Meet Our Team
The Board, Executive Leadership, and Staff at the Stonington Community Center are dedicated to delivering on our mission to inspire a welcoming, collaborative, and engaged community. Through their commitment and energy, they help foster intellectual growth, active play, and creative expression, ensuring that the COMO remains a vital resource for all.
Board of Directors
- President: David Dyer
Vice President: Carole Nossek
Treasurer: Jill Corr
Secretary: Beth Chapin, Liz Power
Dave Appleman
Matt Berger
Jessica Bradley
Nicole Jones
- Brian Griffiths
Valerie Kelsey
Breck Perkins
Carol Scheman
Norton Wheeler
Our Team
Executive Administration
Matthew Haugen
Ph.D, Executive Director
Dr. Haugen leads the community center as Executive Director. Matthew, an alumnus of Kenyon College with a bachelor’s degree in political science, holds a Ph.D. from The University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, where he was a Fulbright Scholar in Kinesiology, Cultural, Interpretive, and Science Studies. He also holds an M.Ed. in Education, Curriculum and Instruction from Boise State University. Matthew has coached numerous Division I and Division III college teams; most recently he has been the Assistant Women’s Tennis Coach at Brown University. He previously worked as Head Tennis Coach for the Chinese government’s Olympic Development Program in Hebei Province. He lives with his wife, Roz, and son, Austin, in Westerly and enjoys hiking, traveling, spending time at the beach and watching Texas Longhorn sports in his spare time.
Liz Leonard Theodore
Chief Operations Director
Liz plays a multifaceted role for the COMO overseeing financials and Thrift Store operations. She graduated cum laude with a B.S. from UMass Amherst, after which she moved to Stonington and never looked back! She came to the COMO with 20 years of retail management experience, and nearly 10 years of experience in the financial industry. In her spare time Liz likes to be crafty and creative with projects, spend time with her husband and cats, and spend time at the beach.
Mary Ann Barker
Member Relations/Office Coordinator
Mary Ann works as the office coordinator at the COMO welcoming and assisting members, managing payments, and processing program registrations. She holds an associates degree and has almost 30 years experience working in a nonprofit community setting. In her free time, Mary Ann enjoys kayaking, gardening, and volunteering with Stonington Youth Football & Cheer.
Advancement & Marketing
Kathy Adami
Advancement Director
Kathy oversees marketing and development activities at the COMO. She previously held the position of Advancement Associate. Prior to joining the COMO, she worked as a scientist within the government sector supporting environmental initiatives and community education campaigns at D-Max Engineering and KCI Technologies, Inc. Kathy holds a B.A. from the University of Delaware in Environmental Studies with a concentration in Law, Policy and Politics. Kathy loves hiking, traveling, and trying new recipes in her free time.
Ezra Valentin
Marketing & Communications Strategist
As Marketing & Communications Strategist, Ezra works on the COMO Development Team to create and implement creative marketing plans to reach our goals each season. He utilizes our digital presence and local network to tell our story and welcome the community to the COMO! Ezra holds a BA in Digital Media & Design from the University of Connecticut and his prior marketing experience includes working as a Social Media & PR Specialist. He enjoys hiking, volunteering, and painting.
Holly Mangan
Graphic & Social Media Designer
Holly works as a part of the development and COMO Thrift teams focusing on graphic design and branding. She previously held the position of Office Coordinator. Holly holds a BFA from The Lyme Academy of Fine Arts and past work experience includes: Administrative/Marketing, Fine Arts Instruction and Retail Sales, Merchandising and Display. In her free time she likes to paint, craft, go vintage shopping, and see live music.
Athletics
TJ Faeth
Athletic Director
TJ oversees all athletic programs at the COMO. He is passionate about the advancement and development of athletes from the beginner to professional level, in which he has experience as a coach and sport-specific skill trainer, as well as experience as a program director with various non-profit organizations. TJ holds a B.S. in Sports Management from the University of Connecticut where he worked with the men’s and women’s basketball programs, as well as an M.S. in Sports Management from Southern New Hampshire University. In his free time, he enjoys playing basketball, running, and volunteering in charity events.
Jerry & Beth Albrikes
Racquet Pro & Administration
While teaching and coaching racquet sports full time for the past 25 years, Jerry has worked with multiple world, national and college ranked players, including his mentor, world renowned coach, Nick Bollettieri. Jerry and his staff raised the level of tennis in the area by leading a tennis revival from the years 2000-2010 at Mystic Indoor Tennis. In 2017, Jerry was inducted into the New England Tennis Hall of Fame. Jerry is excited to continue raising the energy and level of platform and tennis at the Stonington Community Center.
Chris O’Brien
Assistant Paddle Pro
Chris O’Brien
Assistant Paddle Pro
Chris, USPTR certified in pickle & tennis, instructs racquet sports on the COMO Courts, working alongside Jerry Albrikes since 2021. His experience includes working as a Collegiate Tennis & Squash Coach for 24 years, most recently at Connecticut College. He was also the Summer Director of Tennis & Pickle at Mason’s Island Yacht Club. He resides in East Lyme with his wife and three teenage children.
