CEA is currently holding an election for four positions on the CEA Executive Board, as well as CEA Site Representative. CEA members can vote online through Monday, April 29 at 5:00 pm.
Please note that only current dues-paying members of CEA are eligible to vote in this election. If you are taking advantage of our Spring Membership Incentive and are not paying for dues until the fall, you will not be eligible to vote in this election.
If you are eligible to vote in this election, you can access the ballot by visiting our online voting page and logging in as follows:
Username: first initial plus your full last name, including spaces or hyphens, but without commas or apostrophes (e.g., the username for Sarah Howard-Mason would be SHoward-Mason)
Password: last 4 digits of your social security number (as on file with AEA)
While all voters can cast a ballot for our open Executive Board positions, voters will only be able to cast a ballot for Site Representatives at their site. Write-in options will be available for all positions, including sites where no candidate is listed. If you are not seeing the correct site listed when you access your ballot, please contact Sharon Tuttle immediately for assistance.
The candidates for this election are as follows.
Executive Board
Vice President of Membership (2-year term)
Katie Nash (Chandler High School)
Vice President of Political Action (2-year term)
Maria Hase (CTA – Goodman Campus)
Recording Secretary (2-year term)
Jennifer Chastain (Andersen Elementary School)
Shaun Creighton (District Office)
Treasurer (2-year term)
Karla Palafox (Ryan Elementary School)
Site Representative
Andersen Elementary School
Andersen Junior High School
Arizona College Prep – Erie Campus
Auxier Elementary School
Basha Elementary School
Kelly Pennington
Christopher Soto
Basha High School
Bogle Junior High School
Bologna Elementary School
Carlson Elementary School
Casteel High School
Chandler Early College
Chandler High School
Chandler Online Academy
Conley Elementary School
CTA – Freedom Campus
CTA – Goodman Campus
CTA – Humphrey Campus
CTA – Independence Campus
Audrey Askins
Corinne MacTurk
Tera StJohn
CTA – Liberty Campus
Christina Freeman
Kristie Moreno
Elite Performance Academy
Frye Elementary School
Fulton Elementary School
Galveston Elementary School
Haley Elementary School
Hartford Sylvia Encinas Elementary School
Hull Elementary School
Instructional Resource Center
Jacobson Elementary School
Kimberly Christ
Tricia Wittbrodt
Knox Gifted Academy
Navarrete Elementary School
Patterson Elementary School
Payne Junior High School
Mackenzie Baker
Shannon Jacques
Perry High School
Ryan Elementary School
San Marcos Elementary School
Jolene Gallup
Carly Mahlmeister
Sanborn Elementary School
Stephanie Canonico
Danielle Harris
Santan Elementary School
Shumway Leadership Academy
Weinberg Elementary School
Willis Junior High School
Katie Nash
Chandler High School
I am honored to be nominated as the VP of Membership. I have spent the past year learning from CEA leadership and my fellow ARs. I look forward to increasing membership by educating people about the benefits of CEA/AEA via increased communication and social events.
I moved to Arizona about 5 years ago from upstate NY. During this time, I have watched the state of education rapidly decline as result of the budget cuts in 2008. I have seen our class sizes grow, positions get cut, teachers leave in droves, and staff struggle to support their families. The difference between education (including certified and classified staff pay) in New York and Arizona is startling! In March 2018, when I saw the Arizona Educators United group form, I knew I had to be a part of it. I volunteered to be the Chandler High liaison as well as a district liaison. As part of the #RedforEd movement, I was able to meet with Governor Ducey to talk about his 20 x 2020 plan. As we all know, it fell short on many of our demands.
Along with many of you, I spent the summer collecting signatures for InvestinED and protesting Prop 305. In the fall, we canvassed for local and state wide pro-education candidates. I was elated when Kathy Hoffman was elected! We know this fight isn’t over. Education is vital to our economy and our future. As a member of AEU leadership and a CEA member, I am hopeful that we will restore funding to education.
