2025-2026 SOTA Executive
Jeff Cieszecki Email: [email protected]
President
Workplace Health and Safety Co-Chair
Provincial Bargaining Committee
I am looking forward to working again this year as your SOTA President.
I have been a teacher with Seven Oaks for 30 years, most recently having worked at Garden City Collegiate (2 years). I have worked as a science teacher at Maples Collegiate (15.5 years), coordinator of the College and University Program and First Year Now University Program (2.5 years) and taught TAS (Engineering Design) and Science at Seven Oaks Middle School (2 years).
I have served as a member of SOTA Executive in various capacities including President (2015-2018, 2020-Present), Past President (2018-2020), Vice-President (2020-2021, 2013-2015), Treasurer (3 years), and Member at Large (3 years).
The work of our association is extremely valuable to help support teachers both in and out of the classroom. As SOTA President, I look forward to continuing to work on behalf of the membership to ensure your voice is heard.
President
Workplace Health and Safety Co-Chair
Provincial Bargaining Committee
I am looking forward to working again this year as your SOTA President.
I have been a teacher with Seven Oaks for 30 years, most recently having worked at Garden City Collegiate (2 years). I have worked as a science teacher at Maples Collegiate (15.5 years), coordinator of the College and University Program and First Year Now University Program (2.5 years) and taught TAS (Engineering Design) and Science at Seven Oaks Middle School (2 years).
I have served as a member of SOTA Executive in various capacities including President (2015-2018, 2020-Present), Past President (2018-2020), Vice-President (2020-2021, 2013-2015), Treasurer (3 years), and Member at Large (3 years).
The work of our association is extremely valuable to help support teachers both in and out of the classroom. As SOTA President, I look forward to continuing to work on behalf of the membership to ensure your voice is heard.
Karen Vaarmeyer Email: [email protected]
Vice President
SOTA/Board PD/Ed Leave Co-Chair
SOTA/Board Advisory Co-Chair
SOTA Bargaining Chair
Member Services Chair
Public Relations Chair
I have been a teacher in Seven Oaks School Division for over thirty years. I began my career as a substitute teacher within the division. After several years as a substitute, I was fortunate to join the staff at Ecole Seven Oaks Middle School where I taught grades seven and eight for ten years. In the fall of 2007, I moved to College Garden City Collegiate. During my time at GC, I was a founding member of the GC Women’s Hockey program, taught grades nine to eleven science and mathematics, and was a member of the student services team as a learning support teacher.
As SOTA Vice President, my portfolio includes chairing the Public Relations Committee, co-chairing the SOTA/Board Advisory Committee, and co-chairing the SOTA/Board Professional Development/Ed Leave Committee. I am also the Chair of the SOTA Bargaining Committee, and a member the SOTA Resolutions, Policy/Constitution, and Health Benefit Plan Advisory committees.
I look forward to continue representing our membership this year as SOTA Vice President.
Vice President
SOTA/Board PD/Ed Leave Co-Chair
SOTA/Board Advisory Co-Chair
SOTA Bargaining Chair
Member Services Chair
Public Relations Chair
I have been a teacher in Seven Oaks School Division for over thirty years. I began my career as a substitute teacher within the division. After several years as a substitute, I was fortunate to join the staff at Ecole Seven Oaks Middle School where I taught grades seven and eight for ten years. In the fall of 2007, I moved to College Garden City Collegiate. During my time at GC, I was a founding member of the GC Women’s Hockey program, taught grades nine to eleven science and mathematics, and was a member of the student services team as a learning support teacher.
As SOTA Vice President, my portfolio includes chairing the Public Relations Committee, co-chairing the SOTA/Board Advisory Committee, and co-chairing the SOTA/Board Professional Development/Ed Leave Committee. I am also the Chair of the SOTA Bargaining Committee, and a member the SOTA Resolutions, Policy/Constitution, and Health Benefit Plan Advisory committees.
I look forward to continue representing our membership this year as SOTA Vice President.
Mark Behrendt
Treasurer
This is my 13th year of teaching and I am currently a Learning Support Teacher at R.F. Morrison School. This is my 10th year being involved in SOTA and have served in several different roles throughout that time. SOTA and MTS are integral to protecting and advancing the rights of our members. Teacher unions, in general, are integral to a healthy public school system and a healthy society. However, our union can only be its strongest if we have robust participation from our members. When I saw there were vacant positions for next year, I felt the best way I could contribute would be to put my name forward to join Executive once again.
Plus… I love this stuff.
I am honoured to serve our members as a part of the 2023-24 SOTA Executive as a Member at Large.
List of Experience and Involvement
Treasurer
This is my 13th year of teaching and I am currently a Learning Support Teacher at R.F. Morrison School. This is my 10th year being involved in SOTA and have served in several different roles throughout that time. SOTA and MTS are integral to protecting and advancing the rights of our members. Teacher unions, in general, are integral to a healthy public school system and a healthy society. However, our union can only be its strongest if we have robust participation from our members. When I saw there were vacant positions for next year, I felt the best way I could contribute would be to put my name forward to join Executive once again.
Plus… I love this stuff.
