Honoring the Heart of MFEE: 400 Volunteers and Counting

The Montclair Fund for Educational Excellence has served the Montclair Public Schools community for 35 years, fueling innovation and equity across our District. National Volunteer Appreciation Week (April 19 - 25) is the perfect opportunity to thank the community that serves us. 

Year-over-year hundreds of students, teachers, administrators, parents, retirees, business leaders, artists, and supporters of public education volunteer with MFEE. In 2025, it was 400 volunteers! Some helped out as drivers to transport students to after-school programs, or as bilingual tutors and teachers. Others served as educational grant liaisons, event volunteers, graphic designers, advisors, or board members.

"We are deeply grateful to the volunteers whose time, talent, and unwavering spirit make this public education fund possible," said Masiel Rodriquez-Vars, who has served as MFEE's executive director for a decade. "Their generosity lifts us, sustains our work, and moves our mission forward. Thank you for showing up for our teachers and for Montclair kids."

MFEE is Publicly Proud to spotlight a few of these wonderful contributors:

Naomi Wallace

As Teen Director at the Montclair YMCA Naomi Wallace is deeply committed to serving young people in our community. And for the past four years, she's also volunteered on the selection committee for the Judy Weston Awards for Inspired Teaching, which are administered by MFEE! These awards, which as based on nominations from students and parents, honor teachers who stand out as creative, talented, supportive, and inspiring. In her committee role, Wallace has read more than 100 letters.

"Hearing the stories from kids about the impact their teachers have had on them throughout the school year is such a humbling experience," she said. "There have been moments where I’ve found myself in tears reading their responses. At the same time, seeing how supported parents feel is just as beautiful, it’s a reminder of how powerful a strong, caring community can be."

MFEE is so grateful for the time and careful consideration Wallace puts into this process and values the ongoing collaboration with supportive community partners like the YMCA.

"As a Teen Director, it’s truly an honor to see our community come together in moments like this. When we stand united, success grows, milestones are reached, and the memories we create leave a lasting impact," Wallace added.

We couldn't have said it better. Thank you!

Jen Carr Brown

An MFEE triple threat: Jen Carr Brown has three kids, has volunteered across three schools, and in three different capacities! Over her 10 years as a volunteer, she has:

1) Served as a grant liaison for Edgemont Montessori School, Charles H. Bullock School, and Glenfield Middle Schools.

2) Volunteered at many MFEE events,

3) and co-hosted Teacher Toasts!

"Since moving to Montclair 12 years ago, it was clear that MFEE was a cornerstone in the educational community that I wanted to be a part of," Brown said. "As a liaison for the teacher grant program over the years, it's been a fantastic way to really understand the needs of the teachers and the school's priorities. Working with principals and their staff via MFEE has been a gratifying way to serve the community."

MFEE is so grateful for her passion, humor, and let's-make-it-happen approach. Thank you!

Rowan Chapman

A senior at Montclair High School, Rowan Chapman has been volunteering with MFEE's bilingual after-school programs for three years. He brings smarts, patience, and loads of positive energy, and the kids love working with him.

"What I enjoy most about this program is the sense of being like an older brother to the kids," he said. "It's really rewarding because I love spending time with them, and seeing them happy always lifts my mood."

Teen volunteers like Chapman are role models for younger students and are a key part of MFEE's academic support programming. We're so appreciative of the time and talent these students bring to help other kids reach their potential. Thank you!

Lauren Cancelosi

MPS parent Lauren Cancelosi is one of the creative forces behind last year's "Family Feud" fundraiser, and she's busy planning more fun and games for this spring's "Minute to Win It," which will take place May 28 at Lackawanna Plaza.

These events bring our community together, but they're also a source of critical funding that allows MFEE to sustain and grow its work to support students and teachers.

"I really like the organization and feel strongly about supporting our public schools and teachers," she said. "Our schools are the heartbeat of our community and when our kids and teachers thrive, our whole community thrives."

We agree! Cancelosi has also represented MFEE at Back-to-School night and helped coordinate teacher grants at Bradford Elementary School. We are so appreciative of her dedication and can-do spirit. Thank you!

Elisa Ung

A food writer, author, and parent to two MPS students, Elisa Ung, has shared her expertise in the kitchen, the classroom, on the page, and beyond.

"I started volunteering for MFEE in 2023 as a grant liaison. I was so thrilled to find a rewarding volunteer job where I could clearly see the results of my work within a few months. Volunteering for MFEE gives me a unique way to get to know my kids’ schools and the people who run them," Ung said. "The MFEE staff and volunteers I’ve worked with are such smart, engaged people, and I am so grateful to have made and deepened friendships while doing this work."

She added: "I am also intensely interested in supporting immigrant families and showcasing their food. Volunteering for the annual Sabor Montclair fundraiser lets me do both, and i couldn’t love those pupusas any more!" 

IYKYK on those pupusas! In fact, Elisa penned an essay about them in the Montclair Local earlier this year. Thank you for sharing your creativity and compassion with MFEE.

Manuela Augusto Soares

A Montclair High School junior, Manuela Augusto Soares has been volunteering with MFEE's after-school programs for about seven months. The experience has changed her perspective on giving back to her community.

"Working with MFEE has shown me that we may face the challenges of moving and being immigrants, but we can still come together and support each other as a community," she said. "When I first started coming, I was only focused on completing my required volunteer hours, but now I come because I enjoy it, and I'm happy to help children who need assistance in any way. Being here with them makes me feel good, and knowing that they give me the opportunity to use my time to help others is what I love most about MFEE."

Beautifully said. MFEE is so appreciative of the enthusiasm and care teen volunteers bring to our learning center, helping light the way for younger students. Thank you!

Interested in Volunteering with MFEE?

Volunteers are integral to our organization. Take a look at the many opportunities and contact us to learn more.