Meet Our Volunteers
Al Wood
Al Wood (Committee Chairman) is a school bus driver for the preschoolers of Morris School District in Morristown, New Jersey. He is the ESP liaison for his local union. In 2015, Al was awarded the NJEA ESP of the Year Award, and according to him, “It was a very humbling experience.” Al joined the Paul Dimitriadis Committee in 2012 because he wanted to become more involved in his union. When asked about his experience with volunteering for the fund Al said, “The sales from Paul D benefit local districts in times of need, and members can be proud to wear our merchandise! I truly enjoy the camaraderie among our committee members who are from all over New Jersey. In the future, I look forward to meeting more members as they participate in NJEA functions.”
Cynthia Colalillo
Cynthia Colalillo has been a Special Education teacher with the South River School District for 36 years and she is still going strong! She was the local president for eight years and is currently serving her second term as co-president. Cynthia has been volunteering her time to the Paul Dimitriadis Committee since 2006. When we asked Cynthia about volunteering for the fund she said, “The people are great and we have a lot of fun!”
Robert (Bob) Markel
Robert (Bob) Markel was an Industrial Arts Teacher for the Orange Board of Education for 38 years. During that time he served as both President and Vice President of the Orange Education Association. Bob retired in 2012, and even though he now lives in sunny Florida, he still manages to come visit us in New Jersey regularly to help out with the Paul Dimitriadis Member Rights Fund. He has been a member of the Paul Dimitriadis Committee since 2000 and was Chairperson for 4 years. Bob believes that, “the camaraderie in the committee is the reason I continue to volunteer and I look forward to making new friends all the time.”
Kelee Mitchell-Hall
Kelee Mitchell-Hall is a proud kindergarten teacher currently teaching in Elizabeth, New Jersey. As an active union member she wears many hats. Kelee is the Building Rep for her school and a Union County Executive Committee member. She also serves as a member of the NJEA Delegate Assembly, the Human and Civil Rights Committee, and still finds time to volunteer for the Paul Dimitriadis Rights Fund. Through her committee work Kelee is, “happy to serve members and looks forward to building positive relationships with ALL members.”
Alexandra (Alex) Protopapas
Alexandra (Alex) Protopapas worked for Orange Public Schools at Orange High School in Essex County. Alex has retired since starting her career in 1985. She is now the Public Relations contact for ECEA. Alex was an active member of NJEA from the start, and is now a member of the NJREA. She has proudly served as a member of the Paul Dimitriadis Committee for several years and continues to do so in her retirement. When asked about her experience with volunteering for the fund Alex said, “The unity, friendships, and philosophies of the Paul D Committee brought me to it, and I will continue to support members through the non-profit work of the Paul Dimitriadis Rights Fund. We hope our members will continue to support us.”
Roberta Rissling
Roberta Rissling is a paraprofessional at Caroline Reutter School in Franklinville, New Jersey. She sincerely enjoys playing a role in the development of students on their journey to success. Roberta is President of the Franklin Township Support Staff Association, a leadership role that affords her the opportunity to assist members with the challenges of an ever-changing education system. She is also a member of the Gloucester County ESP Committee, in which she and her fellow committee members work together to support ESP members, address their concerns, and reinforce ESP pride. When asked about her experience with volunteering for the fund Roberta stated, “In 2015 I was honored to be asked to join the Paul Dimitriadis Committee. It gives me the opportunity to work with and meet members from around the state, and volunteering at the RA allows me to meet with union members from around the country. Together, my fellow committee members and I, have the pleasure of servicing all NJEA members. I take great pride in helping this important committee.”
Romaine Street
Romaine S. Street Sr. was a science teacher for Bridgeton public schools for 35 years and loved both his job and the kids. Now retired, he is enjoying life to the fullest regularly playing golf and tennis. Romaine has volunteered his time to the Paul Dimitriadis Rights Fund for 15 years and continues to put in the hard work for us. When it comes to volunteering for Paul D, Romaine says, “I love the camaraderie with my fellow Paul D members! I consider myself to be a real people person and enjoy meeting and making new friends whenever I can!”
Lois Jean Tarr
Lois Jean Tarr was a public school teacher in the West New York school district for 43 years. During that time she served as President of the West New York Education Association for 18 years. Now in her retirement, along with generously volunteering her time to the Paul Dimitriadis Rights Fund, she also serves on the NJEA Delegate Assembly, she is President of the NJEA Professional Consultants Association, and is an active member of NJREA.
Kathleen (Kathy) Wood
Kathy Wood has been a Mathematics teacher for 37 years at Morristown High School. Kathy has been active within her local since she began her career in education. Presently, she is the Professional Development Chairperson for Morris County and serves as a member of both the Leadership Committee and the Paul Dimitriadis Committee. Kathy would like others to know that she, “serves on the Paul Dimitriadis Committee to help spread information about member rights. I enjoy interacting with the committee and having the chance to meet members not only from New Jersey, but from all around the country.”