United For ChangeReal change begins with an exchange of ideas and information that inspires others to act. Each member of the Say Their Names Association recognizes the potential for change and is committed to ongoing discussions that, in turn, are designed to enlist others to take action. Through perserverence, commitment, and an unwavering passion, our group is united in its efforts to bring about change in the lives of students who represent our future. We look forward to keeping the conversation going. We hope you join us as we stand United for Change! |
Association Members
Tom Capone
President
Tom retired in 2018 after a gratifying and fulfilling 30-year career as an educator. He was the proud principal of the Florence A. Smith Elementary School in Oceanside for 18 years. When asked what he planned on doing in his retirement, he said that whatever it was going to be, he knew it would be meaniningful. Working as a member of the Say Their Names Association has been meaningful indeed.
Michele Cadogan
Vice-President
Michele retired in 2021 after serving 27 years as the Administrative Assistant at Oaks School #3, Oceanside. Educational excellence and equitable humanity for everyone has always been the foundation of her life’s journey especially being the mother of two sons and adoptive mom to many of her students. She is a former trustee and President of the Malverne Board of Education. She remains an active lifetime member of the Lakeview NAACP. She is a former trustee of the Lakeview Library and also a Silver Life member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. "It is an honor to serve as Vice-President of this organization aiming to recognize students that may not be readily recognized through scholarship."
Richie Woods
Secretary
Richie taught science and coached basketball and baseball in the Oceanside School District for 35 years. He retired in 2017.
He is married to the beautiful Wendy Woods, who is a preschool teacher. Wendy and Richie have three daughters. Jaime is a television producer. Justine is attending law school and Julia is studying nursing. He loves reading, writing, music, movies and local history. He has written two books about Oceanside. They are Legendary Locals of Oceanside and Images of America: Oceanside. "I am enthusiastic about working on the United for Change Scholarship Committee!"
Rhonda Eisenberg
Treasurer
Rhonda retired in 2012 after 41 years as a math educator. From 2002 to 2012, Rhonda was the Supervisor of Mathematics at Oceanside High School. She has a long standing commitment to the struggle for an integrated world. Her guiding principle has always been that education is the key to that struggle. “I am proud and excited to be part of this important association. I want to help make a difference in our community.”
Rhonda Eisenberg
Treasurer
Rhonda retired in 2012 after 41 years as a math educator. From 2002 to 2012, Rhonda was the Supervisor of Mathematics at Oceanside High School. She has a long standing commitment to the struggle for an integrated world. Her guiding principle has always been that education is the key to that struggle. “I am proud and excited to be part of this important association. I want to help make a difference in our community.”
Ellyn Levine If you drive passed the Florence A. Smith Elementary School in Oceanside, you will see a banner in front of the building that reads, "At School #2, we ASPIRE TO INSPIRE!" As a special education teacher throughout her 32 year career, Ellyn was truly an inspiration to her students and collegues. Ellyn touched the lives of all students through her caring, nurturing, and inspirational approach to teaching. The boys and girls of her program felt comfortable in her class, which enabled them to give their all in the respectful and supportive environment she created. After retiring in 2018, Ellyn has continued to inspire all those she comes into contact with; her contributions to our association have led our team to aspire to inspire, but now in the context of the recipients of the United For Change Memorial Scholarship. 
Kathy Chapman "“I’ve learned that I still have a lot to learn.” Maya Angelou’s words resonate with me. Before the recent tragic events that sparked the Black Lives Matter movement, I had naively thought the passing of the Civil Rights Act in the 1960’s guaranteed equality for all people. When social media shed new light on pervasive injustices, I became more sensitive to the racial disparities that still exist. I am proud to be a member of this organization as it works to help bring about systemic change by recognizing and supporting young Black or African American seniors." Kathy Chapman was a science educator and administrator in the Oceanside School District for 30 years. Recently retired, Kathy currently teaches science education to pre-service teachers as an adjunct professor at Molloy College and Hofstra University. 
Kim Kramer
After graduating from law school in San Diego, Kim returned to NYC to practice public interest law at the NYC Dep’t of Housing. With her 2 year old and newborn sons her husband Bruce and she moved to Oceanside where she was a stay at home mom who got involved in Oceanside PTA, community activities, teaching hebrew school and ultimately Nassau County government and politics. Kim returned to working life as a Legislative Aide to the then Oceanside Legislators, moved to the office of Counsel to the Legislative Majority, then staff attorney for the Nassau County Police Department. After a two year stint as a law secretary in Nassau County Supreme Court she was hired by the Town of North Hempstead Comptroller as an attorney to audit their town claims. Though she recently retired, Kim fully intends to stay active in issues that affect our community and future. "The “Say Their Names” organization gives me the opportunity to resume my efforts to better all of our lives by being better ourselves." 
Fred Koller Fred is a retired Oceanside School District administrator. He was also the Crisis Intervention Dean of the Franklin K. Lane H.S. in Brooklyn. Fred is a member of numerous committees in Oceanside concerning drugs and bias, and was president of the Oceanside National Little League. In addition to being a volunteer at the Long Beach Soup Kitchen, Fred is a welcomed addition to our organization. |
Donna Migdol Donna retired from the Oceanside School District at the end of the 2020 school year. During her long and illustrious 30-year career, Donna was a classroom math teacher, STEM teacher, professional developer, and lead teacher. She also co-developed and facilitated the Math, Science and Technology Summer Institute at Hofstra University, Stonybrook, and Brookhaven Labs. Donna is also a published author. Her passion to continue to support the process of teaching and learning can be seen in her newly developed company titled The STEM Literacy Project, along with all that she takes on, including her role as a member of the Say Their Names Association. 
Rob Blount Rob is serving in his 13th year as a social studies teacher at Oceanside High School. He also serves as the head coach for the varsity football and lacrosse teams. He has spent the last 11 years at Oceanside devoting his time to the students and the community. Rob is looking to continue doing his part in making a positive impact on all of the students and athletes he encounters on a daily basis. 
Christina Castilla-Lyson Christina has been a Spanish Teacher in Oceanside for 20 years. She currently teaches in the middle school. She devotes much of her time to her students and her community. Christina and her husband, Allenby, have 4 sons and she would like for them to know the value in helping others. “I am inspired by the work that the Say Their Names Association has started and I look forward to creating change that will impact future generations.” |
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We're Here For You
The members of our association are here to answer any questions you may have. We are here to help keep the conversation going. We are here to encourage you to join our mission. We are, with your support, United For Change. saytheirnames9@gmail.com |