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.

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