1. family and parenting
2. children

2015 NYC Education Council Elections
Candidate Profiles for
Community Education Council 6
Candidate
Miriam Aristy-Farer
DBN: 06M314
IEP: Yes
ELL No
Applicant I have been involved since my oldest entered Pre-k holding positions of PTA secretary, SLT, PTA
Background president, attending president council, currently MBP appointee on CEC 6 and its president. I am a
dedicated advocate for education equity in northern Manhattan where I was born and am raising my
children. I have also sat on safeguarding sound basic education taskforce with Teacher College
Columbia's Campaign for Educational Equity as well as sat on Space workkgroup conveyed by Mayor
in 2014. I was also volunteer outreach coordinator 2013-2014 season for West Harlem CSA
Personal As mentionned I am committed to educational equity not just for my children but for all Northern
Statement Manhattan Children. As a child of immigrants I know how challenging it can be for their parents and
want to use my professional skills and my community organizing experience to continue to serve D6 via
connecting, advocating and collaborating. I feel alot of good work has been started and would like to be
reappointed to continue.
Candidate
Jo Ann Blackwell-Preston
DBN: 06M028
IEP: No
ELL No
06M028
No
No
Applicant I was the PA president in 2012 and I have served 2 years on the SLT I am also a Learning Leader
Background
Personal As a involved parent and member of our school community at PS028, I have worked for three years on
Statement contributing to our children and their parents. I have been the PA president in the past and have sat on
the School Leadership Team and Learning Leaders for PS028 I feel that I have an encouraging voice
to support our teachers as well as our students and their families in the growth of our school and
community.
Candidate
Laura Canela
DBN: 06M349
IEP: No
ELL Yes
06M189
Yes
Yes
Applicant The continued need to help parents, like me, who need to be informed of the constant changes in the
Background education of our children.
Personal To collaborate with the parents and the community, and to continue to learn more.
Statement
Visit NYCParentLeaders.org
Page 1 of 7
2015 NYC Education Council Elections
Candidate Profiles for
Community Education Council 6
Candidate
Mayra E Compres
DBN: 06M324
IEP: No
ELL Yes
06M319
No
No
Applicant As a mother, I have been very involved in the community and with the parents; I have served as a
Background volunteer in several schools, namely: MS319, MS324, and PS192, where I was the parents’ president
for three years. I participated in informational workshops for the parents, implemented English,
nutrition, and knitting classes and math and reading workshops so that the parents could help their
children. I was the ELL president for two years at CEC6, helping the parents and the students to learn
English as a second language.
Personal N/A
Statement
Candidate
Rita Yolanda Cortez
DBN: 06M223
IEP: No
ELL No
Applicant ELL Conference, Special Education Workshop, SLT Training, Member of the CC [sic] 6, President of
Background the PTA at PS 8, Vice President of the PTA at IS 223.
Personal I am a mother of two. I arrived in this country 6 years ago and since they started their schooling I have
Statement been involved in the education system and in their schools, helping and taking up roles in the PTA.
One of them is in high school and I am the PTA president of the school. I like to collaborate and help
parents that need information, especially those that come from other countries, since I too went
through the same situation when I arrived. This is why I was interested in learning how the educational
system worked. This helped me to support my children and help the children of other parents that
were not familiar with the system.
Candidate
Elaine De Leon
DBN: 06M008
IEP: No
ELL No
06M008
No
No
Applicant ACS alternate rep NYC Delegate Agency Policy Committee. Chairperson Fort George Parents
Background Association. Private tutoring of grade school children all ages. Tutor to mature college aged students.
Personal I feel I would I would be perfect for this committee because I have previous experience working on
Statement parents committees and regional committees. I believe that I lend a positive addition and point of view
to the committee. Given my background I am a good representative of the student and the parental
population. I have experience connecting parents and the school administration. I believe that
achieving positive and clear communication leads to better and outcomes and goal achievement for all
parties. Most importantly student success is a cherished goal as I know they are the future and their
talent will define the future.
Visit NYCParentLeaders.org
Page 2 of 7
2015 NYC Education Council Elections
Candidate Profiles for
Community Education Council 6
Candidate
Angela Garces
DBN: 06M187
IEP: Yes
ELL No
Applicant I have participated in special education workshops, providing information to parents regarding the IEP
Background process and assisting with specific issues. I have visited schools and assisted parents seeking various
kinds of help.
