1. family and parenting
2. children

2015 NYC Education Council Elections
Candidate Profiles for
Community Education Council 8
Candidate
Amalia Alvarez
DBN: 08X119
IEP: Yes
ELL No
Applicant I have been a special education advocate for my 15 and 10 year old sons for the last 13 years. During
Background my eldest son's enrollment at the Manhattan Center for Early Learning, I was a class volunteer on my
days off from work. I also volunteered for two years at More Than A Tutor, an academic program in
the Bronx. I am currently a Learning Leader volunteer at PS 119.
Personal I am a parent of three boys ages 15, 10, and 4. My two oldest boys receive special education services.
Statement During my family’s journey through the IEP process, I developed a passion for education advocacy. I
strongly believe that every child is entitled to receive the highest quality of education regardless of
learning style, native language, economic status, or residency. My belief is not limited to grade school
only (which is the foundation of our education) but also for middle school and high school students.
We cannot fail these students either. They need our full support as well. We should work on having
such a strong school community in our district that our children do not have to go outside of our
borough to receive the safest and highest education available. I have learned through my personal
experiences that the best way to accomplish this goal is by all parents working together and supporting
each other. Helping our schools obtain the tools they need to teach our children without restrictions.
Our schools also need our support and we are their voices. If given the chance to be part of the CEC, I
am prepared to be the voice for our district as a whole. I look forward to working we all of you.
Candidate
Allison Andrews
DBN: 08X304
Applicant
Background
Personal
Statement
IEP: Yes
ELL No
08X304
Yes
No
I have been an active member on PS 304's PTA since my oldest son Patrick started pre-kindergarten in
2012. I was a grade trustee, Vice President and currently serve as the PTA President as well as PAPEC
Vice President. I enjoy being a Learning Leader and help out in kindergarten at 304 whenever I can.
With the support of our school's administration and parents, we chartered Cub Scout Pack 304 last
year. This year we collaborated once again with our principal and staff to bring an after-school music
program serving children in first and second grade. My favorite time of year at our school is early
Spring. I get the opportunity to help our science teachers plant with students in our edible community
garden. Every grade planted their own unique crop last year in raised beds that were built by our
parents. Being a parent of two young boys with IEPS, I am purposely very opened to share my
experiences with parents who may need help seeking services for their children. PS 304 is such a warm
and receptive school which makes volunteering so rewarding.
I believe that The Bronx is at a pivotal point in its development. Public and private investors believe in
its renewal. I believe in it too. It is time for that same investment to be placed in our community
schools. We need to preserve what we have, strengthen what we are weak in, and find out what we need
in order to raise our youth to their fullest potential. As a borough full of vibrant communities and
endless possibility, the future success of The Bronx depends on rebuilding it a strong foundation. That
foundation begins in the support of its schools and in turn, its children.
Visit NYCParentLeaders.org
Page 1 of 9
2015 NYC Education Council Elections
Candidate Profiles for
Community Education Council 8
Candidate
Cherisse Aytch
DBN: 08X375
IEP: Yes
ELL No
Applicant I help kids from1
Background
Personal I am involved with my son school an i'm apart of the PTA and i help with the school fund raiser.I also
Statement help kids with their homworke
Candidate
Jannieka Benjamin
DBN: 08X131
IEP: No
ELL No
Applicant Volunteered for seven years in elementary school and was a PA President for three years. Currently, I
Background am in a middle school and PA President for three years. Also, Foster Parent for over ten years. Well
known in my community dealing with children. Advocate for parents in school community. Works well
with others.
Personal
Statement
Candidate
Jonna Benjamin
DBN: 08X093
IEP: Yes
ELL No
Applicant Special Education
Background
Personal I am applying to become a volunteer representative for Special Education because so many children
Statement are in need of services, but many of the schools are not equipped with the needed resources to help
our children. Many of our children just need a little push to help them along, but unfortunately with the
way things are going it will not happen.
Candidate
Felix Cabrera
DBN: 09X128
IEP: No
ELL No
09X128
08X123
No
No
No
No
Applicant
Background
Personal
Statement
Visit NYCParentLeaders.org
Page 2 of 9
2015 NYC Education Council Elections
Candidate Profiles for
Community Education Council 8
Candidate
Mohammed Chowdhury
DBN: 08X119
IEP: No
ELL No
DBN: 08X467
IEP: Yes
ELL No
Applicant
Background
Personal
Statement
Candidate
Peter C. Del-Debbio
Applicant PTA- PS 304 PA- Mott Hall Community School-8th Grade Trustee SLT-Mott Hall community
Background School-Chairperson
Personal I with to provide dedicated leadership, and support to my District Superintendent Dr. Karen Ames.
