About Us
About Us
President: Kate Lee president@ceaweb.org
I began teaching in 2004 in fourth grade at Regnart, my three children's home school. I taught both third and fourth there, and then moved to Faria in 2019 for a job share in fourth when I went 50% time. I've served as site rep, primary director, communications director, and on the peer review committee for CEA. I was also on the bargaining team for six years. I am honored to serve as your president for the next two years. I look forward to us working together for our union.
Vice President (Interim): Marc Kulla mkulla@hotmail.com
After a 20 year career as a software engineer I began teaching middle school in 2006. At Kennedy Middle school I have taught all math courses in 7th and 8th grades up through Geometry. I currently teach 7th grade Algebra along with two elective classes: Java Programming and Creative Media. In addition to being on Kennedy's FAC for countless years, I joined the bargaining team in 2019 and look forward to continuing in that role. I have two children, both who went through CUSD at Meyerholz (CLIP Program) and Kennedy, and on to Monta Vista in FUHSD. Both attended UC Irvine for various majors.
WE
NEED
YOU!
Treasurer: TBD in Fall Election
Info and photo coming after Fall Election!
Secretary (Interim) : Kim James kmmfisher@earthlink.net
After graduating from Los Gatos High School, completing the credential program at Humboldt State and teaching in Northern California for several years, I came back to the Bay Area. I started teaching science at Hyde Middle School, but have since switched to math. I have been teaching at Hyde for 23 years, but just recently became involved with issues happening within Cupertino. This led me to pursue more interest in CEA and how I can incorporate my interest in city issues with school issues.
I have always been involved with school leadership and felt that I could bring those skills to CEA, learn more about how our union helps all employees and continue to support fellow teachers with concerns within the district and city.
I am also a parent of two boys that have gone through CUSD and was involved with PTA as much as I could. When not involved in what my boys are up to, you may find me out in the garden or walking around our area's beautiful open spaces.
Communications Director: Laura Compton commsdirector@ceaweb.org
I graduated from schools in CUSD and now have had the opportunity to return as both a parent and employee. I've been at the district since 2010 in a variety of roles, and have spent time teaching and subbing at Blue Hills, Garden Gate, McAuliffe, Nimitz and Stocklmeir. I am currently teaching middle school students at Christa McAuiffe.
As Communications Director for CEA, I get to combine my passions for teaching and media relations. CEA has hundreds of members and hundreds of stories that can connect and unify us if they're told. I am here to facilitate telling those stories to strengthen our bonds of solidarity with members and community alike. I look forward to visiting with and hearing from many of you.
Follow us on Instagram or Facebook and join our CEA Facebook group to learn more about ways we can connect for both work and fun.
Primary Director: Jo Ann Harrington primarydirector@ceaweb.org
Bio coming soon!
Upper Grade Director: Malini Gadepally upperdirector@ceaweb.org
Info and photo coming soon!
WE
NEED
YOU!
Middle School Director: TBD in Fall Election middledirector@ceaweb.org
Info and photo after Fall Election!
Special Education Director: Helen Sung speddirector@ceaweb.org
I started my career in School/Educational Psychology in Chicago in 1990 and moved to Cupertino in 1996. I joined Cupertino Union School District ever since. I worked in 15 elementary schools and 2 middle schools throughout my experience at CUSD. I completed my doctoral research in 2007 on the influence of culture on Emotional Intelligence, which got published in School Psychology International Journal in 2010. I am also an adjunct professor at Alliant International University since 2009 in CSOE, School Psychology and Doctor of Educational Psychology Programs.
My interest and passion in promoting emotional wellbeing and mental health led me to further investigation and research. Some of my work got published in the International Journal of School-Based Family Counseling, New Direction for Teaching and Learning, and International Handbook of Psychological Well-Being in Children and Adolescents. In the past 13 years, I presented at the International School Psychology Association Conferences held in Malta, Portugal, Amsterdam, and Basel, Swiss. I also presented at the Oxford Symposium for School Based Family Counseling held in Hong Kong, England, and Venice. Recently, I presented my published work at the World Congress of Education held in Dalian, China and Sapporo, Japan. I am a member of the Advisory Board Committee for the Center for Children and Family Development with Western Institute for Social Research.
The reason why I joined CEA leadership is to support all the service providers within Special Education to be treated as professionals and uphold best practices. I hope to enhance communication and be a partner in promoting positive change.
For fun, I love to swim, hike, travel, read a good book, watch historical and k-drama, listen to music, and spend time with family and friends.
