Introducing Your Policy Council Representatives

Introducing Your Policy Council Representatives
Posted on 10/29/2020
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Congratulations to the newly elected 2020-2021SY Policy Council representatives.

There are two Infant/Toddler representatives (Marianne Cashoya and Robyn Masten); three Preschool representatives (Chris Deerinwater, Allison Lewis, and Janessa Thomas); and one Homebased representative (Felicia Toya). You can read their biographies below.

The next Policy Council meeting will be held in November. Stay tuned for more information!

ECEC Policy Council 2020-2021


Originally published 10/15/20

Help choose the 2020-2021SY Policy Council representatives! All ballots must be submitted no later than EOB Tuesday, Oct. 20. There are three ballots:

  • Infant/Toddler Representatives (vote for 2 candidates)
  • Preschool Representatives (vote for 3 candidates)
  • Homebased Representatives (vote for 1 candidate)

After reading the candidate bios listed below, please click here to vote for representatives on each of the three ballots. Every ECEC household can have up to two votes (one vote for each child's parents/guardians). A paper ballot can also be cast at the ECEC during distribution on Mondays.

Policy Council Candidates

Click here to download a PDF copy of the candidate biographies, which includes a printable  ballot for each of the three races. 

Questions? Call or text 480-241-1854.


INFANT/TODDLER CANDIDATES

  • Marianne Cashoya
  • Robyn Masten
  • Lupe Moquino
  • Eliza Stevens

Marianne Cashoya
Hi, my name is Marianne Cashoya. I am a Salt River Community member. I am raising two of my great nephews. They have been in placement with me for a few years now. The oldest is in Head Start Preschool and the youngest is in the Early Head Start infant/toddler side. They both have attended ECEC since they were babies. I have been part of the ECEC family for over 5 year when the boys’ oldest sister attended. I would sign her into school and pick her up from class. I help support the communication between family and staff. I recently completed my Master’s program. I am currently the audit manager at the casino but have been employed with them for 13 years, held other positions.

Why I am interested in joining Policy Council is I am ready to move from being a part of the school family to helping with the decision making process. Over the years, I have heard about things. I want to get involved. Helping to make the changes and gaining a deeper knowledge of ECEC.

The role of Policy Council is to participate, make changes as need and then provide information about the changes and the process to other families. To keep everyone updated about what is happening in the school and keep them informed. Supporting the communication to all ECEC parents and families.

The skills, experience, I provide to the Policy Council is my Master’s degree in Business Administration with an emphasis in accounting. My work experience includes looking at budgets and finances. I also know how to work with and as a group. Raising young children helps me focus on what is important for them and to them.

Please note: Cashoya is also running as a Preschool representative.

Robyn Masten
Hi, my name is Robyn Masten. I am a Community member and mother of three girls. My youngest is 1 years old and my oldest 9 years old. All three attended ECEC. I have attended Wish and PBIS parenting classes. I was part of the Homebased program for 5 years. I am a participant in Unite for Literacy, creating a book through Raising a Reader.

I have served on Policy Council for 3 terms. This learning experience was great, to be able to voice your opinion as a parent and Community member. It also gives you lots of great opportunities to attend trainings to better serve your Community and parenting skills. Overall it is just a unique opportunity to be of service. And being able to be a part of the ECEC family even more is awesome!

Please note: Masten is also running as a Preschool representative.

Lupe Moquino
Hi, my name is Lupe Moquino. I am a Community member and a mother of two girls that are under 3 years old. I have attended the parenting classes at ECEC: PBIS, WISH and YPC (Young Parent Connection) for over 2 years.

My focus is my daughters’ education and health. My family has been a part of ECEC for 3 years.

Eliza Stevens
Hi my name is Eliza Stevens and I am a Community member. I have 2 boys. We started at ECEC School in Homebased in August and by Thanksgiving both were attending in classrooms. I recently started online classes at SCC. After attending the first Wish class I promoted among my peers, encouraging others to also take the class. This demonstrates leadership skills, strong communication; not only seeing the benefit but also spreading the word that is what I bring to Policy Council. I ask questions and can gets things done within deadlines.

Please note: Stevens is also running as a Preschool representative.