Statement
Candidate
Farah Despeignes
DBN: 08X119
Applicant
Background
Personal
Statement
IEP: No
ELL No
08X119
No
No
I was once a public high school teacher, so my experience with school-related, community and civic
activities are vast. I ran for three years my high school newspaper. I gave my school a community based
arts festival for two consecutive years. I organized education summits and assemblies for many years. I
also organized a U.N. visit/assembly for my school. I organized a White House letter writing campaign
for my high school in 2009 that received President Obama's acknowledgment. In 2014, my team and I
and school officials organized a similar letter writing campaign at P.S. 119, which earned the school a
letter from the President. I am currently the Organizing for Action Bronx Chapter Leader. I organize
and mobilize Bronxites around local and national issues that affect our borough. I visit schools,
churches, community centers and many other social institutions to train other leaders. In 2014, my
chapter and I initiated a pilot program, training young kindergarten leaders at P.S. 119 with Ms.
Brooks, a kindergarten teacher at the school.
Having been a teacher and being a community organizer and activist , I know that it takes more than
great and effective teachers to teach our children. Although it has been said many times, it is true that it
takes a family, a community, a village and a nation to educate our children. Recently, the Bronx
Borough President told us he wanted the opportunity to brag about the leaps Bronx children will be
making in education. I am eager join this phenomenal group of leaders to set this foundation that will
allow the Borough President and every parent, every teacher, every student and every Bronxite to brag
about this Bronx Education Renaissance that we all dream of. Given my background and skills, I am
confident that I will be an asset to such a movement and endeavor. I am hopeful and enthusiastic to
start working on such a noble enterprise and become part of such a great and concerted effort should I
be elected.
Visit NYCParentLeaders.org
Page 3 of 9
2015 NYC Education Council Elections
Candidate Profiles for
Community Education Council 8
Candidate
Bryan D'Ottavi
DBN: 08X014
IEP: No
ELL No
08X114
Applicant Currently President of CEC District 8
No
No
Background
Personal I have been involved with the CEC district 8 for 4 years now. My constituents and I have accomplished
Statement a lot of great things for this district and even though we have accomplished many things there are still
many more i would like to see though to completion.
Candidate
Katherine Gonzalez
DBN: 08X304
IEP: No
ELL No
Applicant One school-related activity that I participated in was a fourth grade reading activity. During such activity
Background I was assigned as a sub-paraprofessional to a special education student named George Rodriguez who
was unable to focus on what he was reading. So that he could focus, I made a deal with him that if I
read the first paragraph for him then he would have to read the rest of the assigned literature. Also, I
promised him that I was going to give him a prize if he complied and read the rest of the reading. He
agreed and completed his assignment happily.
Personal For many years I have been a part of the educational system working as a substitute-teacher,
Statement paraprofessional, sub-paraprofessional, and also as a volunteer. I work and have worked for many years
as a volunteer in one of the churches of my community serving to the homeless and also teaching
English to non-English speakers within the community. Currently I am volunteering at a school in my
community helping kindergardeners with ELA (English Language Arts).
Candidate
Yanely Gonzalez
DBN: 08X333
IEP: No
ELL No
Applicant
Background
Personal
Statement
Visit NYCParentLeaders.org
Page 4 of 9
2015 NYC Education Council Elections
Candidate Profiles for
Community Education Council 8
Candidate
Karla Gutierrez
DBN: 08X182
IEP: No
ELL No
Applicant TITLE 1 COMMITEE BYLAW COMMITEE VOLUNTEER WORK
Background
Personal A big passion of mine involves anything remotely creative. I want to create the doubted. I was born and
Statement raised in this community and have been witness of the public school system being judged hearing " the
public system isn't good enough for my child". I attended a private school for elementary and middle
school. I want to take part in this change and voice our wants for the benefits of the students. I want the
students achievements to speak for themselves. The public school system is a part of our community.
Our community is built of everyone who resides there. Our first step into making it better is not in 5yrs,
its now, It was when your child was first born. We are Parents and as parents we all have a voice. I
believe that to become an excellent teacher you must have a desire to assist children in the learning
process. We are the best teachers to our children. Lets teach the community to do more. Education is
defined in its broadest sense as any act or experience that has a formative effect on the mind, character
or physical ability of an individual. This opportunity to run for CEC has etched an indelible and deeply
profound mark on me and I want every aspect of a greater education system to be brought upon
District 8.