State Council and NEA Delegate Representative: Kate Lee president@ceaweb.org
I am honored to serve as the elected CEA delegate on CTA State Council which is the governing body of CTA. We meet quarterly to develop policies and governance that reflect the mission and vision of CTA and the voices of our members. I am also the elected NEA delegate for CEA and CTA California Caucu. NEA's governing body, NEA Representative Assembly, meets once a year with delegates from every state participating.
Marc Kulla: bargaining@ceaweb.org
After a 20 year career as a software engineer I began teaching middle school in 2006. At Kennedy Middle school I have taught all math courses in 7th and 8th grades up through Geometry. I currently teach 7th grade Algebra along with two elective classes: Java Programming and Creative Media. In addition to being on Kennedy's FAC for countless years, I joined the bargaining team in 2019 and look forward to continuing in that role. I have two children, both who went through CUSD at Meyerholz (CLIP Program) and Kennedy, and on to Monta Vista in FUHSD. Both attended UC Irvine for various majors.
Loren Fontinell: bargaining@ceaweb.org
I came to the classroom teaching later in life after having spent many years in a variety of jobs and worked with several different outdoor education programs. I have been with CUSD for 18 years teaching 3rd and 5th grade at Christa McAuliffe. I really appreciate the alternative education opportunities that our district offers families and our staff members. This will be my second year on the bargaining committee and I am looking forward to it. I feel like I learned a lot last year and am excited to continue our great work this year.
I have two boys, a junior and a senior in high school. They attend school at San Lorenzo Valley, which is where I live. I am one of those "over the hill" commuters. I graduated from UCSC and got my teaching credential through San Jose State.
Info and photo coming soon!
Info and photo coming soon!
Info and photo coming soon!
CTA Advisory: Jamarr Akins JAkins@cta.org
Jamarr Akins is a dynamic labor and education leader with over 15 years of experience in union advocacy, public education, nonprofit advancement, and strategic partnerships. He currently serves as a Regional Director for the California Teachers Association (CTA), where he supports local unions across the state in bargaining, organizing, and leadership development.
Jamarr’s career spans roles as a classroom teacher, instructional coach, executive union leader, and director in statewide economic education organizations. He has successfully led multimillion-dollar budgets, expanded member engagement, managed high-impact community partnerships, and advocated for equitable education policy. Known for his collaborative leadership style and commitment to justice, Jamarr brings a unique ability to build strong teams, develop emerging leaders, and drive sustainable growth.
He holds an Executive MBA from the University of Florida and a B.S. in Public Relations from Florida A&M University, graduating magna cum laude. A proud member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., Jamarr remains active in community-based advocacy and leadership initiatives throughout the state.
Jocelyn Su: jocsu_1@yahoo.com
With almost 20 years of teaching experience, Jocelyn Su has worked for CUSD for over 16 years. She’s passionate about primary and has taught K-3 at DeVargas, Nimitz, and West Valley. She is currently teaching TK at Regnart. With a BA in Sociology, a specialization in Education, and MA in Instructional Technology, this UCLA and SJSU alumnus has served on many district committees, has been awarded Teacher of the Year twice, and continues to enjoy serving on the Health and Welfare Committee. When she’s not doing something teaching related, you can find her traveling internationally with her husband and young children, doing yoga, baking, and reading non-fiction books.
Chris Roels c.roels@comcast.net
Greetings to all my fellow teachers! My name is Chris Roels, and I will be serving as your CEA Primary Grade Director this year. It is a privilege to be of service to our teaching community, and I look forward to the opportunity to hear from you and speak on your behalf.
I have been a teacher in our district since 1998- that’s 26 years of elementary school fun if you’re counting! I have taught grades K-5, and I am currently a 2-3 grade teacher at Murdock-Portal Elementary School. I started my career at Murdock-Portal, and I plan on finishing my career there in the not too distant future. I have served previously as a CEA site representative, CEA treasurer, CEA Upper Grade Director, and as one of our district Health & Welfare Committee members representing our association. In all of my school experiences, it has been my goal to help create a strong, caring community of students and adults.
On a personal level, I am married with two wonderful children and a super-cute dog. My son (8th grade) and daughter (6th grade) will both be attending Lawson Middle School this year, so wish my wife and I good luck with TWO middle school kids! I love to exercise, and my long-time passions are cycling and running. However, over the past few years, I have developed a strong addiction to golf, so feel free to ask how my game is progressing! When I have to be indoors, I enjoy watching sports of all kinds, reading mysteries and nonfiction, and playing my guitar to relax.
