Trustees
Trustees are volunteers that are appointed to serve two year terms. Do you feel passionate about Ledyard Public Schools? Are you interested in becoming a LEAF Trustee? Email us at [email protected]
Adrienne Parad
President
Adrienne Parad is a Ledyard resident, mother of three school-aged children, veteran of the US Navy, and is currently employed at Magellan Health as a Physician Clinical Reviewer. She was born and raised in Rhode Island and lived in Warwick until 2003. Adrienne has a Bachelor of Science from the University of Rhode Island and a Medical Doctorate from Boston University School of Medicine. She completed her Family Medicine residency at the Naval Hospital Pensacola. Adrienne is married to Andrew Parad, and they have 3 children. The Parad family was assigned to Subase and moved to Ledyard in 2012, after an overseas tour in Bahrain. In 2014, Adrienne was honorably discharged from active duty status and began her employment in Mystic, CT as a Primary Care Physician, then escaped to New Zealand for 6 months during the height of the pandemic, and now works in Utilization Management. Adrienne continues to be an active community supporter of Ledyard Public Schools, with all three children attending the STARS program, Ledyard Center School, Gallup Hill School, and Ledyard Middle School. She is a supporter of LEAF, and truly values the importance of quality education. Her kids have benefitted from many of the LEAF grants all the way from the iPads in kindergarten to the book vending machine in middle school. The kids are active in sports, music, and drama. In her spare time, Adrienne enjoys running, Peloton, healthy cooking, volunteering and spending time with her family.
President
Adrienne Parad is a Ledyard resident, mother of three school-aged children, veteran of the US Navy, and is currently employed at Magellan Health as a Physician Clinical Reviewer. She was born and raised in Rhode Island and lived in Warwick until 2003. Adrienne has a Bachelor of Science from the University of Rhode Island and a Medical Doctorate from Boston University School of Medicine. She completed her Family Medicine residency at the Naval Hospital Pensacola. Adrienne is married to Andrew Parad, and they have 3 children. The Parad family was assigned to Subase and moved to Ledyard in 2012, after an overseas tour in Bahrain. In 2014, Adrienne was honorably discharged from active duty status and began her employment in Mystic, CT as a Primary Care Physician, then escaped to New Zealand for 6 months during the height of the pandemic, and now works in Utilization Management. Adrienne continues to be an active community supporter of Ledyard Public Schools, with all three children attending the STARS program, Ledyard Center School, Gallup Hill School, and Ledyard Middle School. She is a supporter of LEAF, and truly values the importance of quality education. Her kids have benefitted from many of the LEAF grants all the way from the iPads in kindergarten to the book vending machine in middle school. The kids are active in sports, music, and drama. In her spare time, Adrienne enjoys running, Peloton, healthy cooking, volunteering and spending time with her family.
Meredith Robinson
Trustee - Vice President
Meredith Robinson is a retired naval officer and attorney. She retired from the Navy JAG Corps as a Commander in 2011, after 20 years of service. An active volunteer within the community, she served as president of the Parent Teacher Organization at Gales Ferry School and Juliet W. Long School for 3 years and presently serves on a number of committees and boards within Ledyard. She is currently a federally certified EEO Investigator and Final Agency Decision Writer. Meredith and her husband Greg, a science teacher at Ledyard High School, have two children that proudly attended Ledyard Public Schools.
Trustee - Vice President
Meredith Robinson is a retired naval officer and attorney. She retired from the Navy JAG Corps as a Commander in 2011, after 20 years of service. An active volunteer within the community, she served as president of the Parent Teacher Organization at Gales Ferry School and Juliet W. Long School for 3 years and presently serves on a number of committees and boards within Ledyard. She is currently a federally certified EEO Investigator and Final Agency Decision Writer. Meredith and her husband Greg, a science teacher at Ledyard High School, have two children that proudly attended Ledyard Public Schools.
Michael Pfarr
Trustee - Secreatary
Mike grew up in New Jersey prior to enlisting in the U.S. Navy. After completing the Nuclear Power training program, he was stationed at the submarine base in Groton in 2000, and has remained in Connecticut since. He has lived in Ledyard for the last 7 years, with his wife Kristin and their two sons. Mike has worked as a Mechanical Engineer for over a decade and is currently employed at A/Z Corporation. Additionally, he is actively involved in Scouts BSA with his sons and currently serves as the Assistant Cubmaster for Pack 16 in Ledyard.
