Middletown Teachers Association
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Middletown Teachers Association
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At the core of our union, our Executive Board, meeting twice a month, is comprised of four key officers - President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer - alongside a Senior Building Representative (SBR) representing each of our buildings. Additionally, an Affiliate-at-Large Representative contributes to our leadership.
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In conjunction with our Executive Board, the Representative Council convenes monthly. This council is composed of our Executive Board members and an elected Representative (Rep) to represent every 15 teachers within a building (where the SBR is then elected from this body of Reps).
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"Together, we ensure the voices of our educators are heard and valued in every decision made."
Meet the Executive Board
Together, we are stronger, and together, we will continue to make a difference in the lives of teachers and students alike.
Welcome to the heart of our union - the Executive Board. Comprising of dedicated leaders elected by our members and representing the diverse voices of our teaching community, the Executive Board serves as the guiding force behind our union's mission and vision.
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With unwavering commitment, our board members uphold the values of fairness, equity, and solidarity, working tirelessly to advocate for the rights and well-being of educators. From negotiating collective bargaining agreements to spearheading initiatives for professional growth, the Executive Board is at the forefront of empowering teachers and shaping the future of education.
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Their role extends beyond governance; they are the bridge between our members and the wider educational community, fostering collaboration, and ensuring our collective voice is heard. Through strategic planning, advocacy efforts, and compassionate leadership, the Executive Board stands as a beacon of strength and unity, dedicated to creating a supportive and thriving environment for all teachers.
Stacey Atlas
President
Passionate special education teacher with 23 years of dedicated service in Middletown. I adore my workplace, colleagues, and students, whose resilience never fails to bring a smile to my face and warmth to my heart. Serving as the Mentor Intern Coordinator, I assist new teachers in acclimating to the vibrant Middletown Community, ensuring a smooth transition into our close-knit educational family. From guiding students to supporting fellow educators, Middletown is not just where I work; it's where I belong. Proudly representing teachers as a Union member, from building representative to Vice President, and eagerly anticipating my role as Union President.
Matthew Branford
Vice- President
I grew up in the Hudson Valley, and attended Ramapo High School in Spring Valley, NY. My undergrad work was at Binghamton University, where I double majored in General English and Rhetoric and Biology. I went to Bard College for my MAT. I have been teaching English Language Arts at Middletown High School since 2008. I was a building rep from 2019-2022. I was senior building repat the high school from 2023-2024. I live in Kingston with my wife, Deirdre, and two kids, Dylan and Delaney. In my free time, I enjoy playing guitar and Legend of Zelda.
Antoinette Thompson
Secretary
I am currently serving as our MTA Union Officer as Secretary since 2018. I have been a teacher in Middletown for 17 years. I teach at Maple Hill in the first grade Dual Language/Bilingual Program. Previous to being a MTA Union Officer, I had served as Senior Building Rep at Maple for a short time and before that as a Building Rep on and off a few years. In Middletown, we have the best teachers and serve a wonderful community that I was born and raised in! The MTA rocks!
Kristine Savarese
Treasurer
I am presently the treasurer of the MTA. In the past I have served as a building rep and a senior building rep. I have been working in Middletown as a classroom teacher since 1997. I have taught 3rd grade and first grade. I have taught at WAC and PPE while here. I also taught a gifted and talented program for a couple of years at WAC. In addition to teaching I have been a member of the Mentor Advisory council since its inception. I recently became Kripalu certified and am a RISE facilitator.
In my personal life I love animals and have 2 cats and a dog. I also love gardening and have both an outdoor garden and indoor plants. My favorite way to relax is to cook.
My Middletown family is very important to me but my family at home is my everything. I have a son in college and a daughter in 5th grade. My son is going to school to be a teacher which makes me very proud. My daughter is a competitive gymnast. My partner is retired from the FDNY. We went to elementary school together and got back in touch as adults. We love to travel as a family.
Emily Londrigan
High School Senior Building Rep
My name is Emily Londrigan. I have been part of the Middie family for the past seven years. I am the High School Library Media Specialist as well as the K-12 District Coordinator for Libraries and the OUBOCES Communication Coordinator. I have been a union rep for a number of years at the high school and have recently been appointed as the Senior Building Rep. So far, it has been an amazing experience serving our MTA. Personally, I am the mom to three little boys and two very old large dogs. My husband and I are Middletown transplants, originally from the Adirondacks. I spend the majority of my summers in Saratoga working at the Saratoga Race Track or hiking the high peaks. Those who know me personally know that I am energetic, friendly, and always down for a good dad joke. I am looking forward to growing the strength of our Union and working with our members to create a better Middletown.
