Hello, my name is Gina Bergdall. I am a parent of a 6th grader and a 2nd grader in the Pawling Central School District.  I have lived here since 2015 with my family, and grew up in Ulster County.

I’m a parent that can be seen at music and science events with my son, cheering the players on at baseball, watching my daughter thrive in karate, and participating in community and school events throughout our wonderful town. In my free time, I play in a women’s softball league, participate in 2 book clubs, volunteer for the Pawling Farmer’s Market, and recently started adult tap dancing classes.

I believe public education must provide accessibility to all students regardless of their background, financial status, race or gender. I am fully invested in public education because I am a proud product of public education. When my husband and I moved from Brooklyn to Pawling in 2015, it was important for us to choose a place with a well-regarded public school to raise our children.

I am interested in serving on the Board of Education because I believe that all children deserve the right to a quality education. This education goes beyond the basics- it must include diversity, leadership, and preparation for a challenging world outside the boundaries of Pawling.  The budgeting process is very transparent in Pawling, and I am interested in learning more about the process and helping to keep the financials on track. Finally, a school district’s best resource is its teachers and staff, and it is vital to create a working environment that retains effective, quality teachers.

I am a Certified Occupational Therapist Assistant (COTA) at Abilities First NY.  I provide OT to preschoolers with developmental disabilities at one of the therapeutic preschools run by my company.  I treat children from all backgrounds, with the express purpose of helping them achieve their goals to the best of their ability. I understand special education mandates and laws from my career. In my 10 years as a COTA, I have worked with the entire lifespan, starting my career in geriatrics.  I am a strong advocate for my patients, who are often the most vulnerable of our population. I fight for children who are sometimes literally voiceless, and will stand up for the students of Pawling. 

Hello, my name is Heather Rogers Meister. I’m a proud parent of two children. My daughter is currently in middle school, and my son attends elementary school. We moved to Pawling nearly three years ago from Copenhagen, Denmark. Although I’m originally from this area, both of my children were born and raised in Denmark’s capital. Fortunately, the Pawling School District has been incredibly welcoming and supportive as they’ve adjusted to a new environment.

My roots in Pawling run deep. My parents moved our family here in 1990, and I attended Pawling Elementary as well as the Jr./Sr. High School. My mother remains actively involved in the local church and wider community. I now work part-time as a swim instructor at Wings Over Water in Brewster, where I have the pleasure of teaching many Pawling students. My children also take lessons there, and during the summer, they attend camp at the Pawling Recreation Center at Lakeside Park. As a family, we enjoy taking part in local events—you might even catch us at trivia night at the Dancing Bear Café!

I’ve been deeply impressed by the care and thoughtfulness shown by the Pawling schools in helping my children transition. Coming from a different culture and language, they faced significant challenges. However, the dedicated teachers and staff took the time to create individualized education plans and offered tremendous support every step of the way. I’m truly grateful for how included and valued my children have felt, and I believe that’s something every student deserves.

Professionally, I work as a Marketing Manager, a role that has refined my skills in communication, strategic planning, and community engagement. These strengths will serve me well as a board member, enabling me to listen thoughtfully, collaborate effectively, and help communicate the district’s goals and initiatives clearly to the broader community. I believe that strong, transparent communication is essential to building trust and unity, and I look forward to bringing that perspective to the board. As a member of the Board of Education, I will advocate for continued inclusion and the development of diverse, supportive pathways for all Pawling students. I’ve seen firsthand how transformative that kind of attention can be, and I’m committed to helping ensure that every child has the opportunity to thrive.

Greetings! My name is Jennifer Sheridan. I am a parent of three children in the Pawling school district  (5th, 10th and 12th grades). I have been married to my husband, Paul, for almost 20 years.I enjoy attending my daughters’ High School Volleyball games, and my son’s soccer and lacrosse games in Pawling. My parents moved to Pawling in 1976. I feel fortunate to have been raised here. I’m deeply grateful for my strong sense of connection to our community.

I value public education because it serves as the foundation for a fair and equitable society, offering every child the opportunity to succeed, regardless of their background. Public schools should be a place where all students, regardless of race, income level, or gender, can access the resources and support they need to thrive. Education is about more than academics; it's about shaping well-rounded individuals ready to contribute to their communities. I believe public schools have the responsibility to create an inclusive environment that respects diversity, promotes equality, and ensures that every child has the tools and encouragement to reach their full potential. Coming from a family of educators, I have a deep respect for the profession and the profound impact teachers have on shaping young lives. Providing these services to all children helps build a stronger, more connected community where everyone has the opportunity to succeed.

If elected as a board member, I will prioritize listening to the voices of parents, teachers, and students while ensuring that everyone feels heard, respected, and valued. I believe in making decisions grounded in facts and data, while maintaining objectivity to best serve our community. Recognizing that education is not one-size-fits-all, I will advocate for approaches that support the unique needs of every student, including those with special needs and mental health challenges. I am committed to preparing our children for life beyond graduation, fostering global awareness, empathy, and a sense of community. Lastly, I will approach our budget with fiscal responsibility, ensuring that every tax dollar is spent wisely and transparently to support student success.

I hold a Bachelor of Social Work from Marist College and a Master of Social Work from Fordham University, with a focus on Policy and Administration. With over 30 years of experience in the field of intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD), I bring a deep understanding of the diverse needs of individuals and families; an understanding that directly supports my goals for the District. In my current role as Compliance Officer at Tri-County Care, a care coordination organization serving children and adults across New York State, I’ve developed and honed high-level leadership and organizational skills, a data-driven approach to decision-making, and extensive experience working with agency counsel and  regulatory bodies. These strengths will serve me well as a board member, enabling me to navigate complex systems, ensure accountability, and support evidence-based initiatives. My ability to build consensus, collaborate with teams, and remain composed under pressure will be critical in working with fellow board members, school staff, and the broader community to make thoughtful, student-centered decisions. With a deep commitment to equity, accountability, and student success, I would be honored to serve on the Pawling Board of Education.