2025 ESP Conference

MSEA ESP Committee Co-Chair

Cindy Porter

MSEA ESP Committee Co-Chair

Stacy Tayman

MSEA UniServ Director

John Carnahan

John Carnahan began his journey in public education when he joined the Frederick County Public Schools team as a Custodian Support Specialist. As a proud member of FASSE from day one he had the opportunity to serve on the Sick Bank Committee. He was promoted to the position of Manager of Custodial Services shortly after and worked there for nearly 10 years. John joined MSEA almost three years ago as the UniServ Director for both Worcester and Somerset counties where he has the wonderful opportunity to work with both Unit 1 and Unit 3 colleagues. John received his bachelor’s degree from the University of Maryland College Park and his MBA from Hood College. He resides in Snow Hill Maryland on the beautiful Eastern Shore and has two wonderful children who are way smarter than he is.

Executive Assistant/MSEA Center for Legal Affairs

Jana Rossetto-Kennedy

Jana Rossetto-Kennedy is the executive assistant for the Legal Department. She has been on staff with MSEA for 11 years in June. Jana’s favorite part of her job is interacting with members. When Jana is not at work, she enjoys traveling and rooting for the Chicago Cubs.

MSEA Assistant Executive Director/Center for Public Affairs

Adam Mendelson

Adam Mendelson is the assistant executive director of public affairs at MSEA. He has been at MSEA since 2010, working with the communications and public affairs teams on a wide variety of statewide and local member- and public-facing campaigns. He frequently trains on messaging, internal and external public campaigns, and other topics related to organizing and political communications. You may have seen him at the MSEA Convention running around with a walkie-talkie in hand. In his spare time, Adam loves rewatching the 2004 World Series and cheering on the Red Sox as they sweep the St. Louis Cardinals.

MSEA ESP UniServ Director

Joia Clevinger

Joia Clevinger is currently a UniServ Director for the Frederick County Teachers Association but has previously served MSEA as both a statewide political organizer and UD in Montgomery County. She’s also gained organizing and advocacy experience both in her previous UD role with the Virginia Education Association and as an active union member with the California Teachers Association. As a high school agriculture teacher in Bakersfield, CA, Joia served as governance at multiple levels in the union, notably supporting members on her local negotiations team and as the part-time release Grievance Chair.

FCTA Board of Director

Karl Kidd

Karl Kidd has been an educator for 19 years in Frederick County. During his career, he has taught at both the elementary and secondary levels and currently teaches Environmental Science at Frederick High School. He has served FCTA as a building representative for 10 years and a member of the Board of Directors for 6 years; as well as a member of various committees and workgroups. He is a proud union member and supporter of bettering working conditions for all educators and our students in Maryland.

MSEA Organizational Development Specialist

Evan West

Evan West is an organizational development specialist in MSEA’s center for Education Policy and Practice. Prior to that, he was the UniServ Director for Allegany and Garrett County. Evan also taught secondary English for 15 years prior to UniServ work. In his spare time Evan loves to root for the Washington Nationals.

Massachusetts Teachers Association ESP Committee Chair

Joni Cederholm

Joni Cederholm serves as the Chair of the MA Teachers Association ESP Committee. She serves on other  MTA Committees and is a Mentor/Secretary of the ESP Leadership Mentoring Program. She served as chair for the ESP Standard Task Force for the development of the MTA ESP Bill of Rights. Joni was honored as the 2019 MTA ESP of the Year. She has completed the MTA Next Generation Program, MTA Leadership Program and NEA Mentorship Program.

Core Team Leader Massachusetts Teachers Association ESP Leadership Mentoring Program

Amy Morin

Amy Morin is a special education paraeducator working in the Developmental Learning Program for the Lexington Public School district. She serves on many MTA committees and at the national level she is a facilitator with the NEA peer to peer mentoring program. She is a graduate of the ESP Leadership Institute, and serves as the core team leader for the ESP Leadership Mentoring Program. 

