MXCC - Key Persons


Adam Floridia

Job Titles:
  • Professor, English

Alan Kain

Job Titles:
  • Personal Risk Specialist, USI Insurance Services

Alison Nicklas

Job Titles:
  • Member of the Health Information Management Team
  • Region Director, HIM St. Francis Hospital & Medical Center, Trinity Health of New England

Amy Desson

Job Titles:
  • Executive Producer, WFSB ( Broadcast Journalism Adjunct )

Amy Levensaler

Job Titles:
  • Credentialed Veterinary Technician, Veterinary Technician Specialist ( Anesthesia and Analgesia )

Andrea Gurmankin Levy

Job Titles:
  • Professor & Program Coordinator, Psychology
Professor Levy earned a doctorate in psychology and a master's degree in bioethics from the University of Pennsylvania. She was previously a professor at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard School of Public Health and at the University of Saint Joseph. She also holds a bachelor of arts in biology and society from Cornell University. Her research focuses on the miscommunication between health care providers and patients. She has conducted studies demonstrating significant gaps between what the provider communicates and what the patient hears. She recently conducted a series of studies that are revealing a significant number of patients deliberately withhold important medical information from their health care providers (e.g., being depressed or suicidal, taking a certain medication, using drugs or alcohol, etc.), and that their reasons for doing so include being embarrassed, not wanting to be judged or lectured, and not wanting to have to make a difficult change, etc. When patients do not understand information from their providers, and when providers do not have accurate information from patients, suboptimal medical decisions may be made, and it is this concern that motivates Andrea's research. In the classroom, Dr. Levy focuses her teaching on topics such as social psychology, judgment and decision-making, health psychology and research and writing, because of the significant value and broad applicability that these topics have to students' lives. For example, by teaching students about common errors and biases in judgment and decision-making, she can improve students' decision-making in their lives as students, friends, partners, consumers, employees, (future) employers and patients. More generally, she pushes her students and holds them students to a high standard, but does so while holding their hand every step of the way and making the classroom a casual and fun environment. And the academic and personal growth that students experience as a result of their efforts is deeply rewarding for both her and them. Dr. Levy is affiliated with the Society for the Teaching of Psychology and the American Psychological Association. When she's not working, she is raising her two daughters. When time permits, she loves to play sports, read and be with friends.

Ann-Marie Barone

Job Titles:
  • Member of the Health Information Management Team
  • Director, HIM, Blackstone Valley Community Health

Annie Scott

Job Titles:
  • Director of Information Technology

Anton Pettiford

Job Titles:
  • Guided Pathways Advisor I

Arlen Aceto

Job Titles:
  • Program Director, Middlesex Community College

Ashley Raithel

Job Titles:
  • Associate Professor, English
Ever since Ashley Raithel was a little girl, she devoured books. She read books from many different genres, lounging on the beach during the summer lost in fictional worlds. It's no surprise that she became an English professor, but her path to getting there was not linear. When Ashley graduated high school, she was not sure what she wanted to do with her life. She ended up going to cosmetology school and became a hair dresser. After working as a hair dresser for about a year, she realized she did not have the patience - or the skill, for that matter - to continue cutting and styling hair. She decided it was time to go to college, and started as a veterinary technology major at Mount Ida College in Newton, Massachusetts. Alas, veterinary technology did not suit her either. However, she took two freshman English courses and had the epiphany she had been waiting for - of course she should be an English major! Reading was her passion! The English major was fairly new at Mount Ida, and Ashley was the first English major to graduate summa cum laude from the program. She remembers spending hours in her professors' offices, discussing literature and life, and realizing that she wanted to spend the rest of her life on a college campus. After Mount Ida, Ashley went on to Simmons College in Boston, Massachusetts to earn her master's degree in Literature. She worked for six years as an English adjunct professor at Mount Ida College, Eastern Nazarene College, Quincy College, Southern Connecticut State University, Eastern Connecticut State University, and Three Rivers Community College before becoming full time at Middlesex. Because of her nontraditional career path, Ashley understands the complicated choices that college students have to make about their future. She tries to instill in her students a love of reading and writing, because those two skills will help in any career path, as well as life more generally.

Azriel Gorski

Job Titles:
  • Undergraduate Coordinator, Forensic Science, University of New Haven

Betty Riedinger

Job Titles:
  • Science

Bibiana (Bibi) Von Malder

Job Titles:
  • Member of the Health Information Management Team
  • HIM Director, past President MaHIMA, Sturdy Memorial Hospital

Bill Ward

Job Titles:
  • Middletown Mentor Team Leader, Southeastern CT SCORE

Brandi Kay

Job Titles:
  • Director of Operations, Harvey & Lewis Opticians, Hartford, CT

Bryan Goh

Job Titles:
  • Asst. Professor of Ophthalmic Design & Dispensing, Middlesex Community College

Bus Trip

Job Titles:
  • Administration & Finance

Carol-Ann Myers

Job Titles:
  • Controller, BrandTech Scientific, Inc

Carolyn Innocenzi

Job Titles:
  • Evening Administrator, MxCC@Platt

Carrissa Williams

Job Titles:
  • CEO, Small Victories Wellness

Chris Dibble - Chairman

Job Titles:
  • Chairman
  • Member of the Officers Team
In Spring 2020, the MxCC Foundation welcomed new board member Chris Dibble of Middletown. Chris successfully co-founded two start-ups and worked in the financial services industry before building a practice as a financial advisor at Morgan Stanley in Madison. He believes that goal-focused planning, straightforward advice, and dedicated personal service helps families and institutions, build and preserve wealth, as well as achieve the confidence to enjoy what's important in life. Originally from Georgia, Chris attended Xavier High School and went on to earn a bachelor's and master's degrees from Clark University in Worcester, MA. During college, he played six years of NCAA Division III varsity baseball. He currently serves on the Finance and Investment Committee for the Middlesex Land Trust, volunteers for the Xavier Alumni Association, and is a coach at Team Connecticut Baseball. Chris also enjoys spending time with family, playing guitar, and reading.

