Our Team

As Executive Director, Lisa Hammersley is the chief executive of the School and State Finance Project and is responsible for overseeing the direction, work, and external affairs of the organization. She is also charged with leading, supporting, and coordinating efforts to execute and fulfill the organization’s mission and goals while maintaining relations with state and local policymakers, organization funders, and other external stakeholders.

A veteran Connecticut budget and policy advisor, Lisa has more than a decade of experience, knowledge, and leadership in state budget analysis, policymaking, and legislative affairs. Lisa joined the School and State Finance Project as the organization's Deputy Executive Director in December 2018 after working in Connecticut’s legislative and executive branches.

Previously, Lisa served as a senior staff member for the Republican Caucus of the Connecticut State Senate for over eight years, including four years overseeing all of the Caucus’ budget and policy work as its budget director and chief legislative analyst. During her time working for the Caucus, Lisa analyzed state budgets and policy changes, formulated budget proposals, wrote legislation and amendments, and was instrumental in spearheading policy initiatives and working across the political aisle to pass legislation, including two bipartisan state budgets in 2017 and 2018.

In addition to her work in the Connecticut General Assembly, Lisa’s breadth of budget and policy experience includes nearly five years at Connecticut’s Office of Policy and Management (OPM), which serves as the governor’s budget office. During her time at OPM, Lisa worked as a budget specialist and analyst and was responsible for formulating portions of proposed gubernatorial budgets, presenting budget recommendations to policymakers, and prioritizing and recommending capital projects for Connecticut’s State Bond Commission.

Lisa holds a Master of Public Administration degree from the University of Connecticut and a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Government from Central Connecticut State University. She and her family reside in Southington, Connecticut.

One of the original staff members of the School and State Finance Project, Patrick Gibson specializes in quantitative public policy analysis, and serves as the organization's Deputy Executive Director for Data, Policy, and Special Projects.

As Deputy Executive Director, Patrick leads the School and State Finance Project’s data and policy teams and oversees the development of all the organization's data and policy content, including analyses of state, local, and federal data, and the development of accessible and informative tools and data visualizations.

Additionally, Patrick spearheads the organization’s work in providing custom data analysis for state and local policymakers and other external stakeholders, and works closely with the School and State Finance Project’s Executive Director and Deputy Executive Director for Communications & Operations to chart the organization’s strategic direction.

Patrick is also charged with leading and coordinating the organization’s consultant and fee-for-service work. In leading this work, Patrick has helped an array of partner organizations — including school districts, state working groups, nonprofits, and news publications — advance their missions and meet their goals and objectives.

Patrick holds a Master of Science in Public Policy and Management from Carnegie Mellon University, and a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Business Administration from Muhlenberg College. At Carnegie Mellon University, Patrick worked with a team to model the economic impact of a proposed brownfield redevelopment in Pittsburgh.

A member of the School and State Finance Project team since its founding, Michael Morton serves as the organization's Deputy Executive Director for Communications and Operations, and is responsible for overseeing all of the organization's communications, public outreach, and internal operations.

With expertise in public affairs, media relations, and communications strategies, Michael is in charge of the final development, production, and release of all materials produced by the organization, and is responsible for ensuring all materials are accessible and approachable for their specific audiences. Michael also manages the organization’s websites and coordinates all organizational messaging, legislative testimony, press releases, and public communication.

In addition to his communications roles and overseeing the organization's Government Relations and Community Engagement teams, Michael acts as a chief of staff for the School and State Finance Project's Executive Director. In this capacity, Michael manages all internal operations of the organization, leads the School and State Finance Project's strategic planning process, and assists the Executive Director in developing and monitoring the organization's budget and resources. He also works with the Executive Director and Deputy Director for Data, Policy, and Special Projects to develop the organization's policy priorities.

Previously, Michael worked for the global communications firm H+K Strategies and was a member of its public affairs practices in Washington, DC and Austin, Texas. At H+K, Michael was heavily involved in government relations, policy research, media relations, stakeholder engagement, and message building. Over the course of his tenure at H+K, Michael helped lead accounts for a prominent federal consulting group, an international tire manufacturer, and a leading company uniform supplier.

Michael holds a Bachelor of Journalism degree and a Bachelor of Science in Communication Studies degree from The University of Texas at Austin.

Erika Haynes brings to the School and State Finance Project decades of community leadership, parent engagement, and experience navigating the state’s public school systems.