2024 Massachusetts Teachers Association ESP of the Year

Karen Torres

Karen  Torres is a veteran paraeducator (Instructional Assistant) and a Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) for Andover Public Schools in Massachusetts. She is an active unionist and the current Chair of the Instructional Assistant unit. Karen has been the chair/co-chair on two bargaining teams and has been a member of the Contract Action Team (CAT). She is the 2024 Massachusetts Teachers Association ESP of the year.

Massachusetts Teachers Association ESP Organizer

Sonia Fortin

As a former ESP member, Sonia Fortin helped create our Nation’s first ESP Bill of Rights and brought a team of ESPs together to create the MTA ESP Leadership Mentoring Program (ESP LMP).  Today, Sonia works for the Massachusetts Teachers Association as an ESP Organizer. Sonia brings ESPs together to spend weekend long training sessions strengthening their leadership and union skills.

MSEA Public Affairs Specialist

Patti Mullins

Patti Mullins has been the press secretary and policy research specialist in the MSEA Center for Public Affairs Communications Department since 2020. She has a distinct perspective on communication challenges as a former newspaper reporter, public relations specialist, and a public service communicator. Previously, she was the communications coordinator for the City of Frederick in Maryland. Prior to that, she had 30 years of journalism experience, writing and editing for daily and weekly newspapers, and as editorial director of a public relations agency. Her reporting on the Affordable Care Act, and a human-interest stories won awards from the Maryland, Delaware, and DC, Press Association (MDDC).

MSEA Organizational Specialist

Tina Dove

he is responsible for advancing MSEA’s state and local level priorities and strategic goals related to racial, social, and economic justice. She previously served on MSEA’s Government Relations team where she was responsible for a portfolio covering a wide range of education practice and policy-related issues, including the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future; teacher and educator preparation and development; mental and behavioral health and trauma informed best practices; and racial and social justice and restorative practices. Tina began her career on Capitol Hill working for U.S. Senator Dianne Feinstein and for the Congressional Hispanic Caucus. She taught high school Social Studies in the District of Columbia, Virginia, and California. She holds a BA in Political Science and Sociology from the University of California, Santa Barbara and an M.Ed. in Secondary Education from the George Washington University.

MSEA ESP Summer Organizer

Julia Nixon

For 26 years, Julia Nixon has served as a Special Education Assistant on the Behavioral, Emotional, Support Team (BEST)at East Westminster Middle School (Carroll County). She previously worked as a sales representative and as an assistant to district sales managers for the global beauty company Avon. She served as an At-Large Board of Directors member and as a building representative for the Carroll Association of School Employees (CASE) for 5 years. In the Fall of 2023, Julia, along with other Education Support Professionals (ESPs) from across Maryland, was selected as an MSEA Year-Round Organizer (YRO), doing direct advocacy and member engagement in support of MSEA’s ESP Bill of Rights Campaign. She stepped up to lead because she wanted to educate other ESPs about their rights and how they could organize and mobilize to secure the living wages, safe working conditions, and fair contracts they deserve. 

MSEA Center for Legal Affairs

Jamie Sapia

Prior to joining, MSEA Ms. Jamie Sapia taught middle school language arts in Baltimore City while attending the University of Baltimore School of Law as an evening student. She served as a law clerk in the Circuit Court for Howard County and is honored to represent public school employees as Assistant Counsel for MSEA.

MSEA UniServ Director

Kira Schuman

Kira Schuman has been a UniServ Director with MSEA for the last 4 years. She supports both certificated and ESP staff in Howard County, and is also the UD assigned to provide staffing support to the local’s Organizing Committee. Prior to coming to MSEA, Kira worked as an organizer in higher education for over a decade and helped establish new bargaining units for faculty at several universities across the country.

