Kyle is a senior at Fordham University, where he double majors in Urban Studies and American Studies with a concentration in Power, Politics and Institutions and a minor in History. At Fordham, he has consistently made the Dean's List, serves as the Vice President of the College Democrats, Treasurer of the Fordham University Pep Band, Treasurer of the Humanitarian Studies Union and as a member of the Fordham University Orchestra, Alpha Sigma Nu and Phi Kappa Phi Honor Societies. 

Kyle strives to give back wherever possible and is driven to resolve the injustices he witnesses affecting others, whether that be in his hometown of Manchester or in The Bronx. Kyle has a wealth of experience within the private and nonprofit sectors, having interned with the Office of The Bronx Borough President, the Office of Governor Ned Lamont, the Governor's Prevention Partnership and Connecticut Foodshare. Kyle is deeply invested in the Manchester community, a proud product of Manchester Public Schools and obtained the highest rank of Eagle Scout with Troop 27 of Scouting America.

Cynthia Zingler is the Principal of Manchester Head Start, a high-quality, comprehensive child development program which provides a foundation that enables low-income children and families to achieve their full potential. Previously, she served as the Director Family, School and Community Partnerships for Vernon Public Schools. She managed the Family School and Community Partnership Center which implemented structures and supports around family engagement, supported families for partnership around student learning, and collaborated with stakeholders to ensure access to available and appropriate resources. Cynthia had many roles and responsibilities in the district including McKinney-Vento liaison, district attendance lead, and facilitator of the District Equity and Engagement Team.

Prior to this, Cynthia served as an Education Specialist in the Division of Technical Assistance and Brokering Services (better known as TABS) at the Capitol Region Education Council in Hartford, CT. Cynthia has been with CREC since 2006 and worked with the Special Services Support Team (SSST). Cynthia’s educational career began in 1994 working within the South Windsor Public Schools as a Special Education Teacher. Prior to that, Cynthia worked for the Town of East Hartford in various positions related to the Special Olympics, Special Education Summer Camps, and Pre-School Summer Camps. She earned her B.A. in Elementary and Special Education from Providence College, her M.A. in Education from St. Joseph’s College and her Sixth Year Degree from UCONN in Educational Leadership. She is Connecticut State certified in Elementary Education (013), Special Education (065) and Administration (092). She also previously served on the Library Board for the Town of Manchester and as the President of the Board for CAST Children's Theatre.

Shelley is a certified Preschool Special Education Teacher who has been a member of the Manchester community for 13 years. As a dedicated and passionate educator, Shelley has devoted her career to nurturing and empowering young children with diverse learning needs. With a wealth of experience in creating inclusive, engaging, and supportive educational environments, Mrs. McCone is committed to fostering the social, emotional, and cognitive development of each child in her care.

Outside the classroom, Shelley is an advocate for early childhood education and actively participates in professional development opportunities to stay current with the latest research and best practices. Her dedication to the field extends beyond teaching, as Shelley strives to make a positive impact on the lives of her students and their families.

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Shelley earned her Bachelor of Art degree from Central Connecticut State University, with an English major and Psychology minor, followed by a Master of Arts in Early Childhood Special Education and Teaching Certification (113) from Saint Joseph College. Most recently, Shelley has completed her Sixth Year Degree from CCSU in Educational Leadership (092). 

Sylvia is a junior at Johnson and Wales University pursuing a bachelor's degree in and culinary science. She is a recent graduate of Manchester High School, where she served as the chair of the Social Interactions and Community Outreach committee of the Student Equity Advisory Team and was an active member of the FA Verplanck Chapter of the National Honor Society. Outside of MHS, she was a commissioner on the Manchester Youth Commission, which gives youth a voice in municipal government. Sylvia is happy and eager to further the organization's endeavors.

Jonathan recently graduated summa cum laude from Fordham University's Gabelli School of Business with a Bachelor of Science in Finance. While at Fordham, he was an advising mentor to transfer students, guiding them through their transition to a new university. He also was a member of Fordham United Student Government's Budget Committee, where he collaborated with peers to manage a $1.1 million budget for student organizations, enhancing the undergraduate experience. Additionally, he is a graduate of Stamford High School's rigorous International Baccalaureate diploma program, and completed various community service projects that sparked his dedication to helping others. Jonathan's professional experience spans working with children of multiple age groups and roles in banking and corporate finance. Beyond academics and work, he is passionate about community service, martial arts, and outdoor activities.

Mikhaila  is a Manchester High School graduate and is currently a junior studying nursing at the University of Connecticut. She founded and is currently president of the Black Student Nurses Union, is a mentor with the Student Nurses Association, is part of the BSoul Living Learning Community and is a member of the Red Cross Club at UConn. She also served as the secretary of the Manchester Youth Commission from 2021 to 2023, and has worked with Manchester Public Schools and Manchester Early Learning Center. Her passion for community health and advancing equity in underserved populations fueled her involvement in Gentle Love Connections. Through her work, she intends to empower individuals through education and providing resources. She’s sees this opportunity as a meaningful way to give back to the community that raised her.

