Introducing our 2022 Board Candidates
President-Elect Candidates (2022-23)
Melissa Hanson, Executive Director, Meeker and Wright Special Education Cooperative
Dr. Alecia Mobley, Director of Special Education, Richfield Public Schools
Secretary Candidates (2022-24)
Michelle Cuka, Supervisor of Specialized Services, Eastern Carver County Schools
Kori Ryan, Director of Special Education, Indigo Education
Melissa Hanson, Executive Director, Meeker and Wright Special Education Cooperative
Dr. Alecia Mobley, Director of Special Education, Richfield Public Schools
Secretary Candidates (2022-24)
Michelle Cuka, Supervisor of Specialized Services, Eastern Carver County Schools
Kori Ryan, Director of Special Education, Indigo Education
Unsure if you are an eligible MASE voting member? Find your name on the list here.
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MASE President-Elect Candidate
Melissa Hanson Executive Director Meeker & Wright Special Education Cooperative [email protected] |
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I’m extremely humbled and honored to be nominated for such an important role within an organization that has given me so much. I’ve been a member of MN Administrators for Special Education (MASE) since 2012 and have had the privilege to serve on the MASE Board of Directors for the past three years as an Area Representative and Tri-Chair of the Legislative Committee where I’ve taken an active role to contribute to the organization’s success and growth. During my time on the Board, I’ve been fortunate to work alongside many incredible leaders who continue to support and pave the way for other special education leaders by dedicating their time, energy, and talents. I’m so proud of the way that MASE has supported our members through the very challenging circumstances educational leaders have experienced during this pandemic.
I began my career as a speech-language pathologist in the medical setting before making my way to public education where I have spent my last 21 years. For the past 13 years, I have served in special education leadership roles within Minnesota as a district-level special education coordinator, a regional coordinator and later a director of special education for ten districts within the SWWC Service Cooperative, and presently as the Executive Director of the Meeker and Wright Special Education Cooperative serving seven member districts and operating nine alternative programs. In addition to MASE, I’m an active member of the Council of Administrators of Special Education (CASE), the Council for Exceptional Children, and a 2016 recipient of the Stenswick/Benson Scholarship Award for completing exemplary graduate study in the field of special education leadership.
While rewarding, the work of special education leadership is extremely challenging and can be isolating without the support of colleagues and mentors. In my administrative journey and as a MASE member, I’ve benefited immensely from the many opportunities MASE has provided to connect with others, learn, and grow in my leadership alongside others in the field and I have appreciated the opportunity to contribute to MASE as an Area Representative, Tri-Chair of the Legislative Committee, and a presenter at the MASE Leadership Conference, Best Practices Conference, and the Slice of Collaboration.
It would be the honor of a lifetime if I were chosen to serve my colleagues as your next MASE President-Elect and I believe that my previous experiences with MASE will serve as a springboard for my continued positive impact on the organization. Thank you for your consideration and I look forward to the opportunity to serve MASE and its mission of building strong leaders who work on behalf of students with disabilities.
I began my career as a speech-language pathologist in the medical setting before making my way to public education where I have spent my last 21 years. For the past 13 years, I have served in special education leadership roles within Minnesota as a district-level special education coordinator, a regional coordinator and later a director of special education for ten districts within the SWWC Service Cooperative, and presently as the Executive Director of the Meeker and Wright Special Education Cooperative serving seven member districts and operating nine alternative programs. In addition to MASE, I’m an active member of the Council of Administrators of Special Education (CASE), the Council for Exceptional Children, and a 2016 recipient of the Stenswick/Benson Scholarship Award for completing exemplary graduate study in the field of special education leadership.
While rewarding, the work of special education leadership is extremely challenging and can be isolating without the support of colleagues and mentors. In my administrative journey and as a MASE member, I’ve benefited immensely from the many opportunities MASE has provided to connect with others, learn, and grow in my leadership alongside others in the field and I have appreciated the opportunity to contribute to MASE as an Area Representative, Tri-Chair of the Legislative Committee, and a presenter at the MASE Leadership Conference, Best Practices Conference, and the Slice of Collaboration.
It would be the honor of a lifetime if I were chosen to serve my colleagues as your next MASE President-Elect and I believe that my previous experiences with MASE will serve as a springboard for my continued positive impact on the organization. Thank you for your consideration and I look forward to the opportunity to serve MASE and its mission of building strong leaders who work on behalf of students with disabilities.
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MASE President-Elect Candidate
Dr. Alecia Mobley Director of Special Education Richfield Public Schools [email protected] |
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I am humbled and honored to accept the MASE President-Elect nomination.
I started my professional career as an Occupational Therapist (OT) and discovered special education through an internship with a juvenile detention center. While there, I facilitated mental health/social emotional learning groups, and also taught young adults how to read. Moreover, as an OT working on a burn unit, I worked with families and scholars as they transitioned back to school after days or months of therapy.
My passion for scholar access and opportunity in education has led me to serve as a special education lead, supervisor, interim director and director. I am currently the Director of Special Education for Richfield Public Schools with over 15 years of experience in the field.
