2024 - 2025 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
Member Services Chair
Public Relations Chair
I have been a teacher in Seven Oaks School Division for over twenty-five 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 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 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 for eight years.
My duties as SOTA Vice President include 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 a member the SOTA Resolutions, Policy/Constitution, and Health Benefit Plan Advisory committees.
I look forward to representing our membership this year as SOTA Vice President.
Vice President
SOTA/Board PD/Ed Leave Co-Chair
SOTA/Board Advisory Co-Chair
Member Services Chair
Public Relations Chair
I have been a teacher in Seven Oaks School Division for over twenty-five 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 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 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 for eight years.
My duties as SOTA Vice President include 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 a member the SOTA Resolutions, Policy/Constitution, and Health Benefit Plan Advisory committees.
I look forward to representing our membership this year as SOTA Vice President.
Mark Behrendt
Treasurer
Chair: Employee Benefits
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
Chair: Employee Benefits
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
Lindsay Brown
Secretary
Chair: Scholarships
The 2023-2024 school year marks my seventh year as a Member-at-Large on SOTA Executive and I thank you for continuing to support my work in this position.
I am also currently in my second year of a two-year term on the Manitoba Teachers' Society as a member of the Provincial Executive. It is an honour and privilege to represent the approximately 16,000 members across the province and I strive to make SOTA members proud in all of my work.
Maples Collegiate has been my second home since 2007, and I have the privilege of working with Grade 11 and 12 students in the areas of Language Arts and Film Studies. I am also the lead facilitator of QUESO: Queering Seven Oaks, a collective of teachers from within the division that are working to provide PD and support in the area of 2SLGBTQQIA+ expansive education.
I am a proud member of the queer and trans communities, and have committed myself to working together with my colleagues to make our schools and community safer and more welcoming for all staff and students
Secretary
Chair: Scholarships
The 2023-2024 school year marks my seventh year as a Member-at-Large on SOTA Executive and I thank you for continuing to support my work in this position.
I am also currently in my second year of a two-year term on the Manitoba Teachers' Society as a member of the Provincial Executive. It is an honour and privilege to represent the approximately 16,000 members across the province and I strive to make SOTA members proud in all of my work.
Maples Collegiate has been my second home since 2007, and I have the privilege of working with Grade 11 and 12 students in the areas of Language Arts and Film Studies. I am also the lead facilitator of QUESO: Queering Seven Oaks, a collective of teachers from within the division that are working to provide PD and support in the area of 2SLGBTQQIA+ expansive education.
I am a proud member of the queer and trans communities, and have committed myself to working together with my colleagues to make our schools and community safer and more welcoming for all staff and students
MEMBERS AT LARGE
Lina Arruda
Chair: Women and Leadership
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.
Chair: Women and Leadership
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.
Renata Gowlik
It is an honour for me to be joining the SOTA Executive this year.
I started teaching in Seven Oaks in 2004 and have held several roles such as Middle Years Classroom Teacher, Learning Support Teacher across K-8 and I am currently entering my 7th years as a School Counsellor at Collège Garden City Collegiate. I have completed 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
It is an honour for me to be joining the SOTA Executive this year.
I started teaching in Seven Oaks in 2004 and have held several roles such as Middle Years Classroom Teacher, Learning Support Teacher across K-8 and I am currently entering my 7th years as a School Counsellor at Collège Garden City Collegiate. I have completed 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
Michelle Janzic
Chair: Education Finance
This is my 25th year teaching in the Seven Oaks School Division. I am currently teaching Physical Education at West St Paul School. My past years of experience consist of teaching grades 9-12 and becoming a learning support teacher at Maples Collegiate. I was one of Maples Collegiate SOTA Council Reps for a few years and I was on SOTA Executive in 2022-2023 and have also been on the SOTA/Board PD Committee. This year, I have the privilege of participating again as a member at large on SOTA Executive and the Chair of Education Finance. I look forward to working on your behalf and am excited for this school year.
Chair: Education Finance
This is my 25th year teaching in the Seven Oaks School Division. I am currently teaching Physical Education at West St Paul School. My past years of experience consist of teaching grades 9-12 and becoming a learning support teacher at Maples Collegiate. I was one of Maples Collegiate SOTA Council Reps for a few years and I was on SOTA Executive in 2022-2023 and have also been on the SOTA/Board PD Committee. This year, I have the privilege of participating again as a member at large on SOTA Executive and the Chair of Education Finance. I look forward to working on your behalf and am excited for this school year.