Trustee - Secreatary
Mike grew up in New Jersey prior to enlisting in the U.S. Navy. After completing the Nuclear Power training program, he was stationed at the submarine base in Groton in 2000, and has remained in Connecticut since. He has lived in Ledyard for the last 7 years, with his wife Kristin and their two sons. Mike has worked as a Mechanical Engineer for over a decade and is currently employed at A/Z Corporation. Additionally, he is actively involved in Scouts BSA with his sons and currently serves as the Assistant Cubmaster for Pack 16 in Ledyard.
Cari Barnes
Trustee - Treasurer
Trustee - Treasurer
Carmen Garcia-Irizarry
Trustee
President from July 1st, 2022 to June 30th, 2024. Carmen graduated from the University of Puerto Rico in 2002 with a Bachelor's Degree in Chemistry. She has been working as a scientist at Pfizer since 2006 and has been living in Gales Ferry since 2007. Carmen has three children currently attending Juliet W. Long, Ledyard High School and Yale University. Carmen volunteered for several years as the Science Fair Coordinator at Juliet W. Long Elementary School. In her spare time, Carmen loves going hiking with her dogs, reading, and photography.
Trustee
President from July 1st, 2022 to June 30th, 2024. Carmen graduated from the University of Puerto Rico in 2002 with a Bachelor's Degree in Chemistry. She has been working as a scientist at Pfizer since 2006 and has been living in Gales Ferry since 2007. Carmen has three children currently attending Juliet W. Long, Ledyard High School and Yale University. Carmen volunteered for several years as the Science Fair Coordinator at Juliet W. Long Elementary School. In her spare time, Carmen loves going hiking with her dogs, reading, and photography.
Angela Cassidy
Trustee
Angela has been a LEAF trustee since 2016. Her earlier 20 year career focused on marketing and public relations for profit and non-profit companies. She also spent years as an Education Consultant marketing software, doing training and implementation. After having her two daughters, Angela focused on her own real-estate business projects and volunteered in many capacities throughout the Ledyard district. Some of which included: Weekly Classroom Volunteer, PTO, Girl Scouts, Music Boosters, The Library, Community Projects, and the JK Food Locker, etc. She enjoyed organizing 5K Runs/Walks, School Holiday Breakfasts, Basket Raffles, Auctions, School Holiday Brunch, Harlem Wizards Basketball Fundraisers, Science Fair, Holiday Market, and Field Days. In her spare time she enjoys hiking, kayaking, and travel with her husband, Jim and daughters, Emma and Caitrin.
Trustee
Angela has been a LEAF trustee since 2016. Her earlier 20 year career focused on marketing and public relations for profit and non-profit companies. She also spent years as an Education Consultant marketing software, doing training and implementation. After having her two daughters, Angela focused on her own real-estate business projects and volunteered in many capacities throughout the Ledyard district. Some of which included: Weekly Classroom Volunteer, PTO, Girl Scouts, Music Boosters, The Library, Community Projects, and the JK Food Locker, etc. She enjoyed organizing 5K Runs/Walks, School Holiday Breakfasts, Basket Raffles, Auctions, School Holiday Brunch, Harlem Wizards Basketball Fundraisers, Science Fair, Holiday Market, and Field Days. In her spare time she enjoys hiking, kayaking, and travel with her husband, Jim and daughters, Emma and Caitrin.
Kate DiPalma-Herb
Trustee
Trustee
Felix Vajdos
Trustee - Grants Chairperson
Felix has lived in Ledyard since 2002, after moving here to take a research scientist position at Pfizer in Groton, where he has been continuously employed to date. He is married to Janis O’Quinn Vajdos, and they have 3 children: Benjamin, Jessica (both LHS graduates), and Nikolas (freshman at LHS). In his spare time, Felix loves spending time outdoors and enjoys the ample opportunities to do so in Ledyard.
Trustee - Grants Chairperson
Felix has lived in Ledyard since 2002, after moving here to take a research scientist position at Pfizer in Groton, where he has been continuously employed to date. He is married to Janis O’Quinn Vajdos, and they have 3 children: Benjamin, Jessica (both LHS graduates), and Nikolas (freshman at LHS). In his spare time, Felix loves spending time outdoors and enjoys the ample opportunities to do so in Ledyard.
