Bio Sketches and Names were printed exactly as they were submitted. Candidates are listed below alphabetically.
Bio sketches for HCEA Officer were limited to 100 words. Board of Director, MSEA, and NEA Delegate were limited to 55 words.
Voting begins online on January 30th and ends February 17th.
Please visit the MSEA election webpage for more information on the candidates for MSEA and NEA positions.
HCEA President & Delegate to the MSEA and NEA Rep Assemblies: 1 (one) seat- a three-year term (2023 -2026)
Benjamin Schmitt
I’ve been an art educator in HCPSS for 25 years. During this time, I’ve written curriculum for the system and NEH. I’ve attended numerous workshops for the NEH and MAEA to improve my craft. As an association leader, I’ve attended Rep Councils and leadership training for MSEA and NEA. On the HCEA Board and as current HCEA Vice-President, I’ve represented members on Organizing and Membership Committees, Negotiations, and by speaking to system, government, and BOE leaders. I want to continue representing you and the hard work of President Morris, moving the association forward. Please vote for me for HCEA President. Click here to view Ben’s election flyer.
John Wallace
Howard County native and resident. Proud father of a senior and son of an educator. Educator and organizer for 20+ years. I have an extensive record of grassroots organizing & activism. I have represented educators and state employees as an ATF union staffer (MD and NM) through contract enforcement, negotiations, arbitrations, impasse, and through the legislative process. My priority is to serve and empower educators. I am committed to the MD Blueprint and getting the necessary resources (in and out of the classroom). Together we will build relationships and create actionable and positive change. Our presence is power! Click here to view John’s election flyer.
HCEA Vice President & Delegate to the MSEA and NEA Rep Assemblies: 1 (one) seat- a three-year term (2023-2026)
Teri Dennison
HCEA Board of Directors & Delegate to MSEA Rep Assemblies: 4 (four) seats- each a two year term (2023-2025)
Kathleen MacLaughlin
As an active building rep for the last 15 years (8 in HCEA), a regular delegate to the MSEA and NEA conventions, and an enthusiastic apple ballot volunteer, I know how important it is to be engaged in the union. I’d like to continue to grow my activism through HCEA. Click here to view Kathleen’s election flyer.
Rebecca Otte
I’m a 5th grade teacher, former building rep and current HCEA Director. I’ve served as co-chair of HCEA’s Government Relations committee since 2018 and been elected a delegate to MSEA RA five times and NEA RA three times. Advocacy is a passion of mine, with a particular interest in LGBTQIA+ rights and mental health.
Casey Retterer
Science teacher at OMHS and HCEA member since 2008. NBCT for Physics since 2019. Building Rep since sometime in the mid 2010s. Organizing Committee member and election interview panelist. Doing the work advocating and fighting for all of our students and staff.
Samuel Walters
WLHS Science Paraeducator, Co-Chair MSEA ESP Organizing Committee which developed ESP Bill of Rights, HCEA- BoD since 2019, Committees-Negotiations 2019-22, Reopening MOU, NEARA 2020-22, NEAESP Conference 2019-2022, MSEA Convention 2020-22, Summer Leadership(SLC) 2019-22, Collective Bargaining(CBC) 2019-22. Pay Equity/Living Wage presentations – CBC 20/21/22, SLC22, Civil/Human Rights 2022, NEAESP 2022 and 13 ESP BoR Organizing/Listening sessions.
Jen Wilson
I am committed to advocating for the members of HCEA so they can support our students and other staff members. I am a Building Representative, a member of the GR and Organizing Committees, and a Delegate to the MSEA Rep Assembly & NEA Assembly. I ask for your vote to continue to serve our members.
HCEA Delegate to the MSEA Rep Assembly: Ocean City, MD 2023 (17 funded seats)
Irene Azurmendi
I’m new to the profession. I’m very passionate and energized to advocate for education as well as the wants and needs of myself and my coworkers. I look forward to being able to meet others and being able to be more involved in the process and discussion.
Kara Brooks-Odom
As a special educator working with students with significant disabilities, I feel that I can bring voice to the concerns of both the staff, teacher and ESP, that are unique to special education. I work closely with many ESP’s and fully support the ESP Bill of Rights.
Kimberly Carey
I have been an educator and HCEA member for the past 27 years. I am currently serving as the building representative to HCEA. I am passionate about union representation and securing our rights as educated professionals.
Tisha Carroll
Katherine Chrzanowski
As a teacher in HCPSS for 20 years, I have always put my students first and been there to support teachers in all they do. I would be honored to represent my elementary school and HCPSS teachers at both the MSEA and NEA levels.