I am honoured to serve our members as a part of the 2023-24 SOTA Executive as a Member at Large.
List of Experience and Involvement
- SOTA Councillor
- SOTA Head Councillor
- SOTA Bargaining Committee
- SOTA Resolutions Committee
- SOTA Indigenous Committee Chair
- MTS Provincial Council Delegate
- Delegate to MTS Provincial Bargaining Seminars 1 and 2
- SOTA Treasurer
- SOTA Member at Large
Ben Nein (they/them)
Secretary
Boozhoo. Tawnshi. Wabishki Mashkode-Bizhiki nindizhinikaaz. Migizi nindoodem. Michif niya.
I am entering into my twentieth year teaching in Seven Oaks School Division, though I have been here my whole life. Over my career I have had the opportunity to work in many parts of the division and across many grades. I am currently teaching at the Adult Education Centre where I support students either seeking their mature diplomas or upgrading primarily in grades eleven and twelve English. I am also a Member of Council at Full Circle for Indigenous Education and co-facilitate a social support group called The DEN at Rainbow Resource Centre, and the Equity and Social Justice Standing Committee at the Manitoba Teachers’ Society (MTS).
Secretary
Boozhoo. Tawnshi. Wabishki Mashkode-Bizhiki nindizhinikaaz. Migizi nindoodem. Michif niya.
I am entering into my twentieth year teaching in Seven Oaks School Division, though I have been here my whole life. Over my career I have had the opportunity to work in many parts of the division and across many grades. I am currently teaching at the Adult Education Centre where I support students either seeking their mature diplomas or upgrading primarily in grades eleven and twelve English. I am also a Member of Council at Full Circle for Indigenous Education and co-facilitate a social support group called The DEN at Rainbow Resource Centre, and the Equity and Social Justice Standing Committee at the Manitoba Teachers’ Society (MTS).
MEMBERS AT LARGE
Lina Arruda
I have extensive experience in both private and public education systems, having worked with the Seine River Division, Winnipeg School Division, Catholic School Division, Pembina School Division, and currently, the Seven Oaks Division. I began my career in Seven Oaks at École Seven Oaks School as a classroom teacher and transitioned into a counseling role after completing my post-baccalaureate studies. For the past 15 years, I have served as a Counsellor at Collège Garden City Collegiate.
In addition to my professional experience, I am a member of MASTARS, the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association, and the American Counseling Association. I recognize the significant impact of SOTA's work for its members and am eager to contribute to the growth and enhancement of the association.
I have extensive experience in both private and public education systems, having worked with the Seine River Division, Winnipeg School Division, Catholic School Division, Pembina School Division, and currently, the Seven Oaks Division. I began my career in Seven Oaks at École Seven Oaks School as a classroom teacher and transitioned into a counseling role after completing my post-baccalaureate studies. For the past 15 years, I have served as a Counsellor at Collège Garden City Collegiate.
In addition to my professional experience, I am a member of MASTARS, the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association, and the American Counseling Association. I recognize the significant impact of SOTA's work for its members and am eager to contribute to the growth and enhancement of the association.
Annick Bordeaux
I have been part of the Seven Oaks School Division since 1998, teaching French Immersion in several schools over the years. From the beginning of my career, I have been actively involved with ÉFM, and since 2024, I have served as a conseillère, with my current mandate extending to 2026. My experience in French Immersion and with ÉFM will be valuable as I begin this new adventure with the SOTA Executive. I look forward to deepening my knowledge of politics, negotiations, member support, and professional opportunities.
Je fais partie de la division scolaire Seven Oaks depuis 1998, où j’ai enseigné en immersion française dans plusieurs écoles au fil des ans. Dès le début de ma carrière, je me suis engagée auprès de l’ÉFM, et depuis 2024, j’occupe le rôle de conseillère, avec un mandat qui se poursuit jusqu’en 2026. Mon expérience en immersion française et au sein de l’ÉFM sera un atout dans cette nouvelle aventure avec l’exécutif de la SOTA. J’ai hâte d’approfondir mes connaissances en politique, en négociations, en appui aux membres et en développement professionnel.
I have been part of the Seven Oaks School Division since 1998, teaching French Immersion in several schools over the years. From the beginning of my career, I have been actively involved with ÉFM, and since 2024, I have served as a conseillère, with my current mandate extending to 2026. My experience in French Immersion and with ÉFM will be valuable as I begin this new adventure with the SOTA Executive. I look forward to deepening my knowledge of politics, negotiations, member support, and professional opportunities.
Je fais partie de la division scolaire Seven Oaks depuis 1998, où j’ai enseigné en immersion française dans plusieurs écoles au fil des ans. Dès le début de ma carrière, je me suis engagée auprès de l’ÉFM, et depuis 2024, j’occupe le rôle de conseillère, avec un mandat qui se poursuit jusqu’en 2026. Mon expérience en immersion française et au sein de l’ÉFM sera un atout dans cette nouvelle aventure avec l’exécutif de la SOTA. J’ai hâte d’approfondir mes connaissances en politique, en négociations, en appui aux membres et en développement professionnel.
