White House Author

Susana Carella, the delegate from Massachusetts, has a lifelong passion to provide children with top-notch educations. As a graduate student she focused on topics like the benefits of Head Start or the effects of income inequality on our educational system. She then went to work with a group of educators as a researcher and grant writer developing evidence-based educational interventions addressing maternal and child health issues. Her group targeted at-risk populations, educators, and caregivers. Carella learned much through this gratifying work with the country’s foremost experts, from how to set up preterm infants for success in school to fostering movement among inner city kids with limited access to play space. Her most rewarding career, however, has been that of mother. Carella’s daughter is now five and a member of a school community. She attends a small, poor, inner city school with a very big heart. Most parents are immigrants with limited education, yet they all share an intense passion to foster a life-long love of learning that will drive children to be caring, engaged and productive members of society. Statistically, one in four students in their city will drop out, and Carella wants to work to change this. She frequently volunteers at school events and has joined the Family-Teacher Organization. She and other parents like her have ambitious goals, like aiding teachers in professional development and improving structural safety for students, but they need guidance to bring their passions to fruition. Carella looks forward to this year’s Mom Congress so she can brainstorm with other moms from all walks of life on how to tackle issues such as nutrition in schools, teacher development and parental involvement. Then, she wants to bring it all back to Chelsea, MA, and help her little school grow and the inner city thrive.