Chair

Liz Eldridge

Hello, my name is Liz Eldridge and I'm the proud mom of two dyslexic children. They are smart, kind, caring, creative, funny, inquisitive, people full of potential that happen to learn differently. Our family has experienced our share of challenges navigating special education and having our children's needs met for the most common learning disability in the district, state, and country. Through those challenges we've learned a lot and met so many amazing, supportive families and allies. I'm excited to share what I've learned with the SSEPAC community, all while continuing to learn and grow alongside our community, as we work together to

ensure all students’ needs are met. I firmly believe that together we can move the needle, improving outcomes for Somerville Special Education students, set the example, and be the leaders of what equity in education can be.

Co-Chair

Kathleen Hornby

I'm the proud mom of a 2nd grader and a 4th grader at Kennedy, one of who is in their second year with an IEP. I'm passionate about providing Somerville families with the support and resources that they need and advocating for every student in out city. Having spent years working in state policy before navigating special education as a parent, I'm committed to helping SSEPAC partner with our community allies and city leaders to achieve systemic change.

Secretary and 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.

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.

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.

JFK SSEPAC Parent Representative

Jess Adams

Jess is a mother of three magnificent daughters, who fuel her passion in all she does.

Winter Hill Community Innovation School

Kristen Pagliaro Eckmayer

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.