Monroe 2015 - Connecticut Association for the Gifted

SATURDAY, February 28, 2015
Masuk High School
1014 Monroe Tpke.
MONROE, CT 06468
Monroe 2015
12:00-12:45p.m. Check-in
1:00-4:00p.m. Program
 Fast-paced, hands-on workshops for students
in grades Kindergarten – 8th Grade
 Free parent & teacher program
 Free literature, resources, networking opportunities
 Exhibitors, camps, books, educational toy sales and more
REGISTER ONLINE AT CAG WEBSITE:
www.ctgifted.org (preferred)
Or REGISTER BY MAIL USING ATTACHED FORM
DEADLINE – February 13, 2015
REGISTER EARLY – FIRST COME, FIRST SERVED!
NO REFUNDS!
NO SNOW DATE If inclement weather,
please visit ctgifted.org for announcement
Minds in Motion Monroe is sponsored by the Summer
Institute for the Gifted, programs for gifted & talented
youth ages 5-17. For more information, visit
www.GiftedStudy.org
WHAT TO DO?
Any child interested in participating in these workshops is encouraged to attend. Please choose
workshops from your grade group. The workshops are assigned on a first come, first served
basis. *You must list at least 4 choices, 3 for grades 6-8. Every effort will be made to give
students their preference.
WE DO NOT GIVE WORKSHOP ASSIGNMENTS IN ADVANCE
You will be notified if there is a problem, and your enrollment will be refunded if there is no
space. Registrations can be mailed to the address listed on the form or completed online at
www.ctgifted.org.
*Priority registration for children of parents who volunteer!
CHECK IN BY 12:45 or risk forfeiting your child’s workshop assignment.
KEYNOTE ADDRESS & WORKSHOPS OPEN TO ALL ADULTS EVEN IF
YOUR CHILDREN ARE NOT ATTENDING THE PROGRAM
(Please pre-register online or use the attached form)
STUDENT SCHEDULE
12:00 – 12:45
CHECK IN
Grades K-1
1:00 – 2:00
1ST WORKSHOP
2:05 – 2:55
SNACK and BREAKOUT SESSION
3:00 – 4:00
2ND WORKSHOP
Grades 2-5
1:00 – 2:25
2:35 – 4:00
1ST WORKSHOP
2ND WORKSHOP
Grades 6-8
1:00 – 4:00
ONE WORKSHOP
PARENT/TEACHER SCHEDULE
12:55
CHILDREN TO WORKSHOP
1:00-2:30
KEYNOTE ADDRESS
(Please pre-register on form or website)
2:30-2:55
VENDOR SHOPPING
Resources, Books and Exhibitors
2:55-3:55
CHOICE OF WORKSHOPS
(Please indicate choice on form or website)
4:00
SIGN OUT/PICK UP CHILDREN
PRESENTED BY
MONROE ORGANIZED
VOTERS FOR EDUCATION
THE CONNECTICUT
ASSOCIATION
FOR THE GIFTED
and
Parents and educators from
the Easton, Monroe,
Newtown, and Trumbull
School Districts
GRADES K-1
(Students take two one-hour workshops – All K-1 children will participate in a one-hour breakout session between classes,
provided by Farrah Schultz of Crossfit for Kids, that will include a snack of nut-free pretzels and water.)
A Day at the Vet
Adventures in Archeology
Animal Groups
Come spend the day at an animal hospital! Look
at X-rays, bandage a hurt buddy’s injured paw,
dress yourself for “surgery” and meet a
professional “vet dog.” Find out what it's like to
be an animal doctor working at a veterinary
hospital.
Join Webb Mountain Discovery Zone for a fun and
exciting mock dig using authentic artifacts from
the Connecticut Museum of Natural History!
Experience the life and work of a real
archeologist, including proper protocols in digging
and how to assess our past history.
Learn all about the differences between
vertebrate and invertebrate animal groups.