Personal Hello, My name is Angela Garces. I am running because I believe in helping all of our children, as I
Statement have a child with special needs, and I know it can be difficult to get and seek assistance. I am
committed to helping any and all parents seek information, guidance and providing assistance. I have
assisted many parents who have children with special needs. I will continue to fight for all children in
our district too!
Candidate
Johanna Garcia
DBN: 06M187
IEP: Yes
ELL No
06M187
No
No
Applicant Currently, President of D6 President's Council, 2nd year as VP for School PTA for a K-8 school,
Background Previous Executive Member of Barack Obama Democratic Club, County Committee Member.
Personal Today’s DOE is making notable gains in making parents’ voices an active part of shaping policies and
Statement charting the course of the largest education system in the country. I would like to play my part in
supporting these efforts by serving on the CEC on behalf of all families. A product of public education,
I am also a graduate of NYU, where I became the first member of my family to complete college. A
native of Washington Heights, I was born to proud immigrant parents, who always instilled in me the
values of hard work and discipline. These values have been integral in my persistent commitment to
give back to my community through public education, sound policy and vital services. As Chief of Staff
to former Council Member Robert Jackson, I served as second in command in the government office
and became intimately aware of the billions of dollars owed to our school system as a result of
Campaign for Fiscal Equity lawsuit. As a single parent committed to public education, I am now in my
second year as VP of my children’s school PTA, where I also serve as Chair of the Advocacy
Committee and was elected to serve as President of D6 Presidents Council. I plan to help ensure every
child receives equal access to a quality public education.
Visit NYCParentLeaders.org
Page 3 of 7
2015 NYC Education Council Elections
Candidate Profiles for
Community Education Council 6
Candidate
Cristal Laureano
DBN: 06M153
IEP: No
ELL No
Applicant I am a active parent volunteer at PS 153. I have planned and executed fundraising activities alongside
Background the PA. I am also working with the Parent Cordinator to start a Arts program that will benefit children
and parents. It is a way to involve parents and children to engage in an arts program.
Personal I represent not only my child but all the children of PS 153. I enjoy being involved with the planning of
Statement activities that will benefit the children. I have worked in the public school system. During my time in
the public school system I have been involved in the PTA and received recondition for my many
efforts and increasing activities along with parent involvement. I love children and I love seeing them
smile. As a representative I will fight for the children and work on making sure all parents have a voice
in their child's education.
Candidate
Edwar Lizandro Abreu
DBN: 06M128
IEP: No
ELL Yes
Applicant
Background
Personal
Statement
Visit NYCParentLeaders.org
Page 4 of 7
2015 NYC Education Council Elections
Candidate Profiles for
Community Education Council 6
Candidate
Anny Medrano
DBN: 06M187
IEP: No
ELL No
Applicant As a parent of student, I have participated and volunteer in various activities throughout my son's
Background elementary school years at P.S 98 in Manhattan. I also used to tutor some of my son's friends from the
same school as per their parents' request and helped them with reading comprehension, math
homework and help them develop better writing skills. I used to do this because I am very passionate
about education.
Personal As a single parent of a wonderful kid, whom is an 8th grader now, I know how difficult it is to joggle
Statement working full-time and making time for our kids to make sure they are doing good in school and stay in
the right path. I have always been very passionate about education and believe that every child deserves
a great education. I was a former student of the DOE, went on to pursue my Bachelors and then a
master degree in Education. As a former student of the DOE I know that some of the schools in our
communities are in need of funding and/or changes in order to provide a better education to our
children. I want to be part of the change.
Candidate
Cristina Moquete
DBN: 06M098
IEP: Yes
ELL No
Applicant I am a parent of two Special Needs children which have been diagnosed with several disorders, and
Background health related issues. One which is in High School, the other in Elementary School. I have Experience
with all school related activities and programs including English Language Learning. A regular school
parent chaperon for 12 yrs. I have Experience with all students, in particular with Special Education, in
the areas of: Developmental Delay, Speech Delay, Learning Disabilities, Neurological Disorders,
Muscle Disorders, Mood Disorders. Worked in Columbia Presbyterian Hospital for 7 years. As a
Nursing Attendant for pediatrics in the areas of Oncology, and Intensive Care Unit. I also worked with
adults in the areas of, Psychiatry, Cardiology, Oncology, and Rehabilitation. I have a License for Nurses
Aid, CPR, and a certificate in EKG. I also attend Long Island University Brooklyn Campus full time.