In her role as Director of Community Engagement, Erika meets with parents, teachers, students, community leaders, and interested residents across Connecticut to help them better understand the state’s school finance system and how it impacts their communities. Erika regularly gives school finance presentations to community and school groups, and offers a number of workshops for those interested in learning more about education funding and how they can increase their civic participation. In addition to trekking around the state, Erika is responsible for developing and executing the School and State Finance Project’s community engagement plan, and for nurturing and maintaining connections in communities.

Erika is a former member of the Windham Town Council and has served as both a community representative on the Windham School Readiness Council and as a board member for the Windham Parent Network.

As a proud mother of four, Erika has experienced the gamut of Connecticut’s public school systems. In addition to homeschooling for a period of time, her children have attended local public schools and magnet schools. The journey of her children through school, and her unique experiences as both a community leader and parent, have fueled her passion for working with communities to support their students and schools.

Erika’s commitment to education and community is demonstrated through her past work assisting parents and guardians through special education Planning and Placement Teams (PPTs) and her founding of the Windham chapter of Blessings in a Backpack, a program that sends food home to roughly 500 Windham-area children each weekend.

Erika holds a Master of Education degree in Early Childhood Education from the University of Hartford and a Bachelor of General Studies degree from Eastern Connecticut State University. From 2000-2016, she also served as an adjunct professor at The Hartt School at the University of Hartford, where she led the nonprofit component for Performance Arts Management and Music Management majors.

With over a decade of experience in civic engagement, program management, and community development, Melanie Strout uses her knowledge and expertise to empower parents, build community knowledge, and help individuals make their voices heard on issues impacting students and schools.

As Community Engagement Manager, Melanie works in cities and towns across the state helping community members and organizations better understand Connecticut’s school finance system, and equipping them with the tools, knowledge, and resources to take action. Along with building and maintaining relationships with parents, community leaders, and other education stakeholders, Melanie helps craft and execute the organization’s community engagement strategies and works to develop partnerships across sectors aimed at eliminating education funding inequities.

Prior to joining the School and State Finance Project, Melanie held a number of leadership positions focused on education and engaging communities, including serving as the Director of Civic Engagement for the University of Bridgeport, where she managed the university’s community partnerships, oversaw its community work study program, established a campus food pantry, and implemented initiatives to increase student engagement in civic education programs.

Melanie previously served as District Manager for Junior Achievement of Greater Fairfield County where she managed the daily operations of Junior Achievement programs that reached over 7,500 students annually across four school districts within the Greater Bridgeport and Naugatuck Valley areas. Prior to her time at Junior Achievement, Melanie served as Associate Director of Education & Outreach for International Partners in Mission (IPM) and worked as a Service-Learning Coordinator for AmeriCorps VISTA, where she supported 300 teachers and 1,500 students in developing projects, grant-making opportunities, and community partnerships for service-learning initiatives.

Melanie’s commitment to service and community is also exemplified in her time outside of work. She currently serves on the board of directors for both the Greater Valley Chamber of Commerce and Junior Achievement of Greater Fairfield County. Previously, Melanie served on the boards of the Urban League of Southern Connecticut, Connecticut Young Professionals, the Connecticut Boys and Girls State Foundation, and FUEL (Valley Young Professionals). She also was a mentor with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Connecticut.

Melanie holds a Master in Public Administration degree from Fairfield University and a dual Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology and Anthropology from the University of Maine at Farmington.

Nisha Gandhi focuses on communicating the work of the School and State Finance Project in ways that are accessible, approachable, and easy-to-understand. With experience in communications, policy analysis, community relations, and education policy research, Nisha helps lead the development and execution of the organization’s communications strategies and oversees the organization’s digital engagement strategies, tools, and communications.

As Communications Manager, Nisha coordinates with the organization’s Community Engagement and Government Relations Teams to develop and execute legislative session advocacy plans and communication efforts, and she oversees the School and State Finance Project's social media channels and their content. Nisha is also tasked with producing interactive and educational materials for various stakeholder groups, and helps craft messaging and legislative testimony for advancing the organization’s mission, goals, and policy priorities.

Prior to joining the School and State Finance Project, Nisha worked as a policy consultant for the City of Providence where she helped create a backbone nonprofit organization to house information about the work of nonprofits across Rhode Island.

She also previously worked as a research consultant for the Providence Children & Youth Cabinet where she developed professional development trainings for teachers, parents, and administrators about best practices for building trauma-sensitive schools. Additionally, Nisha has served as the social media and communications coordinator for the organization Run for Something, which is a national nonprofit dedicated to providing resources for young, progressive candidates running for office.