Check out live animals (mammals, reptiles,
amphibians, birds and invertebrates) and use
props to identify, compare and contract
specific characteristics of our classroom
visitors.
Dr.Jeffrey Santee, Veterinarian, Countryside
Veterinary Hospital
Meg Ronk, Teacher, Webb Mt. Discovery Zone
Tricia Lombardi, CT Audubon Society
Game Time!
Creative Songwriters!
Join us for cooperative game play testing math, reading and critical
thinking skills in a fun team atmosphere. Children will explore a number of
Discovery Toys Family games that have won multiple special Toy and
Game Awards. Plus, see how some traditional games can be changed just
for the K-1 age group. Come play with us!
Drumming, singing, dancing and playing instruments are musical avenues
for creative expression. Together with your friends, you will help write and
create a new piece of music, helping with developing an idea, writing
words and creating a melody and putting it all together!
Jennifer Sokira, MMT, LCAT, MT-BC, Connecticut Music Therapy,
Waterbury
Kathy Gillis, Play Coach, Discovery Toys
GRADES 2-3
(Students take two ninety-minute workshops)
It’s Electric!
Going Buggy!
Explore the fascinating world of insects. Shrink
your mind to bug size as we study the
movements, eating habits, protective behaviors,
and the actual benefits of the amazing little
creatures that inhabit the world all around us.
An art project will be included, too!
Jean Mai, Science Snoopers, Ansonia
Color Explosion!
Learn all about the wonders of electricity while
performing electrifying experiments! Zap your
curiosity by lighting up a light bulb and use the
power of electrons to compete in a static
electricity race!
It's a Color Explosion! Get ready to dive into the
wonderful world of art by exploring multiple fine
art techniques and try your hand working with
canvas, paint, and much, much more.
Kim Henderson, Studio on the Move, Monroe
Milen Bedon, Museum Educator, Stepping
Stone Museum, Norwalk
Mathematical Quilting
Animals Have Middle Names!
Hear all about the mysteries of the Underground Railroad and how quilts
were used to communicate in secret. Explore patterns in quilts through
the investigation of geometric designs and create your own own “quilt”
using manipulative pattern blocks to transfer your design from imagination
onto paper.
Join the animal experts from CT's Beardsley Zoo, to explore, learn and
have fun as you dive into the fascinating field of taxonomy (animal
names). Meet and touch some amazing animals. Discover their unique
adaptations, and learn how they got their special names, just like all of us.
Barb Soch, Zoo Educator, Beardsley Zoo, Bridgeport.
Robyn Tedesco, Venturesoft, Monroe, CT
Exploring Outdoors
Artful Jewelry
Calling all naturalists, environmentalists, and outdoor enthusiasts! Join us
as we explore the surrounding biodiversity of our terrestrial and aquatic
biomes. Learn about both living and non-living things, sustainable living,
and how to take learning outdoors. Head outside (weather permitting) and
visit an aquatic biome (stream/pond), then return indoors to build your very
own eco column that you’ll be able to bring home and keep growing.
In this class we will explore various mixed media techniques. We will take
our inspiration from the world of art and nature to create a unique
necklace, a ring and a beautiful fabric cuff that will incorporate a multitude
of techniques. We will explore materials such as metallic paints, fabric,
vintage buttons, metal, glass, collage, clay, ink and recycled materials.
Each artist will take home full instructions so that they can replicate their
creations for family and friends.
Chris Treat, Teacher, and Kelly Pietro, Garden Coordinator, Monroe
Paula Scinto, Mixed Media Artist, Monroe
GRADES 4-5
(Students take two ninety-minute workshops)
Fold it Fast - Origami Fun
Dance for Musical Theater
Magic & Science Workshop
Out of nothing but sheets of paper, learn how to
design and create beautiful three-dimensional
crafts with your very own hands. Learn all about
the history of the ancient Japanese art of
origami in this fast paced, hands-on workshop.
