Parent Cabinet Membership

Jenny is a mother of two who has been active in the community for more than two decades as a volunteer in different organizations that support children and families. After Jenny graduated from the Parent Supporting Educational Excellence Class in 2018 (Parents SEE), she focused on helping parents learn to navigate the school system and provided support in the areas they needed. She also motivated other parents to speak up and advocate for their children’s rights, and their own, at both local and state levels. She joined the Parent Cabinet because she believes that it’s during the early years of a child where we must work and plant the seeds. Email Jenny.

Regan is a mom of four children who all participated in Birth to Three. She joined the Parent Cabinet because she knows the power of early intervention. She is also a graduate of and currently coordinates the Parent Leadership Training Institute in Stamford. Regan has a bachelor’s degree in American Civilization with a concentration in Race and Ethnic Relations, and a master’s degree in Elementary Education. Before becoming a mom, she taught kindergarten and first grade. As a stay-at-home mom for almost 20 years, she volunteered for education-related nonprofits and was president of her children’s school PTOs. In her spare time, Regan enjoys letterboxing, traveling, and reading. Email Regan.

Raquel is a mom to a 2-and-a-half year old son. Raquel is a Parent Leadership Training Institute (PLTI) May 2024 graduate who joined the Parent Cabinet because she loves being resourceful and helping parents learn about different services that can help their children and family. Raquel would love to help parents enroll in services, and learn about the concerns they have about services to help them improve. She currently goes to college and is pursuing a variety of majors. Raquel is bilingual and was born in Costa Rica. In Raquel’s free time, she enjoys going to events with her son, playing with him, reading psychology and nutrition books, listening to music, journaling, aromatherapy, and more. Email Raquel.

Shannon is a mom to a son, a bonus son, and is awaiting the arrival of another child. Her journey with one child’s special needs led her to explore various resources and connect with the OEC. By joining the Parent Cabinet, Shannon aims to amplify the voices of Melanated families, address their needs, and ensure timely and effective delivery of information and resources. With her roles as a doula, holistic consultant, community health leader, and co-founder of the nonprofit Golden Radiance Village, Shannon passionately supports families through major life transitions. Email Shannon.

Christina is a mom of two girls, ages 2 and a newborn. She joined the Parent Cabinet to be an advocate for parents and to discover new resources for families in the community. Christina has over 10 years of experience in the social services field, and is currently employed as a Family Resource Center Coordinator at an elementary school in CT. In her spare time, she loves swimming and spending time with her family. Email Christina.

Tiffanie is a parent of two who both benefited from early intervention programs, including Birth to Three. She has been an appointed parent member of the CT State Interagency Coordinating Council for the OEC and Birth to Three for seven years; a graduate of Partners in Policymaking and Voices For Families Parent Leadership Program; a volunteer for Brooklyn Schools PTO; and was the secretary of the Special Education PTO of Northeastern CT. Tiffanie has worked in special education as an elementary paraeducator for five years, and enjoys supporting, empowering, and advocating for children and families. In her spare time, Tiffanie enjoys spending time with her family, going to her son’s soccer games, and performing in musical theater with her daughter. Email Tiffanie.

Cris is a dedicated father of two young children. Passionate about making a difference, he joined the Parent Cabinet to represent the perspective of parents with adopted children and to advocate for positive change for children across Connecticut. As a Hispanic person with multiracial children, Cris brings a deep understanding of the state’s diverse community. He actively serves on the Tolland Parks and Recreation Advisory Board and chairs the Tolland Democratic Town Committee, demonstrating his commitment to community involvement and leadership. Professionally, he serves as an office supervisor at a pediatrician’s office. In his spare time, Cris enjoys baking and cake decorating. Email Cris.

Kelly Ann is the mother of five children from elementary school to college. While raising her children, Kelly put herself through college and earned her B.A. in Child Studies. Kelly completed an internship at OEC, working on the development of the Family Input Booklets for the CTDOTS rollout. In addition, Kelly has worked as a preschool teacher for multiple locations; a Family Liaison; an Early Head Start & Head Start Home Visitor; a Parent Ambassador; and a Family Support Specialist for families of all socioeconomic statuses, cultures, and upbringings working hard toward reunifying with their children. Kelly is passionate about nature, the arts, gardening, and remodeling. Email Kelly.

Tricia is a certified school psychologist in New York and Connecticut, with a sixth-year degree in administration. Tricia has worked with school-aged children since 2000, and recently chose to leave her position in Mansfield to stay home with her two young children. She loves working with children and families, and supporting caregivers as they advocate for the needs of young children. Tricia is a 2022 graduate of the Parent Leadership Training Institute. She currently volunteers for the Manchester Early Childhood Collaborative and the PTO at her child’s school. She is also a member of All In! Early Childhood Educators for Equity. In her free time, she loves reading, traveling, making crafts, and visiting her family. Email Tricia.

Amber is a mother to a 10-year-old boy. She has a bachelor’s degree in ECE with a concentration in Program Administration and Leadership. She joined the Parent Cabinet to advocate for and be a resource for parents or guardians in her community. She is a community leader who sits on boards; facilitates a summer camp; and founded a nonprofit called Five Ducks Foundation Inc. that focuses on youth development. In her spare time, Amber enjoys spending time with her family, working in partnership with families, and learning something new. Email Amber.

Mallory is a mother to six beautiful girls ages 4-18, a private chef, and a parent leader in Danbury, CT. She joined the OEC Parent Cabinet after being made aware of the opportunity by the director of her daughter’s Head Start program at Policy Council meeting. She currently serves as secretary of that Policy Council. Early Childhood Education has been an interest of hers ever since she witnessed the benefits inside a classroom setting at a young age with peers and seeing the growth in learning firsthand.  She hopes that her voice in the community and on the OEC Parent Cabinet helps bridge the gap in education. She looks forward to broadening the space for early childhood education within her community with resources, networking opportunities, and creating a safe space for questions and answers. In her spare time, she loves spending time with her family, reading, writing, and serving her community through acts of kindness and love. Email Mallory.

Jennifer is a mom of three boys. She joined the Parent Cabinet to be an advocate for families in need and be able to further her outreach work with families. Jennifer currently works as a LEAP Engagement Specialist for her local public school system. She has been an active member of the Bristol Early Childhood Alliance and Bristol School Readiness Council for the last seven years. Jennifer is also on numerous other committees; co-chairs the Outreach Committee and Family Fun Day Committee; and is also the president of her children’s school’s PTA. Jennifer is currently pursuing her degree in ECE and is a UConn PEP graduate. In her spare time, she enjoys reading, gardening, and coaching her boys’ baseball teams. Email Jennifer.

Stephanie is a mom of two. She has an extensive background teaching in early childhood education. She wanted to further her advocacy work, which sparked her interest in becoming a part of OEC. She is the founder of a large online parent group in her community that helps parents find resources and support for their children. She is a part of the PTA in her district and is a coach for her daughter’s soccer team. She is a member of the Kappa Gamma Pi national Catholic College graduate honor society, an organization with the motto “Church and Community.” In her spare time, she enjoys working on her children’s book series and reading mystery novels. Email Stephanie.