PRESCHOOL CANDIDATES

  • Marianne Cashoya
  • Chris Deerinwater
  • Thomas Finkelstein
  • Allison Lewis
  • Robyn Masten
  • Eliza Stevens
  • Janessa Thomas
  • Felicia Toya

Marianne Cashoya
Hi, my name is Marianne Cashoya. I am a Salt River Community member. I am raising two of my great nephews. They have been in placement with me for a few years now. The oldest is in Head Start Preschool and the youngest is in the Early Head Start infant/toddler side. They both have attended ECEC since they were babies. I have been part of the ECEC family for over 5 year when the boys’ oldest sister attended. I would sign her into school and pick her up from class. I help support the communication between family and staff. I recently completed my Master’s program. I am currently the audit manager at the casino but have been employed with them for 13 years, held other positions. 

Why I am interested in joining Policy Council is I am ready to move from being a part of the school family to helping with the decision making process. Over the years, I have heard about things. I want to get involved. Helping to make the changes and gaining a deeper knowledge of ECEC. 

The role of Policy Council is to participate, make changes as need and then provide information about the changes and the process to other families. To keep everyone updated about what is happening in the school and keep them informed. Supporting the communication to all ECEC parents and families. 

The skills, experience, I provide to the Policy Council is my Master’s degree in Business Administration with an emphasis in accounting. My work experience includes looking at budgets and finances. I also know how to work with and as a group. Raising young children helps me focus on what is important for them and to them.

Please note: Cashoya is also running as an Infant/Toddler representative.

Christine Deerinwater
Hello. My Name is Christine Deerinwater. 
Currently serving as the Vice President for Policy Council. I am asking for 1 more year to serve. I have experienced so much knowledge and information that goes into running our Early Childhood Education Center. If elected, I will represent the Preschool Program but be here for all families. My grandson is in the Pre-K program, this is his last year attending. He first attended ECEC when he was an infant along with his sibling, who all attended ECEC and now currently at Noah Webster, online schooling.

I have been involved in the school over the years by attending classes, workshops and school events. I have taken the parenting classes that are provided at ECEC, such as Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports, PBIS and WISH and now with experiencing the Policy Council side.

I am interested in serving on Policy Council, because I would like the opportunity to be a voice for grandparents who are raising their grandchildren and for the young and single parents who may have concerns involving your students. If given the opportunity, I will do my best to address the concerns and issues. I cannot promise any specific thing because Policy Council, as a group will make the decision but I will do my best regarding your issues.

Thomas Finkelstein
I am a Community member, with 4 adult children and now am raising 4 children who range in age from elementary to ECEC, all attended ECEC. I have been a part of ECEC for the last 11+ years. We have adopted the two older children and are in process for the two youngest children.

I have a degree in culinary and was a chef for 22 years. I think education is important and you can learn something new. I went back to school 2015 graduated with Architecture in Building Safety Technology degree. I am going to school for a geology degree. It is good to know more about the land you are going to build in it. I enjoy family time and cooking from scratch and gardening. I started another garden, I have 8 chicken and built a chicken coops so we have eggs. The winter crop is coming and lots of fruit trees.

I want to serve on Policy Council, because I want to know what is going on in the school, understand in the different situations. Policy Council should know their role, the expectation in serving and know things are going to get done. It is a great thing, what ECEC is doing to educate the children during Covid-19. Sometimes change is good. I have experience in many fields: remodeling, equipment operator, mechanic, truck driver, and even a race car driver. I do have political experience and it’s something I am interested in. My brother was state house rep for Alaska. I bring all of my experiences to Policy Council if I am elected.

Allison Lewis
My name is Allison Lewis and I have been working with Salt River Schools for about 5 years; I currently work as a bus monitor. I am a mother of two children, both attend ECEC: The oldest is center based in the Cougar class and the other is in the Home-based program.

I have served one term as the Homebased Policy Council representative during the 2019-2020 school year and want to continue to serve because it is important to make the right decisions for our children’s educational future.

In addition, I want to make sure the school takes advantage of every opportunity given to them. As part of the Policy Council, my role would be to make the best possible decisions for all children at ECEC.

Please note: Lewis is also running as a Homebased representative. 

Robyn Masten
Hi, my name is Robyn Masten. I am a Community member and mother of three girls. My youngest is 1 years old and my oldest 9 years old. All three attended ECEC. I have attended Wish and PBIS parenting classes. I was part of the Homebased program for 5 years. I am a participant in Unite for Literacy, creating a book through Raising a Reader.

I have served on Policy Council for 3 terms. This learning experience was great, to be able to voice your opinion as a parent and Community member. It also gives you lots of great opportunities to attend trainings to better serve your Community and parenting skills. Overall it is just a unique opportunity to be of service. And being able to be a part of the ECEC family even more is awesome!