Join a fun-filled transformation into the greatest
dancing baseball teams of all time as you learn
the choreography from the recent Masuk
production of "Damn Yankees!" See how all
styles of dance are connected, from ballet to
hip-hop! Then learn a dance from another
classic musical that was just made into a movie:
"Annie!”
How is a great magic trick like a science lab?
What do scientists, magicians, and detectives
have in common? You’ll learn some great tricks
that you can do anywhere; find out how to fool
your brain, and the science behind some very
cool illusions.
Cindy Herman, Elementary school teacher,
Monroe
John Pellino, Associate Director, Talcott
Mountain Science Center, Avon.
Kelsey Maiolo, Monroe Dance Academy,
Monroe.
Sound/Art Experiments!
Science of Perfume & Fragrances
Adventures in Creativity
Have you ever recreated your dreams with wire
and clay? Or made your own field recordings?
Explore sounds all around us, experiment with
making art, and create a Sound/Art minimasterpiece! Delve into the experimental and
surreal, as we look at several famous musicians
and artists and how they changed society by
how they approached making music and art. For
the adventurous and curious—try something
new!
Does that perfume in the mall smell good to
you? There’s a reason it does! Learn all about
the science of perfume. Understand how your
nose works, how fragrances are put together,
and even create your very own perfume!
Get creative! Have fun with the Creative
Problem Solving activities that encourage
creative thinking, decision making,
improvisation, and teamwork. Then we will apply
your creativity and skills to solve a unique
challenge that includes props, costumes, and an
original skit.
Erika Nomeland & Juliana Kofes, Fragrance
Specialists, Unilever, Trumbull.
Patti Cornell, CT Destination Imagination
Training Director, CTDI, Granby
Sarah Sherban, Sparkitivity
Fun With Computers
Pallet Painting
Discover the creativity you can use when working with computers! Bring
those school projects and your own creativity to life. From power points to
slideshows, scrap-booking to websites. Build new ideas with Google,
Animoto, Shutterfly, Weebly, and more!
One man’s junk is another man’s treasure! Repurpose discarded pallet
wood to create personalized pallet signs that reflect your own personality.
Sand the wood, paint the wood, distress it, give your sign an 'antiqued'
look, and stencil on your own design of choice.
Lisa Martinsky, Teacher, Monroe
Kelly Plunkett, 2nd Chance Restoration, Monroe
GRADES 6-8
(Students participate in one three-hour workshop with a break in the middle)
CSI Monroe
Chemistry Live!
Try working like a real forensic investigator! Dive into a laboratory
investigation using techniques to analyze fingerprint and blood evidence
found at crime scenes. Learn the different types of fingerprint patterns,
dust for and lift prints, analyze fingerprints found at a crime scene, and
match them to a suspect. Test for presence of blood and also analyze
blood spatter patterns.
Learn the foundations of chemistry through real chemical reactions. Witness
the properties of acids, bases, gases, and heat transfer through a number of
fun and fascinating chemical transformations. Experience the fundamentals of
matter and energy by actually seeing and participating in their interactions, and
start to think like a professional scientist as well.
Michael Massaro, MS, Director, Research & Development, Unilever
Diane Gaber, Science Teacher, Monroe
Connecticut Law & Order: Mock Trial
Video Production
Join a working attorney to learn all about all the aspects of a trial, including
pre-trial discovery, jury selection, opening statements, direct and cross
examination of witnesses and closing arguments. Students get to serve as
trial lawyers themselves and experience the world of the judicial system
first hand!
Learn all about video production, including planning, camera work and editing.
Record and edit video clips, add music, pictures, transitions, titles, and maybe
even special effects. Use green screen technology and industry-standard
software to create your own short film, and take home a DVD of your final
creation!
Matthew Hirsch, Hirsch Law LLC, Trumbull
Meghan Letko, Masuk High School, Monroe
Introduction to Acting
Want to experience the glamour of the stage? Learn some of the basic skills of the acting trade, including pantomime and characterization techniques. Find
out all about auditioning and the reality of moving beyond grade- and high-school drama productions, all while focusing on the craft of acting. Students should
wear clothes they can move about in comfortably.
