Our newly elected Executive Board, in partnership with district administration.

From left to right: Colleen Sliva, Director of Student Services; Anastasia Vervai-Mordehay, Vice Chair; Rita Despres, Co-Chair; Melissa Jaffe, Community Outreach Administrator; Karin Mortimer, Co-Chair; Bill Olsen, Chief Education Officer

Merrimack's Special Education Parent Advisory Council Elects Members of Executive Board!

We’re SO excited to officially announce that members of our first Executive Board have been elected!

Karin Mortimer and Rita Despres will serve as Co-Chairs, with Anastasia Vervai-Mordehay as Vice Chair and Melissa Jaffe as Community Outreach Administrator.

This is a meaningful step forward as we begin building MSD SEPAC together. While we are just getting started, our focus is simple: creating a space where families feel welcomed, supported, and comfortable to join, share, and contribute to meaningful, systemic change that benefits us all. Look for updates in our next newsletter and on Facebook for open positions, upcoming meeting dates and times, and ways to get involved.

This announcement would not be complete without recognizing Maggie Morris for the countless hours of work happening behind the scenes to bring this group to life. Her dedication, expertise, and steady support have been instrumental in getting us to this point, and we are grateful for her continued involvement and enthusiasm as we grow this community together.

We also want to recognize the support of the Merrimack School District, especially Colleen Sliva and Bill Olsen. Their openness, encouragement, and genuine willingness to partner with families have helped set the tone for the kind of collaborative and welcoming community we are working to build.

Whether you are new to this space or have been navigating it for years, you are welcome here.

Part I: Chapter 1 - Special Education Parent Advisory Councils

Advocacy in Action: A Guide to Local Special Education Parent Advisory Councils TABLE OF CONTENTS ☰ 1 Special Education Parent Advisory Councils A local Special Education Parent Advisory Council, or SEPAC (sea-pack) is a district-level, parent-driven group that

sepacguide.parentcenterhub.org

The MSD SEPAC works collaboratively with families, caregivers, educators, district leadership and the broader community to elevate and amplify student voices; foster understanding and respect for the disability community; strengthen district Student Services systems; and support equitable access to purposeful education and meaningful learning environments for all students

Event Information

Monthly General Meeting

Our monthly general meetings are currently held in person at the Merrimack Public Library on the third Wednesday of each month. Meetings are often attended by members of district administration, including Colleen Sliva, Director of Student Services, and Bill Olsen, Chief Education Officer, creating opportunities for direct connection and collaboration. We know daytime meetings do not work for everyone, so we are exploring a schedule that alternates between in person daytime meetings and virtual evening options to better accommodate families and caregivers. Stay tuned for updates as we finalize this approach.

When?

Wednesday, Apr 15, 2026, 01:00 PM

Where?

Merrimack Public Library, Daniel Webster Highway, Merrimack, NH, USA

location_on Open maps

Our next in person get together is March 25th at Buckley's from 10-11am!

Our Community Outreach Administrator, Melissa Jaffe, hosts caregiver coffee hour sessions where parents and caregivers can come together for conversation, support, and community. These gatherings are intentionally unscripted and casual, offering a space to connect with others who just “get it.” We invite you to stop by for a virtual session or join us in person, whatever works best for you.

Watch for updates - April dates for in person and virtual coffee hours to be announced soon!

Follow us on Facebook and sign up for our mailing list to stay connected.

Stay Connected - Join our Mailing List

We’re building something new in Merrimack. Stay connected with MSD SEPAC for meeting updates, resources, and ways to get involved.

3/19/2026 3/19/2026

Welcome to Merrimack School District's Special Education Parent Advisory Council Welcome to Merrimack School District's Special Education Parent Advisory Council

Our newly elected Executive Board, in partnership with district administration.

Merrimack's Special Education Parent Advisory Council Elects Members of Executive Board!

What is a Special Education Parent Advisory Council? What is a Special Education Parent Advisory Council?

Our Mission Statement Our Mission Statement

MSD SEPAC General Meetings MSD SEPAC General Meetings

Event Information

Parent and Caregiver Coffee Hour - Virtual and In Person Dates! Parent and Caregiver Coffee Hour - Virtual and In Person Dates!

Our next in person get together is March 25th at Buckley's from 10-11am!

Watch for updates - April dates for in person and virtual coffee hours to be announced soon!

Follow us on Facebook Follow us on Facebook