Meet the board

Michele has lived in Rockaway Township since 2006. Coming from Bergen County, she was intrigued by the natural beauty that Rockaway had to offer. She has a certification as a K-8 elementary teacher, a Bachelor's degree in studio art, a Masters degree in Educational Technology along with a certification as an Assistive Technology Specialist and STEM teacher. She has been teaching for over 20 years with most of her career spent as an elementary computer science and STEM teacher at a local elementary school in Morris County. 

As her two children started school, she saw how dedicated the teachers and staff were to her children’s education. As an elementary teacher herself, she wanted to help in any way she could so she joined the Rockaway Township Education Foundation in 2019 and took the role as Vice President. Michele volunteers for the RT Racers track team. In her spare time, Michele loves to use her art degree to repurpose furniture, garden and spend time with her family and friends.

Meet Robert, our newest Vice President at the Rockaway Township Education Foundation! With a wealth of community leadership experience and a passion for educational excellence, Robert is a valuable addition to our team. A proud father of four, he eagerly awaits his oldest starting kindergarten this fall. Robert is also an active volunteer coach for RT youth soccer and baseball, understanding the importance of both education and extracurriculars for our children. His involvement with organizations like the Rockaway Rotary Club and The American Legion highlights his commitment to service.

Bringing expertise in financial sales, marketing, and business development, Robert will be instrumental in guiding our foundation's growth and sustainability efforts. We're thrilled to have him on board, and we look forward to the impactful contributions he'll make to advancing education in Rockaway Township!

Heather moved to Rockaway Township in 2014 as she and her husband were starting their family and wanted to live in a family-oriented town with a great school system. She currently has one daughter in the district. Heather is an Assistant Director with the Division of Developmental Disabilities which is part of New Jersey’s Department of Human Services. She attended William Paterson University for her undergraduate degree in Psychology and also has an associates degree in Photo Technology. Heather has always been very passionate about serving an active role in the school community. She volunteers with the PTA, is a Troop Leader for her daughter’s Girl Scout troop, and also is an Assistant Coach for her daughter’s cheering team and soccer team. Heather started volunteering with the Rockaway Township Education Foundation and joined the board in the spring of 2024. In her spare time, she enjoys reading, traveling, and spending time with friends and family.

Anya moved to Rockaway in 2022 with her family and currently has a daughter in the school system. She quickly became an active member of the community. With over 20 years in finance, she serves as treasurer for her daughter's school's PTA, and is also a troop leader for her Girl Scout troop.

Outside of her community roles, she loves traveling, attending concerts, and enjoying any and all outdoor activities. But above all, she treasures time spent with loved ones, often hosting gatherings to create lasting memories.

Nicole resides in Rockaway Township with her husband and 4 young children. She has a passion for enhancing the lives of people and families through collaborative efforts with companies, charities and individuals dedicated to making a difference. She is a trusted advisor and mentor at a leading healthcare marketing agency, where she orchestrates seamless collaboration and strategic direction across multiple teams to deliver impactful solutions. Beyond her professional endeavors, she is a former caregiver turned advocate within the lung cancer community and has earned a designation as a Board Certified Patient Advocate. She has organized and volunteered at many Run/Walk events, co-chaired a National Leadership Council for many years, and continues to be a consultant on Caregiver focused resources for the Lung Cancer Research Foundation. Now that her children have reached elementary school age, she is excited to play an active role alongside their new journey. Nicole is thrilled to lend her expertise and talents to an organization that is dedicated to enhancing the educational experience of every student in the district. She is also a part-time baker and glitter enthusiast.

Dave Murmer has been a proud resident of Rockaway since 2014, where he resides with his wife, daughter, and two sons. Having grown up in neighboring Sussex County, Dave recognized Rockaway as an ideal community to raise a family. With over 30 years of experience in the human service field, Dave currently serves as a Quality Assurance Coordinator for the Department of Human Services. He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Social Sciences, enriching his understanding of community dynamics and social issues.

Deeply invested in the local education system, Dave's daughter is enrolled in the Rockaway school system, where Dave actively engages as the head coach of her Valley Soccer team. Beyond his professional and parental commitments, Dave finds solace and enjoyment in various outdoor activities such as hiking and running. He also has a passion for cinema, appreciating the nuances of film and its cultural significance.