Executive Board

AMSEL President
Assistant Superintendent for Upper Schools/Chief Equity Officer  

Cambridge Public Schools
mfernandez@cpsd.us • (857) 235-2994
M. Ed. Educational Leadership, University of Massachusetts Boston
B.A. Sociology, University of Massachusetts Dartmouth
Pronouns: he/him

 Manuel J Fernandez is the founding President of the Association of Massachusetts School Equity Leaders. He currently serves as Assistant Superintendent for Upper Schools and the inaugural Chief Equity Officer for the Cambridge Public Schools in Cambridge, MA. He previously served for eight years as the founding Head of School of Cambridge Street Upper School. Fernandez has worked for over forty years in public education as an elementary school assistant principal, high school principal, middle school principal, school counselor, and humanities teacher. He is the founder and President of the ManDez Group. ManDez Group provides transformative development on equity and inclusion issues in schools, organizations, municipalities, and community groups. He has over 30 years of experience as a skilled facilitator of leadership development and equity-related topics and themes. He has consulted with municipalities, private and public schools, community groups, and workplace institutions, providing services to advance equity and inclusion. He is well-versed in school leadership, equity and inclusion, anti-racism and cultural proficiency, youth advocacy, teacher education, community organizing, organizational development, and centering and advancing equity in schools and the workplace. Fernandez earned a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from the University of Massachusetts/Dartmouth, an M.Ed.. in Educational Leadership from the University of Massachusetts/Boston, and a Certificate in Race, Equity, and Leadership from Harvard University. He graduated from the Lorraine Monroe Leadership Academy, the National Institute of School Leadership, and the Boston Principal Fellows Program. He currently serves on the DESE Commissioner’s Advancing Student Learning Taskforce and the Secretary of Education’s Advisory Council for the  Advancement of Representation in Education.     He is the former Director of the Wayland METCO Program, two-term President of the METCO Directors’ Association, and founding Executive Director of Empowering Multicultural Initiatives (now IDEAS), a professional development collaborative of suburban school districts established in 1995 and focused on promoting anti-racist education in schools and classrooms. He is also co-founder of DESE award-winning Students United for Racial Equality.  He has served as an adjunct professor at the University of Massachusetts/Dartmouth, Northeastern University, Wheelock College, and for the Teachers 21 leadership preparation program. In addition, he has developed and facilitated professional development workshops, seminars, and symposiums and delivered keynote addresses for numerous educational conferences and community and municipal gatherings. He is the recipient of the 2024 Outstanding Leadership Award from the Harambee Learning and Cultural Center, Brockton (MA), and the 2018 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Drum Major for Education Award from the Cambridge NAACP. He has been recognized with the Distinguished Alumni Award from the University of Massachusetts/Dartmouth and for Social Justice in Education by the Massachusetts House of Representatives. In addition, he has been awarded the Armond Munoz-Bennett Leadership Award by the METCO Directors Association, the Outstanding Leadership Award from Empowering Multicultural Initiatives, and the Multicultural Leadership Award from the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. He currently serves as a Community Advisor for the Nellie Mae Education Foundation and as an Advisory Board Member for the Center for Antiracist Research at Boston University. His efforts on behalf of Educational Equity have been profiled in the Learning for Justice Magazine, Cambridge Day News, the Hechinger Report, the Christian Science Monitor, and Edutopia.

AMSEL 1st Vice President
Director of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

Newton Public Schools
lopesk@newton.k12.ma.us
M.S.W., Simmons University
B.A. Sociology, University of Massachusetts Amherst
Pronouns: she/her

Kathy Lopes is the Director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion for Newton Public Schools and the current President of the Association of Black Social Workers (ABSW) – Greater Boston Chapter. Formerly appointed as the Assistant Commissioner at the Massachusetts Department of Children and Families, Lopes has a demonstrated history of administrative and clinical experience within education, child welfare, mental health, and non-profit sectors. She holds a long-standing adjunct faculty position at her alma mater, Simmons University School of Social Work, teaching courses on racism, social policy and leadership. Lopes is also the co-author of the recently published book, Change the Narrative: How to Foster an Antiracist School Culture in Your School.

AMSEL 2nd Vice President
Director of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

Scituate Public Schools
jadams@scit.org
M.A. Higher Ed & Multicultural Counseling, Bowling Green State University
B.A. Psychology, Penn State University
Pronouns: he/him

