We are excited to announce that the OCEA elections will take place on February 11, 2026. This is an important opportunity for our community to come together and choose leaders who will represent our educational interests and advocate for our students and teachers.
How the Elections Work
The elections will be conducted in each school, managed by the Association Representative (AR) at the school. Each AR is responsible for ensuring a fair and smooth election process, guiding you through voting procedures, and providing all necessary information.
Sample Ballot
To help you familiarize yourself with the candidates before voting day, we have included a sample ballot below. Be sure to review the candidates’ bios to make an informed decision!
Candidate Bios
Find out more about the candidates who have submitted their information.
Treasurer (3-Year Term)
Bio: I have been teaching for 18 years. Sixteen of them in Osceola County. I am the AVID Coordinator at Celebration High School. I am the Association Representative (AR) for our building. I enjoy reading, writing, and coaching the many sports, in which I have become involved. I have five cats and a loving, supporting husband. And we absolutely love to travel.
Positions Running for: Treasurer, NEA Delegate Representative Assembly (State delegate), NEA Delegate Representative Assembly (local option), AFT (American Federation of Teachers), and the FEA Delegate Assembly.
Why do you want to run for this position(s): I have been an active member of the OCEA for the past 16 years, in the last seven years being the building rep for Celebration High School and more recently being elected to the position of the treasurer, in which I have served for the past three years. It has been my absolute, honor and pleasure to serve our union, by working closely with our president and to ensure our budget is used responsibly and fiscally for the benefit of our members. I believe that a continuation in this role will enable me to help reach more members, which is my goal. Also, being elected as the NEA Representative Delegate, and AFT will continue to help me learn and assist with our OCEA becoming stronger with more members than ever before reaching our goal of 60% density across the district.
I am a dedicated educator with 13 years of service to students and families in Osceola County. As a teacher at Parkway Middle, I bring a student-centered mindset to everything I do, supporting initiatives, planning events that build community, and collaborating with colleagues to improve instruction and outcomes for all learners.
I am a proud product of SDOC, and my commitment to our district is personal. I grew up here, attended our schools, and I am raising my family in the community that shaped me. My children attend SDOC schools, and my wife also serves as a teacher. Supporting educators and protecting public education is not only my profession; it is the future my family is living every day.
I believe strong unions are built on trust, transparency, and responsible stewardship. I approach leadership the same way I approach my work in education: grounded in data, guided by clear goals, and committed to follow-through. Through years of working on teams, tracking results, and supporting improvement efforts, I have developed a practical, organized, and accountable approach to managing details, an approach that aligns with the responsibilities of Treasurer.
As Treasurer, I will prioritize financial communication, timely reporting, and careful management of member and union resources. I will advocate for budgeting practices that reflect member priorities, protect the union’s ability to support educators, and ensure funds are used effectively and ethically. I am committed to maintaining accurate records, strengthening transparency, and helping members feel confident that every dollar is handled with care.
Most importantly, I am running because educators deserve strong representation and a union that stays focused on what matters most: supporting teachers, improving working conditions, and uplifting the profession we love. I would be honored to earn your vote for Treasurer and serve OCEA members with integrity, consistency, and pride.
Elementary – East Side
I am honored to serve as your OCEA Elementary East Side Representative, a role I have proudly held for the past two years. With 27 years as an active member of OCEA, I bring extensive experience and a deep commitment to advocating for our educators and students.
Throughout my career, I have served in multiple leadership roles within OCEA, including five years as Elementary Representative on the Executive Board and nine years as OCEA Secretary. I have also chaired the Elections Committee, contributed to the Calendar
Committee, and represented OCEA as an FEA Delegate for over 15 years. Additionally, I have served as a delegate for AFT/NEA and participated on the FEA Credentials and Election Committee, ensuring fair and transparent processes for our organization.
My passion for supporting educators and strengthening our profession drives my continued involvement. I believe in collaboration, transparency, and standing united to protect the rights and interests of our members. As your Elementary East Side Representative, I will continue to listen, advocate, and work tirelessly to ensure your voice is heard at every level.
Thank you for your trust and support over the years. I look forward to continuing this important work and representing you on the Executive Board. Together, we can keep OCEA strong and focused on what matters most—our educators and our students.