Amanda Karpinsky
Chair: Equity and Social Justice
With over ten years of experience as an Early Years teacher in Seven Oaks, I bring a broad and informed perspective to my work, having begun my career in Senior Years education with the Winnipeg School Division. This diverse background has deepened my understanding of the teaching profession and the varied needs of our members.
I am deeply committed to promoting member well-being and equity, knowing that these values directly enhance workplace satisfaction and student outcomes. As a proud member of the queer community, I serve as a facilitator for QUESO: Queering Seven Oaks, a collective of educators dedicated to providing professional development and support in 2SLGBTQIA+ inclusive education.
In my work with the union, I have served as School Councillor/Representative for the Seven Oaks Teachers' Association (SOTA) at Riverbend, attended several Annual General Meetings as a delegate, co-chaired the Scholarship Committee, and currently chair the Equity and Social Justice Committee and a member of the SOTA Resolutions Committee.
Chair: Equity and Social Justice
With over ten years of experience as an Early Years teacher in Seven Oaks, I bring a broad and informed perspective to my work, having begun my career in Senior Years education with the Winnipeg School Division. This diverse background has deepened my understanding of the teaching profession and the varied needs of our members.
I am deeply committed to promoting member well-being and equity, knowing that these values directly enhance workplace satisfaction and student outcomes. As a proud member of the queer community, I serve as a facilitator for QUESO: Queering Seven Oaks, a collective of educators dedicated to providing professional development and support in 2SLGBTQIA+ inclusive education.
In my work with the union, I have served as School Councillor/Representative for the Seven Oaks Teachers' Association (SOTA) at Riverbend, attended several Annual General Meetings as a delegate, co-chaired the Scholarship Committee, and currently chair the Equity and Social Justice Committee and a member of the SOTA Resolutions Committee.
Jordan Laidlaw
Chair: Wellness
I consider it a tremendous honour to be a part of the SOTA Executive for the 2023-2024 school year, and I would like to sincerely thank my colleagues for their ongoing support.
I have worked in the division as a music educator, facilitating learning experiences with students ranging from Kindergarten to Grade 6. In addition to my teaching responsibilities, I have completed my M.Ed. in Curriculum, Teaching, and Learning, and am presently a Ph.D. candidate in Educational Administration at the University of Manitoba. My dissertation will explore the democratization of educational leadership, investigating practices to facilitate teacher leadership for social and organizational change.
I have served as a SOTA Head Councillor, am a board member of MMEA (an MTS-affiliated SAGE), serve as the Director of Educational Outreach for a local non-profit arts organization, and am a member of the Teacher Led Learning Team at the Manitoba Teachers’ Society. In 2016, I was honoured to be recognized by my community of music educators, receiving the New Builder’s Award from the Canadian Music Educators’ Association.
We are living in very precarious times; education is unequivocally the solution to many of the social tensions prevalent in our society. I am committed to upholding the protection of public education and our teaching profession.
Chair: Wellness
I consider it a tremendous honour to be a part of the SOTA Executive for the 2023-2024 school year, and I would like to sincerely thank my colleagues for their ongoing support.
I have worked in the division as a music educator, facilitating learning experiences with students ranging from Kindergarten to Grade 6. In addition to my teaching responsibilities, I have completed my M.Ed. in Curriculum, Teaching, and Learning, and am presently a Ph.D. candidate in Educational Administration at the University of Manitoba. My dissertation will explore the democratization of educational leadership, investigating practices to facilitate teacher leadership for social and organizational change.
I have served as a SOTA Head Councillor, am a board member of MMEA (an MTS-affiliated SAGE), serve as the Director of Educational Outreach for a local non-profit arts organization, and am a member of the Teacher Led Learning Team at the Manitoba Teachers’ Society. In 2016, I was honoured to be recognized by my community of music educators, receiving the New Builder’s Award from the Canadian Music Educators’ Association.
We are living in very precarious times; education is unequivocally the solution to many of the social tensions prevalent in our society. I am committed to upholding the protection of public education and our teaching profession.
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.
Ben Nein (they/them)
Chair: Resolutions
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).
Chair: Resolutions
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).
Steven Sprange