David and Susan Halliwell, Two Planks Theater Company, Monroe
ADULT PROGRAM
KEYNOTE ADDRESS, 1:00-2:30 p.m.; WORKSHOPS, 2:55-3:55 p.m.
PARTICIPANTS CAN ATTEND KEYNOTE AND ONE WORKSHOP.
KEYNOTE ADDRESS: Supporting Your Child’s Creative Thinking
What is creativity (hint: it is not about art), why is it important for your child’s future in our rapidly changing world, and how can you support your
child’s creative thinking? Join author, teacher, educational consultant, and founder of Sparkitivity, Kathryn Haydon, on a journey through the landscape
of creativity; understand how it applies to everyday life and learning; learn how highly creative children might be misunderstood or misdiagnosed and
what to do about it; and gain some practical ideas to support rigorous creative thinking at home and at school.
Katie Haydon, the founder of Sparkitivity (www.sparkitivity.com), is an innovative educator and learning catalyst who fuses the art and science of
creativity into her work. She delivers inspiring, practical, interactive, and motivating workshops on integrating rigorous creative learning into the core
curriculum at schools nationwide, and provides ongoing mentorship to teachers, administrators, and families. She specializes in the practical
application of creative learning principles in the classroom, and engaging gifted, creative, or distracted students.
WORKSHOP #1: Power Struggles
Have you ever found yourself in a heated argument with your precocious child? Have you ever felt like you’re outnumbered or “out-thought” because of
the logic, reasoning, or emotions that they have used? What of those situations when a child simply won’t comply with directions, and no amount of
discussion seems to help? “Power Struggles” outlines the how and why of childhood manipulations and targets underlying causes such as fear,
boredom, anger, and even creativity. This workshop helps parents and teachers prevent struggles before they begin by identifying causes and offering
structured supports and tools for more positive outlets.
Kate Maupin is a gifted-education teacher and enrichment specialist in Connecticut, is the author of the book: Cheating, Dishonesty, and Manipulation:
Why Bright Kids Do It. She is an alumna of the National Research Center on the Gifted and Talented, at the University of Connecticut, Storrs, and has
worked with students throughout New England, as well as in China and Germany, before settling in Connecticut, where she works with students K-6
and lives with her husband, son, and far too many pets.
WORKSHOP #2: Powerful Strategies to Enhance the Learning of Gifted & Highly Capable Students
This workshop explores numerous, proven ways to reach advanced learners in challenging ways. The objective is to have participants leave with a
variety of new strategies and specific ideas to help pupils become better creative and critical thinkers. A variety of successful teaching and parenting
techniques will be shared. Bring your thinking caps and your funny bones.
Nathan Levy is a dynamic educator, author and speaker. He has been a successful teacher, principal, gifted coordinator and supervisor of instruction in
urban, suburban and rural school districts. In his role as consultant, Nathan continues to be a hands-on demonstrator of effective techniques for
educating children.
WORKSHOP #3: Creativity and Reslience
It is a commonly shared idea that music is "good for you" or that music "makes you smart." Jennifer Sokira, Board Certified Music Therapist from
Connecticut Music Therapy Services, LLC, shares some of the research behind these claims and provides practical strategies to incorporate music into
your family's daily life to enhance relationships, decrease stress and improve health.
Jennifer Sokira, MMT, of Connecticut Music Therapy Services LLC, Monroe, is a licensed music therapist with Connecticut Music Therapy Services.
She uses music therapy in various settings to help people with a wide variety of needs - physical, communicative, emotional and social.
