Melissa San Pedro & Christopher Hanusa

I’m a lifelong Queens resident, a single mom of two boys, and someone who has spent years showing up for this community in real, tangible ways. I’ve built my career advocating for vulnerable families and making sure they have a voice, with over two decades in Early Intervention, including 20 years in administration and management. 

I currently serve as a Behavior Analyst supporting young children with special needs and their families. I’ve also spent 8 years on the PS 101Q Parents’ Association Executive Board, including 3 years as President, and served on the School Leadership Team, where I helped shape school-level policy and decision-making. In these roles, 

I’ve worked closely with families and school leadership to advocate for resources, improve transparency, and support student success. Whether it’s organizing, fundraising, or helping families navigate systems that aren’t always easy to access, my work has always been rooted in service. 

I’m running for District Leader because I believe local leadership should be active, accountable, and truly connected to the people it represents and that change starts right here in our own community

I am a professor of mathematics who has lived in Queens for 18 years, including in Kew Gardens for the past 7 years. 

I am an advocate for good governance in all areas - at Queens College I have been serving as a faculty liaison, bringing a faculty voice to college-wide decision-making and building supportive networks and human infrastructure at the college.

I am a strong listener and a skilled facilitator, running meetings in such a way to ensure everyone's voice is heard and so that the group comes to an agreeable outcome.

As a professor, I have the ability to take in many pieces of information, synthesize them, and convey them in an easy-to-understand manner. I hope to use these skills to increase transparency and responsiveness between the County Democratic Party and the people they are supposed to be serving.