No biography provided.
Elementary – Central
My name is Tatiana Montilla, and I am honored to be nominated to be the Central Elementary School Representative, NEA Representative Assembly, and the FEA Delegate Assembly. I currently serve as a 3rd Grade Math and Science teacher at Highlands Elementary. Teaching is my passion, and I am committed to advocating for educators and students alike.
Before joining the School District of Osceola County, I began my career in education with Orange County Public Schools. I started as a Technology Clerk and was honored to be nominated for the Rollins Pathways program, which allowed me to pursue my master’s degree in education. This opportunity strengthened my commitment to the teaching profession and opened the door for me to transition into the role of Math Interventionist. In that position, I worked closely with students to strengthen their foundational math skills and support their academic growth. These experiences gave me a deep understanding of the challenges educators face and the importance of strong union representation.
During my time with Orange County Public Schools, I was actively involved in both unions. I was proud to be one of the first Education Support Professionals (ESP) to participate in the Florida Young Remarkable Educators (FYRE) program, and I was later nominated again as an instructional staff member. My union involvement continued as a member of CTA, where I represented our local union at the Florida Education Association (FEA) Assembly and participated in FYRE events. These opportunities allowed me to collaborate with passionate educators across the state and advocate for policies that benefit our profession.
I believe that strong representation is essential for ensuring that educators’ voices are heard. If elected, I will bring my experience, dedication, and enthusiasm to these roles, working tirelessly to support our members and advance the mission of OCEA.
I’m Devin L. Thornton and I’m running for the Central Elementary School Representative, NEA Representative Assembly, and the FEA Delegate Assembly. I’ve been teaching at Kissimmee Elementary since 2016 and became a member of OCEA in 2020. I am dedicated to supporting my instructional and ESP colleagues and ensuring their rights are known and protected. Now, I want to help make sure that the rights and interests of all OCEA members are represented at the local, state, and national levels. Put me to work for you!
Middle School
No biography provided.
I am a dedicated educator with 13 years of service to students and families in Osceola County. As a teacher at Parkway Middle, I bring a student-centered mindset to everything I do, supporting initiatives, planning events that build community, and collaborating with colleagues to improve instruction and outcomes for all learners.
I am a proud product of SDOC, and my commitment to our district is personal. I grew up here, attended our schools, and I am raising my family in the community that shaped me. My children attend SDOC schools, and my wife also serves as a teacher. Supporting educators and protecting public education is not only my profession; it is the future my family is living every day.
I believe strong unions are built on trust, transparency, and responsible stewardship. I approach leadership the same way I approach my work in education: grounded in data, guided by clear goals, and committed to follow-through. Through years of working on teams, tracking results, and supporting improvement efforts, I have developed a practical, organized, and accountable approach to managing details, an approach that aligns with the responsibilities of Treasurer.
As Treasurer, I will prioritize financial communication, timely reporting, and careful management of member and union resources. I will advocate for budgeting practices that reflect member priorities, protect the union’s ability to support educators, and ensure funds are used effectively and ethically. I am committed to maintaining accurate records, strengthening transparency, and helping members feel confident that every dollar is handled with care.
Most importantly, I am running because educators deserve strong representation and a union that stays focused on what matters most: supporting teachers, improving working conditions, and uplifting the profession we love. I would be honored to earn your vote for Treasurer and serve OCEA members with integrity, consistency, and pride.
NEA RA – State-funded
With over 25 years dedicated to education, I have been a passionate and consistent advocate for justice, equity, and diversity throughout my career. I began my journey as a paraprofessional, later serving as a behavior technician, before finding my calling as a High School VE Math and English teacher. Each role has shaped my understanding of our students, our educators, and the systems that impact them.
