Who we are
The Connecticut After School Network (formerly CSACA) is a state-wide professional member organization managed by a Board of Directors and a dedicated staff who oversee the day-to-day operations of the Network.
The Board
The Trainers
The Board of Directors 2011 - 2012
Chair: Kimberley Russo, United Way of the Capital Area
Vice Chair: Hyancinth Douglas Bailey
Secretary: Ginger Vickstrom, Branford SACC
Treasurer: Sharon Tripp, (Organized Parents Make A Difference) OPMAD
Members-At-Large:
Sarah Cahill, Mystic Seaport
Tracey Madden Hennessey, YWCA New Britain
Linda Janowitz, Waterbury Public Schools 21CCLC
Vincent LaFontan, Farmington Extended Care & Learning (EXCL)
Mary Jane Pych, East Windsor Family Resource Center
Christina Ramoglou, ROSCCO
Michele Rulnick, Northern Middlesex YMCA
Bill Stover, Windham Public Schools
Arlene Swatson, SONCCA, Inc.
Carole Weisberg, Charter Oak State College
Tracey Lay, Education Connection
Board of Directors Candidate Application
Michelle Doucette Cunningham
Executive Director
Michelle joined the Network in 2004 bringing with her fourteen years of non-profit experience. She holds a Master's degree in Public Policy from the Eagleton Institute for Public Policy at Rutgers University and a Bachelor's degree in Economics from Smith College.
Michelle's 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, Michelle 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, Michelle is currently a parent representative to the Connecticut Child Day Care Council.
Michelle provides the leadership to the organization and maintains the key relationships with stakeholders. Under the authority of the Board of Directors, she is responsible for the implementation of the organization’s programs and services on-time and within budget and is responsible for the management of all staff members and volunteers.
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.
Prior to that he worked as a Child Care Services Director for the New Britain YMCA and was a national YMCA of the USA trainer. He brings 15 years experience in the after school field to the Network. 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.
Ken's primary role with the Network is to oversee all of our training and professional development work, as well as the APlus technical assistance and quality advising. He joined the Network in 2008.
Marla Berrios
Cayen Training & Support Specialist
Marla brings eight years of technical work experience with the Cayen Systems. She previously was employed with the New Haven Board of Education, and served as a program coordinator for the 21st Century Community Learning Center at the Columbus Family Academy. She holds a Bachelor's Degree in Business Management.
Marla is responsible for providing technical support for after school staff. She joined the Network in 2008.
Susan Krampitz
Office Manager
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 Business Manager 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.
Rose Marie Dugas
Project Assistant
Rose started with us in the spring of 2010. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from the University of Maine. Rose has over 10 years of experience in the field of data analysis and database administration and previously worked for Cigna in Bloomfield, CT. Rose works researching the internet for various project needs and helps maintain our databases.