Christine Fahey

Job Titles:
  • School Readiness Coordinator, Middletown Public Schools

Christine Ruggiero

Job Titles:
  • Professor and Program Coordinator, English

Christopher A. Grande

Job Titles:
  • Information Technology Technician

Cindy Edgerton

Job Titles:
  • Member of the Health Information Management Team
  • Director, HIM, Charter Oak State College

Corey Martell

Job Titles:
  • Executive Assistant

Dan Dykas

Job Titles:
  • Lab Manager, DNA Diagnostic Lab, Yale University ( Alumnus )

Daniel Nocera

Job Titles:
  • Coordinator of Center for New Media Productions
  • Corporate Media Producer
  • New Media Production
Dan Nocera has worked and taught in all areas of media production for the past 26 years. Dan earned a bachelor of science in television production from Ithaca College and a master of arts in liberal studies (MALS) with a concentration in film from Wesleyan's University's Graduate Liberal Studies program. Currently, Dan is the coordinator of Center for New Media (CNM) Productions at Middlesex Community College, where he has produced, directed, and edited over 450 corporate, training, documentary, and marketing videos with CNM's advanced students. Dan also is an adjunct faculty member teaching COM 293 Corporate Media Practicum year round, COM 153 Film Production each fall, and COM 264 Advanced Editing Workshop each spring. He is a skilled craftsman and educator of television production, advanced editing, audio production, and broadcast journalism. Dan and his wife Jeannie's documentary "David Brown and the Hay House" profiles the life of a painter and farmer from Old Saybrook, and was an official selection at the Wine Country Film Festival (Napa, California), and also screened at the Florence Griswold Museum in Connecticut as part of an exhibit entitled "The Hay House: STEP RIGHT IN." Dan has also worked with many artists, musicians, and non-profits in Connecticut to help them document their work. Recently, Dan won a TELLY Award and an AVA Digital Award for two recruiting videos that he produced, shot and edited for the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP).

David England

Job Titles:
  • Dean of Institutional Effectiveness

Deanne DeBrady

Job Titles:
  • Social Worker With the Department of Children
Deanne DeBrady has worked for over 20 years with children and adolescents, and families in the social service field. Her experience includes foster care, adoptions, young mothers, juvenile offenders, and in-home crisis services, etc.

Deb Wright

Job Titles:
  • Member of the Health Information Management Team
  • HHC System Director, Hartford Health Care

Denise Byron

Job Titles:
  • Community Member ( Radiographer )

Don DeCesare

Job Titles:
  • Owner, President of WLIS - AM and WMRD - AM Radio

Donna Bontatibus

Job Titles:
  • Dean of Academic & Student Affairs
  • Dean of Academics and Students, Middlesex Community College
  • Interim Dean of Academic & Student Affairs

Donna Crum

Job Titles:
  • Radiologic Technology Program Director, Middlesex Community College

Donovan Reinwald

Job Titles:
  • Reference & Instruction Librarian

Dr. Aarlan Aceto

Job Titles:
  • Assistant Professor and Director of Clinical Rotations at Midwestern University
Dr. Aarlan Aceto has been an Assistant Professor and Director of Clinical Rotations at Midwestern University in Downers Grove, Illinois. This institution specializes in medical education, research, and clinical practice. Previously, he had been an Assistant Professor at the Massachusetts College of Pharmacy & Health Sciences School of Optometry in Worcester, and Owner/Optometrist of Dr. Aceto & Associates in Dayville and Taftville, CT. He has experience with accreditation organizations, state and national professional organizations, and in developing externship networks in a healthcare field.

Dr. Eva Jones

Job Titles:
  • Professor, English & Coordinator of College and Career Success
She firmly believes that all writing helps individuals change and grow - whether writing a cover letter for a new job, a journal entry about a difficult day, or a Facebook status to document a special event. That is why she is passionate about teaching students the power of writing and reading; more importantly how these acts can incite change from individual to social levels. Such understandings not only inform Dr. Jones's teaching, but they also serve as a foundation for her scholarship. Jones loves working at Middlesex Community College, and she is passionate about the community college mission. She believes that community colleges are the most democratic institution throughout American society because they can serve everyone - regardless of who they are, what they know, or where they come from. As a result of her belief and passion, Dr. Jones teaches ALL levels of English to empower ALL of her students with literacy. Prior to joining the English Department at Middlesex, Jones taught English, writing, and women's studies at the University of Rhode Island, The Community College of Rhode Island, Gibbs College, and Norwalk Community College. She is one of the advisors for the student club SPEAK (Students Promoting Equality, Acceptance, and Knowledge), Middlesex's LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender) advocacy group. She also serves on an array of college committees and has published articles in literature, women's studies, as well as LGBT history and culture. Jones received her bachelor's degree from Western Connecticut State University, her master's degree from Teachers College at Columbia University, and has her Ph.D. from the University of Rhode Island.

Dr. Kameron Shahid

Job Titles:
  • Medical Advisor, Radiologists Associates of Middletown

Dr. Kimberly A. Thomas

Job Titles:
  • Professor, Chemistry
Dr. Kimberly A. Thomas joined Middlesex Community College in the fall of 2008 after teaching for 15 years at the University of Rhode Island, Saint Joseph College, Southern Connecticut State University, Quinnipiac University, and Gateway Community College. Kim earned her Ph.D. in chemistry from the University of Rhode Island, her master's degree in chemistry from Saint Joseph College, and her bachelor of science degree in biology from Southern Connecticut State University. Her career has included both academia and industry. After obtaining her bachelor's degree, she worked at the Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station analyzing produce and environmental samples for PCBs and pesticide residues. She later worked at a small private company performing quality control analyses of medical and pharmaceutical products. Prior to returning to college in pursuit of graduate study, she worked in energetic materials at The Olin Corporation performing research on safer and more effective propellants for automotive and military applications. Her work contributed to a U.S. patent for "Continuous Process For The Production Of Azide Salts," issued March 24, 1992. While pursuing her graduate degrees, Kim began teaching undergraduates and found that she enjoyed the challenge of clearly conveying sometimes difficult concepts to students. Teaching, along with research, soon became a focus during graduate school and continued after she earned her Ph.D. in 2000. Kim's time at MxCC has been enjoyable and extremely busy. She has focused on serving students better by developing a new 3-credit chemistry course for non-science majors (CHE*101), reevaluating and modifying course descriptions and prerequisites, broadening chemistry course offerings, creatively scheduling courses to meet student demand, supporting students by tutoring in the College Learning Center, and ensuring a safe and organized laboratory environment. In all of her courses, Kim hopes to engage students by sharing with them both her academic and real-world experiences. When not in the classroom or lab, Kim is very busy with a variety of hobbies and interests. She also cares for two indoor cats and a colony of abandoned feral cats.

