ELP 2026-2027 Cohort
Inclusion on this list is voluntary for current students, so cohorts may be larger than depicted here.
Sarah J. Burke
Education was a career change for Sarah Burke after working for over ten years in various business/finance roles. She started her career as an educator as a speech-language pathologist and then became a special education administrator. She has primarily worked in urban districts and would like to continue to do so.
Rachael Caggiano
Rachael Caggiano is the Principal of Derby Middle School in Derby, Connecticut, where she has served as a middle school leader for eight years. She is committed to creating a student-centered school culture grounded in high expectations, equity, belonging, and meaningful opportunities for every student. Rachael is passionate about developing strong systems of support for students and staff while fostering a collaborative culture focused on continuous improvement. Rachael was named the 2024 Connecticut Middle School Principal of the Year and currently serves as President of the Derby Administrator Association, as well as on the Executive Board of the Connecticut Association of Schools. She is also involved with the CAS Awards & Recognitions Committee. As an aspiring superintendent, Rachael is pursuing educational leadership studies at the University of Connecticut to expand her systems-level leadership knowledge and prepare to lead transformative work across a school district.
Carolyn Fink
Carolyn Fink is a building principal at West District School in Farmington, Connecticut. She is a 28-year veteran of the Farmington Public Schools, having previously served as a math specialist and classroom teacher. She holds a bachelor's degree in psychology and education from Mount Holyoke College, a master's degree in curriculum and instruction from the University of Phoenix, and a 6th-year certificate from UConn's Administrator Preparation Program.
Gwen Killheffer
Dr. Gwen Killheffer is currently the Executive Director of Education for Solterra Academy (CT) and Alpine Academies (FL and SD). She obtained her doctorate in Educational Leadership from Southern Connecticut State University in 2015 and has worked as the Interim Director of Pupil Services in Danbury Public Schools, a Special Education Supervisor in Bristol Public Schools, and a Program Administrator for Cooperative Educational Service’s Therapeutic Day Program. In 2017, she became the Principal of CCMC School in New Britain, Connecticut, and led its transition to Solterra Academy in 2018 following a change in ownership. She currently oversees three schools for children with special needs, supporting and coaching three separate leadership teams at each site. She has also served on the Board of the Connecticut Association of Special Education Facilities (CAPSEF) since 2020.
William Meier
William “Bill” Meier is the Director of Business and Finance for the Vernon Public Schools. He serves as the district’s Chief Financial Officer and leads the non-instructional operations of the district. Bill is also an elected member of the Board of Selectmen in his hometown and serves on the Board of Directors of the North Central District Health Department. He holds a Bachelor of Science from Northeastern University and a Master of Public Administration from the University of Connecticut.
Georgia Robert
Georgia Robert is an Assistant Principal at Simsbury High School in Connecticut, where she co-leads the district's Vision of a Graduate Vertical Team, aligning curriculum, instruction, and assessment around the skills students need for future readiness. She has presented regionally and nationally on Capstone programs as a powerful vehicle for students to demonstrate mastery of Vision of a Graduate competencies, helping educators design learner-centered, purpose-driven experiences that connect classroom work to real-world impact. Georgia is currently pursuing advanced study in educational leadership through the University of Connecticut's Educational Leadership Program (ELP), deepening her focus on coherence, systems alignment, and building schools where a shared vision genuinely shapes daily practice. She believes that leadership's real work lies not in adding new initiatives, but in aligning the ones that matter — and in building the conditions where every student's learning has clear purpose and every educator's work connects to a common goal.
Maria Pesce Stasaitis
Maria Pesce Stasaitis is an educational leader with over 21 years of experience. She currently serves as Principal of the Waterbury Arts Magnet School and is an Adjunct Professor in the Health Sciences Department at the University of Bridgeport. Stasaitis attended Southern Connecticut State University and holds a Bachelor of Science degree in education and English and a Master of Education degree in English. She went on to attend the University of Bridgeport and holds a 6th-year degree in education administration and a doctorate in educational leadership. Stasaitis is committed to being a lifelong learner and strategic leader who fosters a positive school climate.
Nicole Vibert
Nicole Vibert is the Principal of West Woods Upper Elementary in Farmington, where she previously also served as an assistant principal. She has worked in Farmington for almost 10 years, is also a graduate of Farmington Public Schools, and is currently raising her family there. She loves community (specifically, this community!) and enjoys having a role in shaping the future of her town. She has three children, all elementary-aged, and a husband named Keith. When not working or traveling for sports, she and her family enjoy weekends down at the Connecticut shore.