Township of Union Public Schools

Dicxiana A. Carbonell
Board President | Educator | Equity Advocate

Dicxiana A. Carbonell brings decades of experience, insight, and dedication to her role on the Township of Union Board of Education. A proud and humble public servant, she is honored to serve the students, staff, families, and community.

A retired educator with 28 years of distinguished service, Ms. Carbonell has held various leadership roles throughout her career. She began as a secondary math teacher and later served as WIA Supervisor, ESL/World Language Supervisor, Supervisor of Curriculum and Instruction, and ultimately Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum & Instruction. In these roles, she led key efforts to advance instructional design, professional development, and student achievement.

Ms. Carbonell has also been recognized for her leadership beyond the district. She served as President of the Essex County Curriculum and Instruction Roundtable, held a seat on the NJTESOL/NJSBE Executive Board, and received the Althea Gibson Award for Women in Leadership. Her work has included national and state-level contributions such as mentoring for the U.S. Department of Education’s EdSim Challenge, serving as a Kappa Delta Pi grant reviewer, and receiving the NSA Next GenCyber Grant.

In January 2025, she was elected President of the Township of Union Board of Education. In May 2025, she was also elected as the alternate delegate to the Union County School Boards Association, continuing her advocacy at the county and state levels.

Ms. Carbonell holds advanced degrees and certifications in Mathematics, ESL, Supervision, Principalship, and as a Chief School Administrator. She remains deeply committed to equity in education, instructional excellence, and building strong school-community partnerships. Her leadership is rooted in a belief that every student deserves the support, resources, and opportunities to thrive.

Ms. Carbonell is assigned to Kawameeh Middle School and Union High School.

Kimberly Scott-Hayden
Vice President| Education Support Professional | Equity in Education Advocate

Kimberly Scott-Hayden brings strong leadership, advocacy, and a deep commitment to public education to the Township of Union Board of Education, where she has proudly served for the past four years.

A dedicated education support professional, Mrs. Scott-Hayden, works as an inventory control clerk and assists the Supervisor of Security Services at East Orange Public Schools. She also serves as President of the East Orange Maintenance Association, where she champions the rights and recognition of education support staff.

In 2021, her outstanding service and leadership were honored at both the state and national levels. She was named the New Jersey Education Association's ESP of the Year and later selected as the National Education Association’s 2021 Education Support Professional of the Year, a prestigious recognition of her dedication and impact on school communities.

Mrs. Scott-Hayden continues to advocate for students, staff, and families, bringing the voice and perspective of support professionals to the board’s decision-making. Her unwavering focus remains on building safe, equitable, and supportive learning environments for all.

Mrs. Scott-Hayden is assigned to Franklin Elementary School & Union High School and is on the Personnel & Grievances Committees.

Michael Cohan
Board Member | Education Advocate | Policy Leader

Michael Cohan brings decades of experience in education to the Township of Union Board of Education. After nearly 30 years as a teacher in the district, he went on to serve as Director of Professional Development and Instructional Issues at the New Jersey Education Association from 2007 until his retirement in 2022.

Widely respected across the state, Michael has been a strong advocate for effective teaching and sound education policy. He helped launch the Collaborative Professional Learning Partnership and served in key leadership roles, including Chair of the New Jersey Professional Teaching Standards Board, Co-chair of the NJ Teaching and Learning Task Force, and as a Board Member of the National Education Association.

Elected to the Board of Education in 2023, his deep expertise and commitment continue to shape a stronger future for Union’s schools.

Mr. Cohan is assigned to Hannah Caldwell Elementary School and Union High School. He is the Co-chair of the Fiscal and Planning Committee and a member of the Education Committee. 

Elsie Conteh-Mackey
Board Member | Healthcare Executive | Disability & Mental Health Advocate

Elsie Conteh-Mackey has proudly served on the Township of Union Board of Education, bringing a powerful blend of professional expertise, lived experience, and community advocacy to her role.

