Please share why you decided to run for the HSD Board of Education.
I love school and have always been involved in education throughout my life. I have been a high school teacher and have a degree in School Psychology. I am a professor training future educators at the University of the Arts and a Trauma Specialist stationed at a K-8 public school in North Philly through Temple University’s Philadelphia Healthy and Safe Schools program (PHASeS). I am also a grassroots organizer, both on the national and local level. I have studied how local school boards have been attacked in recent years and decided it was time for me to get involved.
Do you support the district’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion initiatives and continued compliance with NJ state laws on diversity and inclusion instruction such as the NJ Diversity & Inclusion Law, New Jersey Commission on Holocaust Education Curriculum and New Jersey Amistad Commission Education Curriculum and C.18A:35-4.35?
Yes, I support all of these important initiatives. Diversity, Equity and Inclusion can’t just be in name only - we need to ensure that we are enacting policies and creating protocols that recognize the challenges that our students face in schools, and allow space for sometimes difficult and uncomfortable conversations to be had, while also providing accountability to all of our community stakeholders. It is important to teach ALL parts of history in developmentally appropriate ways, and we should be sure to provide training, support, and materials for both educators and families to keep these conversations going.
Do you support curricular representation of LGBTQ+ perspectives, families, and history in the same age-appropriate and respectful manner that the curriculum represents cisgender and heterosexual perspectives, families, and history? We ask that you sign Unite Against Book Ban’s candidate pledge.
Yes, I wholeheartedly support curricular representation of LGBTQ+ perspectives and I strongly stand against banning books. Banning something doesn’t make it go away, it only invalidates those who identify with what is being “banned”. It is important to a child’s cognitive development, mental health, self-esteem and overall school success that they have learning materials that feature people and perspectives they can identify with.
Do you support our district’s continued compliance with all New Jersey Student Learning Standards, including the comprehensive health education standards?
Yes, I support the district's continued compliance with ALL state learning standards
Do you support the district’s focus on Social Emotional Learning?
As a trauma-informed psychotherapist, professor, and researcher, I know firsthand the importance of Mental Health and its impact on learning. When someone feels or is excluded because of who they are or how they learn it can increase distress and get in the way of learning. Social and Emotional Learning in schools is key to increasing the health and success of our students. I'm running on a platform emphasizing the need to support the mental health and overall well-being not just for students, but also for teachers, staff, administrators and the school community. Mental Health Matters for Schools to Thrive.
Is there anything else would you like voters to know about you?
I have been a lifelong resident of South Jersey. My husband, Charles, and I moved to Haddonfield in 2017 specifically so our son, CJ, could go to the wonderful schools here. I am a proud parent of a Tatem graduate and a Haddonfield Soccer Club player. I have thoroughly enjoyed building connections and community here through past volunteer positions such as Room Parent, Art Goes to School, Art Reflections and the Tatem Talent Show. It would be an honor to serve this wonderful community and advocate for ALL voices in town as a member of the Haddonfield Board of Education.