Edmund Chrzanowski III
I have been a teacher in the state of Maryland for 21 years and in HCPSS for 18 years. I have been an HCEA rep for over 10 years and an advocate for teachers for many years beyond that. I would be excited to attend MSEA and NEA as a voice for HCPSS teachers.
Daniel Cortes
My name is Daniel Cortes, I am a Special Education Paraeducator at Pointers Run Elementary School. I work in the Regional ALS program. I have been working in the county for 14 years, I have worked with all k-12 grades.
Brian Donoughe
Brian Donoughe grew up in Howard County and has pride for this school system. Brian is an enthusiastic educator. He has worked as a math teacher for 25 years. He brings a natural ability to advocate for educators in Howard County. Brian will use his range of experience to fight for students and staff.
Sheila Ebron
I am running to serve as delegate for MSEA Rep Assemly in Ocean City and for the NEA Convention in Orlando, FL. As an educator and union activist, I am committed to the idea that public education is the foundation to our communities and our democracy. Let’s continue to move forward!
Elizabeth Greer
I would like the honor to represent my fellow esps and coworkers at the conventions. I have been representing each of you at prior conventions and i would be honored to continue to do so. Please vote for me so I can be your voice at the conventions. Thank you in advance.
Lauri Hornicek
In HCEA, I have held a variety of positions: Board member, Membership chair, Ethics Committee member, Bylaw chair, and Negotiations chair. Currently, I am a member of the Representative Council. I would like the opportunity to represent HCEA at both the MSEA and NEA conventions. Thank you for the opportunity to serve.
Danielle King-Beard
It would be a privilege to represent you again at the NEA and MSEA conventions. I love doing the work to help our colleagues and our students.
Paul Lemle
Thank you for considering me as your representative for the important role of delegate to our state and national assemblies. I will do my best to make our union as progressive and aggressive as possible in meeting the needs of our students and educators!
Kathleen MacLaughlin
As an active building rep for the last 15 years (8 in HCEA), a regular delegate to the MSEA and NEA conventions, and an enthusiastic apple ballot volunteer, I know how important it is to be engaged in the union. I’d like to continue to grow my activism through HCEA.
Georgianne Mcneirney
I have served on the HCEA BOD and have been a school rep. I have attended many conventions and believe that no matter how long one has taught one has to stay involved in these activities that enable us to teach and work our best for students. I want to be the voice for all.
Rebecca Otte
I’m a 5th grade teacher, former building rep and current HCEA Director. I’ve served as co-chair of HCEA’s Government Relations committee since 2018 and been elected a delegate to MSEA RA five times and NEA RA three times. Advocacy is a passion of mine, with a particular interest in LGBTQIA+ rights and mental health.
Sarah Ramstrom
I have worked for HCPSS for 10 years in many different roles. I am currently a Special Education teacher, looking forward to advocating and representing teachers and students in engaging debate and discussion around important issues. Past HCEA Delegate to MSEA 2022.
Maxine Salah
I have been serving all Educators for the last 23 years and I would love to continue to be your voice! I have been through leadership training, been a building Rep, served on Membership committees and continue to do my part for the association. Please vote for me as your Representative to the NEA convention.
Christine Santos-Nurse
Melissa Schmitt
I am running for Delegate to MSEA and NEA. This is my second year as an HCEA Building Representative, a role I took on to support my collegues during a difficult transition with new administration. I have been a teacher for twelve years. I look foward to representing HCEA members at the RA.
Jen Wilson
I am committed to advocating for the members of HCEA so they can support our students and other staff members. I am a Building Representative, a member of the GR and Organizing Committees, and a Delegate to the MSEA Rep Assembly & NEA Assembly. I ask for your vote to continue to serve our members.
HCEA Delegate to the NEA Convention: Orlando, Florida July 2-6 2023 (13 funded seats)
Irene Azurmendi
I’m new to the profession. I’m very passionate and energized to advocate for education as well as the wants and needs of myself and my coworkers. I look forward to being able to meet others and being able to be more involved in the process and discussion.
Kara Brooks-Odom
As a special educator working with students with significant disabilities, I feel that I can bring voice to the concerns of both the staff, teacher and ESP, that are unique to special education. I work closely with many ESP’s and fully support the ESP Bill of Rights.
Tisha Carroll
Katherine Chrzanowski
As a teacher in HCPSS for 20 years, I have always put my students first and been there to support teachers in all they do. I would be honored to represent my elementary school and HCPSS teachers at both the MSEA and NEA levels.
