Board

President

I am an immigrant with English as my second language, having moved to the U.S. as an adult before starting a family and discovering that I, too, have disabilities like my two children. My education advocacy journey began in 2019 when I learned what a PTA was and what it is supposed to stand for—advocacy for all children. Since then, I have served on the SSEPTSA board in various roles, including Family and Community Engagement Chair, Vice President, and Legislative Advocacy Chair, and now as president.  

In my "past life," I was a registered nurse. Empowering others has always been at the core of who I am. Both of my sons, one in 8th grade and one a college freshman this year, have multiple disabilities and receive(d) special education services in public schools. We fought hard to get them the support they needed as highly capable, neurodivergent students with disabilities (Twice Exceptional). Our journey, especially with our eldest, involved navigating serious mental health challenges due to delayed diagnoses and lack of school support.  

We live in West Seattle but prioritize staying connected to our Czech culture. My husband, a former educator and specialist, is my greatest supporter, and I couldn’t do this work without him.  

I am deeply committed to advocating for families and educators of disabled students. My goal is to share the knowledge I’ve been gaining over the years and help influence systemic change to dismantle the inequitable and racist structures within our education system. As a neurodivergent person with disabilities, I work with other volunteers in the Seattle Special Education PTSA to address ableism and create accessible, welcoming spaces for all.

Vice President & Legislative Advocacy Co-Chair

Our family is not currently enrolled in Seattle Public Schools.  We opted for a charter school offering mastery based learning to better accommodate our son, who is on the spectrum and has an IEP.  He is currently thriving academically. I joined SSEPTSA to advocate for the families and students in my community navigating the special education system in Seattle Public Schools and for our State's legislature to fully fund K-12 public schools. 

Secretary

Rosario's advocacy journey began as a child when she helped her non-English-speaking immigrant parents navigate unfamiliar systems.  Today, as a mother of a child with special needs, she is thankful that her life experiences shaped her into a fearless advocate for Jiya. 

Communications Chair

Kate became the Communications Chair for the SSEPTSA in 2024. She brings lived experience as a neurodivergent and gifted (2E) mom with a 2E child. She has advocated on Capitol Hill and has professional experience in Communications. Kate is passionate about bringing SSEPTSA's resources to the Seattle community.

Immediate Past President and Family and Community Engagement (FACE) Chair

I joined the Seattle Special Education PTSA in June 2020. My mother and grandparents were teachers and I support public education. I have two young adults, and my younger one is still in Seattle Public Schools in the BRIDGES transition program. 
During the pandemic closures, I was astonished to get a behind-the-scenes look at a system that I knew was failing my son. Because my student was identified with disabilities as a baby, I never had to fight to get an evaluation, with all that can do to a family. In hearing from many other families, I realized how poorly the system supports work.  
I support a system designed to truly educate all children in a rich environment that recognizes and holds in regard disability, race, culture, language -- and other areas that we currently use as divisions -- instead, as strengths. 

Legislative Advocacy Co-Chair

Laura Marie Rivera is an artist, educator, writer, and doctoral candidate at Seattle University. As a mom of four, she understands that each child has their own strengths and challenges, and interests and aspirations. Laura Marie is a fierce advocate for education, the arts, and equity and inclusion. She knows that today's students are the future of our society and that every child deserves a quality education.

Member at Large 

Dustin is a special education teacher in Seattle Public Schools. He has taught students with moderate to severe disabilities in self-contained programs for twelve years, with a strong commitment to fostering inclusive practices for all learners.  Dustin is working with his school’s PTA to increase parent involvement to better support inclusion at his school.  He collaborates closely with families, educators, and service providers to help children enhance their communication skills and strengthen their ability to self-advocate. He is an association representative at his school for Seattle Education Association and has been working with the Right Now Needs Fund through the Alliance for Education to provide funding to underserved Distinct programs.