SEPAC parent leaders
SEPAC PARENT LEADERS
We are a dedicated group of parents of children receiving special education services in the Rochester City School District. We work together to support YOU, fellow parents/caregivers of children in Special Education. We are not the experts, but we can listen to your concerns and connect you with the folks that can assist you in this complicated journey. We know how difficult this can be and we want to be a support to you. We all need a village!
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.
CATHERINE BAUROTH - Parent Leader
I have been a Parent Leader since 2018. My son, born in 2007, and currently attends WOIS. I have learned to be a strong advocate because of him. It's been a process. I also have a daughter who graduated from SOTA in 2022. I have been involved in parent groups from the PTA to being on the SBPT of my kids' elementary school (School 53). Parent groups are so important! Being new to Rochester in 2003, when my daughter was a baby, I helped co-found a parent group in my neighborhood. I am also active in politics, have two small businesses, and strive to elevate under-represented voices.
I was happy to learn about SEPAC during a crisis between ourselves, my son's school and the RCSD Special Education Department. I found these women to be fierce advocates! I am proud to count myself among them, as we work together to assist the families of RCSD's most vulnerable students.
My time with all these groups has shown me the strength in a collective voice, and the impact that groups having a common bond can have on all the individuals in them. Connecting with more parents in Special Ed has been a lifeline. We'd love to see you at an upcoming meeting so you can see for yourselves!
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.
SASHA LEWIS - Parent Leader
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.
MARIA CRUZ - Parent Leader
I am a wife and the mother of two girls, a 9th grader and a 6th graders. I have been a member of SEPAC since 2019. I am also a Family Peer Advocate for The Mental Health Association of Rochester. I am a parent leader in the community and I enjoy advocating for the children in the Rochester Community. I am very passionate about giving parents a voice in every conversation that affects the future of our children.