Board Members
DCSEAC Parent Board summer planning for 2024/25 school year
Aleia Mastroianni
Board Chair
AN Information & Support Group Facilitator
Joined DCSEAC board: Winter 2019
I have three children who attend school in Douglas County, 2 in high school and 1 in middle school. Through my children I have experienced a wide range of DCSD's Special Education services, including: Significant Support Needs (SSN), Affective Needs (AN), out-of-district placements, IEPs, and 504s.
I first found DCSEAC because of my youngest daughter; she has Level III Autism, Intellectual Disability, and OCD. While trying to negotiate her education I felt overwhelmed, worried, and under-informed. I joined DCSEAC in hopes that I would better understand our district and how my daughter could fit into their system. What started as an action driven by frustration and fear has turned into a mission and a passion. DCSEAC has helped me to be a better advocate for my daughter, but it has also allowed me to share the knowledge I have gained with the families of Douglas County. Working for all children, not just my own, is rewarding on a whole new level. My work at DCSEAC has filled my heart and I am proud of what our committee has been able to accomplish together.
Natalie Mock
Vice Board Chair
SSN Information & Support Group Facilitator
Joined DCSEAC board: Fall 2021
I have 2 children attending DCSD schools, both in high school. I have experience with SSN (Significant Support Needs) and GT (gifted and talented).
I attended the SSN support group for years and applied to the DCSEAC board to help facilitate the connections I experience with other DCSD SSN parents. I have continued volunteering on the DCSEAC board because aiding parents in locating resources they need, and may not have found yet, brings me joy.
Jeni Cassidy
Staff Liaison Officer
ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder) Task Force Officer
Joined DCSEAC board: Fall 2019
I am a parent of a high schooler with ASD who never quite fit in our SSN, AN, or mild/moderate programs. My child is currently in an out of district placement to support his autism.
I initially joined DCSEAC to gain a deeper understanding of my child’s IEP, but I’ve stayed because the work brings me immense joy. Being able to support other parents on their journey, reminding them they are not alone, has been incredibly rewarding. Along the way, I’ve built connections and made a meaningful impact in our community.
Meredith Daly
Secretary
Mild/Moderate Information & Support Group Co-Facilitator
Joined DCSEAC board: Fall 2023
Parent of a second grader with ASD that just graduated into Mild mod support at school. I also have a 3 year old.
Reason for joining: we had the best SSN teacher who is now making incredible things happen at a school that needed him. I wanted to find a way to be involved in this special community and support positive changes for the parents, the staff and the kids the way he did for my kid.
Jehn Jensen
Preschool Liaison
Joined DCSEAC board: Fall 2021
Over the past 20 years, I have graduated 4 of my children in Douglas County Schools, some with IEPs, and still have 3 of my children in elementary school; one in an SSN program, another in mild/mod Special Education Services and the last in a 504.
I came across DCSEAC through their committee position application and really had no idea what I was applying for. I knew that I had 3 preschoolers that would require special education services for many years to come and wanted to be able to be knowledgeable enough to navigate all that is required to best set them up for success. I applied, hoping that this committee would be a great resource for myself and my children and in turn I would help other parents in our DCSD community. My position on this board has far met any expectations I had before joining. I have learned a great deal and have been able to use this knowledge to help families navigate Special Education Services, strengthen and support teachers and nurture relationships between DCSD and families.
Kelly Mayr
DCSEAC Representative
Shining Star Committee
Joined DCSEAC board: Fall 2022
I am the mom of nine children and have been a member of the Douglas County community for 27 years. I am a parent to a current student in the Bridge SSN program, as well as two current students in the mild/moderate program. I am happy to serve on DCSEAC and I represent DCSEAC on the equity advisory committee.
Why joined DCSEAC? I joined to collaborate to make Special Education better for all students.
Courtney Nangle
Shining Star Committee & Fundraiser
Joined DCSEAC board: Fall 2023
I am a parent of a 13 year old, almost 9yr old, and an 8 year old as well as a bonus mom to 7 year old and 4 year old. Combined we have just about every need in our house from ODD to low functioning nonverbal autistic.
I initially joined DCSEAC as a way to gain community as well as use my 18 year plus experience in Army Family Relations to help the community. Since joining I have been extremely thankful for not only the friendships I’ve developed but the knowledge each member is happy to pour out when in need.
Jason Sipes-Dase
Best Buddies Coordinator
Joined DCSEAC board: Fall 2023
I am the proud parent of a elementary school student in the DCSD special education program
I became a member of the DCSEAC to strengthen my connection with the community, advocate for our special education students, teachers, and staff, and explore opportunities to enhance our educational environment.
Gretchen Smith
Pour the Love Coordinator
Shining Star Committee
Joined DCSEAC board: Fall 2022
Parent of 2 elementary children, an 8 year old with Dyslexia and ADHD, and a 10 year old with ASD and ADHD, both are part of the mild/mod program.
I joined DCSEAC to help students and families have a voice, resources, and support for parents advocating for their children's educational needs. I was lost and overwhelmed when I first started navigating a 504 and an IEP, and I wanted to be proactive in helping others where they need support.
Tashia White
Mild/Moderate Information & Support Group Co-Facilitator
Joined DCSEAC board: Fall 2023
I am a parent of a middle schooler with Dyslexia and Dysgraphia and a High Schooler with a recent diagnosis of Dyslexia.
I joined the DCSEAC board to connect, empower and support others on this journey. Through collaboration, sharing resources and proactive approach we all learn and grow together.