Since moving to Union in 2012, Elsie has been dedicated to building a more inclusive community, especially for children and families navigating disabilities and mental health challenges. Inspired by her son Julian, who has autism, Elsie founded the Union Children and Families with Disabilities Community Network, a Facebook forum that provides vital support for local parents. She also co-founded and chaired Union’s Special Education Parent Advisory Group (SEPAG) and partnered with the Union Police Department to launch the Special Needs ID Card Program, improving communication between families and first responders.

Professionally, Elsie brings over 25 years of experience in healthcare administration, finance, operations, and personnel development. She is an active member of the American College of Healthcare Executives and has held leadership roles in organizations such as the Concerned Citizens of Vauxhall Vicinity Civics Association. She also chaired the Township of Union Disabilities and Mental Health Committee.

Elsie holds a Master of Public Affairs and Administration and a Bachelor of Arts in Urban Affairs. She is a passionate voice for equity, access, and high-quality education for all students, and remains deeply committed to fostering a school system where every child, regardless of ability, has the opportunity to thrive.

Mrs. Conteh-Mackey is assigned to Connecticut Farms Elementary School & Union High School and is on the Operations Committee.

Guida Faria
Board Member | STEM Advocate | Educator

Guida Faria is a passionate STEM leader and first-generation college graduate. She holds degrees in Chemistry and Education from Seton Hall University, a Master’s in Educational Leadership from Kean University, and is currently pursuing a doctorate in Teacher Education at Montclair State University.

With 14 years of classroom experience in chemistry and physics, Guida has spent the past 8 years as a Science Supervisor, championing hands-on, high-quality STEM education. As former President of the New Jersey Science Teachers Association, she has worked statewide to raise science education standards.

She is also a proud mom of three students in the Township of Union Public Schools, currently in third, seventh, and ninth grade. Her commitment to education and community continues to inspire the next generation of learners and leaders.

Mrs. Faria is assigned to Battle Hill Elementary School & Union High School and is on the Instruction & Program Committee.

Gregory H. Nasta
Board Member | Public Works Supervisor | Community Advocate

Mr. Nasta brings more than 25 years of experience in municipal operations, infrastructure management, and community service to the Township of Union Board of Education. A lifelong resident of Union for over 50 years and a proud Union High School graduate, he has dedicated his career to improving the quality of life in his hometown.

He is currently in his second year of his first three-year term on the Board of Education, where he applies his hands-on knowledge of public systems and deep community roots to support the students, families, and staff of the Township of Union Public Schools.

Mr. Nasta serves as Supervisor of the Sewer Division for the Township of Union’s Department of Public Works, leading teams in the maintenance, repair, and construction of municipal sewer and drainage systems. Known for his strong leadership, strategic planning, and commitment to safety and compliance, he plays a vital role in maintaining the town’s essential infrastructure.

He also serves as a union representative and shop steward for IFPTE Union Council 8, where he advocates for equitable labor practices and effective collaboration between employees and township leadership.

A former small business owner, Mr. Nasta operated Larchmont Pizza in Union from 2005 to 2012, earning recognition as Business of the Month in 2007 for his contributions to the community.

Now, as a board member, Mr. Nasta remains dedicated to public service, using his experience and insight to help ensure a safe, equitable, and successful learning environment for all students.

Mr. Nasta is assigned to Burnet Middle School & Union High School and is on the Operations Committee.

Ronnie McDowell
Board Member | Educator | Community Servant

Ronnie McDowell is a lifelong resident of Union and Vauxhall, now serving his third term on the Township of Union Board of Education. He and his wife, Tonya, along with their four children, are proud graduates of Union High School.

After a successful career as a pharmaceutical research scientist, Ronnie transitioned to education, teaching middle school math before running for a seat on the Board. His passion for learning and giving back to the community continues to guide his work.

Beyond the Board, Ronnie serves as a Deacon at the First Baptist Church of Vauxhall and is an active member of the Township of Union Senior Citizens Advisory Board. In his free time, he enjoys shooting pool at the Senior Center and working around his home.

His dedication to service, education, and the Union community remains at the heart of all he does.

Mr. McDowell is assigned to Jefferson School & Union High School, and he is on the Fiscal Committee.

Mrs. Minneci is assigned to Livingston Elementary School and Union High School and is on the Instruction & Program Committee.