Board Of Directors
Executive Board
Valerie Calciano, Board Chair
Chris Drury, Vice Chair
Joanne Fontana, Treasurer
Christine Roberge, Secretary
Janine DiNatale
Erika Schwartz
Lauren Smallwood
Richard Twilley
Full Board
Lindsay Auger
Jamie Clark
Jamie Coogan
Kristen Davis
Karen Gray
Cody Hampshire
David Post Anusha Prasad Rodriguez
Jodi Rodriguez
Kelly Turner
Ex-Officio/Advisors
Alan Bookman, Superintendent of Schools
David Megaw
Julie Thompson, Glastonbury Board of Education
Diane Crean, Glastonbury PTSO
Larry Niland, Glastonbury Town Council
Margaret Wilcox
Pat Burns
Holly Howley
Steph Tishler
E-Board Bios
Valerie Calciano, Board Chair
Years in Glastonbury: 20 years
Why I joined GEF: In 2015, I was approached by a friend of mine about joining the Board. At that time my oldest daughter was in second grade and I had two younger children at home and I had just stopped practicing law full time. I was searching for more ways to be involved the schools as well as the community at large and the Foundation was the perfect fit. Joining the board afforded me the opportunity to give back to both. It has been such a rewarding experience to serve on the board the past 5 years during which have served as the chair of both the Gala and the BL5K.
A little bit about myself: I currently reside in Glastonbury with my husband Dominick, our three children Gianna (a freshman at GHS); Dominick (a sixth grader at Gideon Welles); Liliana (a third grader at Hopewell Elementary) and our dog Bruno. I am of counsel at Leone Throwe Teller and Nagle. I also serve on the Board of Directors of the Central Connecticut Youth Hockey Association. When I am not driving my kids to their various sports and other activities I enjoy staying active through running and yoga and spending time at the Connecticut Shore.
Chris Drury, Vice Chair, Nominations Committee
Bio Coming Soon!
Joanne Fontana, Treasurer and Distribution Committee Chair
Years in Glastonbury: I’ve lived in Glastonbury most of my life. I grew up here, went away to college, and then came back to the Hartford area for my job. Then my husband and I decided to buy a house in Glastonbury and I’ve been back ever since.
Why I joined GEF: Having gone through the Glastonbury school system myself and now having children in that same system, I’m proud of and grateful for the education that our town provides. I thought that joining GEF was a good way to give back to the schools and community and ensure that going forward we continue to offer cutting edge opportunities to our students and others in Glastonbury.
A little bit about myself: I work as an actuary for a consulting firm. When I’m not working, I try to exercise, bake, and hang out with my kids as much as possible!
Christine Roberge, Annual Campaign & Sponsorships Chair
Years in Glastonbury: 16 years
Why I joined GEF: After volunteering at the elementary school, I feel that GEF is a great way to continue to support education in Glastonbury.
A little bit about myself: I enjoy Pilates, reading, spending time with my family, and attempting to tire out our energetic dog! My latest challenge is trying to learn to golf!
Janine DiNatale, Marketing Co-chair, Distribution Committee
Years in Glastonbury: I’ve lived in Glastonbury since 2009.
Why I joined GEF: I was awarded a grant by GEF to run a pilot program in the elementary schools. I met the board members and took an interest in the work of GEF. I was invited to join and was honored to take a seat!
A little bit about myself: I am a Creative Director and really enjoy my work. When I am not working, I love spending time with my family and friends. I also like to continue being creative in my free time! I met my husband while singing at a wedding on Long Island (where I grew up and lived until moving to Glastonbury!) We have three daughters – two who graduated from GHS and one who is a senior (’21). I enjoy watching live music of all kinds, being by the ocean, reading, walks in nature, and learning new things!
Erika Schwartz, Gala Chair, Wellness Series Chair, Nominations Committee, Signature Fundraising Events-Currently Annual Gala & Silent Auction
Years in Glastonbury: 16 years
Why I joined GEF: To get involved with and give back to our community and schools. Bonus, I met amazing people!