Dr. Lin Lin

Job Titles:
  • Professor & Program Coordinator of Engineering, Computer Science and Technology, MIS, and CIT
  • Professor and Program Coordinator of Engineering
Dr. Lin Lin is a professor and program coordinator of Engineering, Computer Science, and Technology at Middlesex Community College. She served as an interim division director of the Allied Health, Business, and STEM Division during 2015-2017. In 2015-2017, Dr. Lin oversaw several MxCC grants, including the CT Advanced Manufacturing Initiative (CAMI) Grant and the Perkins Grants. She is a recipient of the National Science Foundation Small Business Innovation Research Grant. Dr. Lin is a 2015 recipient of the Board of Regents System-Wide Teaching Award as a distinguished teacher with a track record of promoting instructional improvements. She also received the 2015 Middlesex Community College Teaching Award and the 2017 MxCC Merit Award. She was inducted as an honorary member into the Epsilon Pi Tau Honor Society as an individual who demonstrated academic scholarship and leadership in STEM in Connecticut. Prior to her teaching career, Dr. Lin was a senior engineer at the United Technologies Research Center, where she co-authored six U.S. (or international) patents and received an Outstanding Achievement Award, the Research Center's highest award for recognizing exceptional performance. Her research work focused on the algorithms development for automatic intrusion detection and tracking for digital video surveillance systems. Dr. Lin has published numerous peer-reviewed journal and conference papers in the area of multi-target tracking. She earned her Ph.D. in electrical engineering from the University of Connecticut.

Dr. Mark D. Busa

Job Titles:
  • Professor, Physics and Physical Sciences / Department: School of Allied Health, Business, and STEM
As a geology and physics professor, Mark D. Busa shares his passion and curiosity about nature while presenting exciting demonstrations, lectures and experiential learning activities. From a scientific perspective, he provides current and relevant information that is not just knowledge but leads to solving problems. "As a role model, students should see joy in their instructor, and how this joy promotes fun and creative thinking," he says. After years of working in industry and pursuing degrees in geology, Mark came to Middlesex Community College in the fall of 2000. Following his graduation from New Mexico Tech with a bachelor's degree in geology, Mark went to work for Western Geophysical Company conducting exploration seismology in the Williston Basin area of western North Dakota. After that, he worked for a small oil company in Carlsbad, N.M., logging oil wells in southwest Texas. Mark returned to Connecticut and worked in the civil engineering and environmental engineering business. For 16 years, he was a project geologist working on dams, roadways, bridges and hydrogeological investigations. During that time, he began teaching as an adjunct instructor for Quinebaug Valley Community College and the University of New Haven while completing his master's and doctoral degrees at the University of Connecticut. His research at UConn consisted of field studies and detailed sectioning of large staurolite porphyroblasts, to understand the growth and deformation history of the rocks in the Bolton syncline of eastern Connecticut. Mark has been collecting rocks from local areas in the Hartford Basin and in eastern Connecticut, and from two locations in central New Mexico: the Tertiary volcanics in the Socorro caldera, from Nogal Canyon; and the upper Pennsylvanian/lower Permian sedimentary rocks in the Quebradas, east of the Rio Grande. These rocks are part of MxCC's collection available for undergraduate study. He and his students have collected a wide variety of rocks from the local and regional area. From his work experience in hydrogeology, Mark is still interested in new techniques to investigate the subsurface, especially geophysical tools. Mark teaches a wide variety of classes at MxCC, including General and Calculus Based Physics I and II, Introductory Physics, Earth Science, Natural Disasters, Earth Resources, and, when needed, Principles of Astronomy and Introduction to Engineering. He works closely with Professors Lin Lin and Hubert Godin in Manufacturing Machine Technology and Engineering Science programs. Mark is affiliated with the American Institute of Professional Geologists, the Connecticut Geological Society and is an honorary member of Epsilon Pi Tau (international society for technology). His interests include music, trees and turf.

Dustin Schultz

Job Titles:
  • Owner, Union Productions

Earnestine Kirkland

Job Titles:
  • Special Education Program Coordinator, Gateway Community College

Edward Tessman

Job Titles:
  • Associate Dean of Campus Operations

Eileen Cicchese

Job Titles:
  • Adjunct Professor, Middlesex Community College

Elena Sanchez

Job Titles:
  • Educational Assistant for the Center for New Media Department
  • Educational Assistant, Center for New Media

Emily Macko

Job Titles:
  • Member of the Health Information Management Team
  • Retired

Emrah Rakiposki

Job Titles:
  • Student Representative, Middlesex Community College

Evelyn Garcia

Job Titles:
  • Guided Pathways Advisor I

Fran Barringer

Job Titles:
  • Community Member ( Paramedic )

Frances Leon

Job Titles:
  • HR Generalist, Capital - East Region, Connecticut State Community College

Frederick Welk

Job Titles:
  • Business Advisor, the Community Economic Development Fund

Gayle Barrett

Job Titles:
  • Associate Vice President of Associate Vice President for Enrollment and Retention Services, Connecticut State Community College

Hailey Presley

Job Titles:
  • Student Representative, Middlesex Community College

Harold Kramer

Job Titles:
  • Public Member, American Radio Relay League ( Retired )

Hilary Phelps

Job Titles:
  • Learning Disabilities Specialist

Irene D. Martin

Job Titles:
  • Director of Financial Aid Services

James Donaher

Job Titles:
  • Member of the Health Information Management Team
  • Clinical Analyst, 3M Health Information Systems