Nisha holds a Master of Arts degree in Urban Education Policy from Brown University and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Education Policy from Quinnipiac University.

With experience in legislative affairs, public policy, and communications, George Sinclair brings valuable insight, knowledge, and a unique skillset to the School and State Finance Project. 

In his role as Government Relations & Communications Manager, George is charged with developing and implementing the organization's comprehensive government relations strategy. He is responsible for maintaining relationships with state and local policymakers, informing legislators about the work and positions of the School and State Finance Project, and ensuring the organization is aware of the latest legislative developments.

Additionally, George serves as a member of the Communications team and helps develop and execute the organization’s communication strategy, maintain the organization’s social media networks, draft legislative testimony and other written materials, and create various collateral materials to educate the public and key stakeholders about the organization’s priority issues.

Previously, George worked in the government relations practice of a Connecticut-based law firm where he connected organizations and businesses with the appropriate legislators in the Connecticut General Assembly. From this experience, George gained extensive knowledge about the legislative process and a wide array of public policy areas.

George also worked as an assistant clerk for the legislature’s Appropriations Committee, where he received significant first-hand experience in the state budget process. In addition to his legislative and government relations experience, George worked as a research assistant on Connecticut’s Racial Profiling Prohibition Project where he helped analyze statewide traffic stop data in order to identify potential disparities.

George holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Politics and Government from the University of Hartford.

With a background in data analysis and data visualization, as well as experience examining and evaluating retirement and benefit plans, Ashley Robles is a member of the School and State Finance Project's Data and Policy team.

Originally an intern for the organization while she pursued her master's degree, Ashley currently serves as a Senior Data & Policy Analyst where she is responsible for analyzing education funding and state finance data to help the organization create tools and resources that are transparent and understandable for users of all knowledge levels. She also frequently drafts policy briefings, reports, and other organization publications covering a variety of education finance topics.

Prior to working for the School and State Finance Project, Ashley worked for USI Consulting Group where she focused on defined benefit and defined contribution clients, and evaluated accounts and budgets for monthly benefit payments.

Ashley holds a Master of Public Policy from the University of Connecticut with a focus area of public finance and budgeting, as well as a Bachelor of Arts in Mathematics and Statistics from UConn.

A skilled analyst with expertise in descriptive and predictive analytics, Amber Martin specializes in policy analysis and qualitative and quantitative research.

As a member of the School and State Finance Project’s Data and Policy team, Amber helps analyze state, local, and federal data and works collaboratively to create interactive tools and visualizations that bring data points to life for all knowledge levels. She also help draft organization reports and publications on a variety of school finance topics.

Before joining the School and State Finance Project, Amber served as a policy analyst for the Rhode Island Public Expenditure Council (RIPEC), a nonpartisan, nonprofit public policy research organization. While at the RIPEC, Amber led a variety of functions including: conducting data collection and maintaining state and municipal finance databases; designing and preparing revenue and expenditure reports and budget impact analyses; researching and producing policy reports; drafting legislative testimony and issue briefs; and creating data sheets to inform community members, policymakers, and stakeholders on public policy issues.

Prior to her time at the RIPEC, Amber worked as a banker and then an analysis and reporting specialist at Citizen’s Bank where she designed and implemented analytic models to forecast foreclosure and real estate sales, reviewed legal documents, and produced monthly reports on inventory, sales, profits, and losses.

Amber holds a Master of Science in Data Analytics from Southern New Hampshire University as well as a Master of Environmental Anthropology from the University of Kent in the United Kingdom. She also earned her Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology from Rhode Island College.

With a background in community organizing, program management, and education policy, Sasha Davis brings a unique perspective and invaluable experience to the work of the School and State Finance Project.

As a Policy Analyst, Sasha helps research and develop policy proposals that advance the organization’s mission and goals. This work includes reviewing current academic and policy research, writing reports and policy briefings, and identifying best practices and possible solutions for addressing some of Connecticut’s toughest education funding and state finance challenges.

Prior to joining the School and State Finance Project, Sasha served as a community organizer and program manager for the Sheff Movement Coalition, which is a group of parents, students, educators, and community members working to ensure all students in the Hartford region have access to a quality integrated education. In this role, Sasha developed and oversaw a leadership program for middle and high school students called School Based Advocacy Teams. Before her work at the Sheff Movement Coalition, Sasha served in a variety of graduate assistant and research assistant roles at the University of Connecticut, and was a leadership facilitator for the Discovery Center in Hartford.

