All members of the Massachusetts PTA Board of Directors are volunteers who are here to serve you and to work for children throughout Massachusetts and our country. Meet your Massachusetts PTA Board of Directors.
Karen DeRoche, President
National Council of States Representative
Karen is the proud adoptive mother of 2 boys and started her work in her local unit, Rehoboth PTSA, more than 15 years ago. She proudly served on many committees and held the offices of Rehoboth PTSA’s President, Secretary, Vice President (Palmer River and Beckwith) and Membership Chair. Passionate about her work at PTA, she has raised awareness for children with disabilities, adoptive children, children with special education needs, and those who “fall between the cracks”. With over 30 years of nursing experience, she currently works as a Nurse Case Manager and spends her weekends as a proud hockey mom. She is very excited to continue her work with Massachusetts PTA in this role, and continues to serve on many committees at the Massachusetts PTA and in her local community. Karen is passionate about advocating for all children, and believes strongly in PTA’s motto….”Every Child, One Voice.” Together let’s make a difference!!
Kathresha Cureton, President-Elect
Kathresha Cureton currently serves on the Massachusetts PTA Board of Directors, and as a member of the Health, Safety and Wellness Committee. Kathresha draws from experience with more than 15 years in Health and Human Services, and earlier in her career, management, public affairs and outreach. She studied Psychology from the School of Social Behavioral Sciences at Mercy College and Art and Design from the School of Design at Pratt Institute. Active in the community, she served at the local level as a member on both Elementary and Middle School Councils; as the Middle/High School Vice President, PTA and Reflections Chair. She is a PTA Art Coordinator for the Hopkinton Elementary Schools, has volunteered in several other committees and civic leadership positions at every level.
With over 8 years of leadership experience she has also been involved in working as a liaison with support for parents and students including school programs, education and advocating for children. She continues to advance her training by attending conferences, seminars and workshops on both health and educational topics; including her passion for the arts.
Her children attend Hopkinton School District. We are very pleased to have her join our Leadership Team at Massachusetts PTA. “Life is never so busy that there is no time to help others.”
Christine Blinn, Vice President of Leadership
Christine serves as an Advisory Comittee member and is the current President for Old Sturbridge Academy PTSA. She previously served as Vice President, and was a founding board member of OSA PTSA.
Christine is a proud wife and mother to 3 children who are the reason she became so active in the PTSA and the Advisory Committee at their school. While serving on the PTSA Christine has worked hard on increasing membership and growing her local unit each year. When stepping into the role of President she dived into the trainings and webinars offered by the Massachusetts PTA to learn as much as she could about the true mission and values of the PTA, and bring those back to her local unit. She has played a role in increasing knowledge on the true mission of the PTA in her local unit and has also been working on getting a DEIA committee started. Personally she has a passion for advocacy and is very excited to begin working with the Massachusetts PTA.
Ashley Ferrini, Secretary
Ashley is currently an education support professional in the Middleborough public school system. Previously she has assisted in creating a private kindergarten program where she specialized in diverse learning styles and opportunities. She is very passionate about making sure all students have an equitable education opportunity and works tirelessly to ensure that no child should be left behind for any reason.
Ashley presently holds a vice president position at her local elementary school and has previously held leadership positions such as president and secretary, as well as chair and committee roles. During her time in the PTA, Ashley has strongly focused on creating a bond between the schools and the local community. She understands that collaborating with the community and bridging communication gaps are a critical step in the success of all children’s futures.
When she is not spending time with her two beautiful children, Ashley is giving back to the community, including volunteering in the schools, girl scouts, and on the field. The “EveryChild. OneVoice” line resonates personally with Ashley because, although diversity is a known fact, to include others is something we should all choose to do daily. As a leader, she will strive to spread the message to embrace the openness of acceptance and not just tolerate it.
