Executive Board
Mia Ward - President
I promise to share a smile to brighten your day—sometimes, it may be the only one you see. You will also have a passionate advocate in me, because challenges still arise. Therefore, I invite you to join the Mobile County Education Support Professionals. Every support staff educator who does not hold a teaching certificate is welcome. Come grow with us and start here to become the change you wish to see. Make a difference in your life and in the lives of the children we serve.
“The best within us is not gone until we leave this earth. But this is what I choose to leave behind. You will always get the best of me. I pray others will at least try to follow, so that goodness will last—even if only for a lifetime. Pay it forward. Pass it on. The best of you is yet to come”
Mia Ward
Bio Sketch
Mobile County Public School System
Human Resources Specialist
Retirement & Employee Relations
Death Benefits Administrator
Unemployment Claims and Hearing Administrator
Union Membership – Offices and Positions Held
Alabama Education Association, ESP State Board Vice-President (2024-2027)
AEA ESP State Executive Board (since 2020)
Mobile County ESP Board Clerk Representative (2017-2024)
NEA ESPLI Graduate (2020-2023, Seattle, Washington)
NEA ESP At-Large Resolutions Committee (2024, NEA Presidential Appointment)
AEA Resolutions Committee Position 1 Alternate (2023)
AEA Policy and Procedure Commissioner (2019-2021)
AEA District 1 Director (2020-2021)
AEA 2017 Emerging Leader
AEA Local Delegate (since 2017)
NEA Local Delegate Elect to RA (2024)
NEA Delegate Alternate (2022)
NEA Board of Directors-AL, Position 1 (August 2024-2025)
NEA Conference Alignment Team (2025)
Mobile County Education Support Professionals Local President (2024)
AEA ESP Shining Star Nominee (2025)
Senior NEA Board of Directors-AL, Position 1 (2025)
AEA Public Relations Commission (2025)
NEA ESP Careers Committee (2025)
Mobile County ESP Board - Liaison for Negotiations Committee (2025)
Mobile County ESP Board - Liaison for Grievances Committee (2025)
Mobile County ESP - Liaison for Public Relations Committee (2025)
Mobile County ESP Liaison for Legislative Committee (2025)
AEA Public Relations Commission (2025)
NEA Careers Committee (2025)
NEA Fight Back Fight Forward Ambassadors (2025)
NEA/NCUEA Local Presidents Training (2025)
NCESP Member (2025)
As an active member of the Mobile County Education Support Professionals, my primary goal is to always prioritize both students and members. My commitment to advocacy is unwavering, especially when members are not receiving what is rightfully theirs. I believe members can only perform at their best when they are offered the best in return. I make it a point to seek out crucial details without needing to be asked, as my attention to detail enables me to provide the best possible support for our clients and members.
My compassion for people stems from personal experience, having faced hardships myself. I understand what it means to struggle, to suffer losses, to have unmet needs, and to aspire to do better—not just for myself, but for my family and growing children.
Despite my education, dedication, experience, and achievements, I have known what it feels like to be denied a fair chance. I firmly believe everyone deserves due process, which is a major benefit our union offers its members. Do not wait until something happens, as it is often too late, just like trying to buy insurance after an accident.
Here is a word of wisdom: it is a disservice to pretend that biases do not exist. I strive to break down those barriers by giving back what has been taken from me. I am living proof that goodness in humanity endures, regardless of our identities, appearances, places of worship, or whom we love.
2024 - 2026
Sonja Kennedy - Vice President
Serving with compassion, leading with purpose, and advocating for those who nurture our students every day.
Child Nutrition Program Assistant | Advocate | ESP Leader
Sonja R. Kennedy has proudly served nearly ten years as a Child Nutrition Program Assistant with the Mobile County Public School System. Passionate about advocacy and leadership, she first represented Child Nutrition Professionals on the Mobile County Education Support Professionals Executive Board before being elected Vice President.
Sonja is the 2024 Doris Strobe Award recipient, a 2022 Emerging Leader, and a 2025 Education Support Professionals Leadership Institute graduate. She continues to serve as an AEA and NEA Delegate and was appointed by NEA President Becky Pringle to the NEA Resolutions Committee.
2024 - 2026
Felicia Adams - Treasurer
Ms. Adams is a CNP Specialist.
She has been with MCPSS for 25 years 7 months of Service.
Felicia is a representative/treasurer who ensures that all legal guidelines are followed when managing financial matters on every platform she uses.
Contact info Cell: 251-895-5687
Email: fdadams@icloud.com
2024 - 2026
Douglas Winston - Secretary
Thru - 2026
Board of Directors
Charita Terrell - Food Services Representative
My name is Charita Terrell I am the Cafeteria Manager at Whitley Elementary School I have been working for the Mobile County Public School System for 19 years. I am currently serving on the MCESP (Mobile County Educational Support Professional) board as your CNP (Child Nutrition Program) representative. I strive to work hard and want the best for my department. I love what I do everyday nourishing the hearts and minds of our young students and I am here to serve you all as well.
Charita Terrell
251-289-0748
Charitairby2@gmail.com
2024 - 2026
Lagail Bettis, RN - Health & Student Services Representative
2024 - 2026
I am a Registered Nurse (RN, BSN) with over 25 years of healthcare experience and five years in school health. As the Nurse Representative on the Mobile County Education Support Professionals Board, I proudly advocate for student wellness and staff equity. A certified CPR, CNA, and Train-the-Trainer Instructor and member of the St. Katharine Drexel Society, I’m committed to compassionate leadership, professional growth, and strengthening public education for all.
Vesta Houston - Clerical Services Representative
2022 - 2024
2024 - 2026
Byron Hunter - Custodial/ Maintenance Representative
Thru - 2026
Kathryn Taylor - ESP-at-Large
2022 - 2024
2024 - 2026
Technical Services Representative
Transportation Services Representative
Vacant
Security Services Representative
Vacant
Skilled Trades Representative
Vacant
Paraprofessional
Vacant
Vacant