Candidate
Eduardo H. Hernandez
DBN: 08X131
Applicant
Background
Personal
Statement
IEP: No
ELL No
08X131
No
No
I have been the PA treasurer and a member of the SLT at I.S.131 for the past three years, and the
treasurer of the CEC 8 for the past 2 years. I have also been involved in the Education Council
Consortium (ECC).
I am Dr. Eduardo Hernandez and for the past two years I have served as the treasurer of CEC8. I have
been involved with other CEC leaders from throughout the city to advice changes to DOE policies and
procedures in order to improve our school districts. I have also been working with these leaders and
other advocates in the continuous effort of seeking a better education for all children in New York City
public schools. It is a long and tenuous fight that I hope to continue until the children in our public
schools receive the education that they deserve.
Visit NYCParentLeaders.org
Page 5 of 9
2015 NYC Education Council Elections
Candidate Profiles for
Community Education Council 8
Candidate
Lourdes I Jibodh
DBN: 08X036
IEP: Yes
ELL No
Applicant 2011-Present---School Leadership Team Member (as a team member, participated in the preparation
Background of the CEP PIP & SPC, served as one of the Level 1 C30 process election for the new upper grade
Assistant Principal, provides Title 1 updates) 2013-Present---Elected by PA membership to serve as
Title 1 Parent Advisory Council, Chairperson (serving second term) 2014-Present---PS36x Library
volunteer (helping when needed with: checking books in & out, re-shelving books, translating
documents from English to Spanish, scanning, copying, distributing documents, etc...) 2013-2014------Elected by PA membership to serve as the Co-President 2 of the PS36x, Parent Association 2/20136/2013--Sports & Arts in Schools Foundation (SASF) After-school Program - Tutor for students in
grades 4th & 5th "DOE & DOH Fingerprinted" 2011-2013-------Elected by PA membership to serve as
the Treasurer of the PS36x, Parent Association (served two (2) terms as elected official) & Title 1 Rep
(appointed by PA membership) 2008-2011-------Parent volunteer in the school community (helping
where ever needed with: translating documents (English to Spanish), chaperone at school trips,
cafeteria, special events, etc...)
Personal In 2008 when my nephew started elementary school at PS36x, I was invited by a PA Executive Officer
Statement to become a volunteer. I was immediately very interested, as the niece of a public school system
educator, I’ve been taught the importance of parent involvement in our children education and the
system that makes a difference in our children lives. As a member of the School Leadership Team, I
have learned to understand the Common Core Standards and how they are implemented, and as the
Title 1 PAC Chairperson I have had the opportunity to advocate and represent the parents and
children of our community. Although, I’m the aunt/guardian of a 10 year old boy with an EIP attending
the 5th grade at PS36x, when I attend a meeting (SLT, Title 1, PAPEC, PA, Safety, Workshops, Town
Hall, Retreat, etc.), I’m there to represent all the parents & children of the school community. I would
like the opportunity to join CEC or CCEC to continue conveying the knowledge I have acquired
through the years to the parents of our community, but most importantly to be able to represent all our
children at a higher level.
Visit NYCParentLeaders.org
Page 6 of 9
2015 NYC Education Council Elections
Candidate Profiles for
Community Education Council 8
Candidate
Samantha Melinda Mendez
DBN: 08X182
IEP: No
ELL No
Applicant I am currently involved at P.S. 182 as the president of the parent association, I also serve as the
Background recording secretary on the President's Council for District 8. In addition, I currently serve on the
school's SLT committee, which I have held a seat for last year as well. Prior to my son attending P.S.
182, I was involved at his head start school as a parent volunteer for 2 years and I also served as the
chairperson for the Personnel Committee, which is similar to serving as a president of a parent
association. I oversaw the 4 different centers for the program and I also held a seat on the board of
directors.
Personal My name is Samantha Mendez, and I am parent of a child that attends P.S. 182 in the Bronx. My son
Statement is in the 1st grade in the gifted and talented here. I hold a bachelor's degree in business administration
and accounting. I would like to join the Community Education Council because I believe that parents
need to be involved in their child(ren)'s education. We have to unite as a community and be a voice
and advocate for our children so that they can prosper and grow in life.
Candidate
Kolela Moyo
DBN: 08X146
IEP: No
ELL No
08X146
No
No
Applicant Back Home i used to work with kids in our church, helping them how to read, be nice to each and
Background other, respect people and other severals things.