Renata Gawlik
I started teaching in Seven Oaks in 2004 and have held several roles such as Middle Years Classroom Teacher, K- 8 Learning Support Teacher and I am currently a School Counsellor at Collège Garden City Collegiate. I have completed a BA with a Psychology Major, B. Ed., a PBDE in School Counselling and have recently completed an M. Ed. Degree all with the University of Manitoba. Throughout my career, I have been a member of the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association, the Manitoba School Counsellors Association, Manitoba Association for Students at Risk and the Manitoba Drama Educators Association.
I have served as a SOTA council member at large, member of the SOTA Resolutions Committee, SOTA PD committee member, SOTA Scholarship Committee member and SOTA WAL member.
My current involvement with SOTA includes:
- SOTA Wellness Committee (Chair)
- SOTA Scholarship Committee (Chair)
- Member of SOTA PD committee, SOTA Women and Leadership Committee and
SOTA Resolutions Committee
I value the work that SOTA does alongside MTS in standing with and behind teachers. I look forward to continuing my work to represent and support Teachers in Seven Oaks.
Please contact me at: [email protected]
I started teaching in Seven Oaks in 2004 and have held several roles such as Middle Years Classroom Teacher, K- 8 Learning Support Teacher and I am currently a School Counsellor at Collège Garden City Collegiate. I have completed a BA with a Psychology Major, B. Ed., a PBDE in School Counselling and have recently completed an M. Ed. Degree all with the University of Manitoba. Throughout my career, I have been a member of the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association, the Manitoba School Counsellors Association, Manitoba Association for Students at Risk and the Manitoba Drama Educators Association.
I have served as a SOTA council member at large, member of the SOTA Resolutions Committee, SOTA PD committee member, SOTA Scholarship Committee member and SOTA WAL member.
My current involvement with SOTA includes:
- SOTA Wellness Committee (Chair)
- SOTA Scholarship Committee (Chair)
- Member of SOTA PD committee, SOTA Women and Leadership Committee and
SOTA Resolutions Committee
I value the work that SOTA does alongside MTS in standing with and behind teachers. I look forward to continuing my work to represent and support Teachers in Seven Oaks.
Please contact me at: [email protected]
Catherine Hart
Biography coming soon.
Biography coming soon.
Gary Jackson
Biography coming soon.
Biography coming soon.
Lisa Meyers
I have proudly taught grade 1 and/or 2 in the Seven Oaks School Division since I became a teacher in 2011. I have gotten to know many of our members across the division from the different schools I have worked in, both in the Maples and West Kildonan areas while serving first as Head Councillor and later as a member of the Executive. I have learned a lot during my time on Executive through the bargaining process as a member of the former table team, during our fight against Bill 64, and throughout the pandemic. I have served on the Resolutions Committee, Women in Educational Leadership Committee, Economic Welfare Committee.
My passion has always been about speaking our truth and being a strong advocate for teachers in our division and our profession. This year I will be chairing the Resolution Committee and look forward to continuing SOTA's tradition of putting forth resolutions and being a strong voice.
I have proudly taught grade 1 and/or 2 in the Seven Oaks School Division since I became a teacher in 2011. I have gotten to know many of our members across the division from the different schools I have worked in, both in the Maples and West Kildonan areas while serving first as Head Councillor and later as a member of the Executive. I have learned a lot during my time on Executive through the bargaining process as a member of the former table team, during our fight against Bill 64, and throughout the pandemic. I have served on the Resolutions Committee, Women in Educational Leadership Committee, Economic Welfare Committee.
My passion has always been about speaking our truth and being a strong advocate for teachers in our division and our profession. This year I will be chairing the Resolution Committee and look forward to continuing SOTA's tradition of putting forth resolutions and being a strong voice.
Chantal Ramraj
Biography coming soon.
Biography coming soon.
Steven Sprange
Hey folks, I am the Career Ready Electrical Trades and Technology teacher for the Seven Oaks School Division and have been working in that role since 2015.
I am a Red Seal Construction Electrician and hold a Technical Vocational Teacher certification through Red River College. During my time working in the division, I am currently the past-president of the Vocational Teachers Association of Manitoba, after serving two years as VP and another two as president. I am still a dues paying member with IBEW Local 2085 and have acted as a delegate to the Winnipeg Labour Council for the local. I have also had the privilege of representing SOTA at MTS Provincial Council and stood as the head SOTA rep for Maples Collegiate before accepting my position on the executive.
I look forward to serving the members of SOTA.
Hey folks, I am the Career Ready Electrical Trades and Technology teacher for the Seven Oaks School Division and have been working in that role since 2015.
I am a Red Seal Construction Electrician and hold a Technical Vocational Teacher certification through Red River College. During my time working in the division, I am currently the past-president of the Vocational Teachers Association of Manitoba, after serving two years as VP and another two as president. I am still a dues paying member with IBEW Local 2085 and have acted as a delegate to the Winnipeg Labour Council for the local. I have also had the privilege of representing SOTA at MTS Provincial Council and stood as the head SOTA rep for Maples Collegiate before accepting my position on the executive.
I look forward to serving the members of SOTA.