F all/Winter 2023
Employee Update eastconn.org
Faces of EASTCONN Q&A With Laura Lybarger
Share with us your “elevator speech” describing your role at EASTCONN.
I’m thrilled to be the new Grant Writer/Coordinator here at EASTCONN. My primary objective in this role is to provide support to EASTCONN and its programs by actively pursuing financial support through grants. Finding opportunities to secure supplementary funds will enable our dedicated staff to embark on special projects and enrich the educational experiences available to our students. – Laura Lybarger, EASTCONN Grant Writer/Coordinator
What do you like best about your current role?
I love learning about all of the amazing things that EASTCONN does in each of our divisions. Our organization is a valuable resource to our programs and districts – my goal is to help grow those offerings through the acquisition of additional funding. I also hope to streamline the process for all staff members who are responsible for completing grant applications to try and make their jobs just a little bit easier.
Monitoring Specialist within the Head Start program here in Hampton from 2017 to 2020. In 2020, I chose to take a step away to work on my writing skills by accepting a position as a Technical Writer for DLH Corporation. DLH works with the Office of Head Start to conduct assessments on all 2,809 Head Start programs nationwide. I was responsible for ensuring the accuracy and quality of reports submitted to the Office of Head Start and subsequently, presented to the general public.
Where were you last employed, for how long, and what was your title and role? Prior to re-joining EASTCONN, I held the position of Data &
See Faces of EASTCONN, Page 6
Would you like to nominate an EASTCONN employee for an upcoming Faces of EASTCONN article? Email your suggestion to dprindle@eastconn.org with a short message of explanation.
Executive Director’s Corner Hello there! Whether you’re brand new to EASTCONN or celebrating your 42nd year with the agency (see page 6), I’m confident you’ll find a great deal of useful information in this new Employee Update. My door is always open if there’s anything you wish to discuss. Most importantly, I wish you and your families the very best holiday season. Cheers! – Eric S. Protulis, EASTCONN Executive Director
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EASTCONN EMPLOYEE UPDATE
Fall/Winter 2023
Departmental Videos Need something? EASTCONN’s Employee Intranet now has handy departmental videos to help guide your search. Log in at www.eastconn.org/employee-area and navigate using the Departmental Menu on the right side of the landing page to view.
Badges Have you had the chance to check out the new employee I.D. badges? We’re in the process of giving all our EASTCONN staff a badge upgrade. If you’re interested in trading in your old badge for a shiny new one, send an email to Emily Waite at fingerprinting@eastconn.org. She’ll set up a convenient appointment for you at our Hampton location. During your visit, you’ll get your photo taken, and when you leave, you’ll be set with a snazzy new I.D. badge!
Human Resources Attention all staff! The 2023-2024 EASTCONN Employee Handbook is required reading. If you haven’t already done so, log in to ESS at your earliest convenience to review and acknowledge that you have reviewed the handbook. Instructions on how to acknowledge the handbook can be found in Staff Communications.
Big News from CIGNA SO MANY WAYS TO HELP MANAGE YOUR HEALTH Get to know the full value of myCigna.
Now it’s easier than ever to manage your health and make the most of your health plan on the myCigna® website and app.* From programs that help improve your health to tools that help manage your health spending, there’s so much you can do.
View, print and send ID cards
Find in-network doctors, hospitals and medical services
Compare quality of care information, including patient reviews from Cigna customers
Manage and track claims
See cost estimates for medical procedures
Use the click-to-chat feature to connect with a live Cigna rep
Feel better protected Cigna is as committed to helping protect your health information as we are to protecting your health and well-being. That’s why we take certain steps to enhance the security of your personal health information on myCigna.
Visit myCigna today. Not registered yet? Start here.** Download the myCigna App for your mobile device. Disponible en Español.
Scan the QR code with your phone, and make sure to have your ID card handy; you’ll need it to register.**
Never worry about misplacing your ID cards again. Log in to myCigna.com or the myCigna® app and tap “ID Cards” to save them to your digital wallet. * Actual myCigna features may vary depending on your plan and customer profile. ** Customers under age 13 (and/or their parent/guardian) will not be able to register at myCigna.com.
Offered by Cigna Health and Life Insurance Company or its affiliates.