Eileen Piscitelli
Twin Towers Senior Building Rep
I’m Eileen Piscitelli. I am the senior building rep for Twin Towers and I have been a proud member of the MTA for 28 years. I am fortunate that I have been able to work as a special education English teacher at Twin Towers for the entire time. While I predominantly teach 7th and 8th grade, I will occasionally have a 6th grade class as well. I have been a union rep for the past few years and I am currently the senior building rep for Twin. I come from a union family with a strong union background and I am excited to serve my building and the district through the exec board. I love my job and my colleagues at Twin, which we affectionately call the “Twin Towers Family.” The people are what makes us special and I am happy to call Twin, and Middletown, home. On a personal note, I have been married to the love of my life for 25 years and am the mom to two amazing young men who continually make me proud. I am a team player who is always here to listen, support and offer guidance. I am an active mentor in the mentor-intern program and mentoring new teachers is one the most rewarding parts of my job. Being a special education teacher for most of my life has helped me to hone my advocacy skills and I firmly believe that it is important to stand up for our beliefs and fight for what we know is right. I am excited for this school year and for the future of our district. If you ever find yourself at Twin, stop by and say hi!!
Shari DeLeon
Monhagen Senior Building Rep
Hello there, I’m Shari DeLeon, and I proudly serve as the Senior Building Representative at Monhagen Middle School. With 20 years of experience as a math teacher in Middletown, my passion for teaching runs deep. For the past 15 years, I've had the honor of representing and advocating for my fellow educators as a Building Representative/Senior Building Representative at Monhagen Middle School. Being an active member of our union remains a priority for me, as I strongly believe in supporting and empowering our fellow educators. ​Beyond my professional life, I cherish spending quality time with my husband and son. Whether we're exploring new destinations or simply enjoying each other's company at home, these moments together are incredibly special to me. One of my all-time favorite ways to unwind after a long day is by simply snuggling up on the couch watching movies with my two beloved fur babies. This time helps me to reset, relax and rejuvenate.
Dana Fontanez
Maple Hill Senior Building Rep
Hello! My name is Dana Fontanez. Middletown has been my home for 21 years. I have taught grade 2-4, and AIS math; currently I have the privilege of working at Maple Hill and the Annex as a Math TOSA. I have been a union rep in the past for a number of years and I am currently Maple Hill’s and the Maple Hill Annex’s Senior Building Rep. It has been an amazing experience to work on the MTA Negotiations Team for the last three contracts. On a personal level, I am married to my high school sweetheart and I am the mother of an amazing 3rd grader who has the best personality. I have so many amazing colleagues who have become friends, all of whom make Middletown home to me! For those who know me, I am a team player and am always here to listen, assist, and guide. I welcome this fresh school year and am looking forward to what changes we as a Union can make!
Gregg Farina
Presidential Park Senior Building Rep
Hello! My name is Gregg Farina. I’ve been a teacher for 31 years and have taught elementary art in Middletown for 28 years. For over 25 years I’ve served the Middletown Teachers Association as a building representative, MTA secretary and a senior representative. I’m most proud of my work as a negotiator where I’ve worked on every contract since 1998. Being a teacher in Middletown has been an amazing experience. I’ve taught unique, outstanding students and worked with incredible colleagues, some of whom will be my friends for life. As a senior union representative, I work diligently on being a good communicator, staying open-minded, seeing the bigger picture and building bridges wherever possible. On a personal level, my partner and I love to travel and cook new cuisines for our friends and families. You’ll never leave our house hungry or empty handed. I truly enjoy helping people with the day to day of being a teacher and MTA member. If you ever have any questions don’t hesitate to reach out.
Jennifer Mathias
William Carter Senior Building Rep
Hello! I am Jenn Mathias, Senior Building Representative for William A. Carter Elementary. I have been in this position for 3 years, having served as a representative for the building prior to this position. As my primary role, I have been a 4th grade ELA teacher for the last 10 years at Carter. When I’m not busy with school or union business, I enjoy spending my time with a good book, traveling, hiking, running, or cuddling on the couch with my pups for some good binge-worthy shows. If anyone is ever in need of anything that I can be of assistance with, please feel free to reach out.