Mackenzie Morgenweck, Treasurer
Mackenzie Morgenweck currently serves on the Massachusetts PTA Board of Directors as Treasurer. She is a sophomore at Roger Williams University, majoring in Accounting and Finance and minoring in Political Science. During high school, she spent much of her time actively giving back to her community, serving as an ambassador for Project 351, sitting on DRRHS’s School Council, and representing the student body on the Regional School Committee.
Mackenzie has also worked in politics as a campaign manager for a local school committee candidate, a treasurer for a local selectmen candidate, and as Chairperson of Save Our Schools – Dighton-Rehoboth, a Political Action Committee which advocates for quality education in the Dighton-Rehoboth Regional School District.
Mackenzie’s leadership roles have allowed her to positively and directly affect the lives of her fellow students. She is excited to continue to improve the educational experience of all children in the Massachusetts educational community with the Massachusetts PTA.
Madison Estes, Immediate Past President
- Cranberry PTA President
- Communications Chair
- Bylaws Support
Madison Estes is currently a Business Teacher at Masconomet Regional High School. She previously taught both elementary and middle school special education in the Pentucket Regional District. She holds a Massachusetts Teaching Certification for Business Education as well a Teaching Certification for Moderate Disabilities K-8. She graduated from Salem State University with a major in Business Administration and a minor in Educational Studies. She received her Masters of Education in Moderate Disabilities K-8 at Merrimack College in May 2021. Madison is the daughter of a single parent, who lost her husband when Madison was in elementary school. Experiencing this loss has motivated Madison to champion the issues of single parent families and the costs of higher education on a family. As a young teacher, she also believes in supporting the public education system and engaging parents and students in their own education. She strongly supports allowing teachers to participate in leadership opportunities both in and outside of the classroom. Madison has served many roles within Massachusetts PTA from Student Rep, Treasurer, and President. She also served two terms on the National PTA Youth Committee. Madison loves supporting and volunteering for the PTA and strongly believes in their tagline “everychild.onevoice”.
Stephanie Gray, Corporate Partnerships Chair
- National PTA Field Service Committee
- MA PTA Communications Team
- Liaison to MassPartners
- Past President 2014-2016
Stephanie Gray has served on the MA Parent Teacher Association (PTA) Board of Directors since 2010 beginning her time as the MA PTA Communications Chairman and moving into the role of President Elect, President, Immediate Past President and Cranberry Unit President, currently serving as MA PTA Communications Chair. She currently serves on the National PTA Field Services Committee and has also served on the National PTA Bylaws Committee. She assumed the role of President in July of 2014. As part of her role with MA PTA she serves as the Liaison to MassPartners for Public Schools, the 2018-2019 Chair, a coalition of the statewide teacher, parent, school committee, principal, and superintendent organizations in Massachusetts. Stephanie is a mother of 2 who began her PTA experience developing the Drama Club at her children’s elementary school where for 5 years she worked to ensure 120 children each year had the opportunity to participate and learn about the theater. After her mother-in-law passed in May of 2016 she realized that most families have no idea how to prepare for and handle loss, Stephanie put together her passion for helping people with her background in sales and marketing to become an agent through New York Life Insurance Company and may be licensed with various other independent unaffiliated insurance companies in the state of Massachusetts. Previously she worked for SMH Electronics as the Business Development Manager in West Wareham, MA. Before that she owned her own company working with small businesses to develop their online presence. Throughout her career in Marketing and as a Parent Advocate, Stephanie has done workshops and presentations on subjects ranging from Designing Routines for new parents to “Transitioning to EMR for the AHCA” for medical practices. She has also been part of a number of task-forces and panels with other educational organizations including the MA Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. Stephanie is passionate about the mission and goals of PTA and believes that it is our role as PTA leaders to not only ensure that every child has the opportunity to reach their potential but to work with the whole family to educate and empower parents/guardians/care givers so they can be the best advocate for their child.
