Our Team
The RISE Network team includes former school administrators, former teachers and counselors, data specialists, and nonprofit leaders who work hand-in-hand with educators in partner schools. 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.
Data Engineering
The Data Engineering Team ensures that reliable data is available for tools, analysis, and reporting in a secure, sustainable, and timely manner.
Why Rise?Because it provides the kind of support I wanted for my students when I was a teacher.
Fred Benton
Deputy Director, Data Systems
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
Manager of Data Engineering, Major Projects
Why Rise?At RISE, we empower student success through data and I want to be in the room where that happens.
Nantawat Samermit
Data Engineer
Why Rise?Because I think education is vital to future success. RISE enables me to use my skills to help others be successful.
Kevin Williams
Senior Data Engineer, Pipelines
Leadership
The Leadership Team oversees organizational strategy, program delivery, and partnerships.
Why Rise?I am proud to be part of a team that is committed to using data to drive equitable outcomes for students.
Chris Lewine
Chief of Data Strategy and Product Innovation
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?We commit to a collective responsibility of ensuring ALL students reach their full potential.
Nichelle Woodson
Chief of Network Success
Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning
The Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning Team derives insights from data that help us improve and communicates that learning broadly.
Why Rise?At RISE, we help educators make data driven decisions to support each individual student's journey to success.
Julia King
Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning Manager
Why Rise?I am passionate about leveraging data to improve educational access and equity, ensuring that all students have the resources and support they need.
Jacqueline Sarvis
Research Analyst
Network Growth and Partnerships
The Network Growth and Partnerships Team facilitates coaching and professional learning opportunities for educators in new partner schools.
Why Rise?I love collaborating and brainstorming to uncover the best practices, strategies, and solutions for our incredible students!
Valerie Hennessy
Manager of Network Growth and Partnerships
Why Rise?Promoting collaboration among educators across our state is exciting and endlessly thought-provoking—and it benefits kids.
Sam Purdy
Director of Network Growth and Partnerships
On-Track Success
The On-Track Success Team partners with RISE high schools to support Grade 9 on-track achievement.
Why Rise? Every student deserves to have educators who have the support, tools, and community to empower them to be their best, most successful selves.
Erin Asselin
Senior School Improvement Coach
Why Rise?Every student's narrative should be one grounded in support and success, RISE equips all stakeholders to ensure that is true.
Linzi Golding
Network Manager
Why Rise?Because I have the opportunity to create the professional space for educators to develop innovative solutions!
Peter Lorinser
Director of On-Track Success
Why Rise?Because I want to be a part of an equity-minded team committed to supporting and accelerating student success.
Gretchen Philbrick
Senior School Improvement Coach
Operations
The Operations Team advances internal systems to promote organizational efficiency and effectiveness.
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
Senior Finance and Operations Specialist
Why Rise?To support an organization dedicated to improving student outcomes is inspiring and rewarding.
Ryan Brennan
Director of Finance
Why Rise?Being part of a team that supports success for all students is inspiring and rewarding.
Sandra Fryer
Office Manager / Executive Assistant
Why Rise?Because every student and educator deserves the data, resources, coaching, and community necessary to support them during critical inflection points.
Terrence Kneisel
Director of External Relations
Why Rise?It's inspiring to be able to support a passionate team that's making data and improved systems accessible to educators and students.
Kerry Maloney
Director of Talent
Postsecondary Success
The Postsecondary Success Team partners with RISE high schools to ensure that all students graduate with postsecondary plans.
Why Rise?It's an honor to collaborate with educators from different districts, identify ways we can best support our students, and grow our shared mission.
Stephanie Cruz
School Improvement Coach
Why Rise?Because I believe in sustainable growth in schools that promotes equity in practices for all students.
Rebecca Kruge
Network Manager
Why Rise?Partnership collaboration leads to amazing outcomes for students!
Abby Marcantonio
Senior School Improvement Coach
Why Rise?To connect students with programs and resources that will allow them to make the best decisions for their future.
Sherry McLaughlin
Director of Postsecondary Success
Why Rise?Actions speak louder than words! RISE actively works on improving student outcomes and bridging opportunity gaps!
