Our Mission
Our mission is to facilitate communication between students, parents, community members, administrators, and the School Committee, for the purpose of improving the quality of district-wide special education policies, programs, and practices. The Somerville SEPAC offers the opportunity to raise questions, to voice your concerns, and to provide direct input to administrators regarding Special Education.
Our Vision
A public school system with equal access to student opportunities and education for students with disabilities, where all students needs are met and are supported in realizing their full potential.
Meet the Team
Chair and West Somerville Neighborhood School SSEPAC Parent Representative
Samantha Steiner
As a stay-at-home parent to two young neurodivergent children, I deeply understand the unique challenges and joys of raising children with diverse learning needs. I am also neurodivergent myself and am passionate about advocating for more inclusive and equitable school environments that meet the diverse needs of all learners.
Vice Chair and JFK SSEPAC Parent Representative
Jess Adams
Jess is a mother of three magnificent daughters, who fuel her passion in all she does.
Secretary
Meredith Brown
Bio coming soon!
AFAS SSEPAC Parent Representative
Shu Talun
I am the parent of a 3rd grader and 6th grader at Argenziano. Our charming younger son has Down Syndrome. As a parent who has experienced the challenges of navigating the public school system with a child with special needs, I am committed to advocating for all children and families who face similar hurdles.
Arthur D. Healey School SSEPAC Representative
Dessy Raytcheva
Bio coming soon!
Brown SSEPAC Parent Representative
Lynda Barron-Mitova
Hello Brown community and all SEPAC members! I am the parent of a vibrant 2E AuDHD 3rd grader. As a neurodivergent parent, I am familiar with the challenges that come with being a student in a traditional classroom setting. We are a Latina-Bulgarian family and actively advocate for equity and inclusion for all learners in Somerville and beyond. My wish for this year is to connect families with one another so we can be a unified voice for change.
Capuano SSEPAC Parent Representative
Megan Teodosio
As a mom of 3 and a pediatric speech-language pathologist, I have personal and professional experience navigating special education. I have particular interests in hearing loss, Early Intervention/early childhood development, and strengthening connections between families.
East Somerville Community School SSEPAC Representative
Charlotte Walker
Charlotte Walker is the Somerville SEPAC Representative for the East Somerville Community School (ESCS) and the co-secretary of the ESCS PTA. As a parent of two children with learning and sensory differences, she understands the challenges families face in navigating special education services and accessing the right support. Charlotte is passionate about fostering an inclusive school community where all families feel informed and empowered. She is committed to helping parents connect with resources, advocate for their children, and build strong partnerships with educators.
Playtime and Activities
Nicole Cannon
I'm the proud parent of a child with physical disability who will be attending Capuano Early Childhood Center this coming spring. These past four and half years have shown me how inaccessible our world is - and the work we must do in our community to meet the needs of children with disabilities. I've committed to advocate to make our playgrounds universal, and to make programming activities in our city more inclusive so that all children can take part.
SSEPAC Teacher Representative
Kara Dodd
I am a Resource Room teacher at Winter Hill Community Innovation School and have worked in Somerville Special Education for 7 years as a paraeducator and teacher. I love being able to meet my students where they are, celebrate and work with their brains and to help them grow as learners and people.