Edmund Chrzanowski III
I have been a teacher in the state of Maryland for 21 years and in HCPSS for 18 years. I have been an HCEA rep for over 10 years and an advocate for teachers for many years beyond that. I would be excited to attend MSEA and NEA as a voice for HCPSS teachers.
Daniel Cortes
My name is Daniel Cortes, I am a Special Education Paraeducator at Pointers Run Elementary School. I work in the Regional ALS program. I have been working in the county for 14 years, I have worked with all k-12 grades.
Brian Donoughe
Brian Donoughe grew up in Howard County and has pride for this school system. Brian is an enthusiastic educator. He has worked as a math teacher for 25 years. He brings a natural ability to advocate for educators in Howard County. Brian will use his range of experience to fight for students and staff.
Sheila Ebron
I am running to serve as delegate for MSEA Rep Assemly in Ocean City and for the NEA Convention in Orlando, FL. As an educator and union activist, I am committed to the idea that public education is the foundation to our communities and our democracy. Let’s continue to move forward!
Leirdre Galloway
Humbly seeking re-election. .ALL In! Super passionate teacher, motivated. Proud of movement forward and YOUR advocate for equity/growthchange! Please vote so I may continue! Marched, lobbied, Knocked for candidates. School Rep. grants,designed safe “childcare spaces” at events for educators/parents. Maker of 3 friendly motions/resolutions passed 2022 NEA. On MSEA Resolution Com., HCEA MAC.chair
Anna Gannon
I am seeking re-election for delegate to the NEA convention. I pledge to continue to ask the hard questions and seek resolutions to the issues that you believe are important. Continuity, Commitment, Dedication and Action are needed to bring about collective change. VOTE ANNA GANNON for 2023 NEA delegate.
Sarai Gray
I would be honored to represent you again at the NEA Convention.
Elizabeth Greer
I would like the honor to represent my fellow esps and coworkers at the conventions. I have been representing each of you at prior conventions and i would be honored to continue to do so. Please vote for me so I can be your voice at the conventions. Thank you in advance.
Lauri Hornicek
In HCEA, I have held a variety of positions: Board member, Membership chair, Ethics Committee member, Bylaw chair, and Negotiations chair. Currently, I am a member of the Representative Council. I would like the opportunity to represent HCEA at both the MSEA and NEA conventions. Thank you for the opportunity to serve.
Danielle King-Beard
It would be a privilege to represent you again at the NEA and MSEA conventions. I love doing the work to help our colleagues and our students.
Paul Lemle
Thank you for considering me as your representative for the important role of delegate to our state and national assemblies. I will do my best to make our union as progressive and aggressive as possible in meeting the needs of our students and educators!
Kathleen MacLaughlin
As an active building rep for the last 15 years (8 in HCEA), a regular delegate to the MSEA and NEA conventions, and an enthusiastic apple ballot volunteer, I know how important it is to be engaged in the union. I’d like to continue to grow my activism through HCEA.
Georgianne Mcneirney
I have served on the HCEA BOD and have been a school rep. I have attended many conventions and believe that no matter how long one has taught one has to stay involved in these activities that enable us to teach and work our best for students. I want to be the voice for all.
Rebecca Otte
I’m a 5th grade teacher, former building rep and current HCEA Director. I’ve served as co-chair of HCEA’s Government Relations committee since 2018 and been elected a delegate to MSEA RA five times and NEA RA three times. Advocacy is a passion of mine, with a particular interest in LGBTQIA+ rights and mental health.
Sarah Ramstrom
I have worked for HCPSS for 10 years in many different roles. I am currently a Special Education teacher, looking forward to advocating and representing teachers and students in engaging debate and discussion around important issues. Past HCEA Delegate to MSEA 2022.
Maxine Salah
I have been serving all Educators for the last 23 years and I would love to continue to be your voice! I have been through leadership training, been a building Rep, served on Membership committees and continue to do my part for the association. Please vote for me as your Representative to the NEA convention.
Christine Santos-Nurse
Melissa Schmitt
I am running for Delegate to MSEA and NEA. This is my second year as an HCEA Building Representative, a role I took on to support my collegues during a difficult transition with new administration. I have been a teacher for twelve years. I look foward to representing HCEA members at the RA.
Q Smith-Green
I have been with the Howard County Public School System for 24 years. It’s past time to make a difference and make the changes necessary to have schools that are equitable, safe, and restorative for everyone that walks through the doors. I will work to make that happen.
Jen Wilson
I am committed to advocating for the members of HCEA so they can support our students and other staff members. I am a Building Representative, a member of the GR and Organizing Committees, and a Delegate to the MSEA Rep Assembly & NEA Assembly. I ask for your vote to continue to serve our members.