James Lagace

Job Titles:
  • Financial Planning Administrator, Carson Wealth Management

James Susco

Job Titles:
  • Faculty Member, Middlesex Community College
  • Ophthalmic Design & Dispensing Lab Technician

James Wyskiel

Job Titles:
  • Network Manager

Janice Albert

Job Titles:
  • Interim Program Coordinator

Jason Bohn

Job Titles:
  • Radiology Director, Middlesex Health

Jason Marsden

Job Titles:
  • Physicist, Radiation Safety Officer, Middlesex Health

Jeffrey Champion

Job Titles:
  • Public Member

Jennifer Hernandez

Job Titles:
  • Program Director, Middlesex Community College

Jill Flanigan

Job Titles:
  • Professor & Program Coordinator, Health Information Management
Jill Flanigan, MLS, MS, RHIT, joined the MxCC academic community in Fall 2016. She serves as the full-time professor and coordinator for the Health Information Management program. Before coming to MxCC, Jill was the Health Information Management program coordinator at Bristol Community College in Fall River, Mass.; adjunct faculty member at Three Rivers Community College; and former adjunct at Manchester Community College. Prior to her career in education, she served as an HIM director and in other health information management positions at Connecticut Children's Medical Center, Westerly (RI) Hospital, Natchaug Hospital in Mansfield Center, Conn., and Lawrence & Memorial Hospital, New London, Conn. Jill earned a master of science in data analytics from Southern New Hampshire University; a master of library science from Southern Connecticut State University; a bachelor's in general studies from the University of Connecticut; and a certificate in health information technology from the American Health Information Management Association. She has been certified as a Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT) since 2001. She has served on the Connecticut Health Information Management Association (CtHIMA) Board of Directors, the Informatics Practice Council of the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA), and the AHIMA Privacy and Security Practice Council, She is a current member of the AHIMA Data Analytics and Data Use Practice Council. "As the use of electronic health records has grown, demand for individuals with the skills to manage the accessibility, quality, privacy and security of electronic health information has grown. Employers are seeking credentialed HIM professionals to fill these roles." Jill explains. "MxCC offers a CAHIIM accredited HIM associate degree for students seeking AHIMA certification as a Registered Health Information Technician [RHIT] and an AHIMA PCAP approved HIM Certificate focused on clinical coding for students seeking AHIMA Coding credentials [CCA, CCS, CCS-P]."

Joanne Faust

Job Titles:
  • Registrar
In 2020, Joanne Faust was appointed as the registrar at Middlesex Community College. Prior to that, she has served as the associate registrar, keeping track (and making sense) of student data that is prepared, accessed, and archived each semester. She also assists in the crucial task of certifying graduates, preparing student transcripts, and maintaining the student database system. Joanne first joined the team at MxCC as a work-study student in 1996, helping with various administrative tasks. She became a full-time employee at the college in 1998 as a data entry operator. In this role, she created forms and databases, maintained the student database system, ran reports, and extracts for various offices, and entered course schedules for each semester. Before joining MxCC, Joanne was a warehouse manager at Imported Fasteners & Systems Inc. in Wallingford. She prepared and shipped 300 orders daily, placed stock orders, managed weekly inventory, and maintained customer files. Joanne earned a bachelor of general studies degree with a concentration in the arts and humanities from the University of Connecticut. While at UConn, she was a member of the Golden Key International Honor Society and the Pinnacle Honor Society. She was the student speaker at her graduation. Joanne also has earned three associate degrees from Middlesex Community College-two in business office technology (executive and medical) and another in general studies. She was a member of the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society and received the Second Year Student scholarship. Joanne is listed in Who's Who Among Students in American Junior Colleges and in the National Dean's List Book. Read more about Joanne's educational journey. When she is not on campus, Joanne enjoys time with her special-needs child and four cats. As an avid book reader, she also is a devoted fan of Lord of the Rings online. She loves to cheer on the New York Yankees, the New York Giants, NASCAR, and #48 Jimmie Johnson. And, she is a huge fan of Winnie the Pooh and Meat Loaf (the singer not the food-although she likes meatloaf, too).