The Apple logo is a trademark of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries. App Store is a registered service mark of Apple Inc. Android and Google Play are trademarks of Google LLC. Amazon, Kindle, Fire and all related logos are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc., or its affiliates. All Cigna products and services are provided exclusively by or through operating subsidiaries of Cigna Corporation, including Cigna Health and Life Insurance Company, Connecticut General Life Insurance Company, Cigna Behavioral Health, Inc., and HMO or service company subsidiaries of Cigna Health Corporation. The Cigna name, logo, and other Cigna marks are owned by Cigna Intellectual Property, Inc. 956262 a 07/22 © 2022 Cigna. Some content provided under license.
Executive Editor: Dona Prindle, Director of Marketing & Communications, dprindle@eastconn.org Editor/Writer: Michael Hamad, Communications Specialist, mhamad@eastconn.org Graphic Designer: Angela Dean, adean@eastconn.org EASTCONN Administration: Eric Protulis, Executive Director, eprotulis@eastconn.org EASTCONN, 376 Hartford Turnpike, Hampton, CT 06247, 860-455-0707 • eastconn.org
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EASTCONN EMPLOYEE UPDATE
Fall/Winter 2023
Don’t Miss This! EASTCONN Good News Minute
The Good News Minute is a short video (a minute, give or take) that is sent to your inbox on Fridays. Each week, we highlight some of the good work that’s happening within the agency. If you would like your program or event to be featured in a GNM, send your ideas to dprindle@eastconn.org.
The 2023-24 agency calendar was created using artwork contributed by the talented students at EASTCONN schools. Copies are available for a $5 suggested donation. All funds collected will be put toward the Herbert Arico Memorial Scholarship Fund. A longtime board member and past chairman at EASTCONN, Herb Arico dedicated his six-decade career in public education to the residents of northeastern CT. Use the QR code to view a playlist of previous EASTCONN Good News Minutes, or visit https://www.youtube.com/shorts/ RGElmfUQ5v8.
To order, mail your check made out to EASTCONN Calendar with “Herb Arico Scholarship” in the memo line to: EASTCONN Calendar 376 Hartford Tpke., Hampton, CT 06247
Finance Office Update 2023 W2s
Mileage Reimbursement Reminder
It’s nearly the end of the year, and our Finance Office will begin printing employee W2s after January 1st. To avoid delays, make sure that your information is correct before December 31st. Verify your name, address and social security number either on your check or in Employee Self Service (ESS), found on the Employee Intranet. Report any discrepancies to Sharlene Edwards in the Payroll office immediately. You can reach Sharlene at 860-455-1519 or sedwards@eastconn.org.
Do you submit mileage reimbursement forms? Has your license or auto insurance policy been renewed recently? EASTCONN requires all agency employees who use their personal vehicle(s) for agency business to submit copies of their valid, updated driver’s license and auto insurance certificate to our Finance department in order to receive mileage reimbursement. You can either email a scanned copy of both documents to Kerry Dexter at kdexter@eastconn.org or send paper copies to her through the interoffice mail system.
If you have any questions regarding the W2 process or have interest in the Direct Deposit benefit, please reach out to Sharlene.
