Erie 1 BOCES Monthly Spotlight: September 2022
We are excited to announce that we will be continuing E1B BOCES Monthly Spotlight. The purpose of this activity is for us to share information about ourselves, get to know our colleagues better, create meaningful connections, build relationships, create a strong sense of community and celebrate our differences. Please consider participating by clicking and completing this E1B Spotlight (submission form)
The information that you choose to provide will be included in the monthly Inside Story. Please only share information that you feel comfortable sharing publicly within the organization. Leave out any information that you prefer not to share.
Erie 1 BOCES Monthly Spotlight: September 2022
Hello my name is Michael Capuana.
I was recently appointed the position of District Superintendent. In this role I have the privilege of serving and supporting our outstanding organization, faculty, staff, students, and partner school districts. One of the best things about my job is having the opportunity for ongoing collaboration with others to enhance and expand our capacity to serve WNY and NYS. I also thoroughly enjoy the chance to create new programming and partnerships for students and educators. I have proudly been part of the Erie 1 BOCES team for 13 years now, in a variety of leadership roles. I was aware of Erie 1 BOCES as a high school English teacher in the region. My first experience working for Erie 1 BOCES was serving in an administrative internship, as an assistant principal for a regional summer school that we provided for multiple high schools.
I was born and raised in the City of Buffalo. I enjoy routine exercise and being active. I have 2 wonderful children, and have been married to my beautiful wife for 16 years, which we celebrated this past July! My family and friends would hopefully describe me as “level-headed”.
I have been a part of the equity and inclusivity committees here at Erie 1 BOCES since my first year as a team member. I am currently a member of our Inclusion-Diversity-Equity-Advocacy (I.D.E.A.) Committee. I am both passionate and committed to this work as an educational leader. I recently completed my doctorate and the focus of my research was around assessing the prevalence of equity-based leadership practices across our region. I am excited about sharing and applying this knowledge as we work together to continue creating relevant and innovative services for the diverse communities that we serve.
Hello my name is Elizabeth Freas, but I prefer to be called Liz. Elizabeth was not the name that my parents had originally chosen for me. I originally was going to be named Megan. My mom and I share the same middle name, Marye.
I have worked for Erie 1 BOCES for 9 years now, in various capacities. I am currently the Assistant Superintendent of Educational Supports and WNYRIC Services.
I was born and raised in Buffalo, NY; and have never lived outside of the region. I have 3 sisters and one niece. I am married to my husband Jeremey, and we have one dog; Pete who is a rescue Pittie. I love to travel and have been to many places. My favorite place that I have traveled to is St. Maarten . My dream place to travel to is Australia.
An interesting fact that some may not know about me is that I tend to be an introvert, depending on the situation. Another fact that some may not know, is that I serve on two boards, NYS Association for Women in Administration (NYSAWA) and the Academy for Human Rights. I am passionate about both causes and I am proud to be officers for each organization.
My family and close friends would probably describe me as loyal, passionate, and sarcastic.
Hello my name is Chanel McDade.
I work in the ‘Instructional Services’ department, as the Sr. Data Processing Control Clerk. I am fairly new to this position, being here only a few months now. In this role my main responsibilities include creating rosters for 3-8 assessments and regents exams, providing support to the Sr. Supervisor of Instructional Services (along with about 7 other coordinators). The best thing about my job is being surrounded by people that I truly enjoy working with.
I was born and raised in Western New York. I am the oldest of 4 siblings, 2 sisters and 2 brothers. I have been married to my husband for 15 years. We have 2 amazing children! Our daughter is 12 years old and our son is 2 years old. I know, a big age gap, but it keeps life interesting! We also have a dog, a Pug-a-poo named Bailey. My family and close friends would probably describe me as kind and an introvert at first meeting, but become more extroverted as time goes on.
I’m a huge Buffalo Bills fan, which is my favorite sports team. Go BILLS!! I also enjoy writing and love being in nature. I prefer the outdoors.