SEA Executive Board

Matthew Lentz
President

My name is Matthew Lentz and I am a German teacher at Colonial Forge High School. My wife also teaches in the division and our two children attend Stafford schools. I have been a member of NEA and all of my locals since I became a teacher in 1994. I am very passionate about advocacy and believe everyone needs to be treated with courtesy, dignity, and respect. I have witnessed and participated in the power of organization and collective voices over the years and am excited to bring that to Stafford Education Association. Together, we have the power to make positive change.

Katie McNelly
Vice-President

I have 12 years experience as a public educator across both Virginia and New York. I’ve taught in a variety of roles, including middle school English Language Arts teacher, special education teacher and case manager, fourth grade teacher, reading interventionist, IEP coordinator, and new teacher mentor. I was a proud member of the UFT during my time in New York City, where I learned all the ways unionizing stands to benefit public school employees and students. Now, I hope to bring that knowledge and experience to support teachers here in Virginia, as we pave the way for contract negotiations!

Missy Alexander
Uniserv Director

Missy Alexander, our Uniserv Director, is the person who advocates for SEA members. Missy taught in the Prince William County schools where she was an English teacher at Patriot High School. She has been an active member of VEA for many years and was her building's union representative. If you have an issue that you need help with reach out to Missy at malexander@veanea.org

Dawn Shelley
Secretary

I'm the Special Ed Department Chair at Hampton Oaks. I've been working in Stafford since 2020. I have been a member of the VEA in four different school divisions. I believe in the power of public schools and have been an active public school advocate through many different roles. I was even a school board board member for twelve years. I am looking forward to being part of the advocacy the StaffordEA puts forward to support its members and public education.

Tiffany Kopcak
Treasurer

Now the Innovative Learning Coach at CFHS, I spent the majority of my career teaching English and journalism, and advising the student journalists producing the yearbook and newspaper. Above all, I believe in celebrating and supporting the unique contributions educators and students bring to the building. I've lobbied and rallied with SEA, produced content for the VEA, and lobbied for Student Free Speech with the New Voices branch of the Student Press Law Center.

Becky Gee
ESP director

I have been a school bus driver here in Stafford for about 3 years now. I joined SEA once I started working in Stafford county schools. Was a member for a short time before I wanted to step up and help others by becoming a representative. Now I'm happy to have the opportunity to be a stronger voice for others. Have a background in a variety of private schools, daycares, children centers, and know the feeling of wanting authentic representation. Wanting and striving to help make the work environment a better place!

Michael Snead
High School Director

I am the English teacher in the Commonwealth Governor’s School at Colonial Forge High School. My wife also teaches in the division, and our child is a recent graduate of SCPS. I have been a member of NEA and SEA since I started teaching in 2004. I care deeply about making sure all students have equitable access to the highest quality education in supportive, welcoming environments, and that the teachers who make that possible are supported, respected, and compensated to the appropriate degree. I hope to help keep Stafford County’s schools pointed in those directions through my work with the SEA.

Jeff Trigger
Middle School Director

Hello! I’m Jeffrey Trigger, your middle school representative! I have taught in Stafford for over a decade and I have been a teacher of English and Social Studies at three schools here in the county! I’m looking forward to hearing from people at the middle school level to make our voices stronger.

Julie Perham
Elementary School Director

I am the music teacher at Hampton Oak Elementary School. I've been a proud NEA member since I began my teaching career in 1981; first in Arizona where I was a member of my local association Board of Directors and here in Stafford since moving here in 2003. I have two adult children who graduated from Brooke Point and 2 granddaughters.
Here in Stafford, I have served on the PAC interview committee and as a School Board/Board of Supervisor Liaison for the Widewater area as well as being a building representative. I believe strongly in the power of collective bargaining and action and want to be an effective voice, especially for our elementary school members. Please reach out to me with your questions and concerns. I may not have the answers, but I promise to find someone who does.