WORKSHOP #4: What Adults Can Do to Raise Asset-Strong Youth
Assets matter! Using the Search Institute Attitudes and Behaviors Survey, this workshop will look at current local data to engage in an interactive
discussion on concrete ways that parents and other caring adults can help youth develop and strengthen Developmental Assets. We will discuss exactly
what assets are and why they are so important in keeping young people engaged and on the right track to a successful future
Denique Weidema-Lewis Director is a Director of Prevention at the Regional Youth Adult Social Action Partnership (RYASAP) a catalyst for social
change.
REGISTRATION FORM
Classes will be assigned on a first-come, first-served basis.
Every child K-5 will participate in 2 workshops. Students must remain for the duration
of the program, unless prior arrangements have been made. Students in grades 6-8 will
take one 3-hour workshop. You must make at least 4 choices, and up to 6.
(For Grades 6-8, please list at least three choices.) Please print clearly.
Register online at the CAG website: www.ctgifted.org
OR complete ENTIRE Registration Form and mail to: Minds in Motion,
c/o Masuk High School, 1014 Monroe Turnpike, Monroe, CT 06468
Child’s Name _________________________________Age______Grade______
Student Workshop Choices:
1) __________________________
4)______________________________
2)___________________________
5)______________________________
3)___________________________
6)______________________________
Child’s Name ________________________________Age_____Grade_______
Student Workshop Choices:
1) __________________________
4)______________________________
2)___________________________
5)______________________________
3)___________________________
6)______________________________
Child’s Name ________________________________Age_____Grade_______
Student Workshop Choices:
REGISTRATION FEES
CAG membership registration rates
may be used if already a CAG member
or if new or renewed CAG
membership is paid with registration.
CAG Member Registration Fee:
$25. Per child:
$______
CAG Annual Membership:
$15. Per family
$______
Non-CAG Member Registration
Fee:
$35. Per child:
$______
I wish to add a donation for
scholarships/programs $______
Total
$______
Please make checks payable to
CAG.
No child will be turned away due to
financial need. Please e-mail
mimmonroe@ctgifted.org to request
scholarships.
1) __________________________
4)______________________________
Registration online or by mail
Deadline:
2)___________________________
5)______________________________
Friday, Feb. 13, 2015
3)___________________________
6)______________________________
Workshops may be photographed or videotaped for MIM records and promotional
purposes (no names). If you do not want your child to be included, initial here____
NOTE: Children of parents/guardians who volunteer receive priority registration.
Will you commit to be an adult volunteer? _______ Grade preference _______
YOU WILL NOT NECESSARILY BE ASSIGNED TO YOUR CHILD’S WORKSHOP.
Register Early!
Workshops fill quickly!
First come, first served!
ADULT PROGRAM FREE
All adults are welcome!
Adult Volunteer Name: _________________________________________________
Email address (if different from below): _________________________________
Parent/
Email
Guardian Name________________________________ address: ___________________________________________
Address____________________________________________________________________________________
Cit
City____________________________________________State________ Zip Code_______________________
Telephone (Home)_________-__________-_____________Cell__________-__________-_____________
Emergency Contact ____________________________________Phone______ - __________ - ___________
Allergies or Special Needs____________________________________________________________________________
Keynote Address & Adult Workshops are free; pre-registration required. (Circle what you will attend.)
Adult #1: Keynote Workshop # 1 2 3 4
Adult #2: Keynote Workshop # 1 2 3 4
ABOUT MOVE
ABOUT CAG
Monroe’s Organized Voters for Education
(MOVE) is a local, non-partisan, parent and citizen
advocacy organization dedicated to the promotion of
education and educational issues in a fiscally
responsible manner.
Through its website, www.monroevoters.com,
mailing list, Facebook page, and other social media,
MOVE disseminates information to the local
population regarding the annual referendum process
and the town budget’s impact on local schools.
As a concerned civic organization, MOVE is
proud to sponsor “Minds in Motion” and to do its
part in helping support excellence in education for all
students. MOVE encourages others to support
education by getting involved, learning about the
issues, and letting their voice be heard.