Working towards a Bachelors in Communications Disorders and Masters in Speech Pathology
Bilingual Extension with a minor in Psychology and Early Childhood Education.
Personal I believe that the children of New York City would benefit from having me as a Board of Education
Statement Council member. These children need someone who has the will and passion to speak out for them.
Someone who knows what a student really needs in these schools. Since I am a parent of children who
attend New York City Schools, and I myself attended schools here.. I am a person who has strived
against all odds. I am especially a parent of two wonderful children who have had a tough card handed
to them in life but have slowly learned how to over come obstacles, and learn to live with who they are
and make the best of it. As a single parent I alone have advocated for them.. I have organized and
managed my kids educational needs along with their teachers,and therapists. My passion is to help as
much as I can the future leaders of tomorrow.
Visit NYCParentLeaders.org
Page 5 of 7
2015 NYC Education Council Elections
Candidate Profiles for
Community Education Council 6
Candidate
Senator Daniel O'Brien
DBN: 06M187
Applicant
Background
Personal
Statement
Candidate
IEP: No
ELL No
06M187
No
No
02M408
No
No
I have been active and involved in the school community for years. I serve as Co-Chair, for the S.L.T.
at our school, PPAS. I'm also a vocal delegate to our school's PTA and the National Chorale. I have
worked in civic campaigns for a clean environment and a better quality public education and smaller
class sizes. As a professional I teach and produce music and work with adults and young kids.
My name is Senator O’Brien. I have been active in the NYC schools for years. I am the Co Chairman
of the PPAS SLT and an executive board member of the PTA. I have three children in New York
public schools. I have worked in national, state and city campaigns for a clean environment and a
quality education from all our public schools. I believe that our high schools deserve to be the best and
I would like to contribute and give my experience and help for this purpose.
Mayra Palacio
DBN: 06M210
IEP: No
ELL No
Applicant i am a volunteer parent in my daughters school. I am very involve in the PTA meetings and events that
Background go on in the school. I have help organized school trips and other event for the students.
Personal I am a single mother of an 8th grader in Ps./Is. 210 i have always done my best to be a very involve
Statement parent in all aspects of my daughters education. As a parent and a member of the PTA i have always
tried to inform and find a solution to any concerns other parents my have. I do the best i can to help
my daughter and her peers get the best school experience they can get. After all our children are the
future.
Candidate
Natasha Pereira
DBN: 06M319
IEP: No
ELL
06M098
No
06M098
No
06M098
No
Applicant I HAVE BEEN THE P.A. PRESIDENT FOR P.S.98 FOR THE PAST 3 YEARS
Background
Personal
Statement
Visit NYCParentLeaders.org
Page 6 of 7
No
No
No
No
2015 NYC Education Council Elections
Candidate Profiles for
Community Education Council 6
Candidate
Yanilda Rodriguez
DBN: 06M018
IEP: Yes
ELL Yes
06M018
No
No
DBN: 06M048
IEP: No
ELL No
Applicant
Background
Personal
Statement
Candidate
Sonia Santos
Applicant I am currently Co- Chair of P.S 48's SLT Committee, I have also volunteered in various New York City
Background public schools.
Personal As a New York City Public School parent I find great interest in participating in the Education School
Statement Council. My main priority is my son and I feel that involving myself in activities pertaining to his
education I can set an example for him and positively encourage his educational success. As a college
graduate, I know the maximum importance of parental involvement in his/her child's educational
experience and I look forward to being part of such great opportunity such as the Education Council.
Candidate
Howard Syriaque
DBN: 06M008
IEP: Yes
ELL No
Applicant i AM CURRENTLY A TREASURER AT MY SON'S PRE-K AT RENA DCC.
Background
Personal MORE THAN EVER A CHILD'S EDUCATION SHOULD BE VALUED. THE PACE OF NEW
Statement TECHNOLOGY HAS SET OUR CHILDREN ON THE SPECTACULAR COURSE NEVER
SEEN IN OUR LIFETIME. WE AS PARENTS MUST PREPARE THEM TO ACHIEVE THEIR
GOALS AND SET A FOUNDATION THAT WILL REMAIN THROUGH THEIR LIFETIME.
Candidate
Jordan Thaler
DBN: 06M314
IEP: No
ELL No
Applicant Director of Fort Tryon Center, 30+ years as Social Worker in a variety of community & institutional
Background settings, served on community boards, BOD for several agencies.
Personal
Statement
Visit NYCParentLeaders.org
Page 7 of 7