Maria Hase
CTA – Goodman Campus
Representing CEA in the capacity of VP of Political Action is an honor. During my time in office, we joined Valley Interfaith Project (VIP), and we strengthened our Chandler Chamber relationship. We circulated 2 petitions, and we are starting to circulate a third. We passed an override. We held 4 candidate forums, and contributed to a fifth one. We walked out. We put up hundreds of signs. We knocked on thousands of doors. We endorsed school board candidates, and provided support to their campaigns. The first female legislator from LD17, a former CUSD teacher, was elected. We contacted, and continue to contact, our legislators. Collaborating with others who seek to improve the education of our state’s children, and advocating on behalf of educators and students are my passions. I would be proud to continue to represent our membership in this capacity. Thank you for considering me for this role.
Jennifer Chastain
Andersen Elementary School
I am honored to be nominated for Recording Secretary of CEA! I am currently in my fifteenth year of teaching and have been in CUSD for the last three years. I teach K-5 general music at Andersen Elementary and am also the AR for Andersen.
Shaun Creighton
District Office
I would very much like to continue serving as CEA Recording Secretary because I am committed to and believe in our local, state, and national associations. I have served on the CEA Executive Board for the past 8 years, initially as Treasurer until being elected Recording Secretary in 2015. In addition to my duties as Recording Secretary, I also manage the CEA website and social media accounts. I have attended several AEA Days at the Capitol and have worked hard to help pass our CUSD bonds and overrides through neighborhood walks, volunteering at local events, and working with partner groups such as AZ Schools Now and Valley Interfaith Project. This year, I worked hard to collect signatures for Invest in Ed and knocked on doors to help elect pro-public education candidates. I have attended several AEA Delegate Assemblies, and was elected to the AEA Board of Representatives in 2018. I also serve as the chairperson of the AEA Elections Committee.
I humbly ask for your support as I seek re-election to this position.
Karla Palafox
Ryan Elementary School
I have been teaching for 22 years, and I have been a CUSD teacher for 12 of those years. I teach 6th grade at Ryan Elementary and currently serve as a site representative. As site representative, I have worked to help other teachers learn and understand the importance of getting involved with policies and decisions involving our profession. I had an opportunity to serve on the Super Q Committee for three years, and I was proud to volunteer and participate in canvassing activities during the last election. Teachers, parents, and many community members worked together to help elect pro-public education candidates. Our schools have been underfunded for years, but I strongly believe if we work together to elevate and advocate for our profession, our students are the ones who ultimately benefit. I hope I can count on your support!
Jennifer Chastain
Andersen Elementary School
No candidate statement submitted
Veronica Morales
Andersen Junior High School
No candidate statement submitted
Anne Berger
Arizona College Prep – Erie Campus
No candidate statement submitted
Britni Michaelson
Arizona College Prep – Erie Campus
No candidate statement submitted
Kris Burns
Auxier Elementary School
No candidate statement submitted
Kelly Pennington
Basha Elementary School
Thank you for the nomination of CEA AR to represent colleagues in education. My educational career has been in CUSD 24 years, and proud to be a Chandler Teacher!
Christopher Soto
Basha Elementary School
No candidate statement submitted
Marisol Archie
Basha High School
No candidate statement submitted
Pamela Simmons
Basha High School
No candidate statement submitted
Rocky Rodriguez
Bogle Junior High School
No candidate statement submitted
Jenifer Civalier
Bologna Elementary School
No candidate statement submitted
Stacy Shaw
Bologna Elementary School
No candidate statement submitted
Linda Ferber
Carlson Elementary School
My name is Linda Ferber, 6th grade teacher at Carlson Elementary School. I would be proud to serve as your CEA site representative. Thank you for considering me for this role.
Ivi Montano
Carlson Elementary School
No candidate statement submitted
Kelly Powers
Casteel High School
No candidate statement submitted
Steve Stoltenberg
Casteel High School
No candidate statement submitted
Sharon Hickson
Chandler Early College
No candidate statement submitted
Katie Nash
Chandler High School
I am honored to be nominated as the AR for Chandler High School. I have spent the past year learning from CEA leadership and my fellow ARs. I look forward to continuing my current role and increasing membership from Chandler High as well as educating members at my site via increased communication and social events.
