Our Executive Board:
Chair
Jen Halliday
[email protected]
Background: Mom of two high-schoolers, and one “semi-retired” service dog. Former Orthotist, current fixer and maker of things.
Why I Joined SEPAC: What helped me the most over the years of parenting a child with a disability were the connections that made with other moms and dads who were experiencing similar struggles. People who I could lean on and ask questions. To talk about the real parts of parenting that are often too difficult or uncomfortable to share with parents of “typical” kids. A common feeling for parents of disabled children is a feeling of isolation. I consider my role in SEPAC an important job, as I don’t want other families to feel alone as they navigate the world for their children.
Jen Halliday
[email protected]
Background: Mom of two high-schoolers, and one “semi-retired” service dog. Former Orthotist, current fixer and maker of things.
Why I Joined SEPAC: What helped me the most over the years of parenting a child with a disability were the connections that made with other moms and dads who were experiencing similar struggles. People who I could lean on and ask questions. To talk about the real parts of parenting that are often too difficult or uncomfortable to share with parents of “typical” kids. A common feeling for parents of disabled children is a feeling of isolation. I consider my role in SEPAC an important job, as I don’t want other families to feel alone as they navigate the world for their children.
Vice Chair
Melissa Scherer
[email protected]
Background: I have lived in Hopkinton now for 14 years. I am an attorney who has taken some time off from my career to be with my kids and support their unique educational journeys.
Why I Joined SEPAC: I have two children with IEP plans . They have had struggles in school with their unique ways of learning and thinking. I have become quite aware of how important building a community of support for students, parents and caregivers navigating the special education system is now! It is also my hope to be more involved in working with the school to help educators support and understand these students better.
Melissa Scherer
[email protected]
Background: I have lived in Hopkinton now for 14 years. I am an attorney who has taken some time off from my career to be with my kids and support their unique educational journeys.
Why I Joined SEPAC: I have two children with IEP plans . They have had struggles in school with their unique ways of learning and thinking. I have become quite aware of how important building a community of support for students, parents and caregivers navigating the special education system is now! It is also my hope to be more involved in working with the school to help educators support and understand these students better.
Education
Karen Lam
[email protected]
Background: I recently repatriated to my birth state of MA and am enjoying reacquainting myself and my family with the wonders of New England. I am a mother to an amazing neurospicey 11-year-old and work as a digital strategist.
Why I Joined SEPAC: To help families navigate the landscape of special education, foster connections and contribute to the growth of the SEPAC community.
Karen Lam
[email protected]
Background: I recently repatriated to my birth state of MA and am enjoying reacquainting myself and my family with the wonders of New England. I am a mother to an amazing neurospicey 11-year-old and work as a digital strategist.
Why I Joined SEPAC: To help families navigate the landscape of special education, foster connections and contribute to the growth of the SEPAC community.
Events
Erica Seekell
[email protected]
Background: I am a mom to 2 kids who love Pokemon, Gabby’s Dollhouse, legos, water play, and Tiny Chef. I am taking a break from my career as a pharmacist to be a full time caregiver for my kids. My 5 year old daughter is a medically complex child who recently left Marathon Elementary to attend an out of district school due to her high level of needs. My 7 year old son has a 504 Plan.
Why I Joined SEPAC: I went through a period of grief when we received my daughter’s life altering diagnoses after she was born. It was hard to accept our new normal. Later, when my son had his own mental health issues, I found myself struggling again to adapt. Participating in SEPAC has helped me to know that I’m not doing this alone. It has helped me to heal. I joined SEPAC as Events Coordinator to create safe spaces for special needs families to gather and find their own support networks. Belonging to a community that understands your story is a powerful thing. I hope to foster these connections among special needs families so no one has to feel alone.
Erica Seekell
[email protected]
Background: I am a mom to 2 kids who love Pokemon, Gabby’s Dollhouse, legos, water play, and Tiny Chef. I am taking a break from my career as a pharmacist to be a full time caregiver for my kids. My 5 year old daughter is a medically complex child who recently left Marathon Elementary to attend an out of district school due to her high level of needs. My 7 year old son has a 504 Plan.
Why I Joined SEPAC: I went through a period of grief when we received my daughter’s life altering diagnoses after she was born. It was hard to accept our new normal. Later, when my son had his own mental health issues, I found myself struggling again to adapt. Participating in SEPAC has helped me to know that I’m not doing this alone. It has helped me to heal. I joined SEPAC as Events Coordinator to create safe spaces for special needs families to gather and find their own support networks. Belonging to a community that understands your story is a powerful thing. I hope to foster these connections among special needs families so no one has to feel alone.
Media
Megan O'Baoill
[email protected]
Background: I am a mom of 3 young kiddos (7, 5 and 3). I work full-time in Information Security and I’m a self declared playground expert! We moved to Hopkinton in 2017 to have more space for our growing family.
Why I Joined SEPAC: As a mom to 2 children with IEPs, I know first hand how overwhelming, confusing and time consuming the process can be. I would love to serve as a resource to others in the community that are navigating special education. Whether it’s specific questions or just a person to vent to over a cup of coffee, I believe I can share what I’ve learned with others and add value! I’ve only been an official SEPAC member for a few months now and have learned SO much from the rest of the team and feel so connected with the group! I am thankful that I get to be a part of such an impactful team!
Megan O'Baoill
[email protected]
Background: I am a mom of 3 young kiddos (7, 5 and 3). I work full-time in Information Security and I’m a self declared playground expert! We moved to Hopkinton in 2017 to have more space for our growing family.
Why I Joined SEPAC: As a mom to 2 children with IEPs, I know first hand how overwhelming, confusing and time consuming the process can be. I would love to serve as a resource to others in the community that are navigating special education. Whether it’s specific questions or just a person to vent to over a cup of coffee, I believe I can share what I’ve learned with others and add value! I’ve only been an official SEPAC member for a few months now and have learned SO much from the rest of the team and feel so connected with the group! I am thankful that I get to be a part of such an impactful team!