Personal Well organized, outgoing. I am a french speaker from Congo in Africa. i got my degrees from France
Statement and came in USA for my love from this country. i am a mother of 3 kids and i love kids. i love spendig
time with kids during my off time and teach them some french. One of my dream when i came in this
country was learn english so i can become a translator and be useful anywhere! Helping people it is
what i like to do.
Candidate
Aurora Ronda
DBN: 08X072
IEP: No
ELL No
Applicant PTA
Background
Personal MY NAME IS AURORA RONDA I HAVE SERVED ON BOTH THE PTA AND CEC
Statement BOARDS, I ALSO MENTOR CHILDREN AND TEENS ON ANTI BULLYING AND ANTI
GANG AND HELP CHILDREN WITH UNDERSTANDING OUR CORE CURRICULUM. I
AM INTERESTED IN HELPING OUR CHILDREN GET THE PROPER EDUCATION SO
THAT THEY WILL BE SUCCESSFUL IN LIFE.
Visit NYCParentLeaders.org
Page 7 of 9
2015 NYC Education Council Elections
Candidate Profiles for
Community Education Council 8
Candidate
Otis Santana Thomas
DBN: 08X448
IEP: No
ELL No
Applicant Was a Executive Board member of P.S. 100 Bx. (08x100) Isaac Clason School P.T.A. as a Trustee and
Background Vice President. Was on the Community Educational Council District 8 for 3 years. Now currently as a
Secretary for Soundview Academy for Culture and Scholarship (08x448) P.T.A.
Personal It is so important that us parents need to be heard of our concerns about our children's education,
Statement safety and their future. We as parents want to make sure that our concerns are being taken care of. I
would like to be one of the voices that I can take our questions and concerns to the Department of
Education to get answers and any changes that will be to our liking as parents so our children get the
tools they need for good quality learning.
Candidate
Elena Vila
DBN: 08X376
Applicant
Background
Personal
Statement
IEP: No
ELL No
08X069
No
No
I'm currently a CEC08 member and I’ve been an actively involved parent for the past 15 years and I’ve
held the position of PA President for 13 years. I’m the PA President and a member of the School
Leadership Team (SLT) at APPA, the PA President and member of the SLT at P.S.69x and I am also
very active at the Millennium Art Academy. I am a trained Jumpstart Reader, a Learning Leader and I
am also trained in the Great Leaps Reading Fluency Program. I volunteer my time and wherever I am
needed, I’m there. I'm also very active in my community and have been volunteering for the last 10
years at the Castle Hill Little League which works with over 500 youths of the community.
As a current CEC08 member I must honestly say that the opportunity has opened a whole new world
to me. Given the opportunity to serve has taught me many things that I was unaware of and has made
me realize that there is so much more than just being a parent but being an educated parent on the
things that will better our community, our schools and our children. I want to be that parent that helped
make a difference not only for my child but all the children of district 8.
Visit NYCParentLeaders.org
Page 8 of 9
2015 NYC Education Council Elections
Candidate Profiles for
Community Education Council 8
Candidate
Amy-Ann Vohnout
DBN: 08X014
Applicant
Background
Personal
Statement
IEP: No
ELL No
08X371
No
No
My background in school related and community activities includes: I have served for four years as an
Executive Board Member of the PS 14 PTA, most currently I serve as President. For two years I have
served as the President of District 8's President's Council. I have also been a member of the following:
NYC DOE District 8 Leadership Team, PS 14 School Leadership Team, PS 14 School Safety Team,
New York City Learning Leader, NYC Chancellor’s Parent Advisory Committee. My children have
attended a total of 5 of the 39 schools in District 8. I have also been involved in events throughout the
community introducing me to many businesses and organizations throughout District 8.
My experiences serving for the past four years as an Executive Board Member of the Parent Teacher
Association PS 14, and serving as President of District 8’s President’s Council, have made me aware of
how the parental voice can play a strong and necessary role in our educational system. I feel that
District 8 needs capable, willing, and experienced parent leaders to move us forward as a district. My
children and your children, the children of District 8, deserve the best public education we can offer
them. I would love to be a member of the Community Education Council to ensure that this happens. I
feel strongly about educating parents, children, schools, and community members on how we can
provide for the future of District 8. Communication is a vital part of representing the district and I have
consistently attended many district and city wide meetings, and I have met with many parents in the
district. Also, I have experience with different and modern forms of communication; such as websites,
social media, and apps. I feel I can represent the community of District 8 as a whole in a beneficial
capacity for all, and help make District 8 a great place to learn for our children.
Visit NYCParentLeaders.org
Page 9 of 9