The Executive & Committees

Take the time to meet the dedicated people that form our executive and advocate on your behalf

Released Officers
President: Brian Barker
Vice-President (Woman): Christine McGovern
Vice-President (Open): Jennifer Sims-Murray

Secretary: Troy Garrah (Forestview)
Treasurer: Jim Brigham (Kate S. Durdan)

Members at Large:

Lindsay Magder-Ashcroft (Richmond)

Eva Zhao (John Brant)

Jennifer Irwin (Gainsborough)

Committees

If you are interested in volunteering for one of the following committees, click the Chair’s name to email them directly.

Equity & Social Justice

Chair: Taeya Fare (Forestview)
Our committee helps teachers deepen their understanding of equity issues so they can better serve their students and promote social justice in the community. Our Union is at the forefront of social justice through advocacy and education. We help organize workshops and events for our members as well as attend community events, such as Pride Niagara’s Pride in the Park. We are always looking for new ideas for member engagement and teachers who are passionate about social justice and making our world a better place.

Professional Learning

Chair: Cassy Cassidy (CSS)
If you’ve ever attended an ETFO Professional Learning event, then you know that ETFO PD is second to none. It is designed BY teachers FOR teachers. Our committee works together on planning and organizing the Presenters and Workshop facilitators that provide Professional Learning for our members. Come on out and join us! Bring your ideas, expertise, and enthusiasm for learning. We’d love to have you!

Health & Safety

Chair: Laurie Adam (Orchard Park)
Our Health and Safety Committee includes members who are passionate about health and safety issues at our worksites. We focus on solutions to concerns brought forward by members-with suggestions to bring forward at the Joint Health and Safety Committee. We meet 3 times each year.

Public Relations

Chair: Pam Belding (Princess Elizabeth)
The Public Relations Committee includes members who enjoy promoting public education and engaging members through social media campaigns. We are looking for new and fresh ideas to reach out to our members and promote education in our communities. We meet 2-3 times per year and would love to have you join us! Remember to like and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

New Members

Chair: Christiane Rutledge (Prince Philip North)
Our committee helps new teachers learn about how our Union works and the amazing things ETFO offers, such as resources, conferences, and programming. Our focus is on planning events that center around issues facing new teachers. If you are in your first 5 years of contact teaching, please come and join the New Members Committee in ETFO Niagara. We need your voice to help shape the work we do to support new members!

Social

Chair: Chelsea DiFranco (Harriet Tubman)
Our Social Committee includes members who like to plan and encourage participation in events such as the Winterfestravaganza and the annual Retirement Dinner. We are always looking for members to join us who have ideas that promote physical, social, and mental wellness of members and their families through creative out-of-school events. We are a fun group and would love to have you!

Political Action

Chair: Lindsay Brennan (Martha Cullimore)
Our Political Action Committee includes members who like to promote public education and engage members to foster greater political involvement. We work to provide members and our community with opportunities to learn about educational issues prior to elections. We meet 2-3 times each year and are always looking for new and fresh ideas. If you enjoy building solidarity and networking with labour organizations-please join us.

Status of Women

Chair: Sharon Ethier (CSS)
Our Status of Women Committee includes members who are passionate about women’s issues. We work together to develop and promote events and programs that enhance the health and well-being of women. We are looking for new members who will bring fresh ideas to our Local in order to enhance the status of women in our membership and in our communities. We meet 4-5 times each year. Please join us!