espacio intencional y más seguro para que los estudiantes latinos se reúnan con otros que comparten esa identidad, para que podamos hablar más abiertamente sobre nuestras experiencias y necesidades, y pensar en cómo podemos apoyarnos mejor unos a otros.

This is an intentional, safer spaces for Latine students to gather with others who share that identity, so that we can talk more openly about our experiences and needs, and think about how we can support each other better. 

Participants can expect: Discussion

This workshop is offered: AM, sessions 1 & 2

Content Level: Beginner

Speaker Bio: Eugenia nació y creció en la Ciudad de México y lleva 16 años viviendo en los Estados Unidos. Ella es Mamá, creativa, ama cocinar, y sobre todo ama sus raíces y cultura mexicana y costarricense. Eugenia es la Directora del departamento de Justicia Restaurativa para la YWCA Madison. En colaboración con su equipo, trabaja para erradicar respuestas de castigo en la escuela y en el sistema judicial juvenil. También trabaja en colaboración con educadores, trabajadores sociales, y familias, en cambiar nuestra mentalidad y crear juntes una cultura restaurativa enraizada en los valores de la compasión, la dignidad y la pertenencia para todes!

Born and raised in Mexico City, Eugenia is a Mama, a creative, a cook, and  lover of her roots and Cultura from Mexico and Costa Rica. Eugenia is the Restorative Justice Program Director for the YWCA Madison. She collaborates with her team in eradicating punitive responses in the school and juvenile justice systems and works with educators, social services providers, and families, on shifting mindset and co-create a restorative culture grounded on the values of compassion, dignity, and belonging for all. 

Workshop Description: This is an intentional, safer spaces for LGBTQ+students to gather with others who share that identity, so that we can talk more openly about our experiences and needs, and think about how we can support each other better. 

Participants can expect: Discussion

This workshop is offered: AM, sessions 1 & 2

Content Level: Beginner

Speaker Bio: 

Hi!  I'm Mr. M. You've seen me in the halls wearing suspenders.   I've been teaching in the district for about 20 years.  Currently I am a faculty advisor for West's GSA.  I'm a gay man, and have always been out at school because I feel representation and visibility is important.  I'm happy to share this queer affinity space with my queer extended fam and allies. 

John Peschl (he/him) is MMSD's LGBTQIA+ Teacher Leader. John is in his 28th year of education, driven by the urgent need to help create safe learning environments and opportunities of all students, especially LGBTQIA+ youth. Outside of work, he enjoy traveling with my husband, Elliott, taking walks with his dog, Manny, binging tv shows, and reading queer fiction and mystery books.

Workshop Description: This is an intentional, safer spaces for MENASA students to gather with others who share that identity, so that we can talk more openly about our experiences and needs, and think about how we can support each other better. 

Participants can expect: Discussion

This workshop is offered: PM, sessions 3 & 4

Content Level: Beginner

Speaker Bio: My name is Mouna Algahaithi and I’m a local facilitator, educator and community organizer. I spent years growing up in Madison on and off and have been here for the last ten years. I graduated from West and it brings me joy to come back and connect with current students. I currently work at PBS Wisconsin as an Early Learning Specialist. 

Workshop Description: This is an intentional, safer spaces for White students to gather with others who share that identity, so that we can discuss ways to contribute to shifting, changing and growing - in terms of equity, justice, and community building.

Participants can expect: Discussion

This workshop is offered: PM, sessions 3 & 4

Content Level: Beginner

Speaker Bio: Mike Wolfgram is the Restorative Justice Coordinator at Madison West.  He has over 20 years of experience as an educator in MMSD.  He has 3 children and enjoys sports and being outside.  He is also the head football coach at Madison West.