Who we are
The Connecticut After School Network is comprised of a Board of Directors and members throughout the state and region, and a dedicated staff who oversee the day-to-day operations of the Network.
The Board of Directors 2008-2009
Chair: Tracey Madden-Hennessey, YWCA of New Britain
Vice Chair: Tracey Lay, EDUCATION CONNECTION
Secretary: Ginger Vickstrom, Branford SACC
Treasurer:
Mike Lengle, West Haven Community House
Members-At-Large:
Hyacinth Douglas Bailey, YMCA of Greater Hartford
Linda Janowitz, Waterbury Public Schools 21CCLC
Mary Jane Pych, East Windsor Family Resource Center
Christina Ramoglou, ROSCCO
Michele Rulnick, Northern Middlesex YMCA
Kimberly Russo, United Way of the Capital Area
Bill Stover, Windham Public Schools
Arlene Swatson, SONCCA, Inc.
Carole Weisberg, Charter Oak State College
Michelle Doucette Cunningham
Michelle brings fourteen years of non-profit experience to the Network. She holds a Master's in Public Policy from the Eagleton Institute for Public Policy at Rutgers University and a Bachelor's degree in Economics from Smith College. Her previous position was the City Scan Project Director for the Connecticut Policy and Economic Council. In the four years she served as Project Director, she expanded City Scan from a small pilot project to a model that is being used in nine cities across the country.
Prior to her work on City Scan, Ms. Cunningham was the Director of Education at the Connecticut Association for Human Services, where she managed the Connecticut Kid's Count project. She is the author of seven reports on the well-being of Connecticut's children. In addition, Ms. Cunningham is currently a parent representative to the Connecticut Child Day Care Council.
Ken Anthony
Director of Professional Development
Ken was formerly the District Family Resource Center Coordinator for the Windsor Public Schools, administering five family resource centers as well as a before and after school component at each site. Ken created many school, family and community partnerships by working with other agencies and committees throughout the state. Ken also served as Child Care Services Director at the New Britain-Berlin YMCA for several years. During his time there he joined the school competencies with after school enrichment activities to enhance student performance. Ken holds a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology with a concentration in Child Development, and a Master’s degree in Human Services with a concentration in Organizational Management and Leadership.
Jennifer Peifer
Communications Specialist
Jennifer comes to us with a diverse background in development and communications. She has over ten years experience working for several non-profits throughout Connecticut, as well as in the private sector for an advertising/public relations firm and as a freelance journalist. Jennifer holds a Bachelor’s degree in English from Trinity College and attended Quinnipiac University Graduate School of Journalism.
Marla Berrios
APlus Training & Support Specialist
Marla brings five years of technical work experience with the APlus Cayen Systems. She previously was employed with the New Haven Board of Education, and served as a program coordinator for one of the 21st Century Community Learning Centers at the Columbus Family Academy. She holds a Bachelor's Degree in Business Management.
Gardy Theodore
APlus Training & Support Specialist
Gardy brings over 10 years of Information Technology consulting experience to the Network. He earned his Bachelor’s degree in Human Services from Springfield College, and a Master of Education degree from Cambridge College. He took the lead in creating a computer training program for Terence House, Inc., a psycho-social clubhouse located in Queens, New York, while serving as the Program Director. Gardy is the co-founder of Technology Leader LLC, located in Newington, CT and currently provides online/onsite and one to one technology training and consultation services.
Sue is a founding member and past president of the Connecticut After School Network, and has served as the office manager for both CSACA and the Network since 1998. Sue graduated from Bucknell University with a Bachelor’s degree in Education, and holds a Master’s degree in Education from Western Connecticut State University. Previously, Sue was a 4-H Program Assistant with the University of Connecticut Cooperative Extension System where she worked with volunteers to provide informal educational programs for youth and provided consultation on positive youth development and program planning for before and after school programs statewide. She is currently an Adjunct Professor at Charter Oak State College.
Patricia Brown
Business Manager
Tricia has served as the Network’s Bookkeeper since 2006. Prior to this position she served as Treasurer on the CSACA Board of Directors while working as the Executive Director of before and after school programs in Trumbull. Tricia holds a Bachelor’s degree in Finance from Bentley College.
Monica Whalen
Conference Coordinator
Monica has served as the Conference Coordinator for both CSACA and the Network since 1999. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in History from Providence College, and a Master’s degree in Secondary Education from the University of Bridgeport. Monica has worked in a directorial capacity in the after school field for many years and has also served as both a conference planner and presenter/trainer at various times throughout her career.