Putting People and Communities First
On Thursday, January 26th, MEL co-founders Monica & Kate, in collaboration with MEL consultant Ann, will be hosting a workshop with The University at Buffalo’s teacher residents (UBTR) at UB’s South Campus. The workshop, titled Decolonizing the Niagara River Basin:…
Nataisia Johnson is an educational leader, Special Education specialist, and U.S. Army veteran currently serving as Assistant Principal at Hutchinson Central Technical High School. Driven by a passion for equitable instruction and transformative student leadership, she creates environments where learners are empowered to discover their voice, build resilience, and take ownership of their academic and personal growth.
Her professional background includes high school teaching experience at McKinley High School, complemented by foundational leadership built during an overseas military deployment. Nataisia holds Master’s degrees in Educational Leadership and Education from Niagara University and holds New York State certifications as a School Building Leader (SBL) and School District Leader (SDL).
Sophia Shands is a graduate of The University at Buffalo with a major in Psychology and a minor in Counseling. Sophia’s experience in special education has informed her commitment to advancing equity and sustainability in education and within the community.
As a graduate from the University at Buffalo with a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Studies, Eh Shee Wah is passionate about environmental justice and committed to advancing policies and initiatives that address environmental inequities while centering marginalized communities.
Maria Arango is our second NYSERDA Climate Justice Fellow. Maria’s goals include increasing community awareness of environmental challenges on the Eastside of Buffalo, NY among all populations with a special focus on improved greenspaces, as well as the creation of climate resiliency hubs in Buffalo and Niagara Falls. Maria recently graduated with her Bachelor of Arts from the University at Buffalo, Honors College in English, Environmental Sustainability, and Global Gender & Sexuality Studies.
Helen Beckley-Forest is a graduate from Pratt Institute in Brooklyn, New York with a major in Painting and minor in Sustainability. While she has worked mainly as a painter, she explores different forms of creation such as illustration, textiles and design. She recently published her second children’s book Go With That in collaboration with therapist Heather Hale, LCMHCS, RPT-S.
As a lifetime learner, Athenia has built her career in a variety of roles and industries, mostly in small non-profit and startup companies. With 20 years in human services, Athenia has used her extensive knowledge to build, consult and guide Community partners in developing, development plans, investing, and meeting KIP & ROIs in multiple projects. Athenia enjoys creative problem solving and has extensive experience in fundraising and donor development.
Ann Ditto is a lifelong resident of the Skarù•ręʔ (Tuscarora) Nation in Niagara County. During her 15-year career as a classroom teacher, Ann has spent six years with Orleans Niagara BOCES as an adult education teacher working primarily with individuals who are incarcerated. The majority of her teaching years have been working with students, families, and communities who often find themselves in situations deemed as at-risk, impoverished, or vulnerable. It is not only a personal goal, but a mission of Ann’s, to encourage individuals, groups, and communities to use barriers as steps to climb above the walls of oppression.
Dr. Kushnood Haq has 35+ years of experience in higher education and business including expertise in academic administration, entrepreneurship, and strategic planning. Prior to joining Mother Earth Literacies in 2023, Dr. Haq was Vice President for Institutional Field Relations at the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE) where he served as a liaison to higher education institutions, and provided them with advice and guidance for continuous improvement in academic and non-academic areas through outcome assessment and institutional accreditation processes. Prior to MSCHE, Dr. Haq was Vice Provost for Strategic Initiatives and Chair of the Professional Studies Division at Hilbert College in Hamburg, NY. Earlier in his academic career, he was a faculty member and then Vice President for Academic Affairs at D’Youville College in Buffalo, N.Y. Dr. Haq has a proven record of teaching, consulting,and professional experience in business, international business and entrepreneurship, and is passionate about helping for-profit and nonprofit organizations with operational and strategic planning through his work with Mother Earth Literacies, LLC. He holds a Ph.D. in international trade from SUNY University at Buffalo and a Masters in Business Administration (MBA) from Saint Bonaventure University.
Monica L. Miles is a dedicated mother, scientist, researcher, scholar, and community activist whose work focuses on equity, justice, and environmental sustainability. A proud graduate of Buffalo Public Schools (BPS), Erie Community College, and the University at Buffalo, where she earned three degrees, Monica’s educational journey reflects her resilience and commitment to serving her community. In her role as an Assistant Professor of Engineering Education at UB, Monica is particularly passionate about supporting first-generation students and ensuring they have the resources and mentorship to succeed. As the co-founder and president of Mother Earth Literacies, LLC, Monica works tirelessly to enhance the quality of life in Western New York. Her research focuses on the role of identity, racialized experiences, and marginalization in K-12 and higher education, particularly in STEM and nonprofit environments. A critical race theorist and environmental justice educator, she is committed to bridging gaps and creating opportunities for underrepresented groups.
Kate Shands Haq, co-founder, Vice President of Operations and Curriculum Development at Mother Earth Literacies, LLC, has been a professional educator since 1985. She taught in urban and rural schools in Western New York, primarily as an elementary classroom teacher and literacy coach. Recently retired, Kate is passionate about the creation of an interdisciplinary equity-focused, place-based curriculum for K-12 educators and learners, interrogating the status quo, and the city of Buffalo. Kate researches community policy, youth civic engagement, environmental justice education, and critical literacies. Working full time at Mother Earth Literacies, Kate works with the team to fully support our non-profit and education-based partnerships.