For more than two decades, I have held a variety of leadership roles within local, state, and national educational associations. My work with Minority Affairs Committees at both the local and state levels strengthened my commitment to uplifting underrepresented voices. I previously served as the NEA Hispanic Caucus Southeast Director, where I expanded my advocacy on a regional scale and collaborated with educators and leaders across the nation who share my core values. Currently, I serve as the Chair of the FEA Minority Affairs Committee, continuing this work by advancing equity-focused initiatives and leadership opportunities within our state. Within NEA, I have trained educators on diversity, social justice, and cultural competence. As a Lead Trainer for NEA Leaders’ Just Schools, I help empower educators to lead with purpose and build more inclusive, equitable learning environments. I also currently serve on the teachers’ bargaining team, reinforcing my commitment to fair working conditions and strong contractual protections for all educators.
I am seeking your support as an NEA RA and AFT Delegate. I am a reliable, invested advocate who will always stand up for educators and students. Together, we can continue building a stronger, more just future for education.
I am Shainelis Garcia Arroyo and I am running to be selected as an NEA Delegate for the National Assembly.
I have been in Education since 2016. I started as an Exceptional Student Education paraprofessional in Osceola County, Florida. In 2019, I became a teacher for the Exceptional Student Education in a self-contained unit at Kissimmee Elementary. Then, I worked as a Pre-K ESE teacher for three years. Currently, I am a Varying Exceptionalities teacher at Koa, where I have been for the past 5 years. Due to my experience in the Exceptional Student Education setting, I believe I can be a good source to have nationally. I would like to be considered a candidate for those whose voices tend to be forgotten.
Have a great rest of our second semester.
No biography provided.
Bio: I have been teaching for 18 years. Sixteen of them in Osceola County. I am the AVID Coordinator at Celebration High School. I am the Association Representative (AR) for our building. I enjoy reading, writing, and coaching the many sports, in which I have become involved. I have five cats and a loving, supporting husband. And we absolutely love to travel.
Positions Running for: Treasurer, NEA Delegate Representative Assembly (State delegate), NEA Delegate Representative Assembly (local option), AFT (American Federation of Teachers), and the FEA Delegate Assembly.
Why do you want to run for this position(s): I have been an active member of the OCEA for the past 16 years, in the last seven years being the building rep for Celebration High School and more recently being elected to the position of the treasurer, in which I have served for the past three years. It has been my absolute, honor and pleasure to serve our union, by working closely with our president and to ensure our budget is used responsibly and fiscally for the benefit of our members. I believe that a continuation in this role will enable me to help reach more members, which is my goal. Also, being elected as the NEA Representative Delegate, and AFT will continue to help me learn and assist with our OCEA becoming stronger with more members than ever before reaching our goal of 60% density across the district.
My name is Tatiana Montilla, and I am honored to be nominated to be the Central Elementary School Representative, NEA Representative Assembly, and the FEA Delegate Assembly. I currently serve as a 3rd Grade Math and Science teacher at Highlands Elementary. Teaching is my passion, and I am committed to advocating for educators and students alike.
Before joining the School District of Osceola County, I began my career in education with Orange County Public Schools. I started as a Technology Clerk and was honored to be nominated for the Rollins Pathways program, which allowed me to pursue my master’s degree in education. This opportunity strengthened my commitment to the teaching profession and opened the door for me to transition into the role of Math Interventionist. In that position, I worked closely with students to strengthen their foundational math skills and support their academic growth. These experiences gave me a deep understanding of the challenges educators face and the importance of strong union representation.
During my time with Orange County Public Schools, I was actively involved in both unions. I was proud to be one of the first Education Support Professionals (ESP) to participate in the Florida Young Remarkable Educators (FYRE) program, and I was later nominated again as an instructional staff member. My union involvement continued as a member of CTA, where I represented our local union at the Florida Education Association (FEA) Assembly and participated in FYRE events. These opportunities allowed me to collaborate with passionate educators across the state and advocate for policies that benefit our profession.
I believe that strong representation is essential for ensuring that educators’ voices are heard. If elected, I will bring my experience, dedication, and enthusiasm to these roles, working tirelessly to support our members and advance the mission of OCEA.
As a proud member of the Executive Board of OCEA, I am dedicated to advocating for educators and ensuring our voices are heard. My leadership on the board has focused on collaboration, transparency, and fighting for the resources we need to succeed. As your delegate, I will bring that same commitment to the state and national level, letting my voice to be heard so our concerns shape the policies that impact on our classrooms.
