Board Members

PRESIDENT

Kathryn Lemerich is an experienced educational leader with extensive experience in mathematics instruction and school and district leadership through the various roles she has served as teacher, coach, supervisor, assistant principal, principal and consultant. A 2017 ASCD Emerging Leader and current President of NJASCD, she is passionate about championing all students, addressing the needs of the whole child, supporting high-quality math instruction and advancing innovative, project-based approaches to teaching and learning. Kate is a Mathematics Content Integration Specialist in the Program for Teacher Preparation at Princeton University and is also the author of “Igniting the Spark: Creating Inspiration in Leadership,” a chapter in The Impact of Innovation in Leadership.

PRESIDENT-ELECT

Barbara Wilchensky directs Curriculum, Language Arts, and Social Studies for Bridgeton Public Schools. With 24 years of experience, she brings a thoughtful, student-first lens to early literacy and to system-level curriculum work. Barbara earned her B.A. from Rowan University and an M.A. in Education from Fairleigh Dickinson University. A passionate advocate for public education, she has also served her community as a Board of Education member for Cumberland Regional High School. Outside of work, she’s the family’s chief travel planner and an avid lover of the outdoors—hiking, biking, kayaking—and a good book. She joined NJASCD “to connect with a vibrant community of educators, learn about the impactful work happening across New Jersey, and continue to grow as a leader.” Colleagues know her for pairing warmth with a clear standard of excellence.

TREASURER

Tom Sharples is an Assistant Principal, Athletic Director, and Health and PE Supervisor at Bernards Township Middle School. With 18 years in education, Tom brings deep expertise in classroom management, technology integration, and collaborative learning environments. He earned his B.A. in History and an M.A. in Education from Fairleigh Dickinson University before completing an additional M.A. in Educational Leadership at Montclair State University. Beyond his formal training, Tom is passionate about reimagining classroom configurations and leveraging AI and tech tools to support instruction. His personal life is equally fulfilling—married with two children, he finds joy in coaching athletics, enjoying beach vacations, and golfing whenever possible. Tom first became involved with NJASCD because of the relevance and quality of its professional development and has remained committed to the organization for the strong professional learning network it provides. His leadership as treasurer reflects a commitment to both sound organizational stewardship and educational innovation.

IMMEDIATE PAST PRESIDENT

Heidi Daunoras continues to serve the field as an adjunct professor at Rowan University while championing whole-child, whole-educator approaches statewide. Over 32 years in education, she has focused on community and family partnerships, childhood development, and building PreK–12 experiences that extend beyond the school day and year. Heidi earned a B.A. in Elementary Education from Rowan University, an M.S. in Education, and completed NJEXCEL leadership certification through NJPSA/FEA at Thomas Edison State University. Her colleagues know her for blending big-picture vision with practical tools that schools can use tomorrow. Away from the podium, she finds joy with her young adult sons and extended family, church and nature, travel, community volunteering, and (always) a good book. “When a colleague invited me to NJASCD more than a decade ago, I found a professional home—people with energy and vision who make each other better,” she reflects. Gratitude and service remain the throughlines of her leadership.

DIRECTOR, CENTRAL REGION

As NJASCD’s Central Region Director, Tracey Raimondo brings the perspective of a district leader who has lived the work from classroom to cabinet. She serves Manchester Township School District as the Director of Curriculum and Instruction, now entering her 29th year in education. Tracey’s preparation includes a B.A. in English, an MAT in Teaching, an M.A. in English, and NJEXCEL principal certification, a path that mirrors her commitment to deep content knowledge and strong leadership practice. Her specialties include literacy, curriculum design, professional development, new-staff induction, and master scheduling—areas where she reliably translates strategy into day-to-day systems. Tracey is driven by the belief that coherent curriculum and compassionate coaching change student trajectories. She initially connected with NJASCD to learn and share with peers and stayed because the network consistently sharpens her practice. That same spirit of reciprocity guides her mentoring of rising leaders across the region.

CO-DIRECTOR, NORTH REGION

Corey Cohen serves NJASCD as North Co-Director and Events Chair while leading in Franklin Township as a Dean of Students. Now in his 18th year in education, Corey is known for designing professional learning that is practical, energizing, and rooted in restorative practices. He holds a B.A. from Thomas Edison State College, an M.A. in Coaching and Athletic Administration from Concordia University, and an M.A. in Leadership and Administration from Georgian Court University. Corey’s career path has included extensive coaching at the middle school, high school, and collegiate levels, experience he draws on to build strong, team-centered school cultures. He is also a devoted husband and father of two, and he credits his family for keeping him grounded and motivated. “NJASCD provides so many meaningful opportunities to learn and grow alongside an amazing group of educators who truly support one another,” he says. That belief in community shows up in how he plans events—welcoming, purposeful, and focused on impact.

CO-DIRECTOR, NORTH REGION

As Co-Director of NJASCD’s North Region, Mr. Matthew Kosensky plays a critical role in connecting educators across northern New Jersey. He currently serves the Dover Public School District as Supervisor of K–12 Science and 21st Century Skills, where he leverages 15 years of expertise in curriculum design and instructional leadership. His academic foundation includes a B.S. in Biology and Secondary Education with a Chemistry minor from The College of New Jersey, and an M.Ed. in Educational Leadership from Centenary University. Kosensky’s professional interests focus on building strong science programs, advancing instructional technology, and supporting teachers through meaningful professional development. Outside of work, he values time with family, friends, and loved ones, grounding his professional energy in strong personal connections. He joined NJASCD to learn from colleagues and to share practices that elevate learning for all students, believing that collaboration is the key to growth.

DIRECTOR, SOUTH REGION

A high school mathematics teacher in the Ocean City School District, Caitlin Jagielski represents the Southern Region as a Regional Director for NJASCD. She holds dual B.A. degrees in Mathematics and Secondary Education from Rowan University and brings 17 years of classroom experience to her leadership role. Known for her ability to build strong rapport with students and colleagues, Caitlin specializes in both mathematics instruction and supporting learners in special education settings. Her contributions to NJASCD stem from her belief in professional learning communities and their power to shape careers. Caitlin credits NJASCD with helping her find her next professional steps, an experience she now pays forward by mentoring others. Outside of school, she enjoys engaging in community activities and maintaining meaningful relationships that fuel her professional work. Her leadership in NJASCD underscores her commitment to teacher growth, student success, and the development of equitable educational opportunities across the state.

MEMBER-AT-LARGE

Jessica Nathan has dedicated more than two decades to education, currently serving as Supervisor of Elementary Education in Montville Township. Within NJASCD, she has held multiple leadership roles, including North Region Director and State Member-at-Large, where she has helped shape initiatives supporting educators statewide. Jessica’s academic background includes a B.A. in Political Science from Rutgers University and an M.A. in Educational Leadership from Montclair State University. Her professional expertise spans elementary education, early literacy, and teacher coaching, making her a trusted leader in shaping curriculum and practice. At home, she enjoys family life with her husband and their two daughters, Mikayla and Brianna. She describes her NJASCD involvement as a chance to engage in meaningful conversations with colleagues and to contribute to the advancement of teaching and learning in New Jersey. Jessica’s leadership is defined by her passion for collaboration, her dedication to students, and her vision for inspiring growth among educators.

Adjunct Professor, Early Childhood/Elementary Education

Rowan University

Director, Office of Learning Equity and Academic Recovery

NJDOE

Superintendent

Metuchen School District

Superintendent

Warren Township School District

Principal (retired)

Secondary English / Language Arts (retired)

Superintendent

Morris School District

Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum and Instruction (retired)

Vineland School District