Proudly embracing membership in the community of Scituate and the educational family of its schools, jamele serves as the DEI Director for the District of Scituate Public Schools. Spelling his name with lower case letters, he does so to signal that he is a piece in life’s grand landscape for us all. Arriving to Scituate from Brandeis University, where he served as Dean of Students, along with specific responsibilities for student’s campus life experience, he pioneered and supported programs that celebrated and enhanced campus pluralism. jamele also served as the Director for New York Yankees Derek Jeter’s “Jeter’s Leaders,” a program in the Derek Jeter Turn 2 Foundation. In this role jamele oversaw a unique leadership program that supports high school age students in New York City. Recipient of many awards and recognitions for his work in higher education with young scholars interested in law and creative writing workshops, he is also a nationally celebrated poet. jamele remains well known for his work engaging issues of diversity, equity and inclusion. Through his L.I.T. platform and model, love, inclusion and trust serve as the basis for human connection while addressing h8 and bias. jamele is often called to high schools to assist in the navigation of complex terrains of injustice and help student communities after bias incidents have occurred. Known for his work, jamele is often asked to be a panelist or to give presentations on a broad range of topics regarding diversity, equity, inclusion and pluralism. Accompanying the aforementioned are requests for him to prepare presentations in response to very specific incidents or conditions regarding diversity, equity and inclusion. jamele appears at multitudes of public and private schools, school districts and college campuses every year. Consider this a brief biography into the evolving professional narrative and life calling for jamele adams. jamele subscribes to the mantra “ALWAYS WE, never me.” You might also check out jamele’s TED Talk. 

AMSEL Treasuer
Director of Equity, Integration, and Community Partnerships

Westwood Public Schools
lfranck@westwood.k12.ma.us • 781-326-7500 x3368
C.A.G.S. Simmons University
M.Ed. Lesley University
B.A. Boston University
Pronouns: she/her

Lateefah has been in the education field for over 20 years. Originally from Washington D.C., Lateefah came to Boston as an undergraduate where she earned a B.A. from Boston University, M.Ed. from Lesley University, and a C.A.G.S. from Simmons University. She began her educational journey in inclusion and ELL classrooms as a first, third, and fourth grade classroom teacher. She then became a literacy specialist at the upper elementary school level, before solidly placing her feet in roles of school leadership. She was an instructional coach for teachers before becoming the upper Elementary School Principal at the Boston Renaissance Charter Public School. Lateefah continued to serve Boston resident students and families as a METCO Director in Lincoln and then Westwood, MA. Currently, she supports urban and suburban education as the inaugural Director of Equity, Integration, and Community Partnerships for Westwood Public Schools. Lateefah has been instructing fellow educators in strategies for becoming a more equitable educator through IDEAS (Initiatives for Developing Equity and Achievement for Students)  since 2019. She currently serves as the President of the METCO Directors Association.

AMSEL Secretary
Director of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and  Belonging

Quincy Public Schools
kimconnolly@quincypublicschools.com  •  617-984-8814
M.B.A. Babson College
B.A. Boston University

Pronouns: she/her

 Kim Connolly is a seasoned organizational development leader with over two decades of experience advancing equity, inclusion, and systemic change in public education and the nonprofit sector. She currently serves as the Director of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging for Quincy Public Schools, where she leads efforts to diversify the educator workforce, foster staff retention, and build culturally responsive systems that support student success and well-being.

The oldest daughter of a Vietnamese immigrant and a first-generation Chinese-American mother, Kim grew up influenced by multiple cultures. Though raised in a relatively affluent community, in contrast, her own family experienced their share of hardship, shaping her understanding of inequity and inspiring a deep, lifelong belief in the transformative power of education. That foundation continues to ground her work and fuels her commitment to ensuring schools are places where all students and educators can thrive.

Kim has led strategic initiatives across a range of leadership roles—including with Boston Public Schools, College Bound Dorchester, and the City of Boston—focused on hiring equity, operational excellence, and cross-sector partnership. Her work has impacted tens of thousands of students, improved school and organizational systems, and strengthened pathways for diverse educators.

She holds an MBA from Babson College and a BA in Economics from Boston University, along with certifications in education policy, DEI leadership, and human resource management.

Outside of work, Kim is a former golfer turned pickleball enthusiast who loves the community aspect of sports. She enjoys spending time with her husband, their dog, and extended family and friends—and finds joy in cooking and sharing meals with loved ones.

AMSEL Clerk
Director of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility

Easton Public Schools
cperez@easton.k12.ma.us

508-205-5900 x 12128
J.D. Suffolk University Law School 

B.A. Suffolk University
Pronouns: She her

 Carols Perez was appointed as Easton Public School’s Director of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (DEIA), beginning August 14, 2023.

Perez brings extensive experience in equity-focused leadership, most recently serving as Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion for Sharon Public Schools, where they oversaw the METCO program and led initiatives in family engagement, staff training, and inclusive practices. Prior to that, Perez directed the METCO program in Hingham, supporting K–12 students and building a more culturally responsive school environment.

Perez holds a Juris Doctor from Suffolk University Law School and a Bachelor’s degree in Government and Applied Legal Studies from Suffolk University.

“I am a champion of social justice and believe all students can reach their fullest potential through hard work, dedication, and perseverance when they are each given the necessary resources.”.

