(This page will be updated soon with bios and headshots)
President: Julia Mitchell, Pinkerton Academy (NH)
Immediate Past President: Dan O'Brien, Worcester Public Schools (MA)
Vice President: Sean Siciliano, Middleborough Public Schools (MA)
Treasurer: Jennie Oesterreicher, Holyoke Public Schools (MA)
Secretary: Ryan Langer, Consolidated School District of New Britain (CT)
Membership Coordinator: Cynthia Johnson, Taunton Public Schools (MA)
Communications Coordinator: Emily Morgan, Norwalk Public Schools (CT)
Connecticut State Representative: Yelitza Brooks, Norwich Public Schools
Massachusetts State Representative: Joy Jordan, Monomoy Regional School District
Maine State Representative: Heather Gilchrest, York School Department
New Hampshire State Representative: Genevieve Brown, Oyster River School District
Rhode Island State Representative: Jennifer Cowart, Cranston Public Schools
Vermont State Representative: Russell Elek, Burlington School District
I'm excited to continue building this community of school communicators in New England. I have found great value in our chapter's connections both professionally and personally. The shared knowledge and experience of our members has not only provided me with guidance but also challenged me to grow in my position. I cannot overstate how impactful NESPRA.
I hope to build on the momentum and enthusiasm of the chapter. I would love to have the chapter incorporate more opportunities for members to work alongside each other in cohorts organized around a common goal. Having the opportunity to review ideas with others going through the same process (e.g. strategic planning) is greatly beneficial.
I also would like to see more opportunities for members to lead from within the chapter whether it's choosing the next NESPRA reads book and leading the discussion, hosting a professional development session, or planning a regional meet-up.
Further, I look forward to continuing the advocacy work the chapter has begun. Speaking to the value and importance of our work helps each of us. We all succeed when our profession is respected and valued.
I know that NESPRA's future is bright, and I look forward to being a part of it, serving in any way that I can.
My professional experience has always been in education. I was an English major in college and taught high school English for 17 years before switching roles to be the Director of Communications in 2018. I am passionate about the power of education and providing opportunities for success to all students.
I believe strongly in the power of the stories we tell. We influence the climate and culture of our schools and our broader communities by sharing the amazing things that happen in education each day. As school communicators, we help inform our communities, shape the narrative being shared, and strengthen the relationships between our communities and our schools. We are changemakers.
Chief Technology Officer and Communications Director
Middleborough Public Schools, MA
I am so excited that this group became a regional chapter. When we first started I remember sitting in a room with a small group of Massachusetts workers just like me and it was sigh of relief. To have a chance to talk with others about what we encounter is huge. I want to be able to grow this and reach more districts. I would like to reach out to other districts and let them know how important these positions are. This would include presenting at M.A.S.S. conferences and getting in the ears of those who have the ability to add this position to their districts. Being a part of this group, I know that at any time I can make a call and get help when tragedy strikes.
I have been in the School Communications position since 2016. Prior to my career in schools I worked in the news industry in VT & RI. I received my bachelors degree from Lyndon State College in News Broadcast. Through my years at Middleborough I have started and grown the conversation of MPS telling our story and not letting others tell it for us.
I bring to NESPRA my passion and commitment to public education packaged with stellar communications and leadership skills that have been finely honed over a 27-plus year career in public relations/communications. I have been director of communications for Holyoke Public Schools since October 2021. Prior, I was a program manager for the Communications Service of the Capital Region Board of Cooperative Educational Services (BOCES), and later a grant writer. I was a long-time member of the New York Public Relations Association (NYSPRA) and remain an active member of the National School Public Relations Association (NSPRA). I have served as an NSPRA communications auditor and as a project manager, which included leading and supporting communications audits for public schools in the U.S. and providing team leadership and support to the NSPRA School Finance Benchmarking Project Team tasked with authoring a guidance primer for conducting effective school budget and bond finance campaigns.
Although I am relatively new to NESPRA, I am no stranger to school communications and am extremely passionate about this work. I have really enjoyed my time spent in NESPRA meetings as connecting with others has been extremely motivating. The NESPRA members have graciously shared so much of their work with the team. Reviewing best practices, what has and hasn't worked across New England has been so beneficial. In the short time I've been with NESPRA I have found these conversations to be so helpful that I would like to take on a leadership role, specifically as Membership Coordinator, to further grow our team. We know there are many other individuals in New England doing this type of work who may not have ever heard of NESPRA. As Membership Coordinator, I think I could make a positive impact on others by inviting them to join this great community of talented individuals while bringing new voices to the table. I'd like to find new ways to spread the word about NESPRA and the support our group can offer others. Thank you for considering me for Membership Coordinator.
Since taking on my role, I've seen significant growth on our social media channels, allowing us to build a community while celebrating the work happening in New Britain. Building that community has also helped us in challenging times as our work has had a great impact on the community's perception of the school system. I was very proud to present our social strategies at a recent NESPRA session and look forward to further highlighting New Britain at the upcoming NESRA conference. I have a Bachelor's Degree from SCSU, where I was recently recognized by the Department as a Distinguished Alumni. I feel strongly any great communications team should be invested in their community. I am a volunteer Board Member for the Ana Grace Project Scholarship, worked with a colleague to launch a new scholarship for a graduating senior interested in communications, and created new internship opportunities to support NBHS students.
