Our People

It takes a team of devoted people working together to make KidsPlay a success

The dedicated team at KidsPlay Children’s Museum is committed to provide children with an environment that fosters imagination and creativity through interactive exhibits and play that will deepen their appreciation and understanding of the sciences, the arts and the world around them.

Board

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Brian McCormick

President
Financial Stewardship Committee
Executive Committee

Brian is a Member Attorney of Ebersol, McCormick, Reis & Steck, LLC who generously shares his time and expertise with KidsPlay. He also serves on the Board of Directors for Northwest Community Bank.  He is former President of Plumb Hill Playing Field, Inc, Litchfield Community Center and Chair of the Board for the Northwest Connecticut Community Foundation. The Northwest Connecticut Chamber of Commerce recognized Brian’s good works with the 2018 Community Leader Award.

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Cheryl Kloczko

Vice President
Chair, Education &
Community Engagement Committee
Executive Committee

Cheryl is a retired administrator, having served as the founding Principal of the University of Hartford Magnet School and as a Superintendent for Torrington Public Schools. Cheryl is an educator from the heart who brings experience, insight, and a love of hands-on learning to her role on the Board. She also enjoys visiting the Museum with her children and granddaughter.

Sara Kroscen, CPA

Treasurer
Chair, Financial Stewardship Committee
Executive Committee

Born and raised in Nova Scotia, Canada, Sara moved to Connecticut in 2001 and has since become an integral part of the Torrington community.  Currently serving as the Vice President and Controller of Torrington Savings Bank, she leverages her extensive background in accounting, covering both small businesses and larger corporate settings, to oversee the Museum’s financial activities. Sara is committed to implementing best practices in financial management to ensure the museum’s sustainability.

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Robin Ledversis

Education & Community Engagement Committee

Robin Ledversis has been proud to call Torrington her home since 1989 and has been an educator for more than twenty years, with a BS in Educational Leadership and an MS in Elementary Education. She has served in the classroom and as Assistant Principal and Principal at Torrington High School. In 2012, she was the Torrington Public School Teacher of the Year.  Robin takes pride in giving back to the community that has been so good to her and her family.  She and her grandchildren are frequent visitors to KidsPlay. 

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Kenneth Merz

Chair, Campaign for the Future
Past President (served 2012 - 2022)
Executive Committee
Physical Environment Committee
Organizational Advancement Committee
Financial Stewardship Committee

Ken is the Secretary of O&G Industries and holds a Bachelor of Science in Engineering, a Master of Science in Accounting, and a Juris Doctor degree. Ken used his vast and varied expertise to lead KidsPlay as President over its first ten years of operation. Ken’s leadership and community service have been instrumental to the success of many other organizations, including the Warner Theatre, Saint Michael’s Church, and the Bantam Cinema. At KidsPlay, he continues to be deeply involved in facilities planning and exhibit design. He has visited over 75 children’s museums on three continents. Ken’s favorite exhibit is always the next one, as he enjoys imagining, designing, and prototyping innovative and engaging experiences.

KidsPlay Founding Member logo
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Cathleen Schmitz

Secretary
Executive Committee
Chair, Organizational Advancement Committee
Governance Committee
Education & Community Engagement Committee

Cathy has always lived a kid-centric life. Being a mom of three gave her the opportunity to serve the community through PTOs, the Scouts, coaching, children’s aerobics, and art classes. These varied volunteer experiences led her to pursue a Master’s degree in Health Education with an emphasis on Child Welfare. Having taken her own kids to children’s museums, Cathy wanted to make sure that her thirteen grandchildren and all the families in her community also had access to those enriching educational resources. She approached the mayor of Torrington with the idea of a downtown children’s Museum in 2010, and with the enthusiastic collaboration of a few community-minded individuals with vision and talent, the concept that would become KidsPlay soon emerged. Since then, Cathy’s dedication and attention have been instrumental in creating this unique, educational, and fanciful must-see venue.