Heather Shipley
Trustee - Teacher Appreciation Contact
Originally from Southern Illinois, Heather has lived in Gales Ferry since 2008, with her husband, Mark, who is currently stationed at the Groton Subase. Their son, Luke, attends Juliet W. Long Elementary School. Heather enjoys her job in the library at Gales Ferry School. Heather’s Elementary Education degree is from the University of Illinois and she also holds a Master’s in Post-Secondary Education from Troy University. She has taught grades 3-8 in public schools in Illinois and Georgia, specializing in Reading, Language Arts, and Social Studies. The Shipley Family is very glad the Navy brought them here!
Trustee - Teacher Appreciation Contact
Originally from Southern Illinois, Heather has lived in Gales Ferry since 2008, with her husband, Mark, who is currently stationed at the Groton Subase. Their son, Luke, attends Juliet W. Long Elementary School. Heather enjoys her job in the library at Gales Ferry School. Heather’s Elementary Education degree is from the University of Illinois and she also holds a Master’s in Post-Secondary Education from Troy University. She has taught grades 3-8 in public schools in Illinois and Georgia, specializing in Reading, Language Arts, and Social Studies. The Shipley Family is very glad the Navy brought them here!
Ken Dirico
Trustee - Governance Chairperson
My wife Amy and I have raised two Ledyard graduates Cole (2019) and Abby (2021). We have appreciated the engaging and supportive faculty, staff, and administrators throughout the Ledyard School system. I am excited to join LEAF and be part of an organization that promotes excellence and student achievement in Ledyard schools.
Trustee - Governance Chairperson
My wife Amy and I have raised two Ledyard graduates Cole (2019) and Abby (2021). We have appreciated the engaging and supportive faculty, staff, and administrators throughout the Ledyard School system. I am excited to join LEAF and be part of an organization that promotes excellence and student achievement in Ledyard schools.
Sabrina Crowe
Trustee
Sabrina Crowe has lived in Gales Ferry for over 20 years. Her background is as a Speech Language Pathologist (SLP) and has spent her whole career within the Connecticut Birth to Three System. She currently works for the CT Office of Early Childhood (OEC) in the Early Intervention division as part of the professional development team. An active community volunteer, Sabrina served as the Treasurer for the GFS/JWL PTO for four years and the Secretary for the Ledyard Soccer Club for four years. She currently serves as the Treasurer for the Ledyard Music Boosters. Sabrina and her husband Adam have 2 children who have attended Ledyard Public Schools since Kindergarten. In her spare time, Sabrina enjoys dancing and reading.
Trustee
Sabrina Crowe has lived in Gales Ferry for over 20 years. Her background is as a Speech Language Pathologist (SLP) and has spent her whole career within the Connecticut Birth to Three System. She currently works for the CT Office of Early Childhood (OEC) in the Early Intervention division as part of the professional development team. An active community volunteer, Sabrina served as the Treasurer for the GFS/JWL PTO for four years and the Secretary for the Ledyard Soccer Club for four years. She currently serves as the Treasurer for the Ledyard Music Boosters. Sabrina and her husband Adam have 2 children who have attended Ledyard Public Schools since Kindergarten. In her spare time, Sabrina enjoys dancing and reading.
Jen Coneski Stanbough
Trustee
Jen grew up in upstate New York and holds graduate degrees in Cell Biology and Secondary Education. She has previously worked as a high school biology teacher and currently works in the translational science and biomarker space at Pfizer. Jen and her husband John have lived in Ledyard since 2010 and have 2 children attending Ledyard Public Schools.
Trustee
Jen grew up in upstate New York and holds graduate degrees in Cell Biology and Secondary Education. She has previously worked as a high school biology teacher and currently works in the translational science and biomarker space at Pfizer. Jen and her husband John have lived in Ledyard since 2010 and have 2 children attending Ledyard Public Schools.
Amy Sims
Trustee
Amy and her husband have been Ledyard residents for the past 8 years. She is active with the town’s Buy Nothing group and community Tag Sale. She has four young children two of which attend Gallup Hill Elementary School. Amy helps coach Girls on the Run as well as helping out with other various school activities. Amy is actively involved with Girl Scouts and serves as a service unit cookie cupboard manager, service unit treasurer, and troop co-leader. Amy is an animal lover which has led her to Oaktree Crew to foster cats to help find them adoptive homes.