Dan is a graduate of Central Connecticut State University where he earned a degree in Elem Education and an MS In Educational Leadership. He was a History teacher in Manchester, CT for 36 years. During that time he served as an athletic coach, Dept Facilitator, Team Leader and Athletic Director. Upon retirement from MPS in 2021 he took a part time position as a University Supervisor of student teachers. He lives in Manchester with his wife Kim and his sidekick our black lab Sophie. He has two kids, Ashley who is a lead SLP in Glastonbury and Ryan who is a Financial Analyst for Cigna.

Carlita is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist and Practice Owner of Elias Psychological Services. Her professional specialties include infant and early childhood mental health and development, maternal mental health, intergenerational trauma, and attachment/relationship based therapies. She holds a national endorsement as a Level III Infant Mental Health Specialist and Reflective Supervisor.

Dr. Elias has dedicated her career to incorporating social justice concerns in clinical practice and meeting the mental health needs of underserved and marginalized populations. Before starting her practice, she worked at several Hartford area non-profit agencies as a clinician and program director. She has a wealth of experience working on interdisciplinary teams and implementing evidence based, culturally sensitive clinical practices. She is a graduate of the University of Hartford Graduate Institute for Professional Psychology. She is also a full-time Clinical/Applied Assistant Professor of Psychology (GIPP) at the University of Hartford. She also serves her community as Vice President of the Board of Directors for the CT-Association for Infant Mental Health (CT- AIMH), on the Advisory Board at the Center for Trauma Recovery and Juvenile Justice and on the Advisory Council at the Center for the Treatment of Developmental Trauma Disorders at UConn Health. Dr. Elias has lived in Manchester CT since 2002 where she and her husband have raised three adolescent children.

John is an experienced pediatrician with the team at Manchester Pediatrics Associates in South Windsor, Connecticut. Dr. Walker has been in practice for more than 26 years. He earned his bachelor’s degree in chemistry from the Xavier University of Louisiana and graduated with his medical degree from Tulane University School of Medicine. He then traveled to California and completed his pediatric internship at the Naval Hospital in San Diego and his pediatric residency at the Naval Hospital in Oakland. 

After his training, he became a staff pediatrician at the Naval Hospital in Twentynine Palms, California, and then moved to the Naval Hospital in Pensacola, Florida. Prior to working with the team at Manchester Pediatrics Associates, Dr. Walker worked at Kids Station Pediatrics in Manchester, Connecticut. Dr. Walker has been recognized for excellence in his field and was awarded the Compassionate Doctor Recognition & On-Time awards. Dr. Walker is affiliated with Connecticut Children's Medical Center.

Jessee  has been a part of the Manchester community for over 25 years.  She and her husband, Ed Poland, raised their two children, Alicia and Eddie, here and they both graduated from Manchester Public Schools. Jessee holds a degree from Springfield College and has dedicated her life to working with and advocating for children, youth, seniors, and people in recovery. She is passionate about her work as a member of Manchester’s Repurposed Schools Committee, the Manchester Planning and Zoning Commission, and the Bennett Housing Corporation. 

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In her work, she has consistently advocated for Diversity, Inclusion, and Equity, and for the community to have a voice in their town government. She knows that municipal government functions most effectively when community members are empowered to participate.  Jessee is proud to have served on the Human Relations Commission in early 2000, to have been elected as the Vice-Chair of the Waddell PTA, and to have developed the After School Enrichment Program and secured this program a continued grant. Jessee has deep roots in the Manchester community and has worked with grassroots community organizations in town to ensure people have access to food, housing and other necessities. Most recently she has been an integral part of ensuring vaccine access to the Manchester community through her work with the Town of Manchester and the Bangladesh Bhaban Community Center.

Chrissy Monaco DiMauro is a fourth-generation auto dealer proudly serving the Greater Hartford community through Monaco Ford’s Glastonbury and Niantic locations. For more than 100 years, the Monaco family has upheld a tradition of excellence and a deep commitment to giving back to the community.

Chrissy has spent her career dedicated to the dealership’s growth and success while carrying forward the family’s core values of service, integrity, and community engagement. Beyond her leadership role at Monaco Ford, she actively contributes her time and expertise to several industry boards focused on the automotive sector. In addition, Chrissy is deeply involved in philanthropic and nonprofit initiatives, reflecting her passion for strengthening the community that has supported her family’s business for generations.

Beth is excited to begin her 27th year of teaching at the Glastonbury East Hartford Magnet School, where she serves as a special education teacher. She earned her undergraduate degree from Boston College, a master’s degree in reading from St. Joseph’s University, and a Sixth-Year Certificate in Educational Leadership from Sacred Heart University. She grew up in East Hartford and now lives in Wethersfield with her husband and two children. She's honored to join the Board this year and looks forward to contributing in any way she can. She's passionate about supporting students and the community, and eager to collaborate with everyone involved.

Julia is a junior at Boston Conservatory at Berklee pursuing a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Contemporary Dance. She graduated from Manchester High School and Greater Hartford Academy of the Arts in June 2023. Julia loves to dance and was involved with Northstar Dance Academy for thirteen years, taking classes of all genres and serving as a member of the dance competition team and a teaching assistant.  Additionally, she participated in CAST Children’s Theatre productions for six years. Julia is proud to continue her family's legacy of volunteerism and service.