If you would like to learn more about MOVE or
to get involved yourself, please visit our website or
contact us at monroevoters@gmail.com.
The Connecticut Association for the Gifted is a
non-profit organization founded in 1969 that supports
the needs of gifted and talented children across
Connecticut. In addition to sponsoring the “Minds in
Motion” events, CAG provides parents, teachers, and
other educators with information and resources to
help in parenting and educating gifted children.
As a member, you will receive regular enewsletters, e-updates and free webinars on timely
topics of interest. Through the CAG Professional
Development Program and Teacher Resource Group,
educators receive the latest information on meeting
the needs of gifted students.
CAG also works with the legislature and the
State Department of Education to advocate for gifted
and high-potential students, and is an affiliate of the
National Association for Gifted Children.
Please join CAG and make a difference in a
student’s life. For more information, and to become a
member online, visit www.ctgifted.org, or contact us
at info@ctgifted.org, or 203-291-6586.
Directions to Masuk High School, 1014 Monroe Tpke., Monroe, CT 06468
From I- 84
P.O. Box 2598, Westport, CT 06880
Take Exit 11 off I-84 East or West (Derby, New Haven, Route 34). Make a right at the bottom of the ramp and
stay in the right lane. At the next light, make a right onto Route 34 East; continue for 5 miles. Turn Right onto
Route 111. Masuk High School is located on your left in 3 miles.
From Wilbur Cross/Merritt Parkway (both north and southbound)
Take Exit 49N (Danbury) to Route 25 North. Continue 5 miles to the intersection of Route 111 North. Make a
right turn on Route 111. Masuk High School is located on your right in 4.5 miles.
From I-95 (both north and southbound)
Exit 27A (Route 25N) follow to end of expressway. Turn right onto Route 111 North. Masuk High School is
located on your right in 4.5 miles.
Your Minds in Motion Presenters
Minds in Motion is made possible through the efforts of volunteer parents, educators, and community
from the Easton, Monroe, Newtown, and Trumbull school districts, and beyond. Please take a moment to
thank them for donating their time to provide a valuable experience for children in our area.
Milen Bedon is a Museum Educator at the Stepping Stone Museum, Norwalk, CT. Contact at
milen@steppingstonemuseum.org
Patti Cornell is the Training Director at Connecticut Destination Imagination in Granby, CT.
Diane Gaber is Science Teacher in the Monroe Public Schools, Monroe, CT.
Kathy Gillis is a Play Coach at Discovery Toys, in Trumbull, CT.
*Katie Haydon is the founder of Sparkitivity (www.sparkitivity.com/) and is a published author on creativity, gifted, teaching,
parenting, serving the Latino population, and early foreign language instruction. She recently co-authored Discovering and
Developing Talents in Spanish-Speaking Students (Corwin Press, 2012). She serves on the Torrance Legacy Creative Writing
Awards committee for the National Association for Gifted Children. A graduate of Northwestern University with a major in
Hispanic studies and a minor in economics, Kathryn holds a graduate certificate in Creativity and Change Leadership and is a
master of science candidate in Creative Studies at the International Center for Studies in Creativity at State University of New
York, Buffalo. In 2014, she was the recipient of the Mary Murdock Creative Spirit Award.
David & Susan Halliwell are the Artistic and Creative Directors of Two Planks Theater Company, a regional professional
theater company based in Monroe. Information on its 2014-15 Main Stage season, as well as its 2015 Summer Theater
Workshop for students 9-18, can be found online at www.twoplankstheater.org.
Kim Henderson is with Studio On The Move, a traveling art studio that provides enriching art classes for individuals of all
ages. Studio On The Move will bring the art experience to you.
Cindy Herman is a classroom teacher in Monroe who engages students at all levels with hands-on lessons.
Matthew Hirsch is an attorney at Hirsch Law LLC, in Trumbull, CT.
Juliana Kofes is a fragrance specialist in the area of personal care products for Unilever in Trumbull, CT.