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Marc Borghesi

Physical Environment Committee

Marc graduated from Torrington High School in 1999. He attended Suffolk University until 2004, when he received a degree in Business Management. Marc returned to Torrington and began working for Borghesi Building and Engineering in 2005. In 2008, he became a project manager overseeing multiple commercial construction projects. He was recently named President of Borghesi Building and Engineering in September 2017. Marc shares his expertise to support the renovation and expansion of the Museum’s galleries. Marc lives in Canton with his wife and two children.

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Stuart Grodin

Organizational Advancement Committee

Stu is a retired New York City Department of Education Administrator and former teacher. He travels, practices nature photography, and spends the winters in Florida in his spare time. Since its inception, he and his wife Jane have been actively involved at KidsPlay. He believes that literacy is an essential aspect of early childhood and loves to see a parent, grandparent, or caregiver sitting in the Tree House and sharing a book with a young child.

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Ruth Nadeau Dwyer

Chair, Governance Committee

Ruth, a lifetime resident of Torrington, has been an attorney for almost 20 years and is a partner at Dolan Divorce Lawyers, PLLC, where she practices family law, including representing the interests of children in family cases. She is the former President of the Litchfield County Bar Association, the secretary of the Board of Directors of the Arc of Litchfield County (LARC), and served as the secretary of the St. John Paul the Great Academy Parent Association, where her son attends elementary school.  Now 9 years old, Ruth’s son has grown up coming to KidsPlay and she has loved watching the museum grow over the years.

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John Martin

Physical Environment Committee

John is President of John Martin Associates/Architects and a Registered Architect having 35 years of experience including residential, ecclesiastical, institutional, and industrial projects.  He has overseen renovations, most notably the Music Shed of the Yale School of Music. John lends his expertise and vision to reimagining the commercial properties of Torrington’s Main Street as an enriching space for children and the community.

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Carmen Neale

Education & Community Engagement Committee

Carmen is a retired attorney and educator. At KidsPlay, she continues a long history of volunteer service and advocacy.  She is a columnist for Identidad Latina, and is currently writing her first novel.  She has been a freelance Spanish translator for the past 30 years doing mainly legal and educational translations for several organizations, among them, for the Torrington School System. She brings her passion and commitment to serving the Latinx population to her work with KidsPlay.

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Brad Oneglia

Organizational Advancement Committee

Brad is Vice President of O&G Industries oversees all aspects of their asphalt and paving divisions. Brad has advanced sustainability efforts within the Asphalt Division and is an active participant within O&G’s safety department. Brad lives in Canton with his wife and their two boys.  As a parent to young children, Brad understands the importance of providing a safe and stimulating atmosphere for the kids, while still allowing them to be kids.

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Member Biography

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Staff

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Eileen Marriott

Executive Director

Eileen was born and raised in Northwest Connecticut and graduated from Boston College with a Bachelor in Romance Languages. In her early career, she worked in international trading. She later moved into the non-profit sector with a particular interest in organizations providing support for mothers. In 2014, Eileen returned to Connecticut with her husband and two children and started working with KidsPlay as a Development Consultant. She assumed the role of Museum Director in 2016.

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Patricia Cassella

Learning Experience Specialist

Patty is a passionate educator and an advocate for children and families. She is a graduate of St. Joseph’s College and the University of Oklahoma and holds extensive experience teaching in the public-school arena with a primary focus on early childhood education. She is a community volunteer and a former member of the New Hartford Board of Education. Her specific expertise in early childhood development and understanding of the importance of discovery, playful learning and caregiver connections will infuse developmental theory into the Museum’s exhibits, programs, and outreach.