Susan Bogosian, Advocacy Chair
Susan has been an active volunteer in the Rehoboth PTSA for the past six years serving on many committees, co-chairing and chairing committees, and serving as the Vice President of Palmer River and the President. She has extensive experience in the education, public service, Judiciary, human services and the legal field. She holds a Bachelor of Arts and Science, a Master of Science and a Juris Doctorate degree. Further, she has a background in legislative affairs having worked in Washington, DC as an intern in the United States Senate. She is active in the political arena through her lobbying efforts. Her belief in our mission “to make every child’s potential a reality by engaging and empowering families and communities to advocate for all children” is demonstrated in her actions. Susan is also a member of the MA PTA Health, Wellness, and Safety Committee and has been the Advocacy Chair for the past three years. She represents MA PTA as a Federal Legislative Chair (FLC) on the National PTA FLC committee. “Advocacy is the core of PTA and advocacy sets us apart from other organizations.”
Jacqueline M. Coogan, Health, Safety and Wellness Chair
National PTA Health Subcommittee Member
Jackie Coogan is the Founder, and past volunteer Executive Director (19 years) of The Joint Committee for Children’s Health Care in Everett (1994 to present). She brings 37 years of experience in the Everett Public Schools, as a classroom teacher and elementary School Counselor. Currently, an Adjunct Professor of Psychology at Bunker Hill Community College since 1914. Jackie holds a bachelor’s degree from Salem State University ’70 and a Master’s in Education from Suffolk University ’77.
Ms. Coogan also served on the Board of Directors of Health Care for All (1999 to 2019) the leading consumer health advocacy organization in Massachusetts, which played a key role in developing the policy initiatives that led to passage and implementation of the Chapter 58 health reform law in April of 2006. In 2012, she joined the Massachusetts PTA as their Health and Safety Chair. Jacqueline Coogan has been honored for her work in health care, education, children and families many times and most notable by:
- Health Care For All, Boston, MA. June 19,1998 For The People, Against the Tide, “For her leadership and commitment to securing health care access for the children of Everett and surrounding communities in Massachusetts”
- Salem State University, 2002 – Outstanding Educator of the Year
- Massachusetts Teachers Association, Human and Civil Rights Award for Creative Leadership, May 2009
- Massachusetts PTA, Commitment to Children Award, 2012
Mikki Wilson, Reflections Chair
National PTA Board of Directors Member-At-Large
Mikki Wilson serves as a member-at-large on the National PTA board of directors. She has been involved with PTA at the local and state levels as well, particularly serving as the manager of the Massachusetts PTA Reflections program and facilitating Reflections workshops for Massachusetts PTA Leadership Conventions.
As a PTA leader in Massachusetts, Wilson expanded participation in the Reflections program, strengthened community partnerships and transformed the Reflections Awards from a convention session into an immersive experience, showcasing student artists in family-friendly art museums across Massachusetts. She also used the program as a way to increase PTA membership.
Outside of PTA, Wilson is a volunteer for multiple non-profit organizations. She is especially passionate about arts education, youth development and entrepreneurship. Professionally, Wilson is a marketing strategist and consultant with nearly 20 years of experience managing one-person marketing departments and increasing productivity for small businesses in the finance, healthcare and retail industries.
Wilson’s proudest PTA memory is being recognized as a Massachusetts State Reflections Winner of Breed Middle School, thanks to Paulette Langone, her art teacher who worked in Lynn Public Schools for over 40 years.
Barbara Bailey, Membership Chair
- Past President
- Bylaws Support
Barbara Bailey, Massachusetts PTA Membership Chair, has been involved in PTA for over 40 years. Why? “I would like for all schools in Massachusetts to be able to experience the benefits of PTA. I also have made some wonderful friendships through PTA which I will always cherish. I also have five grandchildren – four boys and a girl. The future of their education as well as the education of all children is important to me.”