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EASTCONN EMPLOYEE UPDATE
Fall/Winter 2023
EASTCONN Anniversaries Congratulations to all those who are celebrating an anniversary with us! 40+ Years Karen Schenck 42
Diane Gozemba 10 Kristin Hempel 10 Cheryle Hicking 10 Erica Leone 10 Thomas Maclean 10 Amy Margelony 10 Frances Mills 10 Jenisse Morales 10 Sarah Murphy 10 Anne Robinson 10 Heather Sansone 10 Andrea Messenger Wright 10
Teacher
30+ Years Kim Broad 37 Frederick Nieves 36 Karen Gregorzek 31 Donna Drasch 30 Ileana Nieto 30
Administrative Assistant Assistant Director of Transp. Instructional Assistant Bootcamp Instructor Early Intervention Specialist
20+ Years Tammy Lynn Shippee 29 Sharlene Edwards 28 Madeline Montalvo 23 Cynthia Chester 22 Kaitlyn Donahue 22 John Griggs 22 Michael Kolze 22 Diane Turkis 22 Cynthia Wells 22 Debb Wojciulewicz 22 Michael Ternowchek 21 Lorna Williams 21 Frank Grabowski 20 Tiana Sekoll 20
15 Years
Thomas Schenking 16 Ann Bedard 15 Daniel Boisvert 15 Tracy Gustafson 15 Sarah Mallory 15 Misty Murdock 15 Katherine Popovic 15
10 Years
Bethany Fernandes 11 Cortney Hyte 11 Rose Jaffery 11 Heather Plourde 11 Lance Plourde 11 Donald Courtemanche 10 Lisa Desmarais 10 Erin Dunn 10 Baron Faiola 10 Heather Fitzgerald 10 Eric Goldberg 10
Instructional Assistant Payroll Specialist Custodian Head Case Manager Teacher Maintenance Worker Teacher Senior Bookkeeper Assist. Dir. of Adult Programs Teacher Van Driver Van Driver Van Driver Instructor
5 Years
Whitney Behney 6 Donald Bond 6 Rebecca Breen 6 John Clauson 6 Christine Connell 6 Denise Flores 6 Ava Molnar 6 Elizabeth Acosta 5 Jose Santiago Ayala 5 Emma Boardman 5 Kimberly Bush 5 Jonathan Castro 5 Jennifer Connolly 5 Anne Davidson 5 Carol Espada 5 Tara Francis 5 Kathleen Haney 5 Ashley Kowalchuk 5 Terri Kruzyk 5 Suzanne Lynch 5 Suzanne Michaud 5 Holly Montecalvo 5 Jody Morrissette 5 Makilah Price 5 Denise Renfree 5 Michelle Smith 5 Rebecca Soucy 5 Jillian Taylor 5 Douglas Waddell 5 Richard Welden 5 Heather Weldy 5
IT Unit Manager Speech Language Pathologist Teacher Physical Therapist Principal Physical Therapist Teacher
Teacher Social Worker Educ/Behavioral Specialist III Dir. of Food/Hospitality Services Executive Chef Driver Aide CDL Driver Educ/Behavioral Specialist II Tutor Teacher Adult Education Teacher
Dir. of Early Childhood Init. Director of Adult & Comm. Serv. Instructional Assistant Intervention Specialist I Van Driver - Food Services Director of Special Services Administrative Assistant Case Manager Instructor Special Ed. Instructor HS Teacher Assist. Dir. of Adult Programs
School Counselor CDL Driver Director of Birth To Three Teacher Dishwasher Tutor Teacher Program Facilitator Safety & Training Coordinator Intervention Specialist II Director of Transportation Driver Aide Educ/Behavioral Specialist III Education Specialist Van Driver Instructional Assistant Food Service Worker School Counselor Cdl Driver HS Home Visitor Family Service Coordinator HS Teacher Aide Secretary Tutor Job Developer School Nurse Instructional Assistant Social Worker Job Coordinator Special Ed. Instructor Early Interventionist
EASTCONN New Employees Adult Education Programs Jenelle Abel Brenda Barnes Donna Ciesinski Joanne Demars Kelly Desnoyers Brett Jackson Austin Jamrow Adrienne Lumpkins
Sean Millane Abigail Norgren Yamilez Perea Gonzalez Michelle Pion Taegan Praytor Guadalupe Rodriguez Alysha Minaya-Torres Teresa Yank Erica Zeller
Head Case Manager Adult Education Teacher Adult Education Teacher Employment Specialist Stem Lab Driver Regional Coordinator Receptionist Substitute Teacher
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Substitute Teacher Employment Specialist Employment Specialist Internship Leader Employment Specialist Secretary Adult Education Teacher Substitute Teacher Human Services Navigator
EASTCONN EMPLOYEE UPDATE
Fall/Winter 2023
Early Childhood Initiatives Christine Adams Megan Andrzejewski Katrina Cote Julie Dawley-Hill Nicole Esposito Paula Gooslin Ayanna Huntley Michelle Ishler Stacey Johnson Jessica Provost Ann Perez Rajah Jaron Russell Patrisha Wishart