Joe Franco

Job Titles:
  • Media Employment Consultant

John "Jay" Derksen

Job Titles:
  • Applications Analyst - Radiographer, Middlesex Health

John Shafer

Job Titles:
  • Community College Faculty Member
  • New Media Production
  • Professor & Program Coordinator, Communication & New Media Production, & Program Coordinator of Theatre Studies
John Shafer is proud to be a community college faculty member, one of the best jobs in the world, he feels, as it is true education for the people. And, he says, "I can't think of a better place to teach than right here on the beautiful Middlesex campus with its great students, dedicated fellow faculty members, and enthusiastic group of supporting staff, administrators, and community volunteers." Currently, Shafer is a full professor and senior faculty member at Middlesex, where he has taught since 1986. He divides his teaching load between courses in film & media and philosophy & religion. He currently serves as program coordinator of the Communication & New Media Production program and the Theatre Studies program. Prior to this, he served as chair of the Humanities-Arts Division and coordinator of the Broadcast Communications program. He is co-founder of the college's Digital Arts/Multimedia program and has authored major revisions to the Communication, Broadcast Communication, Liberal Arts & Science, and General Studies programs as well as proposing and implementing over 30 new courses at the college. He played a key role in reestablishing the college's journalism and theater disciplines. Along with this, he co-founded the former student newspaper, The Flying Horse, and annual summer performing arts festivals in ballet and Shakespeare in the Grove, in partnership with the Connecticut Ballet and ARTFARM. In 2008, he co-developed the nationally recognized Connecticut Film Industry Training program held at Middlesex. Recently, Professor Shafer has focused his efforts on sustainability issues and co-founded the college's Sustainability Team that helped implement a sustainability priority in the college's strategic plan. He has received the Board of Trustees Merit Award for academic excellence twice as well as two Professional Staff Awards for service to students. Originally from California, Professor Shafer attended the University of Southern California as an undergraduate humanities major, then moved east to attend graduate school at Syracuse University, where he studied film and media, and the University of Connecticut, where he studied philosophy. He also studied and worked in Europe for two years, mostly in London and Paris, which he considers two of the most stimulating years of his life. Previously and while teaching at Middlesex, Professor Shafer has worked in film and television for many years. His production credits include work in feature films, commercials, documentaries, children's programming, and music videos, as well as educational and corporate videos. He has done several projects in cooperation with Connecticut Public Television; worked on the feature film, The Natural; crewed on a music video for Sting; produced political ads for Governor Jerry Brown; and co-produced the award-winning, nationally syndicated TV show, Kid Stuff. His work has received an Emmy, (3) Awards for Cable Excellence (ACE), (2) Action for Children's Television Awards, as well as Telly and Communicator Awards. Professor Shafer also has a long-time interest in human values, the nature of consciousness, and trying to understand the meaning of our current human condition, which he believes is in a state of crisis and transformation. This greatly motivated his ongoing study of philosophy, religion, spirituality, culture, history, and the transition movement. In addition to formal studies in philosophy and religion, he studied and practiced a variety of inner traditions including Yoga, Zen Buddhist meditation, Transpersonal Psychology, Grof Holotropic Breathing, Sufism, Shamanism, and Native American culture and spirituality. He has traveled extensively, including most of Europe, Israel, northern Africa, India, and Russia, as well as in the United States, Canada, and northern Mexico. A Portland resident, he is the proud father of four homeschooled children. He feels parenting has taught him more about human nature than any academic studies. One of his personal goals is to try and establish a mostly self-sustaining intentional community, or eco-village, in Connecticut that could help serve as a model for a more sustainable way of living.

Jordane Virgo

Job Titles:
  • Guided Pathways Advisor I

Joy Thompson

Job Titles:
  • Enrollment Services Assistant

Judith DeGraffenried

Job Titles:
  • Program Coordinator
  • Fine Arts / Graphic Design
  • Professor & Program Coordinator, Coordinator of Fine Arts / Graphic Arts
Judith de Graffenried is a professor of Fine Arts and program coordinator for the Department of Fine and Graphic Arts. She earned BA and MAT degrees in German from the University of South Carolina, and an MFA degree in painting from Brooklyn College of the City University of New York. Upon completing her graduate studies, she received a German Academic Exchange Grant to study at the Art Academy of Munich for two semesters. She also studied painting at Queens College of the City University of New York and Indiana University. Philosophically, Judith believes the study of art helps develop creative, innovative thinking skills for people in all fields of life. Because the study of art involves the integrated use of all facets of the human sensibility - the rational, analytical, sensory, emotional, and spiritual - all people can benefit. In her classes, Judith stresses learning life's many lessons such as discipline and constant practice through the development of highly visible and concrete works of art. Through this dynamic process of creation, students also learn self-reliance, independence, and the necessity of trusting one's own instincts while coping with ambiguity and failure. In her own award-winning paintings - cityscapes, gardenscapes, still lifes, and figurative studies - Judith deals with the metaphorical use of space and geometry. In all these works, she establishes a sense of space, juxtaposed against an underlying geometric grid or pattern, creating a construct into which the viewer can project their own interpretations. In her figurative studies, Judith addresses the inherent design principles found in artistic anatomy, as well as the universal energy forms animating these subjects. Recently, she combined her practices in meditation with studies in fluid water-based media. The resulting channeled imagery is developed further in Photoshop or simply left as it emerged on the paper. The spiritual is revealed thus through the physical. Prior to MxCC, Judith worked for 18 years as a commercial artist providing illustrations for advertisements, textbooks, corporate brochures, and other promotional materials. Her client list included Miller Brewing Company, John Deere, NBC, HBO Cable Network, Paramount, Showtime Cable Network, A&E Cable Network, Oxford University Press, and Cambridge University Press. As a fine artist, she has exhibited her work in more than 50 national juried exhibitions. Awards from these national competitions include: Best in Show for American Landscapes at the Maryland Federation of Art, Best in Show for the Celebration of the Arts National Juried Exhibition at the Montpelier Center for the Arts, and Strathmore Award for Excellence. She is a member of the Watercolor USA Honor Society. Judith's artwork can be seen on her website: https://jdegraffenried.wixsite.com/mysite.

Judy Wallace

Job Titles:
  • Community Member ( Emerita Professor, Middlesex Community College )

June Rae Merwin

Job Titles:
  • Distinguished Scientist

Kaara Koplowitz

Job Titles:
  • Gear Up Program Director

Karen Lawler

Job Titles:
  • Member of the Health Information Management Team
  • Corporate Director HIM Privacy Officer, Hospital for Special Care

Kathy Bazinet

Job Titles:
  • Technical Sales Manager, IBM

Kathy Sachak

Job Titles:
  • Senior Manager of Radiology, Middlesex Health

Ken Innocenzi

Job Titles:
  • Member of the Officers Team
  • Vice Chair
Ken has over 30 years of experience in the banking industry with broad experience in compliance, operations, retail banking, technology implementation, electronic delivery channels, vendor management, customer service and facilities management. Ken is currently associated with the Northeastern Banking Services Group where he serves as a Managing Director, responsible for various consulting engagements at banks headquartered in New England. The engagements include Core Vendor selection and conversion, Process Improvements, Compliance and Regulatory Matters and Information Technology and Security. Prior to that, Ken was associated with several community banks after a long career at People's United Bank, Bridgeport, CT. In the community banking arena he was a member of the senior management team at Quinnipiac Bank & Trust Company in Hamden, CT where he was a key player in the opening of the bank in 2008 and subsequently was responsible for Operations, Technology, Compliance and Vendor Management. Ken attended the University of New Haven and is a member of several organizations including the Bank Compliance Association of CT where he served on the Board of Governors for over 7 years. Ken is also a member of the Westbrook Elks, where he volunteers at the annual Beach Jam for Breast Center, a major event where funds are raised for breast cancer patients at Middlesex memorial Hospital and Smilow at Yale-New Haven Hospital. Ken also volunteers at the Guilford Job Network, which provides job search and networking support for those in transition. Ken lives in Northford with his fiancée Carolyn Sommer and his daughter Holly.