Together, we can strengthen our profession and protect the future of education. I humbly ask for your vote in the upcoming elections! Zahira G. Pena-Andino
No biography provided.
My name is Jay Sherry and I am honored to have been nominated to run as an NEA delegate to represent the Osceola County Education Association (OCEA). I come with over 20 years of education association experience. For over 12 years, whilst an ESOL lecturer at Westminster Kingsway College in the United Kingdom, I was a member of the National Association of Teachers of Further and Higher Education (NATFHE) which later became the University and College Union (UCU). I proudly served as the hourly paid lecturers’ representative at my site for two years, where I was part of a team who was bargaining for the hourly paid staff with four years of service or more to be placed on permanent contracts. I also worked, through our bargaining team, with college management to end unfair and punitive lesson observation practices.
I came to the School District of Osceola County as an Educational Support Professional (ESP) in December 2022 and became a proud OCEA member in 2023. Since joining our Association, I wanted to offer my experience and serve my colleagues once again. After becoming the (ESP) Representative for Adult Learning Center Osceola (ALCO) in August 2024, I was honored to be appointed to serve on the Executive Board of OCEA as the ESP At-Large in March 2025 and win reelection by acclamation in 2026. I also serve the on the Bargaining Leadership Team, working with my teammates and the district to ensure our ESPs have fair working conditions. I was one of three people to represent Florida at the American Federation of Teachers (AfT) Paraprofessionals and School-Related Personnel conference in Portland, Oregon in April 2025. I believe that my international and diverse range of collective bargaining experience would offer a different perspective to the bargaining process in the greater community not only locally, but on the state and national levels.
I’m Devin L. Thornton and I’m running for the Central Elementary School Representative, NEA Representative Assembly, and the FEA Delegate Assembly. I’ve been teaching at Kissimmee Elementary since 2016 and became a member of OCEA in 2020. I am dedicated to supporting my instructional and ESP colleagues and ensuring their rights are known and protected. Now, I want to help make sure that the rights and interests of all OCEA members are represented at the local, state, and national levels. Put me to work for you!
Currently I hold the position of the Vice President of the Education Staff Professionals and chief negotiator for the ESP within OCEA. My position with the district is Clerk Typist at PM Wells and assistant to the nurse’s clinic. During my career within the district, I have also served as a guidance secretary, dean’s secretary, paraprofessional within ESE classrooms, cafeteria monitor, and I have worked in extended day. My experience in these roles makes me uniquely qualified to serve as a voting member at the NEA Representative Assembly by giving voice to the ESPs in our district at the national level.
Prior to moving to Osceola County, I lived in New York where I worked for over 15 years as a CNA. 23 years as volunteer EMS worker and continue service in Post 325. While living in New York I joined various clubs where I have served as Co-head of Nubians United Gospel Choir and the Vice President of the African People’s Association.
Throughout my career I have had a heart to serve. I believe in public education and have raised my daughter here in Osceola Schools. I would love to represent OCEA at the NEA Delegate Assembly with your vote.
AFT Bi-Annual Meeting
With over 25 years dedicated to education, I have been a passionate and consistent advocate for justice, equity, and diversity throughout my career. I began my journey as a paraprofessional, later serving as a behavior technician, before finding my calling as a High School VE Math and English teacher. Each role has shaped my understanding of our students, our educators, and the systems that impact them.
For more than two decades, I have held a variety of leadership roles within local, state, and national educational associations. My work with Minority Affairs Committees at both the local and state levels strengthened my commitment to uplifting underrepresented voices. I previously served as the NEA Hispanic Caucus Southeast Director, where I expanded my advocacy on a regional scale and collaborated with educators and leaders across the nation who share my core values. Currently, I serve as the Chair of the FEA Minority Affairs Committee, continuing this work by advancing equity-focused initiatives and leadership opportunities within our state. Within NEA, I have trained educators on diversity, social justice, and cultural competence. As a Lead Trainer for NEA Leaders’ Just Schools, I help empower educators to lead with purpose and build more inclusive, equitable learning environments. I also currently serve on the teachers’ bargaining team, reinforcing my commitment to fair working conditions and strong contractual protections for all educators.
