"Let's Get It Done!"
MEET FELICIA & MICHELLE
LEADERSHIP INTEGRITY ACCOUNTABILITY
Felicia
​
​
Dr. Felicia A. Watson serves as the director of New York State’s 21st CCLC Rest of State Technical Assistance Resource Center. She is a nationally recognized education advocate with over 21 years experience driving the improvement of federal and state education programs through professional development trainings and technical assistance. Dr. Watson leads school districts in positive school reform through best practices around afterschool programming, school safety and positive school culture & climate.
​
Felicia is passionate about her work and has been aligned with numerous projects through the U.S. Department of Education, New York State Education Department, New York State Office of the Governor, New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services and the National Alliance of Black School Educators. Her affiliation with the National Crime Prevention Council and Skinner Leadership Institute allowed her to present numerous education summits at The White House and on national television networks. When Felicia speaks, she touches the hearts and minds of her audience motivating, influencing and promoting a call to action.
She has traveled the world extensively, spending two years in Barcelona, Spain while completing graduate studies at ESADE Business School, one of the top 10 business schools in the world. She is a strong advocate of personal and civic responsibility in all aspects of life, has extensive experience in positive youth development and is relentless in her belief that all children are educable and can soar academically.
​
Felicia is a graduate of the Poughkeepsie High School and currently serves as President of the Poughkeepsie City School District Board of Education.
​
Michelle
​
Michelle Martinez-Leffert grew up in Fairfield County, CT. She moved to the City of Poughkeepsie in 2003. When she first moved to Poughkeepsie, she was a volunteer ESL teacher with the Literacy Volunteers of America. Michelle attended Dutchess Community College for two years. Then, she attended SUNY New Paltz and finished her Bachelor’s degree. In 2007, she was hired by Arlington Central School District to teach 7th grade Spanish at Arlington Middle School. Michelle has traveled and studied in Costa Rica, Mexico and Spain. Three years later, Michelle returned to SUNY New Paltz to start her graduate work in TESOL.
Michelle is a full-time teacher, mom and an active participant in the community. Michelle has assisted PTA events at the Early Learning Center in Poughkeepsie. Michelle plays an active role in the education of her two young children Renata, 9, and Xavier, 7. They both attend Krieger Elementary School.
Michelle’s older child Renata has had some challenges with learning. Currently, her daughter has a 504 plan which gives Michelle a clear perspective on the needs of kids with 504 plans or IEPs. Michelle has spent years making sure her daughter has been provided the best education that will allow her to gain confidence, interest and strength in her studies. She understands and is a strong advocate for students who have challenges and difficulties with learning.
Michelle looks forward to representing the community on the City of Poughkeepsie School Board. She understands the hard-work a family has to put in to raising children and believes education does not just come from schools, but also from the home and their community. Educating children is the MOST important task we have as a community. A sound public education is Michelle’s number one priority. She is committed to following policy and regulations to attain the best public education system we can provide to our students.
​