Kenneth Zercie

Job Titles:
  • Assistant Director, State Forensic Lab

Kimberly Carolina

Job Titles:
  • HR Manager, Capital - East Region, Connecticut State Community College

Kimberly Hogan

Job Titles:
  • Ex - Officio Member
  • Campus CEO
  • Chief Executive Officer for Middlesex Community College
  • Interim CEO
  • Interim CEO ( Effective April 2022 )
Kimberly Hogan was appointed as the Chief Executive Officer for Middlesex Community College in June 2023, after serving in the interim CEO role since April 2022. She leads an institution with more than 4,000 students enrolled in associate degree, certificate, and workforce development programs offered at its main campus in Middletown, a satellite location in Meriden, manufacturing facilities at two technical high schools, online, and at many dual-enrollment, clinical, and internships sites.

Kimberly Riordan

Job Titles:
  • Mathematics Support Specialist

Landi Hou

Job Titles:
  • Computer Support Specialist

Lara Santa Maria

Job Titles:
  • Operations Manager, Fellowship Church

Laura Krueger

Laura Krueger, of Meriden, Conn., graduated from MxCC in 1989 with an associate degree in broadcast communications. She was the first woman to receive the Broadcast Communications Award, which recognizes the department's top student. She also served as a tutor for the broadcast department and the president, station manager, and disc jockey of WMXC, the college's closed-circuit radio station. Since then, she was employed as a producer/director at Comcast Cablevision in Middletown, production manager of Dimension Media Services, disc jockey and videographer for Silver City Sound & Video, and floor director for Fox 61 News in Hartford. Laura was also the assistant marketing director of Meriden Square Mall, the director of business development at Community Health Charities, manager of national advertising and media for Cecchetti USA, and 22-year owner and director of Meriden Dance Center. Laura is currently the director of public relations and marketing for The Salvation Army in Hartford, covering Connecticut and Rhode Island. She promotes publicity and brand awareness, is the media relations liaison for print and broadcast and manages media training for officers and staff. She was deployed as the public information officer for Hurricane Irma in Florida and Hurricane Maria in Puerto Rico. Laura is a PRSA Mercury Award winner and member of the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences.

Laura Pieper

Job Titles:
  • Member of the Officers Team
  • Secretary
Laura Pieper, LCSW, began her professional career as a social worker at Middlesex Hospital's Family Advocacy Program, where she worked on the Mobile Crisis Intervention Team and the Intensive In-Home Child/Adolescent Psychiatric Service (IICAPS) as well as other programs. Later, she worked with the state Department of Children and Families in Middletown as an enhanced care coordinator, helping to place foster children with complicated medical and psychiatric illnesses. In 2006, she established Clinton Counseling as her private practice located in Clinton, Connecticut. She works with children, adolescents, teens, and their families with a specialization in the treatment of developmental trauma, anxiety, and depression. Laura's interest in the MxCC Foundation sprang from her work with teens and young adults who too often feel disenfranchised after high school. She believes a strong community college system can offer life-changing opportunities to those for whom a four-year college is beyond reach. She and her husband Gary live in Wallingford, Connecticut, with two happy pugs. Their three adult sons live in Boston and Arizona.

Laurel Patt

Job Titles:
  • Community Member ( Radiographer )

Lauren Katusha

Job Titles:
  • Ex - Officio Member
  • Assistant Director of Admissions

Laurie Lynne Zlotowski

Job Titles:
  • Professor

Lenell Kittlitz

Job Titles:
  • Assistant Director of Construction Services for the Capital Region Education Council
Lenell Kittlitz is currently the Assistant Director of Construction Services for the Capital Region Education Council, CREC, an organization that connects people and resources for a quality education. Previously, she was Director of Facilities and Planning for the Connecticut Community Colleges Board of Trustees from 2000-2012. Lenell was Co-Chair of the Society of College & University Planners (SCUP) North Atlantic Fall 2013 conference LEEDING the Way at Gateway Community College in New Haven, CT and is a US Coast Guard veteran. She serves on the President's Executive Council for Gateway Community College, has been a Corporator for the Middlesex Community College Foundation, a member of the Connecticut Veterans Engagement Board and the Board of Trustees for the Veterans Administration for the State of Connecticut. Ms. Kittlitz holds a BS in Public Administration from the University of Hartford and an MS in Organization and Management from Central Connecticut State University.

Leslie Cummings

Job Titles:
  • Career Coach and Consulting Specialist
  • Retired

Linda Ansarra

Job Titles:
  • Administrative Assistant

Linda Kaupas

Job Titles:
  • Administrative Assistant

Lisa Ellis

Job Titles:
  • Head Start Unit Manager, Community Renewal Team

Lisa Gugliotti

Job Titles:
  • Systems Librarian

Liz Taylor

Job Titles:
  • Member of the Health Information Management Team
  • Chief Compliance Officer, State of Connecticut, Dept. of Mental Health and Addiction Services

Lora Wymer

Job Titles:
  • Secretary
  • Secretary II
Lora Wymer is the secretary II in the Financial Aid Services Office at Middlesex, using her love and concern for people to offer the best customer support in every circumstance. She has been helping students apply for financial aid at the college since September 2006. Lora says her current job is the most challenging and rewarding position she has ever held, allowing her to apply the skills learned from her associate degree and word processing certificate, both earned from Middlesex. During her time at the college, Lora received the Governor's Service Award for providing quality customer service to the Connecticut community. She also earned a library technical assistant certificate from Capital Community College and is currently pursuing a bachelor's degree in human resources from Charter Oak State College. Lora believes there is always room for improvement and welcomes new ideas. Her continuous goal is to encourage students to use their myCommNet account. MyCommNet allows students to have more independence in their educational goals. Familiarize yourself by taking the myCommNet tour!