Born and raised in Connecticut, Sasha is pursuing a Ph.D. in Education Policy from the University of Connecticut, where she received her Master of Public Administration and a graduate certificate in Leadership and Public Management. She also holds a Bachelor of Arts in Leadership and Organizational Studies from Bay Path College and an Associate of Arts from Capital Community College. Sasha and her family reside in Berlin, Connecticut.

A former teacher with a dedication to creating an equitable education system for all students, Jeanette Luna is an experienced Policy Analyst with expertise in quantitative and qualitative education research.

As part of the organization’s Data and Policy team, Luna uses her research and analytical skills to help craft and advance policy proposals for more equitable, transparent, and student-centered education funding. Her work includes reviewing academic and policy research, writing reports and policy briefings, and executing and communicating independent, nonpartisan analyses.

Prior to joining the School and State Finance Project, Luna served as a Research and Operations Associate for the Thomas B. Fordham Institute, a nonprofit education policy think tank. While at Fordham, Luna helped develop and implement research plans, ran analyses, wrote literature reviews, and published op-eds and blog posts in a number of national and local media outlets. Luna also oversaw the planning of various operational tasks and fundraising.

Before entering the education policy and research world, Luna spent six years in public schools in Connecticut, including five years as a physics and math teacher at Achievement First Hartford Academy and one year in Branford Public Schools. In her last year of teaching at Achievement First, Luna received a Distinguished Teacher Award based on her students’ academic success and feedback from families, students, and colleagues.

Luna holds a master’s in Education Policy Studies from The George Washington University, where she served as president of the Education Policy Student Association, and a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics.

Darshni Patel brings experience in social media, communications, and public policy to the School and State Finance Project.

As a Communications Associate, Darshni is focused on engaging audiences, driving productive conversations, and growing the organization’s digital presence. Using her experience in social media, communications, and public policy, Darshni's work is centered around developing and executing the organization’s digital and social media strategies, along with creating accessible content to engage and inform stakeholders.

Prior to joining the School and State Finance Project, Darshni was a media specialist with Pam Stevens Media, a Library of Congress Labs Junior Fellow, and a LGBT+ Resident Advisor at George Mason. She also served as a legislative intern for New Jersey State Senator Vin Gopal.

Darshni holds a Bachelor of Arts in Public Administration, with a minor in Data Analysis, from George Mason University, where she was a member of the debate team and Pride Alliance. She has also served as a District of Columbia Area Public School Equity Volunteer and is the founder of the Piscataway Youth Progressive Organization, which focuses on uplifting and amplifying the voices of students in her hometown of Piscataway, New Jersey.

Madeline Peling uses her research skills, quantitative abilities, and passion for equitable education funding to drive meaningful change for students, families, and communities. As a product of the Connecticut public education system, she believes all students should be afforded the opportunity to receive a high-quality education that helps them reach their full potential and have a fulfilling, successful life.

As a Data Analyst, Madeline examines state, local, and federal education data, and collaborates with her fellow Data and Policy team members to develop reports, tools, and other resources that provide accessible school finance information to audiences of all knowledge levels.

Before joining the School and State Finance Project, Madeline worked as a Performance Audit Intern with Connecticut’s Auditors of Public Accounts. In this role, she conducted performance audits of state agencies and state-funded programs to ensure compliance with laws and regulations, use of effective practices, and implementation of internal controls. She also assisted in the development of detailed audit reports, including an audit of private providers of special education, which highlighted findings and provided actionable recommendations for improvement.

Madeline also previously served as an intern for Connecticut Lieutenant Governor Susan Bysiewicz, a substitute teacher in her local school district, and the president and secretary of the UConn Dance Company.

Madeline is currently earning her Master of Public Policy from the University of Connecticut, from which she holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and a Bachelor of Arts in History.

A graduate of Danbury Public Schools, Alia Alami is a senior at the University of Massachusetts Amherst where she is pursuing her Bachelor of Science in Mathematics with a concentration in statistics and data science.

As a Data Analyst Intern for the 2024-25 academic year, Alia works with the School and State Finance Project’s Data and Policy team to support research and policy development projects that help advance the organization’s mission of eliminating racial and economic disparities in Connecticut education funding.