Barbara and her husband Don live in Lexington where they raised their three boys. When the boys began school over 40 years ago, Barbara became involved with PTA on the local level. Starting out doing many different volunteer jobs in PTA, she eventually became PTA president at all three schools attended by her children as well as PTA Council President. She became involved on the state PTA level in the late 1980’s and was elected as Massachusetts PTA president from 1993-95. Barbara also serves on Massachusetts PTA Bylaws Committee and Health Committee.
In 2018 Barb retired as a Medical Technologist from Newton Wellesley Hospital where she worked for over 40 years, 30 of those years were on nights 11:00 pm – 7:00 am.
Dr. Eri
k J. Champy, Diversity and Inclusion Chair
- National PTA Board of Directors Member
- Past President 2012-2014
Dr. Erik Champy has supported children, adults and the community for over 30 years. As an elementary teacher, he equipped students with the knowledge and skills to be successful with academics while creating a safe environment to learn. As an adjunct professor for nearly two decades, Dr. Champy has prepared educators to work with students and families to achieve greater outcomes for all.
As a union leader at the local, state and national levels, Dr. Champy has been a strong voice in public education. He has applied his knowledge and experience, worked with community members and advocated for students from Beacon Hill to Capitol Hill. Along with colleagues and fellow advocates, he has lobbied lawmakers for a reduction in student debt, increases in education funding, child nutrition, reform of the No Child Left Behind Act, lowering the achievement gap and many other issues important to American families. Today, as a guidance counselor, Dr. Champy continues to work with diverse students, challenges their strengths, addresses their social emotional needs and assists with identifying career and college opportunities.
As a PTA leader in Massachusetts, Dr. Champy continues to advocate for children and the schools that our students deserve. During his tenure as state president, his team established a robust Health, Safety and Wellness Committee, secured a gubernatorial proclamation for Arts education, formed the Massachusetts PTA Youth Committee, expanded interest and membership in PTA, strengthened partnerships, and identified the first LGBTQ Issues Chair for the Massachusetts PTA.
Wendi DeClercq, Member-At-Large
Wendi DeClercq currently serves on the Massachusetts PTA Board of Directors as the Member-At-Large, and also as a member of the Health, Safety and Wellness Committee.
Wendi brings nearly 20 years of experience working in the government sector as a Legislative Aide for the Massachusetts House of Representatives, followed by several years in the private sector working for a public policy/communications firm, and currently is in her 12th year working in the non-profit sector. Wendi is a former President of the Rehoboth, Massachusetts PTSA, serving that community’s elementary and middle schools, and former Chair of the Rehoboth PTSA Enrichment Grant (PEG) committee. She also serves as the Chair of the Charter Committee for Narragansett Council of Scouts BSA Troop 3, North Dighton, MA.
Wendi became involved in volunteer efforts following the example of her Mother, who was very actively involved in her Church and in all things related to her children; and as a way to stay actively connected with her children’s interests and serve her community.
Wendi resides in Rehoboth, MA with her husband, Raymond, and her son, Cameron, who is in his Senior year at Dighton-Rehoboth Regional High School. She also has a daughter, Jessica, who is a Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) in Dermatology.
Mary Ann Stewart, Liaison to the Board of Elementary and Secondary Education
Past President 2010-2012
Mary Ann Stewart was appointed Parent Representative to the Massachusetts Board of Elementary and Secondary Education by (then) Governor Patrick in August 2014 and has been reappointed in 2019. From 2010-2012, she served as President of the Massachusetts PTA and continues to serve on the state PTA Board as a Member-at-Large. She also serves as a member of the National Advisory Council for Media Literacy Now.
Mary Ann is a parent of three and resides in Lexington. She has been active in the schools and in town government, serving as an elected representative to Town Meeting since 2006 and on the School Committee from 2009-2014 where she lead as Chair from 2011-2012.
Mary Ann has served in numerous leadership roles at the local, state, and national levels. She is a champion of children, youth, and families, and her experience in organizational development and passion for advocacy and creativity has leveraged engagement in professional and volunteer settings alike. Mary Ann received her Bachelor of Science from the University of Massachusetts for Music Education.