Lou Bisighini

Job Titles:
  • Student Representative, Middlesex Community College

Lynette Lindner

Job Titles:
  • Peer Review Ethics Administrator, CT Society of CPAs

Lynn Johnson

Job Titles:
  • Assistant Director, Birth to Three System, State of Connecticut Department of Developmental Services

Lynn Keller

Job Titles:
  • Public Member

Lynne Alexander

Job Titles:
  • Guided Pathways Advisor I

Madi (Amanda) Frazier

Job Titles:
  • Student Representative, Middlesex Community College

Marianne Garfi

Job Titles:
  • Member of the Health Information Management Team
  • Director MaHIMA, Communications Committee

Marissa Drivdahl

Job Titles:
  • Student Representative, Middlesex Community College

Mark Laudenberger

Job Titles:
  • Member of the Health Information Management Team
  • Director, HIM, Middlesex Hospital

Mark Zimmitti

Job Titles:
  • General Trades Worker

Martin Cohen

Job Titles:
  • Member of the Health Information Management Team
  • HIM Operations Manager, Middlesex Hospital

Matthew Weber

Job Titles:
  • Professor, Fine Arts / Graphic Arts & Art Curator
Matthew Weber has been studying, creating, exhibiting and teaching art for nearly 20 years. He is associate professor of fine arts and graphic arts and is the art curator for the College. In this role, he coordinates and oversees the different on-campus exhibit opportunities for students and faculty, developing themes for the display areas and galleries, reviewing art submissions, and helping select art to be displayed. As an artist, Matt creates sculptures that explore the interdependence of environmental form and architectonic structure. He is particularly interested in the physical and symbolic transformation of natural materials into built forms and their decline toward cyclical decay. Matt encourages students to find their own medium and inspiration to create original, expressive art. He uses contrasting surfaces in his own art-which has been displayed in solo and group exhibits in Connecticut, the United States and internationally. Notable exhibit locations include the Carnegie Gallery in Ontario, Canada, the Urban Institute for Contemporary Art in Grand Rapids, Mich., the Seton Art Gallery at the University of New Haven in Conn., the Aldrich Contemporary Art Museum in Ridgefield, Conn., the Norman Rockwell Museum in Stockbridge, Mass., and the Artiade in Athens, Greece.

Melissa Hall

Job Titles:
  • Enrollment Services Assistant

Michael Amouzou

Job Titles:
  • Associate Director of Financial Aid
  • Financial Aid Specialist
Michael Amouzou has been working in the Financial Aid Department at MxCC for more than seven years, helping high school seniors and other adults secure aid and support to pursue a degree in their chosen career. For many students, paying for college can be a barrier to starting or completing a degree. Michael works to overcome these obstacles, helping create individualized financial aid packages that meet each student's specific need. For the past four years, Michael has been coordinating the College Goal Sunday workshop at MxCC. A major emphasis of this event is to help students, parents and guardians understand the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form, which is the most important form needed to secure financial aid for college. His expertise in this area has proven to be a valuable resource for families who are just learning about this sometimes complex process. Michael earned his master's degree from Central Connecticut State University, his bachelor's degree from Pace University, and his associate's degree from Hostos Community College in New York.

Michael Buccilli

Job Titles:
  • Associate Vice President of Student Success Management

Michael Cavanaugh

Job Titles:
  • Visual Media Assistant

Michael Custer

Job Titles:
  • Chief of Police, Town of Rocky Hill

Michael Kehoe

Job Titles:
  • Chief of Police, Town of Newtown

Michael North

Job Titles:
  • Department Chair of Communication, CCSU

Michael Perrotti

Job Titles:
  • Business Instructor, Manchester Public Schools

Michael Rotondo

Job Titles:
  • Advisor Board Program Director, Middlesex Community College

Michael Zakrewski

Job Titles:
  • Police Captain, City of Meriden

Michele Rousseau

Job Titles:
  • College Career Pathways Coordinator

Monique Simon

Job Titles:
  • Educational Assistant for the Center for New Media Department
  • Educational Assistant, Center for New Media

N. H. Gray

Busa, M. D. and N. H. Gray, 1992b. Staurolite porphyroblasts and deformation in the Great Hill syncline, Bolton, Connecticut, in Guidebook for fieldtrips in the Connecticut Valley region of Massachusetts and adjacent states. New England Intercollegiate Geological Conference 84th Meeting, Amherst, Massachusetts, 216-228.

Nancy Walter

Job Titles:
  • Event & Room Scheduler

Naterkuor (Nat) Adjoka-Nartey

Job Titles:
  • HR Business Partner

Neal Botting

Job Titles:
  • Office Assistant

Norma Rosado-Javier

Job Titles:
  • Assistant Professor, Middlesex Community College

Olivia Lank

Job Titles:
  • Executive Producer of Digital Content, WTNH

Patricia Carroll

Job Titles:
  • Community Member ( Educational Medical Consultant )

Patricia Raymond

Job Titles:
  • Professor, Business Administration & Marketing
To survive in one of the most challenging economic climates, Professor Patricia Raymond knows today's business world must be "results-oriented." She models her classroom and business programs to teach students how to achieve results that have value in the marketplace. Throughout the course of her 27-year career, Professor Raymond has worked as a consultant, service representative and trainer for some of Connecticut's largest and most competitive businesses. While at Southern New England Telephone (SNET), she implemented telecommunications systems for clients including the State of Connecticut, The Hartford, Lego, Kaman, Gerber Scientific, and Pratt & Whitney. During her tenure, she earned several awards and commendations for exceptional performance, and servicing various businesses nationwide. She also created her own independent consultancy and developed successful business and marketing plans designed to grow and revitalize several Connecticut companies. Exposure to different types of companies has given her a first-hand understanding of successful business practices. She applies this experience in her classroom by providing students a lively and relevant learning environment. Patty began her teaching career at Middlesex Community College as an adjunct instructor in business. She was promoted to associate professor and then full professor. In 2011 she became the Interim Chair of the Business Division and the Business Administration and Marketing Programs Coordinator. She has developed four certificate programs for MxCC's Continuing Education including: Medical Billing; Medical Billing & Coding Specialist; Business Development and Communications; and Management Development and Communications. An active member of the MxCC community, Patty has served on numerous committees including chair of the College Council. She is an advisor for the MxCC chapter Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society (PTK), and is very involved with PTK students through community service projects. Patty is the Teaching Learning Consultant for the Center for Teaching and she has organized many important leadership and teaching workshops. Also, she has served as a judge at the conference of the Connecticut Association of DECA, a marketing association for high school students. In 2008, she received the MxCC Professional Service Award and has twice been named to the "Who's Who Among American's Teachers." Patty earned both her Master of Science (Business Management) and Bachelor of Science (Marketing/Management Information Systems) degrees from Central Connecticut State University. She is a member of Delta Mu Delta, the National Honor Society in Business Administration. She holds many field certifications. Patty is a fitness advocate. She is an avid walker and practices yoga, Pilates, and kickboxing. She loves to entertain and cooking has become her passion. Also, Patty loves to read and listen to classical music.