Communications Coordinator
Taunton Public Schools, Taunton, MA
NESPRA has been such a wonderful resource for me as I stepped into K12 Communications as the first dedicated communications person in my district. I'm passionate about growing this amazing network of professionals who are always willing to support and collaborate with their peers.
I have a background in broadcast journalism, working as an Executive News Producer in Maine and New Hampshire for several years. After escaping journalism, I worked as a video producer for a public-sector PR agency. During my time there, I earned a Communicator of the Year Award from Ragan Communications and PR Daily. My passion is in making things visually appealing and informative without compromising accessibility or translation capabilities.
I've been a member of NESPRA for the last 3 years. This organization has given me a lot of confidence in a job that was totally new to me. I've appreciated the relationships I've developed, gaining insight from longtime school communicators and getting great ideas that I can take back to my job. Excited to get more involved and hopefully bring on more people!
I've been in School Communications for four years. Prior to that, I was a journalist for local newspapers and national entertainment websites for 10 years. I have a Bachelor of Arts degree in Journalism.
Dan O’Brien is a founding executive board member of NESPRA, beginning as Vice President (2022-2024), then becoming President (2024-2026), and Immediate Past President (2026-2028). As President, Dan’s kept NESPRA on a path of continuous improvement and sustainability, while particularly ensuring members had ongoing opportunities for networking and professional development with a focus on growing diversity, equity, and inclusion resources for members.
Dan's leadership led to the hiring of the chapter's first paid part-time administrative assistant, development of an operations manual, and the development of executive board-led committees on diversity and belonging in school communications, professional development content development and advocacy of the profession.
Additionally, Dan led the planning of the 2025 and 2026 annual chapter conferences, with the 2026 event being the highest attended in its five-year history.
Dan is the Chief Communications Officer for Worcester Public Schools, an urban district of about 25,000 students in Central Massachusetts. Dan previously led communications for Boston Public Schools and the Minuteman Regional Vocational School District in Massachusetts.
Prior to K-12, Dan was an assistant director of communications for Emerson College in Boston. Before that, he worked as a newspaper reporter for the Boston Herald, Boston Globe, New Hampshire Union Leader, and Lynn Daily Item. He is a graduate of the University of Massachusetts Amherst.
Communication, Volunteer & Family Engagement Coordinator
Norwich Public Schools (CT)
I am passionate about strengthening school communications through collaboration, shared learning, and authentic family engagement. NESPRA excites me because it provides a supportive community where communicators at all levels can connect, learn from one another, and elevate best practices across the region.
I will contribute to the chapter’s growth and sustainability by bringing a family-centered, equity-driven perspective and a strong focus on relationship-building. My expertise includes district communications, community outreach, volunteer coordination, and planning inclusive events that engage diverse audiences. I am especially interested in supporting members who may be new to the field or working in roles without formal communications training.
My goals are to help expand member engagement, share practical tools and real-world strategies, and ensure NESPRA remains accessible, relevant, and responsive to the evolving needs of school communicators.
I am the Communication, Volunteer, and Family Engagement Coordinator for Norwich Public Schools, with extensive experience in school and district communications, community engagement, and event coordination. I lead family-centered initiatives, manage districtwide messaging, support volunteer programs, and coordinate large-scale events that strengthen school–community partnerships. I work closely with administrators, staff, and community organizations to ensure communications are clear, inclusive, and accessible to all families.
My approach to school communications is grounded in transparency, equity, and relationship-building. I believe effective communication goes beyond sharing information—it builds trust, fosters connection, and supports student success. My professional interests include inclusive family engagement practices, strategic school communications, storytelling in education, and developing systems that streamline communication while elevating student, staff, and community voices.
Community Engagement Coordinator
Monomoy Regional School District, MA
After more than two decades working in marketing/communications and publishing/journalism, including roles as a magazine editor and director of marketing, I transitioned to school communications in 2018. I firmly believe that clear and accessible communication is the foundation of strong relationships.
Communication Coordinator/Executive Assistant
York School Department (ME)
I am passionate about the power of peer-to-peer connection. What excites me most about this chapter is the opportunity to strengthen our collective practice by sharing fresh ideas and building member engagement.
I bring a deep leadership background to this role, having served as a Union Building Representative then Union President. These roles honed my skills in negotiation, problem-solving, and stakeholder communication. Furthermore, I have spent the last decade on the Board of Directors for a non-profit childcare center, currently serving as Treasurer. This long-term board service has given me the foundational experience and strategic perspective necessary for NESPRA’s long-term sustainability.
My goal is to contribute to the chapter’s growth by creating opportunities and transparent frameworks that support our members.I look forward to applying my unique expertise to ensure we remain a vital resource.