Trustee
Amy and her husband have been Ledyard residents for the past 8 years. She is active with the town’s Buy Nothing group and community Tag Sale. She has four young children two of which attend Gallup Hill Elementary School. Amy helps coach Girls on the Run as well as helping out with other various school activities. Amy is actively involved with Girl Scouts and serves as a service unit cookie cupboard manager, service unit treasurer, and troop co-leader. Amy is an animal lover which has led her to Oaktree Crew to foster cats to help find them adoptive homes.
Angela Couzelis
Trustee
Angela Couzelis lives in Gales Ferry with her husband and two school-aged children. She has a strong commitment to the value of educational opportunities and spent many hours volunteering in her children's elementary school including as a classroom volunteer and as president of the parent organization. Angela has a Bachelor's degree in mathematics and an accounting certificate from Southern New Hampshire University. She works as an accountant for the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation. In her spare time, Angela likes traveling, exploring the outdoors, and spending time with her family.
Trustee
Angela Couzelis lives in Gales Ferry with her husband and two school-aged children. She has a strong commitment to the value of educational opportunities and spent many hours volunteering in her children's elementary school including as a classroom volunteer and as president of the parent organization. Angela has a Bachelor's degree in mathematics and an accounting certificate from Southern New Hampshire University. She works as an accountant for the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation. In her spare time, Angela likes traveling, exploring the outdoors, and spending time with her family.
Ex Officio Members
Jason Hartling - Ledyard Superintendent
Former LEAF Trustees
Dawn Sullivan
Jim Sullivan
John Freeman
Chris Calhoun
Marge Anderson
Angela Arnold
Cathy Patterson
John Clark
Kurt Colella
Julia Cronin
Michael Curtin
Linda Davis
Terry Fedors
Corinna Fleischmann
Keva Fothergill
Marie Fowler,
Michael Graner
Sharon Hightower
Barbara Jones
Alan Kriz
Bruce Lefker
Martin Legg
Jerry Lentz
Fred Litty
Mary McGrattan
William Merrill
Douglas Meyer
Chuck Mihalko
Mimi Peck-Llewelyn
Steve Nohara
Elizabeth Peterson
John Phetteplace
Marcy Pillsbury
Mike Planeta
Lori Potter
Tom Reynolds
Naomi Rodriguez
Liz Smith
Sean Sullivan
Peter Swatsburg
James Sweet
Terry Triplett
Joseph Vorbach
Jenna Warren
Erica Watson
Lisa Chesnut
Doreen Szollosi
Randy Craig
Kevin DiFilippo
Jennifer Keefe
Stephanie Calhoun
Kristen Sabilia
David Wolford
John Cusmano
Ellin Grenger
Barbara Linevitch Leandri
Jason Hartling - Ledyard Superintendent
Former LEAF Trustees
Dawn Sullivan
Jim Sullivan
John Freeman
Chris Calhoun
Marge Anderson
Angela Arnold
Cathy Patterson
John Clark
Kurt Colella
Julia Cronin
Michael Curtin
Linda Davis
Terry Fedors
Corinna Fleischmann
Keva Fothergill
Marie Fowler,
Michael Graner
Sharon Hightower
Barbara Jones
Alan Kriz
Bruce Lefker
Martin Legg
Jerry Lentz
Fred Litty
Mary McGrattan
William Merrill
Douglas Meyer
Chuck Mihalko
Mimi Peck-Llewelyn
Steve Nohara
Elizabeth Peterson
John Phetteplace
Marcy Pillsbury
Mike Planeta
Lori Potter
Tom Reynolds
Naomi Rodriguez
Liz Smith
Sean Sullivan
Peter Swatsburg
James Sweet
Terry Triplett
Joseph Vorbach
Jenna Warren
Erica Watson
Lisa Chesnut
Doreen Szollosi
Randy Craig
Kevin DiFilippo
Jennifer Keefe
Stephanie Calhoun
Kristen Sabilia
David Wolford
John Cusmano
Ellin Grenger
Barbara Linevitch Leandri