Meghan Letko is a teacher at Masuk High School, in Monroe CT.
Tricia Lombardi is a teacher and naturalist with the Connecticut Audobon Society- tlombardi@ctiaudobon.org
*Nathan Levy is a dynamic educator, author and speaker. He has been a successful teacher, principal, gifted coordinator and
supervisor of instruction in urban, suburban and rural school districts. In his role as consultant, Nathan continues to be a
hands-on demonstrator of effective techniques for educating children. Mr. Levy currently tours internationally sharing his
expertise and knowledge. He has written more than forty books that are used in thousands of classrooms and homes on six
continents. His books include Not Just Schoolwork , Write from the Beginning, There Are Those, the Whose Clues,
Intriguing Questions and the famous Stories With Holes series. His newest books, Creativity Day By Day, Thinkology ,and
Thinking and Writing Activities for the Brain have been well received by educators and parents. nlevy103@comcast.net
Jean Mai is with Science Snoopers, Ansonia, CT. which visits schools and libraries to introduce children to both the simplicity
and complexity of the world of science. jlmai@yahoo.com
Kelsey Maiolo is an instructor at the Monroe Dance Academy, in Monroe, CT.
Michael Massaro M.S. is a Global R&D Director for Skin Care Products for Unilever in Trumbull CT.
Nicole Mattioli is with Expressions Art Lessons, ExpressionsArtLessons Art/Facebook.com, (203) 673-6664, Twitter:
Expressions Art Lsns @NicoleMattioli1
*Kate Maupin is a gifted-education teacher and enrichment specialist in Connecticut, is the author of the book: Cheating,
Dishonesty, and Manipulation: Why Bright Kids Do It. She is an alumni of the National Research Center on the Gifted and
Talented, at the University of Connecticut, Storrs. Maupin worked with students throughout New England, as well as in China
and Germany, before settling in Connecticut, where she works with students K-6 and lives with her husband, son, and far too
many pets.
Lisa Martinsky is a teacher in the Monroe Public Schools, Monroe CT.
Erika Nomeland is a fragrance specialist in the area of personal care products for Unilever, in Trumbull CT.
John Pellino is the Associate Director of the Talcott Mountain Science Center, in Avon, CT.
Kelly Pietro is a volunteer garden coordinator for the Monroe Elementary School, Monroe, CT.
Kelly Plunkett is the owner of Second Chance Restoration, a furniture restoration business, in Monroe, CT.
Meg Ronk is a teacher at the Webb Mt. Discovery Zone, Monroe, CT, and can be reached at info@webbdiscoveryzone.org
Jeffrey Santee is a veterinarian at Countryside Veterinary Hospital in Shelton, CT.
Paula Scinto is a mixed media artist originally from England who has been published in several magazines and books.
Paula.scinto@vishay.com
Sarah Sherban is a musician and educator who has been instrumental in the Ignite Creative Learning Studio laboratory with
Sparkitivity.
Jeff Shook is with the Talcott Mountain Science Center, in Avon CT. jshook@tmsc.org
Barb Soch is a Zoo Educator, at Beardsley Zoo, in Bridgeport, CT.
*Jennifer Sokira is a licensed music therapist with Connecticut Music Therapy Services. She uses music therapy in various
settings to help people with a wide variety of needs - physical, communicative, emotional and social. Her therapy can be
employed in a variety of settings including schools, homes, nursing homes, private practice, rehabilitative settings and many
others. Her mission is to improve lives and maximize potential, no matter what that means to each individual with whom she
works. jen@ctmusictherapy.com
Robyn Tedesco is with Venturesoft in Monroe, CT as well as a teacher in Stratford Public Schools.
Chris Treat is a 4th grade teacher at Monroe Elementary School, Monroe, CT.
*Denique Weidema-Lewis is a Director of Prevention at the Regional Youth Adult Social Action Partnership (RYASAP) a
catalyst for social change.
*Adult Workshop speaker