Melissa Hickman MELISSA@hickmanhouse.com
I have been teaching in the district for over 30 years and have taught every grade from kindergarten to 4th grade. I have been at Blue Hills all my career. I have also been on many different committees with the district. I'm happy to now be working with our health and welfare group. In my spare time I like to travel with my husband, bake, read and spend time with my family.
Haley Juarez, she/her
As a TK teacher, I love to sing and play to learn with my students. Even the youngest in our district can teach us so much if only we listen. It is a true gift to spend each day with 4-5 year olds!
It is a privilege to work alongside the amazing teachers of CUSD, supporting one another and working together to continue to improve our classrooms, schools, and communities. There is rich diversity, experiences, knowledge, and skills across our community, which is our strength and power. I look forward to continuing to learn about and advocate for the needs of our teachers, staff, students, families, and neighborhoods in pursuit of a fair, equitable, supportive, and empowering environment for all.
Laura Compton, she/her
Laura teaches at Christa McAuliffe School and is committed to creating safe and welcoming spaces where all humans can grow, learn and thrive. Her work with CEA's Human Rights Alliance includes living up to our Human Rights vision of engaging, educating and advocating for our students, staff and community, particularly the marginalized and underrepresented in pursuit of safe, just and supportive environments for all. We see you, we hear you, you belong.
Jessica Norris
Jessica Norris is a 7th grade World History teacher at Kennedy Middle School. She grew up in Lakeport - small two in Northern CA on the largest/oldest natural lake in CA. She graduated from UC Berkeley with a major in Rhetoric and a minor in Ethnic Studies, and attended Chico State for her teaching credential. She's taught middle school for 18 years. Outside of school she loves spending time with her family, cooking dishes from around the world, and watching movies.
Michelle Momii, organizing@ceaweb.org
I grew up in the foothills of Mt. Madonna on an organic apple farm in Watsonville. There, I learned hard work, responsibility, and resilience. My father believed in paying his workers a living wage and had our family participate in social justice rallies, such as ones led by Caesar Chavez and Jessie Jackson. Carrying on that legacy, I believe we as a union have strength in numbers. As the CEA Organizing Lead, l will put my efforts in facilitating teamwork amongst all members to fight for the working conditions and compensation we deserve.
Haley Juarez, she/her organizing@ceaweb.org
As a TK teacher, I love to sing and play to learn with my students. Even the youngest in our district can teach us so much if only we listen. It is a true gift to spend each day with 4-5 year olds!
It is a privilege to work alongside the amazing teachers of CUSD, supporting one another and working together to continue to improve our classrooms, schools, and communities. There is rich diversity, experiences, knowledge, and skills across our community, which is our strength and power. I look forward to continuing to learn about and advocate for the needs of our teachers, staff, students, families, and neighborhoods in pursuit of a fair, equitable, supportive, and empowering environment for all.
Nicole Gasparik
Hi, I'm Nicole Gasparik. I've been at Miller for over two decades. I look forward to working with CEA's Community Engagement Team to help build enduring connections between CUSD teachers and CUSD students and families.
PAC Chair: Steve Greenfield greenfield100s@yahoo.com
Steven Greenfield grew up in Cupertino, attended Hoover Elementary, Kennedy Jr. High, and Monta Vista High Schools. He was actively involved in baseball, football, soccer, and track. He attended West Valley Community College and transferred to San Jose State University receiving a degree in business management. In 2004, he went back to school to received his teaching credential from Santa Clara University.
As the father of three daughters that have attended Cupertino schools, he has a unique perspective as a parent but also as a former student and educator. He has been an avid volunteer within CUSD, chairman of multiple school site councils, elected to the home and school club board at their elementary school, and was chairman for several major fundraisers.
Steve started out in 2003 as a substitute teacher within CUSD and it was from these experiences that he sought his credential. After receiving his credential in 2006, he continued substituting throughout the district in various grades. He received his first teaching assignment in 2010 at Stocklmeir, working with a wonderful 2nd grade team. His current assignment is teaching 5th grade at Dilworth Elementary. He enjoys sharing his love of animals with his students, sharing in the responsibilities of their feeding and care. Steve started out as the site rep for Stocklmeir and has continued volunteering to be the CEA representative at every school he's taught. He is currently the rep for Dilworth Elementary.
(408) 257-2122 cea@ceaweb.org linktr.ee/CEATeachers