2025-2026 OCEA Elections

With 23 years in education, my career represents a steadfast commitment to justice, equity, and inclusion. I began my journey as a paraprofessional, moved through the role of behavior technician, and found my passion as a High School VE Math and English Teacher. During this journey I have been a committed union member serving on the E-Board, bargaining team, and both the African American and Latino committees. This path has allowed me to collaborate with national leaders who share my core values and vision.

Over two decades, I have held leadership positions within the Florida Education Association and the National Educational Association. My involvement with the Minority Affairs Committee at both local and state levels truly solidified my dedication to advocating for underrepresented communities. As the NEA Hispanic Caucus Southeast Director, I have been able to extend my advocacy efforts, pushing for equity and inclusivity on a larger scale.

Through my work with the NEA, I have represented and trained educators to lead with cultural competence, social justice, and diversity. As a Lead Trainer for the NEA Leaders’ Just Schools, I empower educators to drive meaningful changes within their schools.

My passion for education, combined with years of leadership and advocacy experience, qualifies me to continue serving, advocating, and leading for the betterment of our students and schools.

Voting for me will continue vital work serving on the E-board reinforcing my commitment to securing fair and equitable conditions for all educators and the future of education.

I am a US History teacher at St. Cloud High School, where I’ve served as the PLC Lead and Social Studies Department Head. Outside the classroom, I have also had the privilege of coaching as the Head Golf Coach and Assistant Wrestling Coach.

Within the union, I’ve been an AR and a member of the Instructional Bargaining Leadership Team. I’ve also contributed to the Membership and Elections Committees, and I previously served as Chair of the Evaluations Subcommittee before it was disbanded due to new state laws. Additionally, I’ve lobbied in Tallahassee on behalf of OCEA, been a Delegate at the FEA Assembly, and recently ran for School Board in an effort to bring about positive change in SDOC.

I am running for the Executive Board as the High School Representative because I want to help improve the internal workings of our union. I believe a strong, organized internal structure is vital to effectively advocating for both instructional staff and ESPs. I am committed to contributing to that strength so we can better represent our members and make a lasting impact in our schools and communities.

I thank you for all that you do as educators, and I would appreciate your trust and vote!

I am Patty Mathews, candidate for re-election for the office of Alternative School Representative and I am asking for your vote in the upcoming election.

I am also the Association Representative for New Beginnings Education Center.  As a Media Specialist, I equip students and educators with the tools to navigate a constantly changing field of research.

I believe that clear and concise communication to inform members of ongoing issues is my strong suit.   During my tenure as association board, I strive to keep colleagues informed about updates in education through regular communication channels, advocated for the needs and concerns of teachers working in alternative sites, and fostered a culture of collaboration and empowerment, where every voice is heard and valued.
Together, I will work with you to protect your rights and provide an open forum for your concerns.  I envision a brighter future for educators where we are respected and valued.
Thank you for your consideration. Let’s make positive changes happen together.

With 23 years in education, my career represents a steadfast commitment to justice, equity, and inclusion. I began my journey as a paraprofessional, moved through the role of behavior technician, and found my passion as a High School VE Math and English Teacher. During this journey I have been a committed union member serving on the E-Board, bargaining team, and both the African American and Latino committees. This path has allowed me to collaborate with national leaders who share my core values and vision.

Over two decades, I have held leadership positions within the Florida Education Association and the National Educational Association. My involvement with the Minority Affairs Committee at both local and state levels truly solidified my dedication to advocating for underrepresented communities. As the NEA Hispanic Caucus Southeast Director, I have been able to extend my advocacy efforts, pushing for equity and inclusivity on a larger scale.

Through my work with the NEA, I have represented and trained educators to lead with cultural competence, social justice, and diversity. As a Lead Trainer for the NEA Leaders’ Just Schools, I empower educators to drive meaningful changes within their schools.

My passion for education, combined with years of leadership and advocacy experience, qualifies me to continue serving, advocating, and leading for the betterment of our students and schools

Voting for me will continue vital work serving on the E-board reinforcing my commitment to securing fair and equitable conditions for all educators and the future of education.

First, I would like to thank you for taking the time to read the candidate Biographies and become an informed voter. My name is Greg Gahris and I am honored to be nominated to once again, represent OCEA as a delegate to the NEA annual Representative Assembly.  2025 marks my 19th year as a member of OCEA and I have served the association as a building representative and advocate for 17 of those years.  Here in Osceola, I continue my role as the current Middle School Representative to the Executive board as well as the building rep for St. Cloud Middle School.  I currently represent OCEA as a member of the Florida Education Association Governance board as well as being a membership of the FEA leadership team at the last 5 Representative Assemblies.  In 2018 I was elected by the Florida delegation to be one of 5 members of the NEA Resolutions committee that annual crafts the “belief statements” of one of our national unions.  My term on Resolutions will end this year and I was recently named co-chair of the Employee Rights and Retirement sub-committee.  I humbly ask that you return me to the RA this year so that I can continue to serve our members in these leadership roles and continue my advocacy for the Diversity, Equality and Inclusion of ALL members.   Thank you for your consideration!

I am an educator and proud member of OCEA for 24 years. Currently, I serve as Executive Board for Elementary-West, and I am part of the Bargaining team. Thank you for your constant support and trust in this organization. We need passionate people who wants the public education system to become more effective for children and educators. I believe we can accomplish greatness when we work as a team. Children and educators deserve proper representation locally, state-wide and nationally.

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 guidance secretary, assistant to the nurse’s clinic, and cheer coach. During my career within the district, I have also served as a dean’s secretary, paraprofessional within ESE classrooms, cafeteria monitor, and I have worked in extended day. My experience in these roles make 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 live in New York where I worked for over 15 years as a CNA, 22 years as volunteer EMS workers, 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.