About CVSD SEPAC
About
Who We are
The Champlain Valley School District Special Education Parent Advisory Council (CVSD SEPAC for short) is a group of caregivers, educators and school administrators who work together to represent students with special needs and their families.
Our Why
The purpose, or mission of SEPAC is to facilitate authentic and effective communication, understanding, and mutual respect that is meaningfully inclusive of all students, caregivers, educators, administrators, school board members, and the community at large. This collaborative approach aims to guide the Champlain Valley School District (CVSD) in providing access to and delivery of high-quality, equitable services and instruction for students who qualify for additional support.
What We Do
Offer parents and community members an opportunity to be part of the conversation around special education in CVSD. Listens to community members’ thoughts, concerns, and input regarding special education at the schools in CVSD and shares community needs with school administrators.
Meet the Officers
Chair
Daniel Tobin
Daniel is the parent of two children in Hinesburg Community School, a rising 4th grader and a preschooler who is on an IEP. As a tenured professor at the University of Vermont with a research agenda on agricultural systems, he has experience considering complex systems and levers for change and managing teams. He is invested in collaborating with fellow parents of children with special needs and CVSD administration to assure that all children in the district are receiving education optimized for their individual needs.
Secretary
Jean Sanchez
As a mother of three CVSD students (two with 504 plans) and a special education professional with over 20 years of experience, Jean brings both personal understanding and professional expertise to the SEPAC Secretary role. Her goal as Secretary is to provide the structural foundation that will support and amplify the passionate work of CVSD SEPAC's members. Jean committed to helping establish SEPAC as a lasting resource for special education advocacy in our district.
Vice Chair
Caroline Dahlstrom
Caroline is the mother of 3 students within the Williston schools. Her youngest son is in 1st grade, is medically complex and is on an IEP. She joined SEPAC to be able to share our experience navigating special education in the school system, and strengthen the partnership between school and family. She is involved in caregiver advocacy in several ways, through the schools, hospital systems, and nonprofit organizations that support children with complex health needs and their caregivers. She strongly believe in the caregiver being an equal member of the team, both in school and medical settings. The caregiver's voice and perspective are unique, and should be heard at every step of a child's journey.
Communications Officer
Irit Ziv Seligman
Irit is a parent of two Shelburne Community School students, one of whom is on a 504 plan. She became involved with CVSD SEPAC almost from its inception and strongly believes in its mission. Her professional background is in technology, where she's seen firsthand how crucial effective communication is to an organization’s success. And, how the use of technology can support and improve communications