Patrick Byran

Job Titles:
  • Interim Program Coordinator - Radiology, Middlesex Health

Patrick Veronneau

Job Titles:
  • Guided Pathways Advisor II

Peggy Sue Clouser

Job Titles:
  • Officer, South Windsor Police Department, Alumni Representative

Rachel Hess

Job Titles:
  • Library Assistant

Rajashri Paricharak

Job Titles:
  • Secretary II

Raymond Dennis

Job Titles:
  • Emeritus, Program Coordinator, Middlesex Community College

Rebecca Crocker

Job Titles:
  • Guided Pathways Advisor I

Ricardo Barrett

Job Titles:
  • Counselor

Richard Lenoce

Job Titles:
  • Digital Media Production Program Director

Rick Eriksen

Job Titles:
  • New Media Production

Rick Kennedy

Job Titles:
  • Vice - President, Kennedy - Perkins Guild Opticians, Inc

Rick Morin - Treasurer

Job Titles:
  • Member of the Officers Team
  • Treasurer
Rick Morin is a CPA at Guilmartin, DiPiro & Sokolowski, LLC. Morin has over 25 years of experience in public accounting, including over 15 years with the largest regional accounting and business consulting firm in Connecticut. His experience ranges from estate, trust, and succession planning to probate filings and estate settlement services. He has helped to raise awareness of charitable planned giving and legacy planning opportunities in Middlesex County, and has spoken about taxation issues for various professional organizations. Morin received his B.S. Cum Laude from Central Connecticut State University and has been licensed as a CPA since 1988. Currently a member of the Connecticut Society of Certified Public Accountants, the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, and the Central Connecticut Business and Estate Planning Council, Morin also serves as Treasurer on the Executive Board of the Middlesex County Chamber of Commerce. In addition, Morin is a member of the Middlesex County United Way Audit Committee. He is Treasurer for the Connecticut Business Planning Council.

Rob Steinmetz

Job Titles:
  • Ex - Officio Member

Robert Madden

Job Titles:
  • Professor, University of St. Joseph

Robert Russo

Job Titles:
  • Consultant, National Federation of Opticianry Schools

Sabrena Gregrich

Job Titles:
  • Member of the Health Information Management Team
  • Director, HIM, Yale New Haven Health System

Sandra Couture

Job Titles:
  • Educational Technology Specialist

Sara Hanson

Job Titles:
  • Associate Dean of Student Affairs

Sarah Berke

Job Titles:
  • Director, Bio Science Explorations, CURE, Inc

Sarah Domek

Job Titles:
  • Optometric Technician, Newington, CT

Sean Payne

Job Titles:
  • Member of the Health Information Management Team
  • LIS Lab Analyst, Starling Physicians / Middlesex Community College ( Alumnus )

Sherrie Price

Job Titles:
  • Marketplace Vice President, Ricoh, USA

Stacey Burgess

Job Titles:
  • Accounting Associate
  • Ex - Officio Member

Steve Krevisky

Job Titles:
  • Faculty Representative
Since 1985, Professor Krevisky has been a full-time mathematics professor at Middlesex Community College. He covers many types of math including linear algebra, differential equations, calculus 1, 2, and 3, pre-calculus, statistics (with projects and computer component), algebra, geometry, and developmental math.

Steve McDowell

Job Titles:
  • Associate Vice President for Financial Aid Services and Title IV Compliance, Connecticut State Community College

Steve Minkler

Job Titles:
  • Ex - Officio Member

Steven Chester

Job Titles:
  • Building Maintenance Supervisor

Stuart Sisco

Job Titles:
  • Production Operations, ESPN

Sue Bengtson

Job Titles:
  • Community Member ( Radiographer )

Susan Lugli

Job Titles:
  • Professor of Business, Middlesex Community College

Susan Perl

Job Titles:
  • Social Media

Tamika Davis

Job Titles:
  • Associate Vice President for Recruitment, Admissions and Community Outreach, Connecticut State Community College

Terry McNulty

Job Titles:
  • Grip Coordinator

Thomas Comer

Job Titles:
  • Comer & Company, LLC

Timothy Walsh

Job Titles:
  • Public Member

Todd Levesque

Job Titles:
  • Media Operations Specialist
  • Media Operations Specialist for the Center for New Media Department

Trenton Wright

Job Titles:
  • Coordinator of Institutional Advancement

Victoria Seidl

Job Titles:
  • Marketing & Development Associate

W. E. Penn

Busa, M. D., and W. E. Penn, 1995. Integration of site stratigraphy and borehole geophysics in the design and installation of a monitoring well network. Geological Society of America Abstract 19016, Cromwell, Connecticut.

Wei Cen

Job Titles:
  • Interim Director of Library & Learning Commons Services

Wendy Berlind

Job Titles:
  • Retired Preschool Teacher

Yi Guan-Raczkowski

Job Titles:
  • Director of Distance Learning / Education Technology

Young Optometrist - EVP

Job Titles:
  • Executive Vice President

Yvonne K. Rubin

Job Titles:
  • Information Technology Technician

Yvonne Page

Job Titles:
  • Graphics Specialist and Web Developer