FY24 Pre-Conference: School Nutrition

Susan Bottan returned to Wayland Public Schools in July, 2023 to begin her 8th year as the Director of Finance and Operations for the Wayland Public Schools following a 2-year engagement as Director of Finance and Operations for the Reading Public Schools. Susan began her School Business Official career in 1998 following 16 years working in the roles of manufacturing analyst and marketing and development director for private and public corporations. Susan began her career as a public school official in 1998 for Lexington Public Schools. Over the years, Susan has been privileged to also serve within the Lincoln and Marlborough Public Schools. Susan is the current Vice President of MASBO. Susan has earned undergraduate degrees in education and early childhood development from Lesley University, MS in child development and child care studies from Boston University (Wheelock College), and MBA from Simmons University.

April is a highly motivated, team-oriented, and enthusiastic leader with 20 years of child nutrition management experience and over 25 years in the field of health and wellness. Liles is a two-time graduate of Florida State University with a Bachelor’s degree in Exercise Physiology and Dietetics with a focus on Sports Nutrition. April completed her dietetic internship in Sarasota, FL, then became the Director for Marion County Schools in Central Florida. Here, Liles directed 42 schools, and 300 team members, served 45,000 meals a day, and was awarded the “Kids Best Menu in America Award'' by the Restaurant Hospitality Magazine. April then transitioned back home to Boston 15 years ago. Upon her return, April was the Director for Newton Public Schools for 5 years where she worked closely with a large commissary and satellite schools for 22 sites. Ten years ago, April was offered the Director position for Waltham Public Schools, where she currently leads her team in serving the school community high-quality and nutritious meals daily. Waltham is an urban district just outside the city of Boston with a widely diverse student population of 6,000. April is known for creating innovative, exciting menu concepts and is a huge advocate for supporting her team. April is also known throughout the industry for her passion for child nutrition and her high level of competence, knowledge, and EXCITEMENT for feeding hungry minds. She is a registered dietitian, school nutrition specialist, group exercise instructor, high school track and field coach, and a mother of 2 teenagers Savannah and Jaxon. When not at work, April loves to go on outdoor adventures and travel with her family.

Amy Mistrot has served as the Director of Business Operations with the Newton Public Schools since 2021 and previously worked for the Wellesley Public Schools for 11 years, most recently as the Finance and Operations Coordinator for Student Services. Amy served on the Natick School Committee for eight years, three years as Chair, and two years on the Natick Select Board, one year as Chair. Prior to a professional hiatus while raising her children, she worked as a buyer for both Lord & Taylor and Filenes. She earned a Bachelor Science in Business Administration from Washington and Lee University.