Education
Priscilla Rouquayrol
Education Director
Priscilla oversees operations for the COMO’s education department which includes our nationally accredited preschool, before and after school programs, summer camp, vacation programming, and COMO Leadership. Serving as the COMO’s Education Director for over 10 years, she is passionate about teaching and is committed to providing positive, engaging learning experiences and opportunities for our community. Priscilla holds a B.A. in Multidisciplinary Studies from Castleton University, graduating magna cum laude and receiving the Academic Excellence Award for the University’s Education Department, with a licensure in Elementary Education and an English concentration. She lives with her husband and daughter and loves to adventure with her family outdoors – especially at the beach.
Olga Popova Callahan
Associate Education Directorr
As Associate Education Director, Olga plays a big role in the curriculum development for COMO Programs including the COMO preschool where she also serves as head teacher. Before joining the COMO team, Olga worked as a preschool teacher, teacher trainer, an adjunct professor of Early Childhood Science, and as a curriculum consultant for Head Start programs. Olga holds B.A. in Teaching English and German Languages from Pomor State University in Russia, and M.S. in Early Childhood Education from Bank Street College in NYC. Olga lives with her husband and two children and enjoys hiking, reading and developing educational products for young children.
Dave Carter
Program Administrator for School Age & Adult Enrichment
Dave is part of the COMO Kids & Camp COMO teams as the Program Administrator for school-age and adult programming. He holds a B.A. from Clark University in History and an M.S. from Eastern Connecticut State University in Educational Studies. He is also working toward an M.A. in Public History at Central Connecticut State University. Dave has spent many years working with all ages of youth from kindergarten through high school as a substitute teacher, museum educator, and most recently a program assistant at the Mystic Seaport Museum. He lives in Groton and enjoys watching movies with his partner, playing with his cat, and exploring the outdoors.
Amy Watson
Preschool Coordinator & Lead Teacher
As a member of our preschool and COMO Kids team, Amy implements a curriculum to encourage the growth and development of young minds and hearts. Prior to joining the COMO, Amy worked in education as a Preschool Prep Teacher and a Preschool Teacher. She graduated cum laude from Eastern CT State University with a BS in Physical Education Studies and minors in Health and Sociology. She recently earned her associate degree in Early Childhood Education. Amy enjoys exploring nature with her dog, Sakari, on the weekends.
Ashley Fogarty
Lead Teacher
Ashley Fogarty
Lead Teacher
Ashley is excited to be part of the COMO team as a Lead Teacher. She holds a Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and a Bachelors in Interdisciplinary Studies. Before joining the COMO, Ashley interned at Thames River Magnet School, where she supported students in grades K–5 with social and emotional learning. She also has experience as an assistant preschool teacher. In her free time, Ashley enjoys going to the beach and spending time with her friends and family.
Aniya Moody
Co-Teacher
Aniya is a member of our preschool and COMO Kids team. She holds an associates degree and is working on her bachelors in Psychology from Charter Oak College. She recently worked as an Assistant Teacher at the Coast Guard Child Development Center. In her free time, Aniya is an avid reader and enjoys spending time with her younger sister.
Theresa Reynolds
Co-Teacher
Theresa is an excited member of our Preschool team. She holds a B.A. in Psychology minoring in Human Development and English, from UCONN. She graduated summa cum laude. She recently acquired her RBT license this past year while working at an autism clinic. Theresa lives in Westerly, which she takes full advantage of in the summer, going to the beach with a book in hand during her free time.
Anna Stacy
Co-Teacher
Anna Stacy
Co-Teacher
Anna joined us as a camp counselor and is now a member of our preschool and COMO Kids teams. She holds an Associates Degree from SUNY Jefferson and is continuing her education with Charter Oak. Anna previously worked as a paraprofessional. Her native language is German. In her free time she likes to be creative, cook, go outdoors and be active with her children.
Pottery and Arts
Emma Pons
Pottery Studio Manager
Emma graduated summa cum laude with a B.F.A. in Ceramics from Central CT State University. She was introduced to working with clay in high school and hasn’t stopped since! She has extensive expertise in managing studio operations, including inventory, equipment maintenance, and safety protocols, and is passionate about creating a positive and engaging environment for students and artists alike. When she’s not at the studio she is usually still thinking about what to make next, or relaxing at home reading and playing video games with her cat.
Justin Gerace
Pottery Instructor
Justin Gerace
Pottery Instructor
Justin is an instructor of ceramics at Salve Regina University in Newport, RI, and has a K-12 Art Education certification and B.F.A. in ceramics both from New Hampshire Institute of Art, as well as a M.F.A. in ceramics from Bowling Green State University. Justin has exhibited his work nationwide, and is currently represented by Spectrum Gallery in Essex, CT and Creative Hands Gallery in Cape Cod, MA.