Alia’s work includes performing quantitative and qualitative analyses, collaborating with team members on different initiatives, and helping maintain the organization’s internal data systems.

When she’s not in the classroom or analyzing data, Alia works as a lifeguard at UMass Amherst and is a conversation partner at the university’s Five College Center for World Languages, where she uses her fluency in Arabic to enhance language learners’ speaking abilities and cultural understanding.

Elizabeth Chu is the Executive Director of the Center for Public Research and Leadership (CPRL) at Columbia University as well as Lecturer of Law at Columbia Law School.

As Executive Director, Liz studies and supports education system transformation, leads CPRL’s overall strategy and day-to-day operations, and teaches CPRL’s Public Sector Structural Change Seminar. Most recently at CPRL, Liz served as Deputy Director, having previously held several roles within the organization over six years and helping to found CPRL as part of the inaugural cohort of students.

Before joining CPRL in 2014, Liz was an Assistant Professor of Practice at Relay Graduate School of Education, where she taught general pedagogy courses, designed and managed internal data collection systems, and performed research on school discipline, teacher preparation, and social-emotional learning.

Liz began her work in education as an English teacher in the South Bronx. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in English Language and Literature from Yale University, her Master of Science in Teaching from Pace University, and her a Ph.D. in Education Policy from Columbia University.

Kevin Booker Jr. is the founder of Booker Empowerment, LLC and has been an educator for many years. He is committed to uplifting and educating individuals. Kevin realized his passion for encouraging others who do not have a voice when he was 12 years old. At that young age, he committed to fighting for young people, understood the importance of helping others see their full potential, and dedicated himself to a life of seeking social justice.

Kevin went on to achieve various degrees through the support of his family and strong mentors. He now teaches college and high school level classes, trains men and women who have been sexually assaulted, facilitates leadership and diversity workshops, and lectures. In addition to being a former City Councilor for the City of New London, Connecticut, Kevin is a mentor and speaks publicly all over the country to encourage people to understand the power of education and using their voice to make positive change. He has a strong passion for encouraging others to stay positive through adversity and volunteers his time working with many individuals from various backgrounds. His motto is “Get comfortable with being uncomfortable.”

Curtis Eatman is the Finance Director for the Town of Hamden, Connecticut and has a passion for racial and economic justice. In his current role, Eatman oversees the town’s day-to-day financial activities, develops and manages the town’s budget, and provides expert counsel on long-term fiscal policy.

Prior to joining the Town of Hamden, Eatman served as Principal Legislative Fiscal Analyst for the New York State Senate, where he was a primary state budget negotiator for the Senate Majority, and as a Senior Legislative Fiscal Tax Analyst for the New York State Assembly’s Ways and Means Committee. Eatman also previously served as the Deputy Commissioner of Finance for the City of Schenectady, New York.

Curtis is an alumnus of Syracuse University where he received a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Communications and Rhetorical Studies, as well as a Masters of Public Administration from Syracuse's Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs. Curtis was a 2019 New Leaders Fellow, a 2010 Coro Fellow, and a 2009 Center for Progressive Leaders Fellow.

Carrie Schindele is Executive Director for The Peter and Carmen Lucia Buck (PCLB) Foundation, a New York City‐based family foundation. Since joining PCLB in March 2008, Carrie’s role has evolved as the Foundation has grown. Today, she oversees PCLB’s grant-making, which will total $31+ million this year, with a primary focus on K-12 education.

Previously, Carrie served for a decade in the development offices of several New York organizations, including The Salvation Army and The New York Public Library.

Carrie holds a Masters in Public Administration from New York University and a Bachelor of Arts in English and Theatre from Wesleyan University.

Zahava Stadler is Project Director of the Education Funding Equity Initiative in the Education Policy Program at New America. Her work focuses on the policies that govern how school funding is raised and distributed, how those policies affect the equity of the public education system, and how they intersect with issues including housing policy, wealth inequality, and systemic racism.

Before joining New America, Zahava was a special assistant at The Education Trust, where she led the organization’s work on state school funding policy. Previously, Zahava served as Director of Policy at EdBuild, which focused on school funding inequity, school funding formulas, and the connection between funding policy and interdistrict segregation. Prior to EdBuild, Zahava worked primarily on human capital initiatives supporting high-need schools and districts, including projects implemented as part of Race to the Top.

Zahava holds master’s degrees in public administration and education policy from the University of Pennsylvania and a bachelor’s degree in politics from Princeton University.