Our Team
The Connecticut RISE Network team includes former school administrators, former teachers and counselors, data specialists, and nonprofit leaders who work hand in hand with educators. As the conveners and facilitators of the RISE Network, RISE staff provide a range of resources and services to our RISE Network partners. We hold ourselves equally accountable for student outcomes, and we learn as much from our partners as we hope they do from our staff.
Leadership
Why Rise?To collaborate with & learn from passionate educators, working together to beat the odds & change the odds for talented, deserving students across CT.
Emily Pallin
Executive Director
Why Rise?Because I’m part of an inspiring and collaborative community that is committed to helping all students achieve their goals.
Liza Van Gundy
Director of Talent and Operations
Applied Data
Why Rise?I am committed to utilizing data to empower educators to strategically improve educational opportunities for students.
Phaedrel Bowman
Applied Data Strategist
Why Rise?Access to timely, purposeful, and user-friendly data empowers educators to seek more equitable outcomes for students.
Stephanie Fakharzadeh
Applied Research Strategist
Why Rise?I love supporting educators to access and make meaning of data that can inform decisions furthering Grade 9 success.
Ellen Fugate
Applied Data Manager
Why Rise?I resonate deeply with RISE's efforts to empower educators, improve student outcomes, and reduce inequality! #RISEby5 #EHPS
Salman Khan
Applied Data Strategist
Why Rise?It's very rewarding to collaboratively work to improve systems and data so educators can help students who need it the most.
Nick Stellitano
Applied Data Strategist
Network Success
Why Rise?I love collaborating and brainstorming to uncover the best practices, strategies, and solutions for our incredible students!
Valerie Hennessy
Network Facilitator, College and Career Readiness
Why Rise?As a former teacher, I love impacting students by empowering educators with resources that promote student success.
Rickeena Holloway
Network Facilitator
Why Rise?Because I believe in sustainable growth in schools that promotes equity in practices for all students.
Rebecca Kruge
Network Facilitator, College and Career Readiness
Why Rise?Because I have the opportunity to create the professional space for educators to develop innovative solutions!
Peter Lorinser
Senior Network Engagement Specialist
Why Rise?To connect students with programs and resources that will allow them to make the best decisions for their future.
Sherry McLaughlin
Deputy Director, College and Career Readiness
Why Rise?Promoting collaboration among educators across our state is exciting and endlessly thought-provoking—and it benefits kids.
Sam Purdy
Network Learning Manager
Why Rise?We are dedicated to partnering with our network to promote student opportunities and success in our communities and beyond.
Johana Rendon Ledesma
Family & Community Engagement Specialist
Why Rise?We commit to a collective responsibility of ensuring ALL students reach their full potential.
Nichelle Woodson
Deputy Director, Freshman Success
Student Success
Why Rise?Some students will not see “ME” in their classes but if they see me in the hallways, it might make a difference.
Daemond Benjamin
On-Track Coordinator, Hartford Public High School
Why Rise?RISE brings new perspectives and support to help close equity gaps and advocate for students’ On-Track success.
Laura Ehlinger
On-Track Coordinator, Westhill High School
Why Rise?My focus is to help our students, staff, administration and stakeholders to find that spark, drive or motivation to be successful.
Tyree Hughey
On-Track Coordinator, Career High School
Why Rise?I do this work through RISE to empower the youth of my community to have a prosperous future.
Sharina Jimenez
On-Track Coordinator, Brien McMahon High School
Why Rise?Working for RISE, I am surrounded by people who care as much about student success as I do.
Jamie Meurer
On-Track Coordinator, Hartford Public High School
Why Rise?Education is the right of EVERY person. So why not RISE to the occasion and make a difference?
Khanisha Moore
On-Track Coordinator, Westhill High School
Why Rise?RISE is truly a collaborative approach to help improve student outcomes for students that need it most.
Karleka Norman
Student Success Manager
Why Rise?I work for RISE to work with students that can benefit from having a person in their school that can relate to them.
Avery Washington
On-Track Coordinator, Brien McMahon High School
Data Systems
Why Rise?Because it provides the kind of support I wanted for my students when I was a teacher.
Fred Benton
Deputy Director of Data Systems
Why Rise?The passion to improve student outcomes is embedded in everything RISE does.
Blake Garfinkle
Data Systems Manager
Why Rise?I spend a lot of time writing code and working with data. It's rewarding to see that work in action helping students succeed.
Aaron Garris
Data Specialist
Why Rise?I believe in the importance of using data and the stories that it tells to inform and empower our network educators.
Edie Reimink
Data Specialist
Organizational Effectiveness
Why Rise?I find it incredibly rewarding to collaborate with individuals that are focused and driven to improve student outcomes.
Josie Putnam
Talent Specialist Why Rise?Because I’m part of an inspiring and collaborative community that is committed to helping all students achieve their goals.
Liza Van Gundy
Director of Talent and Operations
Why Rise?RISE is dedicated to improving the educational experience within my community and I take pride in knowing I’m a part of that.
Portia Whitted
Finance and Operations Specialist
