Current job title: K-8 educator / literacy coach
Local: North Bergen Federation of Teachers / AFT Local 1060
Union positions: NBFT Vice President
AFTNJ Pre-K to 12 Vice President
My union story: When I began my teaching career in 2001, the idea of a union already ran through my blood. I honestly knew no other way. My dad was an active member in his union throughout my childhood, so it was the talk of our dinner table, our way of life.
I became a building rep as soon as I received tenure in 2004 and became a vice president of North Bergen Federation of Teachers in 2014. Since then, I have attended AFT national conventions, AFTNJ legislative conferences, TEACH conferences, the AFT Civil, Human, and Women’s Rights Conference, and the AFT Summer Institute. My time serving has taught me to listen, to be present, to be consistent, to be strong.
Career highlights/achievements: I have a BA in Elementary Education and Psychology from Seton Hall University and a MA in Reading from Nova Southeastern University. The first year of my career was spent teaching 7th-8th grade science. Since then I have taught grades 1-4 and spent 12 years as a literacy coach. I began facilitating an AFT PD course titled “Strategies for Student Success” in 2021.
Interests/hobbies: I am a mom to two beautiful girls (and our fur babies) who keep me quite busy! When freed up from sports, my husband and I enjoy traveling and finding amazing culinary experiences.