Budget 2023-2024

Children Attending/Attended Longwood Schools: 
My residency within the Longwood community started in 1997, raising 4 children. We chose to live in Longwood, because it provided both a quality education, and a diverse environment for the family.  I am proud to call Longwood our home as it has provided stability, educational opportunities, school programs, school teams, LYSA football, basketball, baseball, and friendships. Our older children have followed both the collegiate and trade school paths, and our youngest is in 7th grade. 

Education: 
My education includes a Bachelors’ in Science in Nursing from StonyBrook University, and a Master’s Degree in Business Administration from Benedictine University.  

Current Occupation/Professional and Business Experience:
I have worked as a Registered Nurse since 1995, advancing into leadership in Nursing Administration, within multiple hospitals and facilities. In addition, I responded to the tragedy of 9/11, which led me to become American Red Cross Volunteer Nurse.  

Longwood Schools/Community Involvement and Number of Years Served: 
Current community service includes the Longwood Budget Advisory, Policy & Procedure and Community Culture sub-committees. PTA member in WMI & MS, JHS throughout the years. I am also a current member of the Coram Civic Association.    

Why are you running for the Longwood BOE? 
My candidacy is to promote School and Community Excellence  

• Growth with education-To provide resources & emotional support so each child can reach their highest ability, whether their path includes college, career trade, or life skills  
• Taxpayer accountability within the school budget 
• Parental choice is a fundamental right. 
• Encourage parental participation academically & mental health well being 
• Balanced support for administration, faculty & staff, parents, and community 
• Unity in the Community-because we all have more in common than we realize  

I fully understand the impact of decisions to be made at this level, as it affects all involved, MOST importantly, our students. I appreciate your consideration to serve you on this Board.

Todays’ Leadership for Tommorrow’s Future

Children Attending/Attended Longwood Schools:  
Six of my children have graduated from the district, two of my grandchildren are
currently enrolled in the elementary school. 

Education: 
My education and experience, including a Bachelor of Science and a Master of Arts in
Music Therapy, certification New York State Certified Teaching Assistant, and Dignity
for All Students Act (DASA) Certification of Completion.

Current Occupation/Professional & Business Experience:
I am the owner of Sweet Melody Music Studio.

Longwood Schools/Community Involvement and Number of Years Served: 
I have participated in various events and programs including the Brookhaven Martin Luther King Luncheon and Town of Brookhaven Black History Program. The Gordon Heights Chamber of Commerce events and Dare To Dream Organization, a longtime member of the Brookhaven NAACP, The Rosa Parks Democratic Committee as well as The Brookhaven Town Democratic Committee Women’s Caucus. In addition, I have received numerous Community Service Awards in recognition of my community involvement. 

Why are you running for the Longwood BOE?
I’m running for the Longwood Board of Education because while working as a Substitute Teacher in the district, I’ve seen the lack of diversity in our teaching staff firsthand. I believe that addressing this issue is essential. I’m committed to working with a team of professionals who believe in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.

If you could focus your efforts and advocacy on only one issue, what would it be, why, and how would you approach? 
I will focus my efforts and advocacy on promoting diversity in our schools through a multifaceted approach, including recruitment and hiring of teachers and administrators of diverse backgrounds with diverse perspectives within the school district. 

Children Attending/Attended Longwood Schools:  
No children

Education: 
Bucknell University 1988  BS Education
Dowling College 1991 MA  Diagnosis of Reading Disabilities

Current Occupation/Professional & Business Experience:
I am recently retired from the Longwood Central School District (June ‘22).  My career began at CEW, then completed a year at West Middle Island, and returned to CEW for 10 years before spending the last 21 years at the Longwood Middle School.  During my time at Longwood, I taught Kindergarten through sixth grade. 

Longwood Schools/Community Involvement and Number of Years Served: 

• Served on CEW and Middle School Shared Decision Making Teams
• Girls Lacrosse coach from 2002 
• Athletic Supervisor for Junior High sports teams from 2005
• Teacher and Administrative interview committees
• Longwood Safety Committee member from 2018
• MITA Representative 2010 - 2018
• MITA Treasurer 2018 - 2022

Why are you running for the Longwood BOE?
After working in the LCSD for over thirty three years as a teacher and a coach, I am running for the BOE to continue to serve the students and community of Longwood.  I would like to give back to the district that has given me so much and to ensure students are on a path to graduate and be educationally equipped to lead a successful life.  

If you could focus your efforts and advocacy on only one issue, what would it be, why, and how would you approach? 
I would like to help bridge our current classrooms to curriculum and policy.  Students’ needs have changed drastically since I joined Longwood in 1988.  My experience in the classroom can be an asset on the board to give insight to the struggles that students and families are currently facing.  In these changing times, I can continue to help offer solutions with first hand knowledge of the classroom experience for our children.