Three volunteers, two children and one adult woman, holding large yellow trash bags during an Earth Day cleanup event outside a house. They are wearing matching T-shirts with event details and gloves, smiling at the camera.

Lashana Fulton, President (2024-2026 term) & Co-Chair of Events

Lashana (prefers to be called Shana) is the mom of 2 children in the Dual Language program. Her daughter is in the 4th grade; her son is in the 5th grade. Shana went to Worcester State College where she earned her bachelor's degree in nursing science. She has been a night nurse for almost 20 years. She loves helping others and often serves as a strong advocate for those within the communities she is involved with. You may see her at school volunteering in the library or the main office. In her free time, Shana devotes her time to having fun with her children, family, and friends. She enjoys finding new experiences that create lasting memories. 😊

A woman and a young girl smiling and posing together indoors, with autumn-themed decorations in the background.

Melissa Herron, Vice President (2025-2027 term)

Melissa is very excited to be joining the Worcester Dual Language PTO Executive Board. Her daughter will be a brand new student, going into the Kindergarten. Melissa has been in the Human Resources field for 20 years. She has been with the Commonwealth of Massachusetts for the last 7 years, staffing both the Department of Mental Health and the Department of Public Health, Congregate Care Facilities and Group Homes in Massachusetts. A proud former dancer and now a "Dance Mom." When not working, Melissa can be found either at the dance studio or gymnastics supporting her daughter. Melissa enjoys crafting, dancing, reading and trying new and exciting things! Making new memories and going on adventures with her family, is by far her most favorite thing to do!

A woman and a young girl smiling indoors. The girl holds a card with

Dawn Peterson, Treasurer (2025-2027 term)

Dawn is a parent of two kids in the dual language program - in 4th and 2nd grade. She is a former middle school math teacher who currently works in the edtech field at WPI. When not working or "PTO-ing", you can find her getting crafty, maintaining her veggie garden, or trying to fulfil her lifetime goal of reading through all of Stephen King's works.

A woman holding a young boy in a grassy field during sunset.

Aislinn Doyle, Secretary (2024-2026 term) & Chair of Library and of Fundraising Committees

Aislinn (pronounced Ashlyn) is the mom of a third grader and a kindergartner Having graduated from the dual language program in Framingham, the Worcester Escuela Bilingüe community feels like home. In her spare time she writes a Substack about the governance of Worcester Public Schools called WPS in Brief.

A woman with dark, curly hair and clear glasses taking a selfie inside a car, wearing a strapless white top and a gold necklace, with a blue sky and green trees visible through the sunroof.

Leanza Roux, At-Large (2024-2026 term)

Leanza has three daughters, so her world is a whirlwind of unicorns, rainbows, and glitter (lots of glitter!). When she’s not teaching math, she’s whipping up tasty treats in the kitchen, exploring scenic hikes, and discovering new flavors at local restaurants. Travel is her passion, and she can't wait to bring fresh ideas and experiences to our wonderful community.

Fun Fact: Despite her love for adventure, butterflies give her the jitters. Have you ever seen those faces up close? Trust me, it's an experience!

A group of four people, three adults and one child, posing together indoors in front of a decorative wall with a window frame display. The woman on the left is wearing glasses and bunny ears headband, the woman in the middle is smiling, and the man on the right is holding a young girl who is wearing a straw hat and a floral dress.

Liz Desilets de Cardenas, At-Large (2025-2027 term) and Co-Chair of Hospitality Committee

Liz is a proud mama to two girls and the youngest is in the first grade . Liz received her Master's degree in Community Mental Health with a concentration in Latinx Mental Health from the MA School of Professional Psychology. She worked for community mental health non-profits for more than 20 years before opening her own practice seven years ago. (Fun fact: She met her husband while studying Latinx Mental Health in Ecuador in 2014!) Liz is an active member of each of the PTO sub-committees, and she loves volunteering. When not working or doing PTO stuff, she enjoys crafting, cooking, party planning, and travel.

Close-up of woman with brown hair, wearing pink sweater, smiling, sitting in a wooden interior with large windows in background.

Sochi Paredes, Chair of Hospitality Committee

Sochi is from the Indian Lake area of Worcester and her daughter is in fourth grade in the dual language program. Sochi likes to read in her free time and she enjoys talking and helping others. Every day she loves learning with her daughter and the children at school-their world is wonderful!

The PTO Team