A little bit about myself: I am a home organizer. I love to travel and spend time with my family and friends. I love my German Shepherd, Hope. I am an avid runner, and as of 9/30/20, I will have run 1,000 days in a row of at least a mile day!
Lauren Smallwood, Marketing Co-chair
Years in Glastonbury: I’ve lived in Glastonbury for 12 years, my husband and I moved here right after college and fell in love with the community. We couldn’t imagine raising our children anywhere else.
Why I joined GEF: I felt a need to give back to the community, volunteerism has always played a big role in my life. When looking into options I felt closely aligned with the GEF mission. I have three small children that will eventually participate in the Glastonbury School system.
A little bit about myself: I am a CPA who is taking time from the corporate world to raise my three young kids. When I am not chasing toddlers, I enjoy traveling, spending time with friends and being active.
Richard Twilley, BL5K Chair
Bio Coming Soon!
Board Bios
Lindsay Auger
Years in Glastonbury: I’ve lived in Glastonbury since 2011, moving here just in time for that first massive October snowstorm! I grew up in West Hartford and Avon, but moved away for college and, later, a career in Public Relations. When my interest turned towards the law, I came home to attend UConn Law School and eventually met my husband – a Glastonbury native – in Hartford.
Why I joined GEF: With four young children gearing up to go through our school system, I quickly joined Hebron Avenue School’s PTO Steering Committee to ensure that I was up to date on any needs in my eldest’s school, and to have the chance to act creatively to address those needs. My involvement at HAS naturally led to a desire to better understand the issues our other schools were facing, and any identifiable opportunities for improvement/enhancement. I am so excited to be a part of a team that gets to hear, and can proactively nurture, opportunities and ideas that could have an impact on our schools and the larger community.
A little bit about myself: I am enjoying my early “retirement” from the law to spend as much time as I can with my six men: my four sons, my husband, and our male puppy. In my “free” time I love to read, do pilates, and work on home-improvement projects. In the past year I finally took a step towards becoming a goldsmith, and can’t wait to continue my education through our talented local artisans soon.
Jamie Clark, Past Chair
Years in Glastonbury: 13 years
Why I joined GEF: I joined to extend my volunteer reach broader than I had previously enjoyed doing through Buttonball Lane School’s PTO.
A little bit about myself: I like to stay physically fit by running, walking and doing Orangetheory workouts with my friends and family. I am a mom to 3 kids who all take advantage of the many amazing opportunities this town offers both in and outside of the school system. Our family loves spending time on Cape Cod and traveling to National Parks.
Jamie Coogan
Bio Coming Soon!
Kristen Davis, Marketing Committee and BL5K Committee
Years in Glastonbury: I’ve lived in Glastonbury for the past 5 years. My husband and I felt that the town would be a great place to raise our two daughters!
Why I joined GEF: I was initially interested in the GEF because of its continued support of Glastonbury’s public school system, which my kids will be a part of as they grow up. I also really enjoy being a part of the Glastonbury community and participating in the GEF is one way I can give back to the community and help in the efforts to better our community’s education programs.
A little bit about myself: I work as a lawyer in the retirement industry. When I’m not working, I enjoy spending time outdoors, photography, travel, and playing with my girls, Elle & Lily.
Karen Gray
Years in Glastonbury: 11 years
Why I joined GEF: Education must be equitable for all. I believe that as a member of GEF we will be able to directly support all students by giving them access to opportunities that stimulate creativity, promote innovation and drive problem-solving. All learners should be able to engage in exhilarating learning experiences that truly enhances their education. GEF aligns with my belief in what public schools should look and feel like for educators, families, and children and so joining will give me the avenue to have a voice in what is great for kids.
A little bit about myself: I love spending time with my two boys and husband. Ethan and Joshua attend Naubuc Schools and keep my husband and I laughing a lot. Being outside, playing, dancing hiking, biking and most recently playing tennis are some of my favorite things to do with my family. I love to travel and will hop on a plane or in a car any time to go anywhere. I am adventurous, always willing to try new things. Dabbling in a lot activities in where I find joy, such as stain glass making, learning sign language, scuba diving, flower arranging and so much more.