Debra Stevenson Sarah Theriault Emily Taft Kimberly Tattersall Belinda Vierra Kelly Villar Emine Yavuz
Early Intervention Associate Substitute Head Start Health Manager Early Interventionist EHS Teacher Early Childhood Specialist HS Teacher Aide HS Home Visitor EHS Teacher Aide Early Intervention Associate HS Teacher Aide HS Teacher HS Teacher Aide
Organizational Support Claudia Izzi Laura Lybarger Dorothy Howell Autumn Postemski Melissa Perry Emily Waite
K-12 Student Services Efrosini Arvanitis Carrieanne Belekewicz Ashley Bonagura Cailean Brown Yanira Ubiles Caballero Jacqueline Capron Kelli Carchidi Alanzo Cherrington Lindsey Cimino Candace Ciotola Kacie Converse-Butterfield Shannon Czerwinski Andrea Desrosiers Sarah Guilbeault-Desso Rylee Dombrowski Alexis Dudek Maude Eakins Jennifer Elshakhs Stephanie Furness Eduardo Perea Hernandez Carissa Gaugh Gregoreo Goode Porter Griffin Zachary Hall Antonia Heredia Alisha Herrick Allyson Hill Ryan Hill Kimberly Jackson Taylor Jax Sophia Kaitis Allison Keeling Edward Keleher Michael Lerner Taylor Lupacchino Morgan O’Malley Kimberly Malone Catherine Marois Suzanne Mcintyre Tina Morin Amaya Parker Matthew Pinney Brandon Plasse Emma Rategan Neida Rosado Melissa Shea Amanda Tierney Jaymie Shaw
Instructional Assistant Autism ABA Instructor Occupational Therapist Occupational Therapist Instructional Assistant Teacher Teacher
Leading & Learning
Special Ed. Instructor Autism ABA Instructor Autism ABA Instructor Instructional Assistant Instructional Assistant Instructional Assistant Service Coordinator Special Ed. Instructor Job Development Coordinator Instructional Assistant School Nurse Autism ABA Instructor Instructional Assistant Autism ABA Instructor Instructional Assistant Substitute Teacher Instructional Assistant Special Ed. Instructor Instructional Assistant Substitute Instructional Assistant Instructional Assistant Autism ABA Instructor Instructional Assistant Instructional Assistant Instructional Assistant Instructional Assistant Special Ed. Instructor Special Ed. Instructor Educ/Behavioral Specialist II Special Ed. Instructor Special Ed. Instructor Autism ABA Instructor Principal Teacher Instructional Assistant Educ/Behavioral Specialist II Instructional Assistant Instructional Assistant Special Ed. Instructor Substitute Teacher Instructional Assistant Special Ed. Instructor Special Ed. Instructor Teacher Administrative Assistant Teacher Substitute Teacher Instructional Assistant
Lauren Rodriguez
Technology Support Gregory Joiner Katherine Kraemer
Transportation
Rebecca Adams Charleton Barnes Bryce Bezio Daniel Bezio Marek Cierniewski Janelly Cruz Glenda Czmyr Leslie D’anna Gloria De Jesus Mejia Debera Donovan Kimberly Dyson Jazmin Gonzalez Lina Gordillo Michael Hall Ashley Ingles Laurie Lamb Cynthia Lavigne John Lucas Edwuardo Marin Michelle Muccio Nancy Neeld Giovanni Ortiz Leonard Oser Betty Pudlinski Apolinar Reyes-Mosquea Victor Robles De Jesus Priscila Rodriguez Antonio Ruperto Marixza Santiago Malasia Smith Jeffrey Thomas Walter Treschuk Gene Ward Susann Weeden Norma Wickiser Treasure Young
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Executive Assistant Grant Writer Coordinator Food Service Worker Food Service Worker Senior Bookkeeper HR Clerk
Director of Talent Development
Technology Specialist Technology Specialist
CDL Driver CDL Driver Driver Aide Driver Aide CDL Driver Van Driver Van Driver CDL Driver Driver Aide CDL Driver Assistant Program Coordinator Van Driver Van Driver Driver Aide Van Driver Driver Aide CDL Driver Van Driver CDL Driver Driver Aide Driver Aide Van Driver Driver Aide Van Driver Van Driver CDL Driver Driver Aide CDL Driver Driver Aide Van Driver Driver Aide Van Driver Driver Aide Van Driver CDL Driver Van Driver
EASTCONN EMPLOYEE UPDATE
Fall/Winter 2023
All Around EASTCONN
Snow Days
Get on the Bus!
Be sure to check with your supervisor or principal for school and program protocols for closings and delays. Also remember to watch your step in parking lots and on sidewalks on snowy days. Please be safe this winter!