Throughout my tenure as a special education administrator, MASE resources and the network of special education administrators have been both beneficial and instrumental in my professional growth and in supporting advocacy in special education. From participating in the New Leaders Cohort, Area meetings, SLICE presentations, to MASE/MASA conferences, I know firsthand how beneficial and committed MASE is regarding the development of new leaders, the advocacy for key policy changes in our state, and the accessibility to relevant and timely information for informed decision making. I have also served on the Membership and Legislative committees.
It would be an honor to serve as President-Elect of MASE. While focusing on our current strategic plan and goals, I am committed to celebrating the work done to date, maintaining, building and expanding our partnerships, increasing our membership including representation of our BIPOC community, and continuing legislative advocacy statewide and nationwide. Our education systems in Minnesota will be the best in the nation for all of our scholars.
Thank you for your consideration, and once again, I am humbled to accept the MASE President-Elect nomination.
I started my professional career as an Occupational Therapist (OT) and discovered special education through an internship with a juvenile detention center. While there, I facilitated mental health/social emotional learning groups, and also taught young adults how to read. Moreover, as an OT working on a burn unit, I worked with families and scholars as they transitioned back to school after days or months of therapy.
My passion for scholar access and opportunity in education has led me to serve as a special education lead, supervisor, interim director and director. I am currently the Director of Special Education for Richfield Public Schools with over 15 years of experience in the field.
Throughout my tenure as a special education administrator, MASE resources and the network of special education administrators have been both beneficial and instrumental in my professional growth and in supporting advocacy in special education. From participating in the New Leaders Cohort, Area meetings, SLICE presentations, to MASE/MASA conferences, I know firsthand how beneficial and committed MASE is regarding the development of new leaders, the advocacy for key policy changes in our state, and the accessibility to relevant and timely information for informed decision making. I have also served on the Membership and Legislative committees.
It would be an honor to serve as President-Elect of MASE. While focusing on our current strategic plan and goals, I am committed to celebrating the work done to date, maintaining, building and expanding our partnerships, increasing our membership including representation of our BIPOC community, and continuing legislative advocacy statewide and nationwide. Our education systems in Minnesota will be the best in the nation for all of our scholars.
Thank you for your consideration, and once again, I am humbled to accept the MASE President-Elect nomination.
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MASE Secretary Candidate
Michelle Cuka Supervisor of Specialized Education Services Eastern Carver County Schools [email protected] |
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"In my 9 years of special education leadership, the MASE organization has been HANDS DOWN the best professional development, networking, and support system for me. I am a better leader for being a part of MASE.It would be an honor to serve as MASE secretary, and I humbly thank you for your consideration."
Michelle has been an active MASE member since beginning her special education leadership journey in the 2013-14 school year. Michelle has experience leading programs from birth through age 21, and she is ready to give back to the organization that has given her so much.
MASE Contributions
MASE Legislative Committee 2017-Present
MASE Day at the Capitol Co-Chair 2021-22
MASE Nominations Committee - 2021-Present
MASE Federal Advocacy Committee - 2017-2021
MASE Strategic Planning Committee - 2017-2018
MASE Conference Presenter
MASE Slice of Collaboration Presenter
Michelle has been an active MASE member since beginning her special education leadership journey in the 2013-14 school year. Michelle has experience leading programs from birth through age 21, and she is ready to give back to the organization that has given her so much.
MASE Contributions
MASE Legislative Committee 2017-Present
MASE Day at the Capitol Co-Chair 2021-22
MASE Nominations Committee - 2021-Present
MASE Federal Advocacy Committee - 2017-2021
MASE Strategic Planning Committee - 2017-2018
MASE Conference Presenter
MASE Slice of Collaboration Presenter
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It would be my honor and privilege to serve on the MASE board in the role of your Secretary. Throughout my nearly twenty years of experience in special education, I have recognized the importance of strong mentors and supportive colleagues. Being a member of MASE has offered me the opportunity to learn from some amazing professionals. Being a part of the MASE board would allow me to continue to give back to MASE, while further increasing my relationships and skills in special education leadership.
My previous work experience includes traditional public schools and a cooperative setting. I am currently a Director of Special Education with INDIGO Education, proudly serving 8 charter schools. This assortment of roles has offered me the chance to see many viewpoints and perspectives in doing our work. My MASE involvement has included Days at the Capital, MASE Professional Development committee, SLICE planning subcommittee, and current co-chair of the MASE Membership committee. I am also a member of the selection committee for the Stenswick-Benson Scholarship. It is encouraging to witness both the committed work of current MASE members and the enthusiasm of aspiring leaders in the field. I look forward to serving our organization as secretary!
My previous work experience includes traditional public schools and a cooperative setting. I am currently a Director of Special Education with INDIGO Education, proudly serving 8 charter schools. This assortment of roles has offered me the chance to see many viewpoints and perspectives in doing our work. My MASE involvement has included Days at the Capital, MASE Professional Development committee, SLICE planning subcommittee, and current co-chair of the MASE Membership committee. I am also a member of the selection committee for the Stenswick-Benson Scholarship. It is encouraging to witness both the committed work of current MASE members and the enthusiasm of aspiring leaders in the field. I look forward to serving our organization as secretary!