Cody Hampshire
Bio Coming Soon!
Agnes Larson, BL5K Committee
Years in Glastonbury: 4 years
Why I joined GEF: I love living in Glastonbury. We have such a wonderful community here and the Glastonbury Education Foundation is such an integral part of that community – supporting projects that improve every aspect of residents’ lives. I will also have children who go through the school system here and feel great about playing a role in ensuring our schools continue to be some of the best in the state. The foundation has also provided me with an opportunity to meet some awesome people!
A little bit about myself: I am a mom of two toddlers, Eleanor and Henry (2.5 and 1), and work full time as a litigation attorney. When not spending time with my family, or working, I love photography and traveling (both hobbies unfortunately significantly impacted in today’s environment!).
David Post
Bio Coming Soon
David Megaw, Advisor (First GEF Secretary and former Board member)
Years in Glastonbury: We moved to Glastonbury in 1972 and have lived here since then except for four years when my career took me to Houston and Chicago.
Why I joined GEF: I had just completed six years of service on the Town Council when the first Chair of GEF, Ira Yellen, a neighbor, asked me to join him in building the organization. I’ve stayed on in honor of Hilda, my late wife, who was a teacher in town for over 20 years. My children went to school in Glastonbury as do four of my six grandchildren. I have really enjoyed the way the GEF has melded creative people with practical projects.
A little bit about myself: COVID 19 has really limited me from doing what I’d like to do: Spending time with family, watching grandchildren thrive. I’m the oldest of six siblings. I miss travel. Last trip: a barge trip in eastern France, before that: Hawaii. I’ve had fun “redoing” my house. I’m in a book club, in the Exchange Club. I’m a retired tax Attorney, most of my career was in the insurance industry. Past President of a Credit Union, wrote several books dealing with financial planning.
Anusha Rodriguez, Gala Committee, BL5K Committee, Marketing Committee
Years in Glastonbury: I grew up in Glastonbury and had the opportunity to move back in 2016. We are fortunate to live down the street from my parents and the home I grew up in. We are very excited to raise our kids in my hometown.
Why I joined GEF: I went through the Glastonbury public school system – from Naubuc and Eastbury through GHS. I am so grateful for the opporutnities I was given as a student and the education I received. Being a part of GEF allows me the opportunity to give back to the schools in a unique and creative way.
A little bit about myself: My husband, Paul, and I have three active, loving little girls. Spending time with them is my favorite pastime. I work full time for a financial services company in NYC, investing in alternative investments and mutual funds for our clients. In my free time, I love to run, exercise, cook, and my kids will tell you I’m always cleaning the house!
Jodi Rodriguez
Bio Coming Soon!
Stephanie Tishler, Advisor (Past Gala Chair, Co-Auction Chair, Marketing Chair)
Years in Glastonbury: 16 years
Why I joined GEF: I joined GEF to give back to the community and schools in Glastonbury, a decision I have enjoyed for 6 years.
A little bit about myself: I am a Career Transition and Business Development Coach. I started my business Tishler Coaching Services after 20+ years in the advertising sales arena, where I worked for some incredible brands such as Discovery Channel and Oprah.com. I am the mom of two teenaged daughters and met my husband when we were in college in upstate New York, 26 years ago. I enjoy running, pilates, shopping, skiing and anything on or in the ocean including boating and sushi.
Kelly Turner
Years in Glastonbury: My entire life! I am a fifth-generation Glastonbury resident and have very deep roots in town.
Why I joined GEF: As a lifelong Glastonbury resident going through the school system and now having my oldest child in Kindergarten I wanted to find ways to help positively impact the town.
A little bit about myself: I am the co-owner of the Norcom Mortgage Glastonbury branch. I am very passionate about my work, as well as my family- my wonderful husband Corey Turner and our three small children. I like to travel, craft, and do fun activities with my kids.