The health of our union and our public schools depends on meeting the fundamental needs of the people who make them work. Our collective journey must move educators from survival to empowerment so that we can create public schools where every student thrives — no matter their ZIP code.
Before entering the classroom, I worked in journalism and in sales. Once I became a parent, I devoted a decade to raising my three children while pursuing my master’s degree at night. Across these experiences, one skill has shaped everything I do: listening. It’s what made me a better parent, educator and leader. I believe in a union that listens — to members, to families, and to the communities we serve — and then acts together.
Right now, educators across Massachusetts are facing a crisis of safety, respect and sustainability. We’re seeing unprecedented dysregulation and trauma among students, and the resulting aggression in our workplaces cannot be ignored. This is an emergency. My work on the Safe Schools for All Task Force has reinforced a basic truth: Our union must demand the tools and funding needed to create healthy learning environments. This means a fair Chapter 70 formula, equitable special‑education funding and a developmentally-responsive curriculum that meets students where they are.
The foundation of our collective journey is stability: a fair contract with livable wages and space that allows educators to teach and students to learn. As president of the Quincy Education Association, I helped rebuild that foundation by organizing 950 preK‑12 educators across 19 schools so every voice could be heard. After nearly 200 days of negotiations, we stood an hour away from a strike vote before the city finally began listening — to educators and to the families who stood beside us.
This campaign became a turning point for the QEA. Our Contract Action Team grew to 300 members, we introduced silent representatives to negotiations, and we ensured transparency through constant communication. Afterward, we built new community engagement roles and revamped school committee endorsement efforts. These weren’t just tactics — they were steps toward restoring respect and power to Quincy educators.
My commitment to stability and fairness extends beyond the preK–12 spectrum. The QEA is the only local in Massachusetts representing both preK–12 and higher education members. Working alongside Quincy College faculty and professional staff opened my eyes to how deeply connected our challenges are — underfunding, heavy workloads and constant threats to public access to learning. Our entire education ecosystem thrives only when every part of it is supported.
When educators feel secure, we can nurture belonging — the heart of any strong union. I’ve built coalitions with neighboring districts during concurrent bargaining, offered mutual aid to locals on strike, and learned that solidarity remains our greatest source of strength. We can only be in solidarity, however, when we listen to every viewpoint.
I’m running for MTA vice president to help our union listen deeply, organize powerfully and lead with the collective strength of educators across Massachusetts. Together, we can build the stability, respect and belonging that every educator and student
deserves. T
