Hello, my name is Lindsey Charron, and I would be honored to serve as your CADA Vice President. If there is any group I feel comfortable being vulnerable with, it is the members of this organization. That is because the heart of CADA is relationships. My first year as an activity director I learned about Leadership Development Days and arranged for a field trip. Wanting to help, I asked those who had organized the event if there was anything I could do. One of the advisors there said, “You should go to CADA.” It is interesting how the smallest moments can often have the biggest impact on one’s life, and little did I know how that sentence would shape the following years.

To be honest, my history with leadership goes back further than this, way back. In the third grade, I remember boldly proclaiming to my fellow classmates that I would one day be president. My history with student leadership began in the seventh grade when I served on my own school's student council. That is what compelled me to apply for the activity director position at my own school site when it opened up (yes, I am one of those who applied for the position, I was not pushed into it).

I have been an educator for 18 years, and I have worked as an activity director for fifteen of those years. As someone who always wants to learn and grow, I have sought out learning opportunities to help me, my class, and my school site as an activity director. Starting in 2009, I have attended every CADA convention (minus one) because I know I am going to receive the best professional development possible as an activity director. Wanting to learn more about public speaking, I have trained with Ford’s Theatre in Washington, D.C. as one of their Master Oratory Fellows. When the Master Activity Director certification from CADA first started, I was one of the first to jump onboard to earn my certificate. From the organization, I have received the Area F Service award as well as the Warren Shull Middle School Activity Director fo the Year award. My student leadership program has earned the Outstanding Leadership Program award from CASL over seven times, and we have received recognition from the National Association of Student Councils.

Helping others has always been a passion, I have presented at numerous Area F advisor and student conferences and the CADA Convention itself. I am proud to have served on the Area F Council for over ten years and our own CADA State Board as Public Information Coordinator for over four years. In addition, I have worked as a camp counselor at the CADA/CASL camp. Chances are that if you have attended a CADA Convention in the past ten years, you have seen me running around taking pictures, helping Area F, or out on the dance floor.

Personally, I am an enthusiastic historian. An avid reader, I donated over 200 books to my own middle school in eighth grade.  Hiking is one of my favorite past times; I love to be outdoors. And I consider myself a bandaid because you can find me at a concert at least once a month. I am fortunate enough to have met some of my favorite artists such as Dave Grohl from Foo Fighters, Fitz and the Tantrums, and Hamish Anderson.

Most important though is that I am driven. I want to help CADA provide you with the best customer service possible. I know the one thing that most activity directors need is time. I cannot give you that, but I can help elevate your voice, concerns, and needs and help your students elevate their voice. And I will make sure to provide you with resources, tools, and lessons.