Connecticut State Department of Education

Teacher of the Year Ceremony
Due to inclement weather, the Teacher of the Year Ceremony has been postponed to December 16, 2025 from 5-7pm. Doors will open at 4pm. The Ceremony will take place at the Bushnell Theater in Hartford, and the order of events will remain the same.

CT State Advisory Council for Special Education

Members

Student members wanted! Read the Student Recruitment Flyer

State Advisory Council for Special Education

Executive Committee
  • Susan Yankee, Chair, Parent
  • Jennifer Lussier, Vice Chair, Connecticut Parent Advocacy Center (CPAC) 
  • Nachi Bhatt, DCF
  • Bryan Klimkiewicz, CSDE (non-voting)
  • Jolie Medina, CSDE (non-voting)
  • Jeffry Spahr, Parent, Chair of Legislative Committee
  • Catherine Summ, ADS-BESBE, Chair of Membership Committee
Members
  • Mary Beth Bruder, Higher Education
  • Rep. Robin Comey, Connecticut General Assembly
  • Tom Cosker, Disability Rights CT
  • Nancy Decrescenzo, Judicial Department
  • Dawn Dickau, Paraeducator
  • Denise Drummond, Commission on Women, Children, Seniors, Equity & Opportunity
  • Lena Esposito, Parent
  • Lori Fortuna Parent
  • Mia Giontonio, Student
  • Rita Halkias, Department of Corrections
  • Allison Kopie, ADS
  • Dimpy Malvania, Parent
  • Joshua Martin, ConnCASE
  • Amy Messinger, Parent
  • Jonathan Metcalf, Parent
  • Goviana Morales, Parent
  • Stacey Palker, Parent
  • Cassandra Reilly, Charter Schools
  • Michael Scanlon, Individual
  • Jake Shumbo, Individual
  • Brian Smith, DDS
  • Louis Tallarita, CSDE/McKinney-Vento
  • Brandalyn Williams, Parent
  • Kim Williamson, CT SLHA
  • Missy Wrigley, Parent
  • Ana Wittig, CAPSEF
  • Tylar Young, Teacher