MSEA ESP Year-Round Organizer

Holly Crawford

Holly Crawford has been an educator in Howard County, Maryland for twenty-six years in K through 5. Over the years she has served as school based PTA officer, HCEA building rep, and year-round organizer for MSEA as well as enjoying working with hundreds of special students. An avid union supporter, she continues to promote the ESP Bill of Rights in Maryland.

ESP-MSEA Board of Director At-Large

Sonia D’Urbano

Sonia D’Urbano has worked as an Education Support Professional in Howard County for over 8 years. During her years with HCEA-Howard, she has served as Building Representative, a Year Round Organizer focusing on the ESP Bill of Rights(Endorsements) and growing membership. Currently she co-chairs the HCEA ESP Committee and the HCEA Organizing Committee. She currently sits on both  HCEA and the MSEA Board of Directors and serves as the MSEA BoD’s Liaison to the MSEA ESP Organizing Committee. As part of the HCEA negotiations team last year, when their entire contract was up for negotiations and her work with the Organizing Committee, her work led to an MOU ensuring that each paraeducator in the County received a device and that the devices would not be repurposed for other uses. Sonia is a leader in the fight for an ESP living wage and the ESP Bill of Rights. 

MSEA Organizer, Political and Legislative Affairs

Dan Chambers

Dan Chambers is a field organizer with the Maryland State Education Association, serving our members in Baltimore, Howard, Carroll, Frederick, Washington, Allegany & Garrett Counties. He focuses on campaigns & election work, leadership identification, as well as local budget & crisis organizing. Ask him about his favorite records if you have 3 hours to kill. 

MSEA Organizational Development Specialist

Evan West

Evan West is an organizational development specialist in MSEA’s center for Education Policy and Practice. Prior to that, he was the UniServ Director for Allegany and Garrett County. Evan also taught secondary English for 15 years prior to UniServ work. In his spare time, Evan loves to root for the Washington Nationals.

Harford County Education Association Vice-President

Cindy Poper

Cindy Poper is the ESP Vice President of the Harford County Education Association and a member of the MSEA ESP Organizing Committee. For the past 5 years she has been the In-School Suspension Tech at Bel Air Middle School and was a paraeducator for 12 years before that in HCPS. Cindy regularly presents at HCPS Professional Development days, has been a trainer at the Summer Leadership Conference, and recently had the honor of being one of the presenters from Maryland presenting the ESP Bill of Rights at the 2024 NEA ESP Conference. She is currently a member of HCEA’s ESP Bargaining team and one of the authors of the MSEA ESP Bargaining Goals.

MSEA UniServ Director

Elizabeth Jones

Elizabeth Jones is a UniServ Director in Harford County, a merged local, and serves as Chief Negotiator for the certificated unit. Before becoming a UniServ Director in 2019, she taught high school English and World Mythology for 19 years and was an active MSEA member. She takes pride in helping MSEA members find their power, develop their voice, and fight for their rights. 

MSEA UniServ Director

Allison Heintz

Allison Heintz is a UniServ Director serving Harford County Education Association.  Until her hire in 2024, Allison spent 17 years as an elementary school educator, her last ten years in Maryland (Harford, Anne Arundel, and Baltimore City).  She served on the Board of Directors for TAAAC and was trained with the first group of GO Team organizers.  More importantly, she is a cat mom to two free-loaders and a foster mom to dozens of other kitties.  

MSEA ESP Summer Organizing Coach

Rachel Hautmann

Rachel Hautmann is a dedicated behavior technician with Calvert County Public Schools, where she plays a vital role in supporting students’ emotional and behavioral needs. Rachel serves as the Treasurer for the Calvert Association of Educational Support Staff, where she actively contributes to advocating for her peers and enhancing the educational environment. This coming summer marks her third year participating in the ESP Bill of Rights Summer Organizing Campaign. 