My career is built on a unique intersection of creative storytelling and strategic insight. Holding a BFA in Photography, I understand how important it is to capture the authentic, human moments that define our schools. I pair that creative lens with the analytical depth of an MBA in Accounting and Data Analytics, allowing me to transform complex district data into clear, visual narratives that everyone can understand.
My philosophy is simple: honesty and transparency above all else. I believe that by prioritizing openness and centering every communication strategy around what is best for our students, we build the unwavering community trust necessary for our schools to thrive. My professional interests include leveraging data visualization to simplify complex district budgets and developing authentic and transparent frameworks for crisis communication.
Director of Communications
Oyster River Cooperative School District, Durham, NH
I am looking to serve NESPRA because I would like to give back to the remarkable community of amazing humans in the organization. The onboarding process as my district's first full-time communication professional with a background in higher education and educational program management was an exciting yet challenging process. NESPRA was instrumental in helping me create a network of trusted peers and connecting with veteran school communicators.
New Hampshire seems to be slowly becoming more aware of a school communicators' value and I would like to support raising that awareness.
As storytellers, we yield a powerful tool and big responsibilities. I believe in NESPRA’s mission and the importance of providing support and professional development opportunities to school communicators.
"I lead, manage, counsel, and coordinate the Oyster River Cooperative School District's (SAU5) communication strategy and program with a focus on community outreach and engagement. I maintain the district's brand and vision in all messaging guided by the district's philosophy and in accordance with ORCSD requirements and board policies.
I received a BA in Ancient Studies and Graduate Diploma in Public Relations from Université Laval.
My previous professional experience is in educational program management and marketing in K-12, higher education, and immersive exhibits. I previously served as board member (VP of Programming and VP of DEI & Community) for three different chapters of the American Marketing Association (New Mexico, Triangle, and Boston).
I am a first-generation immigrant and native French-Canadian speaker."
I am excited to be part of this chapter because I find it to be very inspiring and informative. I briefly feel like I am a department of many when we are together-even if virtually, rather than my department of one. I have used what I have learned at our meetings and events to improve my position and improve our district communications and brand. I am excited to be able to help other people the way this chapter has helped me, and to be able to contribute to the greater good of the group.
I have been the Communications Specialist for four years and was the local newspaper's education reporter for 12 years prior to taking this position. My degree is in elementary education. I was the first person in this position, and I work very hard to tell our district's story day to day while improving our branding and helping individual schools share their news as well. Good news needs to be shared and we need to be ready when bad news hits as well.
Communication and Public Relations Specialist
Burlington School District (VT)
I love NESPRA and have been a member since its inception. It's always been a goal to serve this organization as a board member, and now that my children are a little older, I feel like I have a bit more capacity to serve. My goal is to help this organization continue to be an amazing resource for members while remaining sustainable and affordable.
I've worked for the BSD as a communication specialist for the past seven years. I was a founding member of the Vermont Superintendent Association's Communication Group, which I later co-led for a year. I believe our job is to highlight the good and mitigate the bad. My goal is to be transparent, approachable, responsive, and supportive of public schools in Vermont and across the country. Years ago, I listened to a Superintendent say that if we don't show people what is happening in schools, they will assume what is happening in schools based on what happened in schools when they were young. I want people to see the amazing work happening every day as we help shape minds.
President: Dan O'Brien, Worcester Public Schools (MA) (2023-present)
Vice President: Julia Mitchell, Pinkerton Academy (NH)
Immediate Past President: Meghan Baule, Colchester School District (VT)
Secretary: Elaine Sein, Area Cooperative Educational Services (ACES) (CT)
Treasurer: Jennie Oesterreicher, Holyoke Public Schools (MA)
Membership Coordinator: Ryan Langer, Consolidated School District of New Britain (CT)
Communications Coordinator: Sean Siciliano, Middleborough Public Schools (MA)
Connecticut Representative: Patti Renaud, Glastonbury Public Schools (CT)
Massachusetts Representative: Esmeralda Casas, Ashland Public Schools (MA)
Maine Representative: Vacant
New Hampshire Representative: Genevieve Brown, Oyster River School District (NH)
Rhode Island Representative: Jen Cowart, Cranston Public Schools (RI)
Vermont Representative: Cindy Dunigan, Stafford Technical Center (VT)
President: Meghan Baule, Colchester School District (VT)
Vice President: Dan O'Brien, Minuteman Regional Technical School District (until 2023); Worcester Public Schools (MA) (2023-present)
Secretary: Julia Mitchell, Pinkerton Academy (NH)
Treasurer: Lisa Steimer, Connecticut Association of Boards of Education (CABE)
Membership Coordinator: Ben Dickie, Essex-Westford School District (VT)
Communications Coordinator: Jessie Lavorgna, Middletown Public Schools (CT)
Connecticut Representative: Patti Renaud, Glastonbury Public Schools
Massachusetts Representative: Rochelle Santos, Framingham Public Schools
Maine Representative: Eustaquio Dones
New Hampshire Representative: Andrew Toland, Manchester School District
Rhode Island Representative: Jen Cowart, Cranston Public Schools
Vermont Representative: Cindy Dunigan, Stafford Technical Center