SOUTHINGTON EDUCATION FOUNDATION, INC.

Instilling a love of learning.

Board Members

Michelle LeBrun-Griffin, Treasurer

Michelle has been a Consultant for the State Education Resource Center (SERC) since 1999. She was a pioneer in the development and implementation of CT’s SRBI Framework in collaboration with the SDE. She facilitated the work of the SRBI Advisory Panel convened by the Commissioner of Education in 2006, was a contributing author for CT’s SRBI document published in 2008, and was recognized as a Lead Trainer for SRBI by the SDE in 2010. In this role, she partnered with the SPS to provide technical assistance at the middle and high school levels. Currently, Michelle coordinates CT’s State Personnel Development Grant (SPDG) and is responsible for the provision of high quality professional development to over 75 schools, PreK-12, across the state as they strive to establish a multi-tiered system of academic and behavioral supports for all students.

Michelle earned her bachelor’s degree in education and her master’s degree in special education from SCSU. As a product of Southington schools herself, Michelle plays an active role in her children’s education and extra-curricular activities. You may see her at various ball-fields throughout all three seasons as she and her husband strive to raise their daughter at the high school, oldest son at the middle school, and youngest son at the elementary level to be well-rounded, life-long learners.

Michelle lives by the quote, “Let your life speak.” As an altruistic leader, she has contributed her time and talent to the Southington community as a Big Sister for the Big Brother, Big Sister Program; as a Committee Member for Relay for Life; as a Religious Education Teacher and Confirmation Mentor for Saint Dominic’s Parish; as a Volunteer for Kristin’s Closet; as a Cast Member of Saint Thomas’ Passion Play; as an Outings Coordinator for Cub Scout Pack 72; and as an active supporter of STEPs. She believes strongly in SEFs mission to enrich the educational experiences offered by SPS and is honored and excited to serve on the Board of Directors.

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Paula Knight, Board of Directors

BS Elementary Education, Preschool Concentration, MS, Art Education, Art Therapy Concentration

Working in the field of Education has been a life long passion for Paula. Dedicating thirty-seven years immersed in leading children through their own personal educational journey has been a privilege. Paula’s experiences range from preschool learners through the elementary grades. This tenure is complemented with regular classroom and the special area instruction.

Seven years of her career focused in the regular classroom concentrating in the personal and educational growth of children. The remaining twenty-eight years were focused on guiding learners from the ages of five to eleven years of age to challenge their critical and creative thinking to a depth and breadth commensurate with their accelerated learning capabilities.

Paula’s personal educational foundations start with a BS in Elementary Education, concentrating in Early Childhood Education from the Western Connecticut University, a Masters in Art Education concentrating in Art Therapy from Central Connecticut University. She continued postgraduate work in Gifted and Talented at University of Connecticut through the NEAG Education summer Confratute program, completing four summers of conference work.

Work in the area of Gifted and Talented continued outside the classroom as a guest speaker at parent seminars, teacher professional development, consulting for district professional development in New England and abroad.

The privilege of working with this unique learning population is an exhilarating adventure. Their nimble minds present an open pallet ready to be challenged and create pathways to new learning opportunities. The wonderment in learning is filled with possibilities.

CONTACT PAULA | TOP OF PAGE

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Jerry Belanger, Board of Directors

Jerry has been an educational advocate for many years. He served two years as PTA president at North Center and from 1996 to 2003 he was involved with the Southington Parent-Teacher Council, serving as a member, Vice-President and President. During this period, he served as ex-officio member of the School System’s Redistricting committee, was a member of the advisory committee which interviewed candidates for the position of Assistant Superintendent for Instruction and Learning, and served on the School Improvement Council at Southington High School.

Jerry is a past member of the Board of Directors for the Connecticut State PTA, where he was honored with both the Elaine Boulay Award for Outstanding Service as well as an Honorary Life Membership Award. He was also a member of the Nutmeg Statewide PTA, where he received the 11th Annual Distinguished Leadership Citation for Outstanding Service. While his daughters were part of the Southington Blue Knights Marching Band, he served as Publicity Coordinator and Webmaster for the Southington Band Backers. In addition, Jerry served as a judge for the Miss Hometown, Miss Nutmeg and Miss Watertown Pageants.

Jerry was a Southington Board of Education board member from 2003-07 and was also a member of the Plantsville/South End Schools Building Committee. He a current member of the Southington Board of Assessment Appeals, current member of the Southington Democratic Town Committee, and Board Member for the Capitol Region Education Council (CREC) Foundation. He has served as a Board Member for the Southington Education Foundation since its inception.

A 1976 graduate of Watertown High School, Jerry and his wife Martha moved to Southington in 1989 and raised two daughters, Maegan and Jocelyn who both attended and graduated from Southington Public Schools. Jerry has been employed in various technology roles at The Institute of Living, Hartford Hospital and Hartford HealthCare since 1978, and is currently a Senior Web Developer with the Web Strategy team. Jerry also volunteers his time with Hartford Hospital's United Way campaign, and in 2013 he was selected as a finalist for Hartford Hospital's “Employee of the Year”.

CONTACT JERRY | TOP OF PAGE

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Jan Galati, Board of Directors

A lifelong commitment to education and an interest in community service drew Jan Galati to the Southington Education Foundation prior to her retirement from a career in education. Jan began her career teaching third grade. She left the classroom to spend time with her young family and to pursue a master’s degree in special education. Jan later accepted a position in the special education department at Southington High School where she remained for twenty-five years in the role of co-teacher and educational evaluator. Jan strongly believes in the importance and benefits of life-long learning and appreciates the time she now has to read and expand her knowledge.

Jan has found that involvement in the Southington Education Foundation has been another avenue for expanding her knowledge and honing new skills. She believes that volunteer work not only allows for giving back to the community, but also provides a means for personal growth and satisfaction. Jan believes that through the work of the SEF, she is able to partner with like-minded individuals committed to providing enriching opportunities for Southington Public School students. Jan’s involvement in the SEF further emphasizes her belief that together individuals can work for a greater cause.

Jan met her husband, Bob, while both were attending CCSU. Bob is a retired math teacher and guidance counselor. Their sons, Michael and Matthew, were actively involved in Southington High School sports, went on to graduate college, and are now engaged in successful business careers. Together Jan and her husband enjoy their expanding family, travel, biking, and landscaping.

Jan previously served as chairperson, vice-chairperson and secretary.

CONTACT JAN | TOP OF PAGE

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