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Tamara Christensen

Business Director

Tamara is a graduate of the University of Hartford with a BS in Biology. She began her career working as a Medical Technologist in southern CT. She returned to Northwest Connecticut to raise her family. During that time, she volunteered as a Girl Scout Leader, secretary of the PTA, and Vice President of the Harwinton Land Trust. She returned to work at the Burlington Public Library where she worked for 9 years before joining KidsPlay in 2016. In her role at the Museum, she oversees the finances, database, and marketing.

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Kristin Ercoli

Hub Manager

Kristin has been a proud resident of Torrington for many years. She has found her dream job being part of both the KidsPlay and CFLC Library team! She is an avid reader and can often be found taking her “work” home with her. She is an avid jigsaw puzzler, and in the warm months can be found kayaking at her favorite spots in town. She loves reading books to children, sharing her enthusiasm, and inspiring imagination!  If you stop in to the library, don’t hesitate to ask her to recommend one of her favorite books. She might even read it to you!

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Bethany Frasco

Operations Director

Bethany oversees the day-to-day operation of the exhibit galleries and the guest service team. She also offers support and facilitation for the Museum’s learning programs. Bethany has a total of 10 years’ experience working in museums and additional experience in visitor services, marketing, and office management.

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Ella Frauenhofer

Development Associate

Ella graduated with a bachelor’s degree in sociology from Tufts University in 2020. She now lives in Torrington, her hometown, and works as the Development Associate at KidsPlay. She is responsible for developing relationships with the donors, sponsors, and supporters that make KidsPlay’s work possible.

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Karl Nilsson

Exhibits & Facilities Manager

Karl is an experienced exhibits technician and creative artist.  He has experience building and maintaining children’s museum exhibits and overseeing exhibit fabrication shops.  His understanding of the exhibit development and facilities management helps KidsPlay to continue to improve its thoughtfully designed multi-sensory museum space.

Advocates

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Mickie-Ann Budny

Advocate

A self-proclaimed big kid, Mickie brings over 30 years of experience in the financial arena, currently working at a financial advisory group.  A Paul Harris recipient, Mickie enjoys giving back to the community as well as helping all children to enjoy just being a kid, exploring and learning despite any challenges they may have.

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Anne Green

Advocate

With more than four decades of professional and volunteer experience in education, consulting, and volunteer management, Anne Green naturally fits the role of advocate for KidsPlay Children’s Museum. Her past and present work with prominent nonprofits on the local, national, and international levels makes her a valuable member of our team.

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Mary Guilfoile

Advocate

Mary is a retired special education teacher and administrator who first became involved with the Museum as a volunteer, helping develop sound human resource systems. As a Torrington resident, she is active in the community as a Master Gardener, Community Garden coordinator, a member of the Society of Decorative Painters, and the owner of MG Program Services. She wants the Museum to be known for its positive impact on children and as an outstanding employer.

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Joel Hernandez

Advocate

Joel Hernandez is a dedicated plumber and realtor, and a proud father of four. His passion for advocating for KidsPlay was ignited by his own experiences at KidsPlay, where he witnessed the sheer joy and creativity his children expressed, from pretending to shop like adults to engaging in imaginative play in the workshop, and quietly exploring the worlds within books. This inspired him to promote spaces where children can learn, grow, and explore, bringing together families to celebrate the dynamic spirit of childhood in nurturing environments.

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Holly Hunt

Advocate

Holly is the Assistant Controller of O&G Industries, who uses her in-depth understanding and experience in accounting in small business and corporate environments to oversee the Museum’s financial activities.  She focuses on best practices to build a sustainable museum that will help stimulate the minds and deepen the connections between children and their parents, grandparents, and caregivers for generations to come.

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Lynn McCormick

Advocate

Lynn has practiced law for 33 years, mostly as an Assistant Attorney General for the State of Connecticut.  She currently serves as Senior Health Counsel for the University of Connecticut Health Center, where she practices health and employment law.  As a grandmother of 15, she is honored and thrilled to be part of KidsPlay!

