Affiliates

Affiliates are geographical chapters of NYSAWA, comprised of regional members working together in their communities to advance women and men in education. They achieve this by providing support, networking opportunities, and professional development for women in educational leadership positions in their local areas.

Affiliate leaders work closely with the NYSAWA board to plan and hold events and develop strategic alliances with education organizations across the state.

Being involved in your local affiliate is a great way to make connections, meet new friends, discover new career possibilities, and stay up to date with the ever-changing education industry.

Members of NYSAWA are welcome to attend any affiliate event of their choosing, regardless of where they live or work.  By attending events hosted by different affiliate chapters, members can gain new perspectives, learn about different experiences, and expand their networks.

We believe that this openness and inclusivity are crucial to the success of NYSAWA and our mission to support and empower women in educational leadership positions. By providing a variety of resources and opportunities for our members, we hope to create a strong and supportive community that can make a significant impact in the field of education.

Affiliate regions and leaders

Jump to a region: Capital Region | Central New York | Long Island | Lower Hudson Valley | Mid-Hudson Valley | North Country | Rochester, Finger Lakes | Southern Tier | Western New York

NYSAWA members who are interested in establishing an affiliate in a different geographic region should contact nysawa@nysawa.org.

Capital Region

Rebecca Carman, Director of Policy and Community Development, Shenendehowa Central School District
Kelly Masline, Director of Educational Support Services, Capital Region BOCES
Karen Swain,
Assistant District Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction, Capital Region BOCES 
Michelle Whitley, Director of K-12 Humanities and Elementary Instruction, Saratoga Springs City School District

Central New York

Harmony Booker-Balintfy, Director of Staff Services, Liverpool Central School District
Angela Wanish, Principal, Cortland City School District
Dana Ziegler,
Executive Director of Curriculum for Humanities, Liverpool Central School District

Long Island

Dr. LaQuita Outlaw, Assistant Superintendent for Elementary Curriculum and Instruction, Bay Shore Union Free School District

Lower Hudson Valley

Diantha Barone, Assistant Principal, Port Chester Middle School, Port Chester – Rye Union Free School District
Dr. Colleen Carroll, Deputy Superintendent, Port Chester – Rye Union Free School District
Christine Rascona, Assistant Principal, Port Chester Middle School, Port Chester – Rye Union Free School District
Dr. Gail Duffy, Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction, Irvington Union Free School District

Mid-Hudson Valley

Crystal Sessoms-Wiggins, Elementary Principal; Beacon City School District
Dr. Heather Chadwell Dennis, Assistant Superintendent for Pupil Personnel Services, Beacon City School District
Dr. Sagrario Rudecindo-O’Neill, Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum and Student Support, Beacon City School District
Kristen Fischetti, Elementary Principal, Pine Plains School District

North Country

Dr. Nicole Eschler, Superintendent, St. Regis Falls Central School District
Amy Campbell, Assistant Superintendent for Educational Services, Champlain Valley Educational Services
Lori Tourville, Assistant Superintendent of Instruction & Instructional Support, Franklin-Essex-Hamilton BOCES

Rochester, Finger Lakes

Kas Wheeler, Director of P16 Instruction, Wayne Finger Lakes BOCES
Sandra Ordan, Director of Innovation and Grant Services, Newark Central School District
Lisa Clar, Director of Mathematics and Business, Rush-Henrietta Central Schools
Sarah Callahan, Executive Director of Curriculum, Instruction and Professional Development, East Rochester Union Free School District
Kerri Levine, Director of Pupil Personnel Services, Avon Central School District

Southern Tier

Rebecca Stone, District Superintendent, Broome-Tioga BOCES
Ashlee T. Hunt, Director of Management Services and Secondary (7-12) Curriculum​, Waverly Central School District
Ginger Rinaldo, Assistant Superintendent for Instruction, DCMO BOCES
Eileen Feinman, Superintendent, Wayland-Cohocton Central School District
Donna Vallese,  Leadership Coach, Founder, Inspiring Leaders

Western New York

Dr. Elizabeth Freas, Assistant Superintendent for Educational Supports & WNYRIC, Erie 1 BOCES
Eleanor Payne
, Middle School Principal, Niagara Wheatfield Central School District
Jennifer L. Clark-Saboda, Ph.D., Director of Professional Learning and Curriculum Development, Erie 2 Chautauqua-Cattaraugus BOCES
Shanda DuClon, Superintendent, Pine Valley
Betsy DiCanlo, Director of Special Education, Orchard Park
Katelyn Welker, Middle School Assistant Principal, Orchard Park
Julie Ziobro, CTE Coordinator (Curriculum and Instruction, Assessment and PD), Erie 1 BOCES