SEPAC parent leaders

CHERYL CARLETON - President

I joined the Special Education Parent Advisory Council in the summer of 2017 when SEPAC was being created by RCSD Administrators that saw a need for a special education parent group. I currently serve as President. I am the mother of two children – Christina (born in 2005) and Matthew (born in 2006 with Down syndrome), both of whom currently attend the Rochester City School District. I also served as President of the PTO at my daughter's elementary school for several years. I am a fierce advocate for children with special needs and continue to advocate for others.

I also serve as Vice President of Flower City Down Syndrome Network, a local not-for-profit that supports families with Down syndrome, as well as Chair of Social Group Programming, and have served on the Board of FCDSN since 2008, also serving as President for 4 years. I enjoy planning and participating in the many social events and fundraisers on behalf of FCDSN.

I work as a paralegal downtown and spend most of my “extra” time advocating for and supporting parents and families with similar circumstances as mine. My passion for advocacy grows each year as I see the growing need for families to be supported, informed and educated on the rights of children with special needs.

I truly enjoy camping with my family and friends, scrapbooking, photography, outdoor activities and spending time with my children, friends and large supportive family.

MIEISHA GRANT - Parent Leader

I'm a mom of 4 children. Three of my children have special needs and attend the Rochester City School District. I reached out to SEPAC in the Fall of 2017 as I needed help. In that time I met a bunch of wonderful women who have held my hand and went through the battles with me. Now my children are at schools and in programs they love. I have served as a Parent Leader of SEPAC since 2017.

DIAMONIQUE SANTIAGO - Parent Leader

I'm momma to a brilliant 3rd grader in the RCSD's ASD program. I joined SEPAC as a Parent Leader in the Spring of 2020, however I have been a participant of SEPAC since 2018. I started attending SEPAC meetings  because I strongly believe that it is my responsibility to be a part of the change I wish to see in the world. I dream of a equitable world for my son, one where he has all of services, supports, and resources he needs to be successful. In the process of advocating for him, I hope to facilitate changes that benefit all children in our district.