1. How long have you been living in Poughkeepsie?

• My boys and I moved to the City of Poughkeepsie in May 2019. In partnership with Habitat for Humanity of Dutchess County, we became homeowners in Ward 5.

2. Education: B.S.S., Human Services from Southern New Hampshire University

• I hold a Bachelor of Social Sciences in Human Services.

3. Occupation: Family Resource Specialist for ECCSI at Astor Services, Inc.

• I work as a Family Resource Specialist for ECCSI at Astor Services, Inc. My role involves providing support and resources to families in need to improve their overall health and well-being.

4. Community Involvement:

• Since the age of 15, I've been deeply involved in community initiatives aimed at supporting youth and families. From founding youth-led programs like Rebels with a Cause to working with organizations like Outward Bound, I've been committed to creating opportunities for young people to thrive.

5. Why are you interested in becoming a Board of Education Member?

• My interest in serving on the Board of Education stems from my passion for supporting families and children, particularly those facing challenges similar to what I've experienced. I want to ensure that all students have access to quality education and opportunities for success, regardless of their background or circumstances.

6. What is your connection to the school district?

• My connection to the school district is personal and ongoing. I'm a parent of three sons, with one having already graduated from PHS and two currently attending. My involvement in the district extends beyond being a parent; I'm also a board member, deeply committed to ensuring the best possible educational experience for all students.

7. What skills or attributes would you bring to the Board?

• With my background in social services, community organizing, and youth development, I bring a unique perspective to the Board. My experiences have equipped me with skills in leadership, advocacy, and navigating complex systems, which are invaluable in addressing the diverse needs of our students and families.

8. What do you consider the most important issue(s) in the school district?

• I believe that addressing equity and ensuring every student has access to a high-quality education is paramount. Additionally, supporting students who may be disengaged from traditional schooling and providing alternative learning experiences is crucial for their success. Moreover, fostering a supportive environment for families facing challenges is essential for the well-being of our entire community.

1. How long have you been living in Poughkeepsie?
   • I was born and raised in Poughkeepsie.  I was born in 1972 and was away for school and my Department of the Defense employment from 1992 - 1997.  I returned for 4 years then moved to the Bronx from 2001 - 2020, returning to Poughkeepsie in January 2020.  
2. Education
   • I am a Poughkeepsie High School graduate (class of 1990). I attended Mercy University for my undergraduate degree in Behavioral Science. My first master's degree in special education was earned at City College of New York (CCNY) and my second master's degree was earned at Baruch College in Educational Leadership.
3. Occupation
   • I am an Administrative Assistant Superintendent for the New York City Public Schools out of the Office of Safety & Youth Development. I am also an adjunct professor at City College of New York in the Education and Leadership Department.
4. Community Involvement
   • I am involved in any way I can be for the children of Poughkeepsie. I show up for events and donate my resources to causes that will increase student engagement, social-emotional skills and joy for youth.
5. Why are you interested in becoming a Board of Education Member?
   • My grandfather, Peter Ulbrandt, a proud Poughkeepsie native taught me to never forget where I came from...to always give back to the community and stay true to my purpose. Being a Trustee will allow me to bring my knowledge in the field of education to collaborate with the governance team and assist in strengthening policy in the Poughkeepsie City School District (PCSD). Additionally, I will have the opportunity to connect the passion I have for the success of youth and my love for my hometown.
6. What is your connection to the school district?
   • I am a resident of Poughkeepsie, a graduate of Poughkeepsie High School, and a former administrator in the PCSD.
7. What skills or attributes would you bring to the Board?
   • As an educator, I bring relevant knowledge and experience to the team, especially around special education, social-emotional learning and positive youth development. I am tenacious, persevering through obstacles and recognizing that through struggles comes strength. I believe in parents being empowered in the academic and social aspects of their child's life. I thrive on systems and data with a result-driven mindset. In this work, it is important to be methodical yet flexible.  As a Trustee, I will be able to advocate from the lens of an educator, administrator, parent, and community member. 
8. What do you consider the most important issue(s) in the school district?
   • Safety and the importance of social-emotional learning opportunities for the children is a centralized issue and concern.

1. How long have you been living in Poughkeepsie?
   • 36 years
2. Education:
   • AS in Business Administration, BA in Technology from the  American InterContinental University 
3. Occupation:
   • Self-Employed
4. Community Involvement:

   • My dedication to community involvement is deeply ingrained in my commitment to serving as a Poughkeepsie City School Board Member. As the co-founder and co-director of "The Mighty Young Techs" after-school program, I have been actively engaged with parents, students, educators, and community members for years. Through this program, and as a community activist for over 30 years, I have had the privilege of collaborating with local businesses, organizations, and volunteers to provide innovative S.T.E.A.M. opportunities to students within our district.

     Furthermore, my decision to homeschool some of my children speaks to my proactive approach to addressing community needs. Rather than passively accepting the status quo, I took action to ensure that my children received the quality education they deserved.

     As a member of the Poughkeepsie City School Board, I will continue to prioritize community involvement by fostering open communication, soliciting feedback, and actively seeking input from all stakeholders. I believe that true progress can only be achieved through collaboration and partnership with the community. Together, we can work towards creating a school district that we can all be proud of—one that provides every student with the opportunity to succeed.

5. Why are you interested in becoming a Board of Education Member?
   • As a parent deeply invested in the educational well-being of our community's children, I am compelled to take action. Having experienced firsthand the shortcomings of our school district, including poor leadership and unacceptable educational outcomes, I believe it's time for change. My goal as a Poughkeepsie City School Board Member is to advocate fiercely for the needs of all students, ensuring they receive the quality education they deserve. By serving on the board, I can bring a fresh perspective and actively work towards meaningful improvements that benefit every child in our district.
6. What is your connection to the school district?
   • While I did not attend school within this district, my connection to it is multifaceted. For the last 36 years I have been a community activist in Poughkeepsie. As a parent of five children, some of whom attended schools in this district while others were homeschooled, I have a vested interest in seeing our schools thrive. Additionally, I have been an active member of the community, I help run the highly successful after-school program, "The Mighty Young Techs," one the most successful in the history of the school district, which has brought innovative S.T.E.A.M. opportunities to students within the district.
7. What skills or attributes would you bring to the Board?
   • I have worked as a substitute teacher in the Poughkeepsie City School District. My experience as the co-founder and co-director of "The Mighty Young Techs" after-school program has equipped me with valuable skills and attributes that I would bring to the Poughkeepsie City School Board. These include leadership, innovation, and a proven track record of implementing successful educational initiatives. I am adept at identifying and addressing the needs of diverse learners, fostering a supportive learning environment, and collaborating effectively with stakeholders to achieve common goals. Additionally, my commitment to ethical leadership and accountability ensures that I will prioritize the best interests of students and the community at all times. 
8. What do you consider the most important issue(s) in the school district?
   • The most critical issue facing our school district is the urgent need for transformative leadership, transparency and accountability. For far too long, our district has languished at the bottom of state rankings, failing to provide our students with the quality education they deserve. This stems from poor leadership, unethical behavior among administrators, and a lack of innovation in addressing systemic issues. It's imperative that we hire the right people who are not only qualified but also share a genuine commitment to serving the needs of our students and community. By prioritizing effective leadership and accountability, we can begin to address the root causes of our district's challenges and work towards creating a brighter future for all students.