MSEA ESP Year-Round Organizer

Stacey Albrecht

Stacey Albrecht joined Harford County Public Schools about 5 years ago, joining the Union that same year.  She heard about the ESP Bill of Rights at a listening session and has been an advocate for fellow ESPs ever since.  She is a Building Rep, a MSEA delegate, and Summer Organizer.  Stacey is the mom to 5 kiddos as well as an avid knitter and gardener. 

ESPBC Board of Directors

Veronica Henderson

Veronica Henderson holds a master’s degree, is an adjunct professor, and is a recognized local, state, and national trainer. She is Maryland’s first National ESP of the Year for 2007 and has successfully managed several Association campaigns at all levels. She has presented for Baltimore County Public Schools, the Education Support Professionals of Baltimore County; Maryland State Education Association, and the National Education Association via MLTP/WLTP/Cadre Trainer-of-Trainers.  s an adjunct professor, she has taught grad school.

MSEA UniServ Director

Carlos Mellott

Carlos Mellott is currently the UniServ Director assigned to the Frederick Association of School Support Employees. Previously, he served for ten years as the UniServ Director assigned to the Washington County Teachers Association. Carlos has been an activist and involved in the Labor Movement in various capacities since 2001. Carlos has three children, two of whom are currently attending Washington County Public Schools.

MSEA ESP Year-Round Organizer

Lacoe Alltop

Lacoe Alltop is a retired IT Analyst, was a volunteer firefighter and paramedic for Frederick County and Carrol County and a graduate of Frederick Community College. Lacoe has been with Frederick County Schools for 9 years as a Bus Driver. He is a proud member of FASSE and is currently serving on the Membership Committee, the Government Relations Committee working to help improve the pay and working conditions for all its members. Lacoe also serves as a Year-Round Organizer for ESP staff in Frederick, working to get Maryland State Education Associations Bill of Rights recognized by both the state and local government officals.

Harford County Education Association Vice-President

Cindy Poper

Cindy Poper is the ESP Vice President of the Harford County Education Association and a member of the MSEA ESP Organizing Committee. For the past 5 years she has been the In-School Suspension Tech at Bel Air Middle School and was a paraeducator for 12 years before that in HCPS. Cindy regularly presents at HCPS Professional Development days, has been a trainer at the Summer Leadership Conference, and recently had the honor of being one of the presenters from Maryland presenting the ESP Bill of Rights at the 2024 NEA ESP Conference. She is currently a member of HCEA’s ESP Bargaining team and one of the authors of the MSEA ESP Bargaining Goals.

MSEA UniServ Director

Elizabeth Jones

Elizabeth Jones is a UniServ Director in Harford County, a merged local, and serves as Chief Negotiator for the certificated unit. Before becoming a UniServ Director in 2019, she taught high school English and World Mythology for 19 years and was an active MSEA member. She takes pride in helping MSEA members find their power, develop their voice, and fight for their rights. 

MSEA UniServ Director

Allison Heintz

Allison Heintz is a UniServ Director serving Harford County Education Association.  Until her hire in 2024, Allison spent 17 years as an elementary school educator, her last ten years in Maryland (Harford, Anne Arundel, and Baltimore City).  She served on the Board of Directors for TAAAC and was trained with the first group of GO Team organizers.  More importantly, she is a cat mom to two free-loaders and a foster mom to dozens of other kitties.  

MSEA President

Paul Lemle

Paul Lemle was enjoying a fun (but not lucrative) career as a professional musician when he was diagnosed with lymphoma at age 28. After this experience, he returned to Louisiana State University for a graduate degree in education with incarcerated youth. He moved to Maryland in 2003 when his wife began working for the federal government; they have an adoptive family of three boys. Paul first education job was as the teacher’s assistant (Para) in a classroom for students with behavioral disabilities. He is a teacher of American Government and Law in Howard County Public Schools, and served his colleagues as Howard County Education Association president from 2011-17. He lived in the UK from 2017-2021 while his wife was stationed overseas, and has been teaching at Reservoir HS since 2021.