I am seeking your support as an NEA RA and AFT Delegate. I am a reliable, invested advocate who will always stand up for educators and students. Together, we can continue building a stronger, more just future for education.
If you’ve ever received a text starting with “Hi, this Emily from OCEA!” it’s really me! My name is Emily Gorentz, and I am currently your Instructional Vice President for OCEA. I am also a 5th Grade ELA Dual Language teacher at East Lake Elementary.
I have served as your VP since 2022, when one of my first acts was writing the petition for our Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) salary campaign. This simple act kicked off an incredible winning streak for OCEA, with SDOC educators earning thousands of new dollars over the last four years. I am so proud to have helped lead negotiations, board meeting rallies, email and letter campaigns, and other advocacy efforts. Throughout all of this, I have worked hard to ensure our Education Staff Professionals have been equally supported and represented in our campaigns, communications, and focus. Some of my favorite moments have been advocating in Tallahassee for all union members’ rights. I have spoken in multiple State Senate and House committee meetings to help ensure that all OCEA members are protected and supported.
With so much success, it is critical that OCEA keeps improving. To do so, we need new ideas, enhanced processes, and someone willing to stick around to ensure it all comes to fruition. This is why I am running to attend the American Federation of Teachers summer conference. I have never attended a national convention like this, and I am excited about learning from successful unions in other states. I have dedicated thousands of hours to OCEA, and I plan to keep doing so for years to come. You can rest assured that any ideas I learn will be implemented this fall, and I will work strategically to carry them through in the future. Thank you for your support!
No biography provided.
Bio: I have been teaching for 18 years. Sixteen of them in Osceola County. I am the AVID Coordinator at Celebration High School. I am the Association Representative (AR) for our building. I enjoy reading, writing, and coaching the many sports, in which I have become involved. I have five cats and a loving, supporting husband. And we absolutely love to travel.
Positions Running for: Treasurer, NEA Delegate Representative Assembly (State delegate), NEA Delegate Representative Assembly (local option), AFT (American Federation of Teachers), and the FEA Delegate Assembly.
Why do you want to run for this position(s): I have been an active member of the OCEA for the past 16 years, in the last seven years being the building rep for Celebration High School and more recently being elected to the position of the treasurer, in which I have served for the past three years. It has been my absolute, honor and pleasure to serve our union, by working closely with our president and to ensure our budget is used responsibly and fiscally for the benefit of our members. I believe that a continuation in this role will enable me to help reach more members, which is my goal. Also, being elected as the NEA Representative Delegate, and AFT will continue to help me learn and assist with our OCEA becoming stronger with more members than ever before reaching our goal of 60% density across the district.
As a proud member of the Executive Board of OCEA, I am dedicated to advocating for educators and ensuring our voices are heard. My leadership on the board has focused on collaboration, transparency, and fighting for the resources we need to succeed. As your delegate, I will bring that same commitment to the state and national level, letting my voice to be heard so our concerns shape the policies that impact on our classrooms.
Together, we can strengthen our profession and protect the future of education. I humbly ask for your vote in the upcoming elections! Zahira G. Pena-Andino
No biography provided.
Currently I hold the position of the Vice President of the Education Staff Professionals and chief negotiator for the ESP within OCEA. My position with the district is Clerk Typist at PM Wells and assistant to the nurse’s clinic. During my career within the district, I have also served as a guidance secretary, dean’s secretary, paraprofessional within ESE classrooms, cafeteria monitor, and I have worked in extended day. My experience in these roles makes me uniquely qualified to serve as a voting member at the NEA Representative Assembly by giving voice to the ESPs in our district at the national level.
Prior to moving to Osceola County, I lived in New York where I worked for over 15 years as a CNA. 23 years as volunteer EMS worker and continue service in Post 325. While living in New York I joined various clubs where I have served as Co-head of Nubians United Gospel Choir and the Vice President of the African People’s Association.
Throughout my career I have had a heart to serve. I believe in public education and have raised my daughter here in Osceola Schools. I would love to represent OCEA at the NEA Delegate Assembly with your vote.
We encourage everyone to participate in the elections, as your voice matters! Each vote is crucial for shaping the future of our schools and community. Be sure to mark your calendars and prepare to make a difference on February 11!