Executive Committee
At-Large ESP member
Susan Soares
Arlington Education Assn.
I am a dedicated leader and ESP advocate, committed to professional respect, fair wages, strong benefits, safe workplaces and meaningful voices in decision-making. In 2018, I led the unionization of Arlington paraprofessionals, securing a transformative contract. In 2021, I was honored as ESP of the Year. I proudly serve on Arlington’s Board and co-lead the Rainbow Alliance. I have chaired action networks, a bargaining council and recently spoke at the State House to fight for ESP compensation. I will continue elevating ESP leadership, respect, strengthening our collective power and continue to work hard to fight for what our members deserve.
Camille Godbout-Chouinard
University Staff Assn.
In locals across the state, ESPs have secured big wins when they raised expectations and organized for power. As a Higher Ed ESP, I helped build a grassroots movement in my local centered around transparency, accountability and empowering our rank-and-file. During bargaining, we resisted management's attempts to increase workplace surveillance by educating and organizing members, which strengthened our collective power. I bring these experiences and progressive values to the MTA ESP Committee and will bring them to the Executive Committee. ESPs are vital education workers; we deserve fair pay, dignity and safe working conditions.
Executive Committee
At-Large Ethnic Minority member
ELIZABETH TYRELL
Andover Education Assn.
As an Alaska Native 8th-grade math teacher who just overcame breast cancer, I know the challenges ethnic minority educators face — extra management scrutiny, exclusive team dynamics, and cultural and linguistic bias. I also know the power of a union that rejects those dynamics and believes we’re stronger through inclusion. I’m committed to bringing the positive experiences I’ve had in Andover to the MTA and insisting every educator in the Commonwealth is treated with dignity and respect. We achieve that together through our union — fighting for our shared interests. I ask for your vote so I can help improve the MTA.
RoSA LOPEZ-WHITEHILL
Pembroke Teachers Assn.
I’m seeking your vote for the At-Large Ethnic Minority Executive Committee seat. I’m a high school Spanish teacher in Pembroke whose journey in the U.S. education system started as an ELL student. Currently, I serve on the MTA Board of Directors and EMAC Committee, and was recently elected Treasurer for the NEA Hispanic Caucus. I’m committed to removing the very obstacles I faced as a student so many years ago, while inspiring members to fulfill their leadership goals and gain agency within the union and beyond. Working together, we can create a future where diversity thrives and is celebrated.
Executive Committee Region A member
Giselle Richards-Genece
Springfield Education Assn.
I welcome the opportunity to contribute a pragmatic and informed perspective to strengthen Region A’s voice on the Executive Committee. As a leading member of the Springfield Education Association, I have served as building representative, a bargaining team member securing a recent hard-won contract victory, a current executive board member, and on Springfield’s Diversity, Inclusion and Racial Equity team. I actively engage in MTA and NEA convenings, including annual meetings, the annual NEA Representative Assembly and EMAC. I am prepared to provide governance and strategic leadership, ensure adherence to association policies, promote fiscal responsibility and represent regional and statewide interests.
Declan Kennon
Springfield Education Assn.
I’m a proud Multilingual Learners teacher at Springfield Central High School. I’m a building rep, an elected member of the SEA Executive Board and co-chair of the SEA Member Organizing Committee. My commitments are to transparency, accountability, and above all, rank-and-file power. The capability of the MTA to meet this political moment rests solely in members like you. As your candidate to the EC, I would help educators organize to win in their workplace, towns and at the state level. I’m running on the EDU slate to ensure this vision is enacted through rigorous, democratic accountability to fellow committed organizers.
