Sr. Jaramillo has been a resident of the Greater Norristown Area since 2010. He began his educational journey at Montgomery County Community College and, shortly after, transferred to West Chester University. Sr. Jaramillo went on to graduate from the University of Pennsylvania in May of 2020 with a Master of Science in Education along with a 3.74 GPA. Through the years, he has worked closely with the Norristown Area School District's Administration on their Cultural Proficiency initiative, and also serves on the board of West Chester University's Alumni Association, where he strives to make positive, impactful changes for students of color who attend both institutions.

Sr. Jaramillo's community involvement runs deep. He has been an active member of the Norristown Branch of the N.A.A.C.P., joining in April of 2017. His passion for the education and empowerment of individuals paired with his love for uplifting the diverse community in which he currently lives led him to seek out the organization for righteous causes. As former Chair of Social Media, Sr. Jaramillo created and managed the various media platforms of the Norristown Branch to broaden the chapter's reach and footprint on today's most relevant issues while conducting activities involving public relations with exceptional professionalism. Currently, as Chair of Membership, he has been one of the main driving forces behind the swell of new, young members who recently joined the organization to do the work of Social Justice.

Sr. Jaramillo is also a board member of the Hispanic Heritage Association, which seeks to bring community awareness of Latinx Culture. He is currently working on developing organizational policies and a Latinx curriculum which can be utilized by educators. 

Ms. Parker is a Norristown native and a NAHS graduate. As a PA Licensed Professional Counselor and Licensed Behavior Specialist, she believes in a strengths-based approach to helping individuals, which includes a variety of holistic, eclectic and person-centered techniques. She postulates that this approach is best practice in coordination with natural resources, professional services and educating individuals about the interconnectedness of mind, body and spirit.

She has continued to develop her clinical expertise and management experience in various nonprofit and for-profit roles across Montgomery County, such as a Licensed Clinician, Clinical Program Manager, Clinical Supervisor, and Director.  Ms. Parker enjoys working with individuals of all ages, although she has an affinity for helping children and has become a strong advocate for Norristown children and families. She is passionate about creating quality and sustainable change in the NASD community through her role as a NASD School Board Director.  

Ms. Xaras Collins, a Norristown native by way of Conshohocken, attended NASD schools from grade 5 and graduated from Norristown Area High School in 1994. She pursued her higher education at Morgan State University ultimately graduating from Temple University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Secondary Education in Social Studies in 1999. She also earned her Master of the Arts degree in Educational Leadership and Administration from The George Washington University in 2006. Most recently, she earned a certificate in Instructional Technology from Chestnut Hill College in 2010. She has been a passionate educator and teacher leader in the Wallingford-Swarthmore School District since 2007 serving as an instructional technology specialist and high school classroom teacher.

As mother of two school-aged boys, Ms. Collins believes that equity, diversity, and opportunity in academics, the arts, and athletics is the foundation of good citizenship and future success. She has served her community working with extended-school year programming, in recreational activities, in political activism and social justice, and as a member of the Norristown Borough Planning Commission.

From her childhood experiences growing up in the Norristown area, Ms. Collins wants to cultivate a culture of belongingness and family by connecting groups of people and organizations to build a coalition to work together for the greater good for Norristown’s future. She’s excited to use her educational expertise to be a voice for teachers, students, and parents. Teacher recruitment and retention, growing the Positive Behavior Intervention and Supports programs currently in schools, implementing an effective Multi-Tiered System of Support for struggling youth, and refreshing our athletic programs and pipeline are her biggest priorities.

Mr. Phil Daniels is a Principal Consultant with Axtria, where he specializes in life sciences analytics, machine learning, and data management. Mr. Daniels holds a Masters degree in Organizational Sociology from the University of Missouri. He also holds a Bachelors Degree in Sociology from UConn. Some of his interests and skills include data visualization, citizen data science, cycling, and architecture.

In his term as a Board Director, Mr. Daniels hopes to drive better parental engagement, improved STEM curriculum, and digital transformation projects that will enable strong career outcomes for our students.

Mr. Mao Howell has worked in NASD as paraprofessional, coach, and mentor for 10 years. He is currently a paraprofessional and basketball coach at Renaissance Academy. He works with many families throughout the district and is embedded in the community by volunteering at the Carver Community Center, the Norristown Recreation Center, and several nonprofit organizations. Mr. Howell holds the Vice President’s position for Norristown Men of Excellence, a nonprofit organization. He is also a father of 6 children that were students in the district.

Mrs. Sharon Mauch is a lifetime Norristown resident and chose to raise her family in the Norristown Area School District because of the many great things the district has to offer. Mrs. Mauch has been married for over 20 years and currently has one child in the district. Mrs. Mauch and her husband are also foster parents. 

Mrs. Mauch is extremely active within the community. She is also the Vice President of the MCIU Board of Directors. She is a licensed cosmetologist and serves as chair of the hair and makeup committee with the Dramateurs at The Barn Playhouse. She is also an active supporter of Coffee Closet with Barista Jake, a local nonprofit organization.

Ms. Melissa Novoa resides in Norristown with her husband and two children. She holds an undergraduate degree from West Chester University and a Master's in Public Health from Drexel University. With over a decade of experience in the public sector, Ms. Novoa has served in various capacities, including roles in Philadelphia diversionary courts, the Philadelphia Department of Public Health, and the Philadelphia Office of Homeless Services.

Since 2021, Ms. Novoa has dedicated her free time as a volunteer at Centro de Cultura, Arte, Trabajo, y Educación (CCATE), actively engaging in both adult and child programming. Her dedication extends to supporting programs like Chicas Unidas, el Circulo de Salud and collaborations between CCATE and the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society.

Ms. Novoa is deeply committed to fostering an asset-based perspective of the Norristown community. Recognizing and celebrating the diverse talents, strengths, languages, and vibrant cultures of every student is vital in understanding their educational journey and helping them reach their full potential. Ms. Novoa is honored to serve as an NASD School Director and promote positive transformation within the NASD community.

Mrs. Tessi Ruiz lives in Norristown with her husband and daughter. She holds a BS from Temple University and a MPH from Drexel University. She has over ten years of experience with community program implementation, education, and outreach. Mrs. Ruiz began her professional career as a Bilingual Community Educator for the American Red Cross. In later years, she moved on to work for Nurse-Family Partnership at the Montgomery County Office of Public Health and then at Einstein Montgomery. She is currently a Program Coordinator for the Office of Community Impact at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP).

Mrs. Ruiz serves on the Interagency Council of Norristown (ICN) Board, Montgomery County Nurse-Family Partnership Board, and has volunteered for Center for Culture, Art, Training, and Education (CCATE), in Norristown, since 2013. Throughout her years at CCATE, she has facilitated a Red Cross Club, Girls Group, Reading Club, and coached recreational soccer for Norristown youth ranging from elementary through high school. At CCATE, she found her passion for volunteering. Mrs. Ruiz strongly believes in the power of community.

Mrs. Cynthia Wirth has been a resident of Norristown since 1970. She has been active in education as a teacher, adjunct professor, life coach for young adults with ASD and parent advocate during IEP planning.

She is an active community volunteer as past president of Norriton Circle Kiwanis, Choice Food Pantry volunteer on Haws Ave, Literacy advocate with therapy dog, Page, and classroom volunteer at Cole Manor.

Her mission as a school director is to make schools and community joint partners in the education of our children. She will work to be present and visible in the community to provide opportunities for all voices to be recognized.