EASTCONN Transportation is offering an exciting pre-holiday bus trip – free for employees and their families!
Employee Bus Trip - November 18 Candles & Crafts (or just Candles!)
2023-2024 Holiday Schedule
Bus 1: Old Deerfield Craft Fair* & Yankee Candle • 9:00 a.m. bus departs from Hampton for the Old Deerfield Craft Fair in West Springfield, MA • Lunch will be on your own at the Craft Fair • 1:30 departure for Yankee Candle in South Deerfield, MA • 4:30 leave for Hampton * There is a $5.00 per person PRE-PAID fee for the Craft Fair Bus 2: Yankee Candle • 9:00 a.m. bus departs from Hampton for Yankee Candle • Lunch will be on your own at Yankee Candle • 2:00 leave for Hampton
Thursday, November 23th - Thanksgiving Day Friday, November 24th - Day after Thanksgiving Monday, December 25th - Winter Break Tuesday, December 26th - Winter Break Monday, January 1st - New Year’s Day Monday, January 15th - Martin Luther King Jr. Day Monday, February 19th - Presidents’ Day Friday, March 29th - Good Friday Monday, May 27th - Memorial Day Wednesday, June 19th - Juneteenth
To sign up, go to www.eastconn.org/bustrip
... Faces of EASTCONN (Continued from Page 1) writer, but a literary genius. If you’re a fan too, let me know and we can start a Stephen King book club!
What brought you back to EASTCONN?
I loved EASTCONN and when I left, it was for an opportunity to try something new and different from the work I had been doing before. However, EASTCONN has always held a special place in my heart, so when this position was posted, I jumped at the chance and applied! I’m really delighted to be back in a role that I feel can make a real difference.
What is your favorite quote? I have two: “It always comes down to just two choices. Get busy living, or get busy dying.” – Stephen King, Rita Hayworth and the Shawshank Redemption. “Go that way. Really fast. If something gets in your way – turn.” – Charles De Mar, Better Off Dead
Share a fun fact about you that we would not know otherwise.
I’m a huge Stephen King fan. I think he’s not just a horror
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EASTCONN EMPLOYEE UPDATE
Fall/Winter 2023
EASTCONN School News
ART S AT T H E CAPI T O L T H EAT ER
PERFORMING ARTS MAGNET HIGH SCHOOL
ACT’s fall play, “The 39 Steps” by Patrick Barlow, will take place on Dec. 7-9 with nightly performances at 7 p.m. at the Capitol Theater in Willimantic. “The 39 Steps” is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals on behalf of Samuel French, Inc. Our annual Student Dance Company Showcase will be held on Jan. 12-13 with performances nightly at 7 p.m. ACT is currently recruiting students for Spring 2024 and for the 2024-2025 school year. Visit www.eastconn.org/act for details.
QMC is currently recruiting students for Spring 2024 and for the 2024-2025 school year. Head to www.eastconn.org/qmc for details. We will be hosting Prospective Student Night on Tuesday, Dec. 5 from 6-7:30 p.m. for anyone interested in joining our learning community. Meet some of our current students, learn more about our school, and get a tour of the campus. QMC students and staff: the award-winning Yearbook Staff has brewed up a spellbinding, in-school Halloween Extravaganza on Friday, Oct. 27 from 11:15 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Get artistic in the Craft Room, test your wits at the Sensory Bar (is it real or fake?), solve a Murder Mystery Adventure, groove out at the Halloween Dance Party and more! The second half, hosted by the QMC Jostens Renaissance Service Learning Group, brings class rivalries to life with challenges and contests that will test teamwork and class spirit. At the end of the event, winners of the Costume Contest and Advisory Pumpkin Decorating Contest will be revealed. Prizes and bragging rights await the champions. Don’t miss this opportunity to celebrate Halloween at QMC. Come in your best costumes and join us for a day of spooktacular fun. We can’t wait to see you there!
Save the Date!
EASTCONN’s Special Education Department is excited to host their first Art Gala on Friday May 3rd, 2024. Gala attendees will have the opportunity to view the art work of our talented students from our
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Educational and Vocational Center, Northeast Regional Program, Bridges Community School, and EASTCONN’s Transition Academy. Please save the date and be on the lookout for more details.
EASTCONN EMPLOYEE UPDATE
Fall/Winter 2023
#WeAreEASTCONN
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