I moved to Arizona about 5 years ago from upstate NY. During this time, I have watched the state of education rapidly decline as result of the budget cuts in 2008. I have seen our class sizes grow, positions get cut, teachers leave in droves, and staff struggle to support their families. The difference between education (including certified and classified staff pay) in New York and Arizona is startling! In March 2018, when I saw the Arizona Educators United group form, I knew I had to be a part of it. I volunteered to be the Chandler High liaison as well as a district liaison. As part of the #RedforEd movement, I was able to meet with Governor Ducey to talk about his 20 x 2020 plan. As we all know, it fell short on many of our demands.
Along with many of you, I spent the summer collecting signatures for InvestinED and protesting Prop 305. In the fall, we canvassed for local and state wide pro-education candidates. I was elated when Kathy Hoffman was elected! We know this fight isn’t over. Education is vital to our economy and our future. As a member of AEU leadership and a CEA member, I am hopeful that we will restore funding to education.
Lisa Schwalger
Chandler High School
No candidate statement submitted
Janice Armstrong
Chandler Online Academy
No candidate statement submitted
Christina Mason
Conley Elementary School
I have been a member of CEA for 12 years, and have recently gained a better understanding of the role CEA plays in our school district. I still have a lot to learn about being a CEA member and being a site leader, but I am committed to learning and sharing what I learn with the CEA members at our site.
Veronica Lucero
CTA – Freedom Campus
No candidate statement submitted
Tammy Wahla
CTA – Goodman Campus
No candidate statement submitted
Candace Fern
CTA – Humphrey Campus
No candidate statement submitted
Audrey Askins
CTA – Independence Campus
No candidate statement submitted
Corinne MacTurk
CTA – Independence Campus
No candidate statement submitted
Tera StJohn
CTA – Independence Campus
No candidate statement submitted
Christina Freeman
CTA – Liberty Campus
No candidate statement submitted
Kristie Moreno
CTA – Liberty Campus
No candidate statement submitted
Jennifer Fox
Elite Performance Academy
No candidate statement submitted
Heidi Gass
Frye Elementary School
No candidate statement submitted
Jackie Van Epps
Fulton Elementary School
No candidate statement submitted
Susan Skousen
Galveston Elementary School
No candidate statement submitted
Christine Rabe
Haley Elementary School
No candidate statement submitted
Carrie Carstens
Hartford Sylvia Encinas Elementary School
No candidate statement submitted
Kierstin Yamashita
Hull Elementary School
My name is Kierstin Yamashita. I have been teaching for the past 35 years in Arizona. I currently teach 4th and 5th grade ELA and Social Studies for the CATS (Gifted) program at Hull Elementary. During my career, I have had the privilege to work with and for many dedicated individuals who put education and students first, sometimes at the expense of their own welfare. I have been a member of AEA my entire career because I believe in the commitment that our organization has toward educators, support staff, education and our students.
I look forward to and will work for a brighter future and continued growth for education in Arizona.
Together, we can and will make a difference!
Elisa Magee
Instructional Resource Center
No candidate statement submitted
Kimberly Christ
Jacobson Elementary School
I would like to continue to serve Jacobson Elementary as an Association Representative. Thank you for your vote.
Tricia Wittbrodt
Jacobson Elementary School
No candidate statement submitted
Carrie Griffith
Knox Gifted Academy
No candidate statement submitted
Carole Cuccinotto
Navarrete Elementary School
No candidate statement submitted
Vanessa LaRue
Patterson Elementary School
No candidate statement submitted
Mackenzie Baker
Payne Junior High School
No candidate statement submitted
Shannon Jacques
Payne Junior High School
No candidate statement submitted
Shara Billings
Perry High School
No candidate statement submitted
Garald DeGrow
Perry High School
No candidate statement submitted
Caroline Hall
Ryan Elementary School
No candidate statement submitted
Heather Tawney
Ryan Elementary School
No candidate statement submitted
Jolene Gallup
San Marcos Elementary School
No candidate statement submitted
Carly Mahlmeister
San Marcos Elementary School
No candidate statement submitted
Stephanie Canonico
Sanborn Elementary School
No candidate statement submitted
Danielle Harris
Sanborn Elementary School
No candidate statement submitted
Lisa Rittenhouse
Santan Elementary School
No candidate statement submitted
Janell Ochs
Shumway Leadership Academy
No candidate statement submitted
Jenny Ryskamp
Weinberg Elementary School
No candidate statement submitted
Jill Rumsey
Willis Junior High School
No candidate statement submitted