Steering Committee
We the People Warwick’s Steering Committee provides the vision and structure that guide all We the People Warwick (WTPW) organizational and programmatic decisions, and it organizes the dialogue series, facilitator training, community events, and educational forums. The Steering Committee also provides guidance to the Action Teams, produces a monthly newsletter distributed to active members and supporters, oversees fundraising and continually works to articulate the organization’s approach for building a stronger, more connected community and to foster its mission and goals.
Beverly Braxton, founder and director of WTPW, has been a resident of Warwick since 1973. She is a former educational leader who, throughout her 30 years as a lead teacher in the Warwick Valley Central School District’s Partner’s in Education (PIE) Program, received numerous teaching awards and honors. After 9/11, her third and fourth graders designed the Sanfordville Peace Wall Memorial, a 60 foot diameter circular wall monument to peace which Beverly helped bring to fruition. Since her retirement in 2010, she has become a community advocate working on behalf of all Warwick residents. In 2014, Beverly founded Family Central NY an all-volunteer, non-profit, grassroots parenting support network that provides parenting information, resources, and workshops. Beverly launched the all-volunteer, grassroots organization, We the People Warwick (WTPW), in 2021 to address the civic health of the Warwick community and to plant seeds of hope.
Barb Hyde, director of operations for WTPW, is a 20+ year resident of Warwick. Barb was introduced to Beverly and WTPW in the spring of 2021 and was immediately inspired to help. She participated in WTPW’s first facilitator training and Dialogue Series and has been a dedicated volunteer member since. In Barb’s words, "Working alongside amazing Warwick residents through WTPW has renewed my hope and strengthened my belief that divides can be overcome and that change can be accomplished." Educationally, Barb holds a BS in marketing and an MBA. Her professional career has included working in the event marketing and technology spaces in executive management roles including Chief Operating Officer, Chief Product Officer and Marketing Director. Barb’s breadth of management experience in numerous areas of running small businesses enables her to provide expertise in the various areas that, as a grassroots organization, WTPW needs.
Janeen Mitchell, treasurer for WTPW, provides financial oversight and organizational support to help advance the group’s mission of fostering dialogue, building connections, and uniting the community. After teaching in the Warwick community for 23 years, Janeen recently retired from the classroom, but continues to dedicate her time and energy to the community she loves. Her years as an educator deeply shaped her belief in the power of connection and compassion, and she remains especially passionate about supporting local youth in their social and emotional well-being. Janeen also believes that healing begins within each of us and extends outward into our communities. A longtime Warwick resident, she values the importance of bringing people together through conversation, collaboration and community action. Her leadership, warmth, and lifelong commitment to service help We the People Warwick continue to grow as a trusted and welcoming space for all.
Kathleen Georgalas eagerly accepted the invitation to join the Steering Committee in the summer of 2025. Prior to this, Kathleen and her husband, Art, had volunteered, participated in and attended many WTPW activities and programs and thoroughly enjoyed their experiences.
“Serving on the Steering Committee offers the opportunity to work within my community to cultivate respect, connection and understanding among my fellow citizens and the possibility of new friendships.”
Kathleen retired from the Albert Wisner Public Library in 2020 after serving as Assistant to the Director for almost 20 years. Her duties at the library included planning and coordinating programs and activities for adults and families and generating publicity. These skills and experiences benefit WTPW.
Kathleen grew up on Staten Island, NY and has a B.S from Hunter College in NYC. Prior to staying home to raise her four sons, Kathleen was a Special Education teacher on Staten Island. She and Art have lived in Warwick since 1995.
Kathleen Carver Cheney, Esq. is a recently retired attorney and WTPW’s legal counsel. Kathleen was a former RN who practiced health care law with several prominent New York City law firms. She was appointed by Governor Cuomo to the New York State Public Health and Health Planning Council for an 8-year term which ended in 2021. Her not for profit board experience includes Pacem in Terris in Warwick, NY, START Treatment & Recovery Centers, Friends Foundation for the Aging, Friends House at Rosehill and the New York AIDS Coalition. Throughout her career, Kathleen participated in pro bono and advocacy work for a number of grassroots organizations including the African American Policy Forum, Social Work Hospice Palliative Care Network, New York City Bar Justice Center, and The Focusing Institute, among others. Kathleen came to WTPW out of a concern about the polarization in the US and the Warwick community in particular. After participating in the Dialogue Series, she worked with the Education Events Team to create the first Story Share event that was held in June of 2022 and continues to work with this Team on their ongoing endeavors.