Please note: Masten is also running as an Infant/Toddler representative.

Eliza Stevens
Hi my name is Eliza Stevens and I am a Community member. I have 2 boys. We started at ECEC School in Homebased in August and by Thanksgiving both were attending in classrooms. I recently started online classes at SCC. After attending the first Wish class I promoted among my peers, encouraging others to also take the class. This demonstrates leadership skills, strong communication; not only seeing the benefit but also spreading the word that is what I bring to Policy Council. I ask questions and can gets things done within deadlines.

Please note: Stevens is also running as an Infant/Toddler representative. 

Janessa Thomas
My name Janessa Thomas. I am a community member. I am Pima and Muscogee Creek. I have two daughters Ava and Gracie. I have been employed with Salt River Social Services the past eight years and before that I worked here at ECEC as a teacher aide.

If elected, this will be my second year serving on Policy Council. I am interested in serving on Policy Council because I like to be involved with the school that my children are attending. I see my role of the Policy Council as participating and being involved with families, ECEC events, assisting in recruiting students, volunteering, and representing ECEC in the Community. If I were to be elected to serve on the Policy Council I would bring new ideas, resources and services.

Felicia Toya
I’m Felicia and a member of the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community. I am a mother of four. My eldest is a 4th grader. I have two children that are at ECEC and I am in the Homebase program with my pregnancy.

I was previously employed for 2 years at ECEC as a Health Assistant in 2014-2016. Where I cared for children on a daily basis but also connected with families. With this experience, I am able to provide a perspective of a parent and the school. I am currently working at the Salt River Clinic, as a Purchase Referred Care Coordinator where I assist the Community with medical referrals.

My interest for serving on Policy Council is to be able to be heard, voice comments and concerns not only for myself but other parents and families.
I see the role of Policy Council is to bring information and awareness to other parents/guardians of events, policy, circumstances that are happening at the Center.

If I am elected as Policy Council representative, I would bring my knowledge of health and wellness. As well as, I hope guardians/parents would see me as approachable. That they can be comfortable coming to talk about any interest, expressing their input and thoughts regarding their child's education or the overall well-being at the Center.

Please note: Toya is also running as a Homebased representative. 


HOMEBASED CANDIDATES

  • Allison Lewis
  • Joe Tate
  • Felicia Toya

Allison Lewis
My name is Allison Lewis and I have been working with Salt River Schools for about 5 years; I currently work as a bus monitor. I am a mother of two children, both attend ECEC: The oldest is center based in the Cougar class and the other is in the Home-based program. 

I have served one term as the Homebased Policy Council representative during the 2019-2020 school year and want to continue to serve because it is important to make the right decisions for our children’s educational future. 

In addition, I want to make sure the school takes advantage of every opportunity given to them. As part of the Policy Council, my role would be to make the best possible decisions for all children at ECEC. 

Please note: Lewis is also running as a Preschool representative. 

Joe Tate
Hi my name is Joe Tate. My wife and family have lived in Salt River for a few years, we have family ties to Salt River, Gila River and Navajo nation. We have 4 children who all attended ECEC. Our family has been part of the Homebased program for 2 years, we are beginning the 3rd school year. I have my Bachelor degree and I am working on my Master’s degree. We enjoy being active. My oldest girls are involve in Jujitsu and attend competitions in Nevada and California. We spend time as a family and are always together.

Felicia Toya
I’m Felicia and a member of the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community. I am a mother of four. My eldest is a 4th grader. I have two children that are at ECEC and I am in the Homebase program with my pregnancy. 

I was previously employed for 2 years at ECEC as a Health Assistant in 2014-2016. Where I cared for children on a daily basis but also connected with families. With this experience, I am able to provide a perspective of a parent and the school. I am currently working at the Salt River Clinic, as a Purchase Referred Care Coordinator where I assist the Community with medical referrals.

My interest for serving on Policy Council is to be able to be heard, voice comments and concerns not only for myself but other parents and families.
I see the role of Policy Council is to bring information and awareness to other parents/guardians of events, policy, circumstances that are happening at the Center. 

If I am elected as Policy Council representative, I would bring my knowledge of health and wellness. As well as, I hope guardians/parents would see me as approachable. That they can be comfortable coming to talk about any interest, expressing their input and thoughts regarding their child's education or the overall well-being at the Center. 

Please note: Toya is also running as a Preschool representative. 

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