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Susan McCray

Advocate

Susan McCray’s long experience working in performing arts, both as an artist and a casting director, has given her a deep understanding of publicity, promotion, and more. Her deeply held belief that all children should be provided an environment that fosters imagination and creativity has led her to lend these skills to advancing the Museum’s mission in the role of an advocate.

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Elaine Murphy

Advocate

Elaine Murphy’s connections to the Northwest Connecticut community run deep. As a graduate of Oliver Wolcott Technical High School, a local business owner, and a mother of five, her work has taken many forms, including leadership positions at Catholic Charities, Friends of the Bakerville Library, Brody Park, Inc., and many other groups and organizations. Her strong belief in the importance of hands-on learning and play led her to join KidsPlay as an Advocate.

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Pascale Nejaime

Advocate

 Pascale holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Management and speaks English, French, and Arabic. For nearly 10 years, her focus has been on buying, selling, and managing real estate. Prior to becoming a real estate professional, she worked as a self-employed translator and rental property manager. Pascale is an enthusiastic member of the community, and when she’s not working, you can find her skiing, cooking, traveling, jogging, or simply enjoying time with her family and friends.

Marilyn Plaskiewicz

Advocate

Marilyn’s broad experience over the past thirty-plus years volunteering at the Warner Theatre (on and off stage), Lions Club International  (elected as the first woman President in 75 years), Goshen Players (which she currently serves on the Board as Secretary), and Phoenix Stage Company has landed her as a volunteer at KidsPlay Children’s Museum. The heartwarming satisfaction of interacting with children and participating in activities that impact their quality of life is very rewarding. Marilyn lives in Torrington with her husband, David, and their fur child Cali Rose!

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Carol Quartiero

Advocate

Carol is a retired corporate executive with extensive professional project management skills and experience in the private and public sectors.  She brought exceptional organizational skills to the Board’s Executive, Governance, and Organizational Advancement Committees when she was serving her board term and now supports KidsPlay as an Advocate.  Carol and her husband love to travel when she is not planning a special event for KidsPlay.

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JoAnn Ryan

Advocate

JoAnn Ryan graduated from Albertus Magnus College with a Bachelor of Arts, History and from Trinity College with a Master of Arts, Education. She is the President and CEO of the Northwest Connecticut Chamber of Commerce and was a founding member of KidsPlay’s Board of Directors.

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Matt Terzian

Advocate

Matt Terzian is a Senior Wealth Manager at ACM. His more than two decades of investment and capital markets experience, coupled with his love for his family and dedication to his community, make him a valuable advisor and advocate as the Museum’s work continues to grow and change.

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Keith Woolford

Advocate

Keith is employed by O&G Industries as a Truck Shop Forman where he has created numerous specialty parts, machines, and even complete specialty vehicles. He is a self-taught welder, fabricator, and machinist. He graduated from OWTS in Torrington from the Auto Shop program, which gave him his foundation in professionalism and pride. It also led to a 34-year part time night career teaching Auto Tech at Naugatuck Valley Community College, where he received an award and honor for that effort. He is very proud to be part of the team at KidsPlay Museum that helps to create exhibits and equipment.

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Karen Zeiner

Advocate

Karen moved from Utah over 30 years ago and is happy to call Connecticut home. She has enjoyed raising her family of 4 children and now 7 grandchildren in Torrington.  She has enjoyed children all of her life.  When her children were young she started caring for children in her home.  She loved caring, learning, and watching them grow along with her own for over 25 years. She has loved being involved with Kids Play and watching it become such a meaningful place for children and families.  Her first experiences were building up and overseeing the grocery store as it began. Some of her favorite memories are transporting the trains for the “All Aboard Litchfield County” back in 2014.  

She currently serves as Assistant Communication Director over the Massachusetts-Boston area which also includes Connecticut and Rhode Island.  She loves the opportunities it gives her to build relationships with so many who strive to make a difference in their community.  One of her key roles is supporting a communication database for volunteers called JustServe.

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