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.

Melissa is very excited to be on the Worcester Dual Language PTO Executive Board. Her daughter is a first grader.  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!

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.

Yaquelin Richard is mom and bonus mom to six kids, with her youngest entering kindergarten. She is originally from El Salvador and speaks both English and Spanish fluently. Professionally, she owns a real estate business here in Worcester and takes great pride in helping others achieve their real estate goals. When she's not working, Yaquelin can be found shuttling her kids around town to their various sports and activities, co-leading the PTO's hospitality committee, and volunteering in the library. She also enjoys traveling, hiking, and cooking for her family and friends.

Liz August has a daughter in the fourth grade. She was a Spanish teacher in Framingham for ten years before Blake was born and understands firsthand how important clear communication between schools and families is. She now runs her own business where she helps small business owners build systems and communication strategies that work. In her spare time, she volunteers with the Worcester hub of LUCE: Immigrant Justice Network of Massachusetts.

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. 😊

Aislinn (pronounced Ashlyn) is the mom of a fourth grader and first grader. 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.

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!

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!

Noelia is the proud mother of a kindergartner and a graduate of Worcester Public Schools herself. She is deeply involved in supporting the district through volunteer work, Site Council participation, and advocacy around student well-being. She serves as a board member of the Worcester Elementary School Library Coalition, is part of the Burncoat School Building Committee, and is a founding member of Worcester for Safe Student Technology.

Lila is the parent of a rising sixth grader and a rising first grader. A social worker with experience in youth development, she brings an informed perspective on student needs, including navigating the 504 and IEP process. She actively participates in Cafe-B and CCPAC district meetings and has completed the Family Institute for Student Success and Massachusetts Education Justice Alliance Parent Power Workshop series. She volunteers in the school library and is working to strengthen her Spanish language skills.