Community Advisory Board

Laurie Bajorek is the office administrator for a statewide labor union and proud mom of two college students.

Laurie has served Vernon Public Schools for over 15 years in a variety of roles, including: classroom volunteer, book fair chairperson, Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) leader, member of the Family School and Community Partnerships Committee, member of the Vernon Board of Education, and president of the Vernon Education Foundation. As part of her service and advocacy, Laurie has helped rally the Vernon community through the referendum process to restore $1,000,000 in proposed cuts to the school district's budget.

Laurie has over 35 years of experience in customer service in a variety of roles within the retail, insurance, tourism, and yoga industries, as well as more than 20 years in business support services (A/P, A/R, bookkeeping, etc.) for several small businesses and nonprofit organizations.

Additionally, Laurie has served as treasurer for two state representative campaigns, as deputy treasurer for a state senate campaign, and recently ran for mayor of Vernon.

Laurie continues to work toward a more equitable society where basic needs are met and all people are treated with dignity and respect.

Kathleen Callahan is the Policy and Civic Engagement Director for the Connecticut Cradle-to-Career Coalition and serves at the chair of her local political party in Stratford. Raised in a politically active family and immersed in civic responsibility from an early age, Kathleen is deeply committed to improving lives and communities through collective action and decision-sharing.

Kathleen has a Bachelor of Science in Engineering and spent over two decades as a software engineer before receiving a Master of Social Work. She thinks in relationships, systems, stories, and data, and she facilitates change by integrating all the necessary, available information.

Janice Cupee is a former member of the Stratford Board of Education. She advocates for academic excellence, equity, and a positive united district where all feel welcomed, heard, and seen.

She currently works as a digital marketing manager and earned a Bachelor of Science in Communications from Western Connecticut State University.

Justin Matley, founder of Black Oak Sound, is an award-winning Post Sound / Re-Recording Mixer, Sound Designer, and Music Director & Supervisor who works on a plethora of television, film, radio, podcast, internet, and experiential-based projects for the broadcast, news, motion picture, and advertising industries. Along with individual accolades and nominations, his projects have won dozens of awards, including Academy, BAFTA, Emmy, Cannes Lion, and Promax awards, and are featured across international festivals, broadcast networks, and digital media worldwide. He is also adjunct faculty at the University of Connecticut, Department of Digital Media and Design, where he teaches coursework in sound technology, and is a News and Documentary Emmy voter.

Serving his community, Justin is on the board of directors of local news website (Nancy on Norwalk); is the founder of a local education organization (the Norwalk Parents Initiative); and is on the Leadership Committee for the Norwalk Film Festival. He's an avid Red Sox fan, skier, amateur gardener, and lover of most things outdoors. Above all, his most important roles are as a husband and father to two amazing girls.

Keyla Medina is a proud Puerto Rican native who has called Bridgeport home since the age of 3. Alongside her husband, Keyla has raised three daughters, all of whom successfully graduated from the Bridgeport public school system and went onto college.

Keyla and her family are passionate advocates for children in Bridgeport and throughout Connecticut, championing quality education and tirelessly working to secure increased funding for schools. This commitment extends to their daughters, who have actively engaged with legislators and community leaders to advocate for improved services and funding in their schools.

Recently, Keyla's husband secured a seat on the Bridgeport Board of Education, marking a significant milestone in their ongoing efforts to positively impact the local education system. Undeterred, the couple continues to collaborate with the community, making lasting contributions to the lives of Bridgeport residents.

In her professional capacity, Keyla serves as the Senior Operations and Special Projects Manager for Make the Road, where she focuses on advocating for immigrant rights, workers' rights, and improved access to education, housing, and healthcare in low-income communities, with a specific emphasis on Bridgeport and Hartford.

Beyond her advocacy work, Keyla maintains a fun and athletic side as a former "All State" volleyball player. She actively participates in a Monday night volleyball team in Woodbridge, showcasing her dedication to both community engagement and a healthy, active lifestyle.

Grace Molina is an Assistant Director of Family, School, and Community Partnerships at Danbury Public Schools. She is an experienced director and manager with a history of working in childcare.

Grace earned received her Bachelor of Arts degree from Purdue Global University. She is currently pursuing her Child Development Associate certification.

Outside of work, she is the Vice Chair of the Danbury Collective and the Board Secretary of Danbury Youth Baseball.

Walter Morton is the Director of Government & Community Affairs for the Connecticut Energy Marketers Association. Walter has always been highly active within the community having served on the Hamden Board of Education, the Board of Directors for V.E.T.T.S, and the North Haven YMCA.

He is a member of the Connecticut National Guard and received his Bachelor of Arts degree from Penn State University.

Versha Munshi-South is a former teacher, instructional coach, and principal navigating the school system as the parent of two teenagers. Currently she's a Leadership Coach at a national education nonprofit, TNTP, supporting district and school leaders.

After graduating from the Parent Leadership Training Institute in 2021, she was inspired to run for a seat on her local board of education. She currently serves on the Stamford Board of Education in the role of Chair of the Teaching, Learning and Community Committee.

Versha is passionate about local politics and, in particular, supporting the campaigns of candidates from underrepresented groups.

Mark Olynciw is an experienced community program leader with a deep commitment to fostering community engagement and promoting educational initiatives. 

Currently, Mark serves as the GUIDE Program Manager at The Connecticut Hospice, Inc. where he supports a Medicare initiative for dementia care. Previously, Mark worked for the United Way of Central and Northeastern CT where he expanded early literacy programs and coordinated volunteer efforts.

Based in Hamden, Mark holds a Master of Arts degree in Teaching from Sacred Heart University, a Master of Arts in Political Science from the University of Chicago, and a Bachelor of Arts in Government from Cornell University.