Our Founding Mentors
These Founding Mentors have been mentors to me throughout my career in education.
Our Founding Mentors were the first to volunteer their time and educational expertise to provide counseling and mentorship to teachers looking to improve their practices.
While we continue to sign-up new mentors; the educational professionals on this page provide us a strong foundational mentorship team.
Their short bios provide a very basic snapshot of the exceptional Founding Mentor backgrounds volunteering on TeachersMeet.com
Ms. Karen Amaker
Experience: 25 years - Director - P-Tech, Middle & High School Administrator, Dept. Chair, School Counselor
Karen Amaker is the founding principal of P-TECH Norwalk, Connecticut’s first 9-14 school.
In her 25 years as an educator, Karen has served as a school counselor, department chair, and middle and high school administrator in Connecticut and California.
She believes that supporting students develop their passions through experiential learning is critical to success in life. Karen earned an AS from Gateway Community College and a BS from Wesleyan University.
She earned two MS degrees from Southern Connecticut State University in Sociology and Community Counseling, and a 6th Year Professional Diploma in School Counseling.
Karen earned her certification in Educational Administration from Sacred Heart University and is a former Urban School Leaders fellow and Relay Graduate School of Education National Principals Academy Fellow.
Karen was recently named a finalist in the Women in Innovation 2020 program. She enjoys spending time with family, reading, and traveling.
Mr. Glenn Couture
Experience: 30 years - Science
I have taught the sciences, physics, chemistry, and Earth science. Active in the Arts.
Currently developing and Arts Academy. I have worked as a methods instructor training people to become science teachers.
I am a strong advocate for the student and I celebrate diversity. I was named the 2020 Teacher of the Year for my district.
Mr. Ed Singleton
Experience: Assistant Principal, Special Education...
Bio will be uploaded very soon.
Ms. Lisa Strom
Experience: 27 years - Assistant Principal, English Dept. Chair, English
I started teaching English as a 'language' teacher for students with language-based learning disabilities (mostly dyslexia) at a CT boarding school, The Forman School, Litchfield, CT.
I became Orton-Gillingham certified and a reading specialist while completing graduate school and CT public school certification in English education (I had relocated to CT).
I worked in urban and suburban private and public schools until I attended Columbia Teachers College for my 6th year in Educational Administration with a focus on Urban School Leadership.
Since then, I have mostly focused my career in urban settings. I currently work as the department head for the English department at Norwalk High School in Norwalk, CT.
I have been an Asst. Principal in several districts prior to having my own child. I am now actively involved in my daughter's school and district (even considering a Board of Ed run next year).
Dr. Dan Sullivan
Experience: 27 years - Assistant Principal, Counseling Dept Chair & Counselor
School Counselor for twenty-five years in Norwalk, Ct. and Brooklyn, N.Y.
Served as Guidance Chairperson for sixteen years Currently, Assistant Principal with prior experience as Director of Summer Programs and Adult Education Manager Adjunct Professor at Fairfield University and Southern Ct. State University.
Mr. Don J. Fessenden
Experience: 30 years - Department Chair, Business, Psychology, Health, and Military Studies
I'm the founder of TeachersMeet.com I began my teaching career while in the military as a clinical instructor.
And at the end of that military career, I started platform teaching at the College of Professional Military Education Academy.
My first public school position was at Scotch Plains - Fanwood High School in New Jersey.
Three years later, I joined Norwalk High School in the Aerospace Science Department.
Now, thirteen years later, I plan to continue teaching, and spend my summer breaks growing TeachersMeet.com