Sojin Park
Senior School Improvement Coach
Product Team
The Product Team manages and develops tools that support educators in collaborating around data and working toward student success.
Why Rise?At RISE, I can provide user-friendly data and tools to empower educators and better help students succeed.
Scott Allen
Senior Web Developer
Why Rise?I'm excited to face interesting real-time production data challenges—and every improvement I make helps students' lives. I love the impact.
Shreekar Bukkapattanam
Junior Software Engineer
Why Rise?RISE unites engineering and purpose.
Bhakta Nallanthighal
Software Engineering Manager
Why Rise?I believe human-centered data and technology can strengthen school communities and create space for connection and continuous improvement.
Erin Ortega
Customer Success Specialist
Student Success
The Student Success Team works directly with students to ensure they remain on track for on-time graduation.
Why Rise?I'm motivated to be the person my peers needed during their educational journeys, supporting students' success.
Bryanna Bonner
On-Track Coach, Stamford High School
Why Rise?I'm excited to join a team of like-minded people dedicated to advocating for equitable student access to high-quality opportunities.
Kyra Brown
AmeriCorps On-Track Mentor, Wilbur Cross High School
Why Rise?I want to bring kindness and support to students' high school experience while helping our community grow youth of strong character.
Michael Carosielli
AmeriCorps On-Track Mentor, Bulkeley High School
Why Rise?Because I want to provide the mentorship I wish I had in high school.
Jordan Cervantes
AmeriCorps On-Track Mentor, Brien McMahon High School
Why Rise? I’m excited to take my first steps in the start of my career path, make new connections, and explore new experiences and opportunities.
Giovanni Delva-Darden
AmeriCorps On-Track Mentor, Harding High School
Why Rise?I get to be part of a mission empowering youth with the skills and confidence to succeed — creating lasting impact for both individuals and society.
Chryssa Donovan
AmeriCorps On-Track Mentor, Betsy Ross Arts and Design Academy
Why Rise?I'm excited to join RISE to help ensure a school year of new memories, new connections, professional growth, and making a difference.
Sydney Espinosa
AmeriCorps On-Track Mentor, Kennedy High School
Why Rise?I'm excited to serve with Hartford's youth again, in a position where I can make a significant difference.
Anthony Garcia
AmeriCorps On-Track Mentor, Weaver High School
Why Rise?I'm looking forward to new beginnings and building new bonds with students.
Tatiana Giles Torres
AmeriCorps On-Track Mentor, Wilbur Cross High School
Why Rise?It provides an opportunity to support and assist the youth in our community while also helping me get my foot in the door in education.
Carlos Gonzalez
AmeriCorps On-Track Mentor, Weaver High School
Why Rise?I do this work through RISE to empower the youth of my community to have a prosperous future.
Sharina Jimenez
Student Success Manager
Why Rise?I love that RISE provides an innovative and collaborative approach to student success, something I wish I had coming up in high school.
Evan Kelley
On-Track Coach, Brien McMahon High School
Why Rise? I’m excited at the opportunity to help and support youth transition into a new chapter. To have a chance to give back what I’ve received.
Rose Kennerly
AmeriCorps On-Track Mentor, Norwalk High School
Why Rise?Working for RISE, I am surrounded by people who care as much about student success as I do.
Jamie Meurer
Senior On-Track Coach, Hartford Public High School
Why Rise?I'm excited to support ninth graders and help them achieve their goals!
Natilie Mikhaeel
AmeriCorps On-Track Mentor, Bassick High School
Why Rise?Education is the right of EVERY person. So why not RISE to the occasion and make a difference?
Khanisha Moore
Senior On-Track Coach, Westhill High School
Why Rise?Because RISE has proven that a sustained commitment to student success by a group of like-minded individuals can create a movement.
Kristen Negrón
Student Success Manager
Why Rise?Because RISE strives to ensure that all students have the opportunity to build the skills and confidence to achieve in school and beyond.
Annie Nguyen
AmeriCorps On-Track Mentor, James Hillhouse High School
Why Rise?RISE is truly a collaborative approach to help improve student outcomes for students that need it most.
Karleka Norman
Director of Student Success
