
Member since 2025
Term expires 2028
Email: [email protected]
Committees: Culture, Climate & Community Relations
School Liaison: Grandview Elementary School, Children's Corner Preschool, Piscataway High School, PATHS/SAIL
Dr. Nelson has been a resident of Piscataway for over 30 years. She volunteers at the Radiant Church for monthly food distribution, and is a strong supporter of the Kennedy Library events, including the Journey to Piscataway project.
Dr. Nelson graduated from Clayton High School in 1979 and Rutgers University’s Cook College with a bachelor of science degree in Health and Physical Education in 1983. She attained her master’s degree in education from Antioch University in 1987 and her doctor of education degree from Nova SouthEastern University in Child and Youth Studies in 1998. She attained her GAGS Advanced Certification in Educational Leadership from the University of New England in 2010.
Dr. Nelson has been employed as a special education teacher for the Franklin Township School district for over 35 years, working at the elementary, middle, and high school levels. She also works in the evenings at the Road to Success Alternative Program. Prior to that she was a special education teacher in Plainfield and a physical education teacher at the Regional Day School in Atco. She has also worked as a rehabilitation specialist for the Young Adult Institute in Brooklyn, NY.
Dr. Nelson was a Scoring Director for many years for the National Board for Teaching Professionals and is trained in Youth Mental Health and trauma-informed practices. She is deeply involved in the achievements of her students and in building community beyond the classroom. She has recently been awarded approval from the TED X organization to host a TEDed student event/club.
Dr. Nelson is a single mother of two dynamic daughters, Lauren Anne and Gabriella Alexis, and
has two grandchildren, Isabella Alexi and August Gabrielle.