MEL FRASQUERI SANTIAGO

 Dr. Aitza Haddad, born in Puerto Rico, is an interdisciplinary educator, legal scholar, and human rights advocate dedicated to advancing equity through education, law, and policy. She holds a BA in Political Science, a JD, an LLM in Comparative Law, and a PhD in Communication, Culture, and Media Studies, and is pursuing a PhD in International Psychology. A professor since 2013, she focuses on multilingual learner success and inclusive pedagogy. She has served on state commissions, directed Governor’s Commissions on Hispanic and Caribbean Affairs, and is the Founder of Friendly Law, a nonprofit promoting culturally responsive legal education and advocacy. 

Ron Wooden, a Philadelphia native, holds a B.S. in Elementary Education from Lincoln University and an M.A. in Leadership in Teaching from the University of Notre Dame of Maryland, earning Admin I and II certifications. He began his career in Harford County Public Schools as a fifth-grade teacher, later serving as Assistant Principal and Principal at multiple schools, including Havre de Grace Elementary and Old Post Road Elementary. A keynote speaker, adjunct professor, curriculum writer, and mentor, Ron has been honored as Wal-Mart Teacher of the Year (twice), Harford County Teacher of the Year (2008), National Assistant Principal of the Year (2013), and the first HCPS Principal of the Year (2024). 

Born in Seoul, Korea, she was exposed to various cultures from a young age, thanks to her father's career as a civil engineer. This international upbringing allowed her to embrace a wide range of perspectives and traditions. Her journey in a rich cultural background and diverse experiences have allowed her to better connect with and understand others. After graduating from Kodaikanal International School in India in 1994, Sue pursued her passion for hospitality in Sydney, Australia. Her studies in Neuchatel, Switzerland, and her degree in Hospitality and Tourism Management from Bournemouth University in 1998 laid a foundation for her career. Later she worked for the hotel chains such as Hilton and Marriott to continue developing the adaptable and universal experience.

Sue relocated to the United States in 2002 as a military spouse and has since built a career in education grounded in cross-cultural experience and community engagement. After earning her Teacher’s License in 2010, she taught secondary students in Texas, Georgia, and Hawaii, gaining diverse classroom experience.

Currently based in Huntsville, Alabama, she teaches Accelerated Math 8 and Math 8 and serves at the North Alabama Korean School. Her background as an educator, military spouse, and cultural ambassador makes her a strong advisor for UProoted Chesapeake, bringing both academic expertise and a deep understanding of globally mobile families.

George Kasnic is a married father of four residing in Havre de Grace. A National Board Certified Social Studies teacher, he holds a B.S. in Economics from the University of Delaware, and an M.A. in Educational Leadership from Notre Dame of Maryland University. A former US Army Captain, he was in West Germany with the 1st Infantry Division when the Berlin Wall fell, he also served as an army contractor in Iraq 2004-2005. After two decades as a logistics manager in private industry, he became a public school teacher. He teaches a population having a significant number of multi-lingual learners and consisting of 60% economically disadvantaged families. He is active in his teacher’s union as a building representative, is a member of the Havre de Grace Water and Sewer Commission, a Selective Service System Region II local board member, and serves the Havre de Grace Public Housing Authority as Vice-Chairperson. George is a proud member of the American Legion.  

 Ashley has dedicated her career to education since beginning her teaching journey with Harford County Public Schools in 2009. Over the years, she has taught middle school Language Arts at both Edgewood Middle School and Havre de Grace Middle School, where she continues to serve students today. With a strong foundation in curriculum, instruction, and assessment, Ashley is passionate about creating a classroom environment where students feel safe, supported, and empowered to grow as readers, writers, and individuals.

Throughout her tenure, Ashley has taken on numerous teacher leadership roles, including SPA co-facilitator, PBIS coach, teacher mentor, curriculum writer for the HCPS Language Arts department, and advisor to multiple student clubs and organizations. She was recognized as a Top 10 finalist for Harford County Teacher of the Year in 2017 and 2020 and received the Everyday Hero Award from the Harford County Education Foundation in 2023.

A reflective and growth-oriented educator, Ashley actively participates in and presents at professional development opportunities such as the HCPS Ignite and Blaze Teacher Conferences. She has also mentored aspiring educators, successfully guiding two interns from Towson University through their student teaching experience. Ashley remains committed to continuous improvement and to making a lasting, positive impact on her students and school community.

Gary Norman is a collaborative, creative attorney and advocate who has spent his career at the intersection of law, health equity, and disability inclusion.

After 25 distinguished years as a Staff Attorney at the U.S. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, Gary brings deep expertise in healthcare reimbursement, public policy, and governance — delivered with an approachable, energetic style. He has advised on disability policy at the federal level, including through the Office of Minority Health, and currently engages with the Center for Health Justice's Multi-Sector Partner Group at the AAMC.

A servant leader at heart, Gary serves on the Board of the National Institute for Rural and Minority Health, holds leadership roles in the ADR Section of the Maryland State Bar Association, and supports Maryland nonprofits through the Standards for Excellence Program. His accolades include the American Marshall Memorial Fellowship, Ten Outstanding Young Americans (U.S. Jaycees), two CMS Administrator Awards, and the Distinguished Alumni Achievement Award from Wright State University.

Beyond the law, Gary is an Ohio native, lifelong swimmer, yoga practitioner, and certified Animal Reiki practitioner — living proof that wellness and excellence go hand in hand.