AMSEL Membership Committee Chair
Director of Equity & Excellence

Somerville Public Schools
cgallitano@k12.somerville.ma.us • (617)625.6600 x6042
M.S.W., Wheelock College
B.A. Social Work, Ohio State University
Pronouns: she/her

Mrs. Gallitano grew up in Sudbury, MA, and attended THE Ohio State University where she received her Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work, with a minor in Sociology, and she was the recipient of the Presidential Award for Academic Excellence for the College of Social Work.  After attending Ohio State, Caeli worked for Franklin County Children’s Services (FCCS) as a caseworker in the ongoing unit.  After some years at FCCS, Caeli returned to the Boston area and entered the Boston Public School (BPS) System as a counselor at TechBoston Academy in Dorchester.  After completing her Master’s Degree in Social Work, with a graduate certificate in Organizational Leadership from Wheelock College, Caeli continued her clinical work in the BPS at the Dearborn School and Boston Community Leadership Academy.  In 2016, Caeli joined the Somerville Public Schools (SPS) as a clinician in a therapeutic inclusion program at a K-8 school, and later held an administrative position as the director of a substantially separate therapeutic program for grades 1-6 in SPS. In 2022, Caeli earned a Graduate Certificate in Education Law from the University of Connecticut. She currently holds the position of Director of Equity & Excellence for the Somerville Public Schools.  For Caeli, equity is not just a job or position. It is woven into the fabric of her being; it is who she is.  She and her husband enjoy traveling and taking adventures around New England and beyond.  Caeli is “Auntie” to 20 nieces and nephews (between her siblings’ kids and her husband's siblings' kids), and of all the positions she has held, Auntie is by far her favorite - and best - one!

AMSEL Professional Development Committee Chair
Director of Equity

Cambridge Public Schools

ljimenez@cpsd.us 

EdLD, Harvard Graduate School of Education

MA in Education Policy and Administration, Loyola Marymount University

Pronouns: she/hers/ella

Leslie is a proud first-generation Mexican American from Compton, California. After serving as a high school science teacher to an amazing group of students, she fell in love with education and since then has committed to increasing the opportunities and outcomes for all students, especially those traditionally underserved, including low-income, English Learners, Latinx/e, African American, and Special Education students.Leslie has experience working in both the district and charter sectors, across the K-12 spectrum, and with different school stakeholders (students, educators, caregivers, school and district leaders, board members, and community partners). She taught science in various secondary schools in Los Angeles and has served in a range of leadership roles, including Parent Workshop Coordinator, Founding and Instructional Lead Teacher of a transformational middle school in Los Angeles, and as a School Leader at an elementary school in San Jose. She also served as the Director of Quality Diverse Providers for the Oakland Unified School District. Most recently, Leslie served as a Special Assistant to the Superintendent at Cambridge Public Schools, where she led the strategic planning and development of monthly anti-racism professional learning sessions for approximately 60 school and district leaders. 

In addition to a bachelor’s degree from Harvard University in Organismic and Evolutionary Biology, Leslie holds a master’s degree in Education Policy and Administration from Loyola Marymount University, and a Doctorate in Education Leadership (Ed.L.D.) from the Harvard Graduate School of Education. Leslie also holds teaching and administrative/superintendent credentials in California and Massachusetts. 

AMSEL Professional Partnerships & Networking Committee Chair
Director of Excellence, Access and Opportunity

Arlington Public Schools
Mthomas@arlington.k12.ma.us  • (781) 316-3499
Ed.D. Boston College
M.S.W. Simmons College
BA University of Massachusetts Boston

Pronouns: she/her

Margaret has over 20 years of experience in anti-racist education, including her role as an IDEAS facilitator and trainer focused on increasing cultural sensitivity and effective teaching practices. She has been a dedicated member of the Arlington Public Schools community for over 12 years, initially serving as the K-12 METCO (Metropolitan Council for Educational Opportunity) Director and now as the district’s Director of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Belonging, and Justice. In this role, Margaret is deeply committed to dismantling institutional racism and addressing systems that create barriers to equitable practices and resources. She actively fosters an inclusive environment by advocating for policies, practices, and initiatives that promote equity, justice, and access for all students and staff.

In conjunction with her responsibilities in Arlington, Margaret has also been an adjunct faculty member at the former Wheelock College and the Urban College of Boston. In these capacities, she has contributed to developing future educators and leaders while also providing mediation services to various school districts and corporate entities. She holds an undergraduate degree from the University of Massachusetts Boston and a Master of Science in Social Work from Simmons University, and she recently graduated with her doctorate of education from Boston College.

AMSEL Membership Development Committee Chair
Director for Access and Engagement 

Acton-Boxborough Regional School District

B.S. Elementary Education, Barry University

M.Ed. Special Education and Literacy, Lesley University

jfaber@abschools.org • 781-698-9568

Pronouns: she/her

Jennifer Faber matriculated from Barry University in Miami Shores, Florida with an undergraduate degree in Elementary Education and received her Master's degree from Lesley University in Special Education and Literacy.  Jennifer is a long time Massachusetts public school educator. C Currently, she is starting her fourth year as the Acton-Boxborough Regional School District’s Director of Access and Engagement,  Title IX Coordinator and Admin point person for the Acton-Boxborough Resource Center. She worked for seven years as the Principal at the Woodland School, Preschool-Grade 3 in Weston. Using her native language of Spanish, she previously served as the Assistant Principal at the Barbieri School, a two-way bilingual elementary school in Framingham. Prior to her three years at the Barbieri School, she was a classroom teacher in both the Sudbury and Lexington public school systems. Additionally, she was one of twenty administrators in Massachusetts selected to participate in Influence 100, a two year fellowship program focused on equity and inclusion.