GLSEN Upstate New York Board of Directors
Change happens when we work together. We are proud to work with the leadership of passionate activists, tireless historians and researchers, inspiring educators and advocates, and most of all, the students and educators working every day to ensure safer, more inclusive schools for LGBTQ youth.
Kyle Arnold (He/ Him, They/ Them)
Chair
Kyle is a Sexual & Reproductive Public Health Educator, Program Director, and Youth Organizer with a particular focus on the impact of varied intersectional social locations and positive LGBTQIA+ youth development. Kyle has worked with young people and families throughout the Capital Region to foster a more vibrant, sustainable, and equitable local community. In their current role as Chair of GLSEN Upstate New York, Kyle aims to amplify and center youth voices and experiences as he recognizes the power of young people to be change-makers for the future. Outside of his work, Kyle is a dancer, amateur historian, and dog dad in partnership to two beautiful pups (with the third on the way).
Marcia Ranieri (She/ Her/ Hers)
Board Member
Marcia is an instructional school leader for a local district in Albany, NY. Prior to coming to Albany, Ms. Ranieri was an Assistant Principal in Camillus, NY, and also a Spanish teacher in that district. She is working towards her doctoral degree through Sage Colleges of Albany currently. Her research focus centers around the influence of gender on the road to superintendency. During her time in Syracuse she completed coursework towards her PhD at Syracuse University and was a professional development trainer for QuERI (Queering Education Research Institute). She also was a presenter for the SUPAC (Syracuse University Parent Advocacy Coalition) to help parents advocate and take action for their children with disabilities. She is a strong advocate for social justice, LGBTQIA rights, and people of color. Ms. Ranieri works hard to foster anti-racist efforts in our schools as well as advocate for those individuals who are silenced or have no voice. In addition to being on the board for GLSEN, Ms. Ranieri is a member of the board and secretary for NYSASCD (New York State Association of Supervision and Curriculum Development). She is currently reading the book, The Knowledge Gap. Ms. Ranieri resides in Schenectady, NY with her son.
Maura Nichols (She, Her, Hers)
Board Member
Maura Nichols currently works as a local middle school librarian. Before working in education, she was a TV news producer for Albany area news stations. She has a BA in Communications from The College of St. Rose, a MA in Media Arts from Emerson College and a MS in Information Science from UAlbany. Maura believes schools should be safe and welcoming spaces for all students, especially school libraries. She also believes students should have access to books and resources that are “mirrors and windows,” so they can see themselves represented, know their experiences matter and develop empathy for others. In her free time she enjoys reading (of course), especially historical fiction and spending time with her family. She also likes to crochet while binge watching TV.
Cameron Torrey (He/ Him/ His)
SHINE Coordinator & Board Member
Cameron Torrey is currently a full time student working towards his degree in secondary and special education. Cameron started with GLSEN as a student with the SHINE Team during his freshman year of high school, and was asked to be Co-President of the SHINE Team in his senior year. Cameron, as a student leader, helped plan and execute the Winter Ball, the yearly Capital Region Pride Parades, and various other activities. When Cameron graduated from high school and was unable to continue as a member of the SHINE Team, he found himself being invited to lead the SHINE Team as its coordinator and as a board member. One of his main joys is advising the SHINE Team in all of its endeavors and advocating for all students. Due to Cameron seeking a degree in education, he truly understands that each student's voice should be heard and that each individual student can and should make a difference and be visible within their local community. In his free time, Cameron enjoys history books and documentaries, and playing his electric bass.
Alynn McTighe (She/Her/Hers)
Chapter Treasurer & Board Member
Brianne Ptak-Mimura (She/Her/Hers)
Social Media & Communications Coordinator & Board Member
Thea MacFawn (She/Her/Hers)
Board Member
Interested In Joining Our Board?
If you have a passion for advocating for and uplifting the voices of our LGBTQ+ K-12 Youth, GLSEN Upstate NY is the place for you! If interested, please submit your most current resume and a cover-letter on why you are interested in joining our board.