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 of Directors 2009-2010
Chair: Tracey Madden-Hennessey, YWCA of New Britain
Vice Chair: Tracey Lay, EDUCATION CONNECTION
Secretary: Ginger Vickstrom, Branford SACC
Treasurer: Kimberley Russo, United Way of the Capital Area
Members-At-Large:
Hyacinth Douglas Bailey, YMCA of Greater Hartford
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.
Sharon Tripp, Organized Parents Make A Difference (OPMAD)
Carole Weisberg, Charter Oak State College
Michelle Doucette Cunningham
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.
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.
She 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. Before 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. His 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.
Jennifer Peifer
Communications Director
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. Her primary role with the Network is to manage all marketing and communications efforts including the Web site, electronic communication databases, media outreach and mass-information notifications via email, social networking, collateral materials and event planning. She joined the Network in 2006.
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. Marla is responsible for providing technical support for after school staff. She joined the Network in 2008.
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.