MEET THE STAFF
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LORI FIELDS, MSW
Executive Director Lori joins Trackside as our new Executive Director after serving 3+ years as a member of the Board of Directors, most recently as Vice President of the Board. With a Master's Degree in Social Work from NYU and more than 25 years of research and professional experience in human behavior & potential, Lori passionately and urgently understands the importance of how children feel about themselves during adolescence. Her deep research shows that it's our story of belonging in our middle & high school years that sets the foundation for how we feel about ourselves for the rest of our lives. Her position at Trackside allows her to utilize her unique blend of clinical, entrepreneurial and leadership skills to make a foundational impact on the well-being of both our youth & community at large. A transplant from NYC, Lori has lived in Wilton with her husband, Mark and 3 children for over 7 years. She's extremely active in the community and you'll usually see her on some sports field somewhere. Lori's top priority at Trackside is creating a culture where anyone who steps foot inside our door, feels like they belong. She's particulary excited about the workshop / artist loft that she and John Priest recently created, giving the teens at Trackside a new and inspired place to build, create, imagine, explore and hangout. It's basically the she-shed she's always wanted, so if you're looking for her, she's usually up there working on a project or in deep conversation with someone. She is thrilled and honored to carry forth the inspired and devoted work of all those who brought Trackside to where it is today. |
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JOHN PRIEST
Programming Rockstar John's passion and energy with the teens is invaluable in his role as Trackside's Program Rockstar. John dreams up, coordinates and oversees select programs and events for our teens and is here to coach, mentor and engage with them afterschool each day. When not making kids of all ages smile by dressing up as Buddy the Elf, Darth Vader, Greatest Showman Ringmaster or Captain Zero, he's most definitely rocking his 80's outfits. John is a 6th grade teacher at Middlebrook Middle School here in Wilton (one of the most loved according to our Tracksiders!) where he also lives with his wife, Heather and 2 daughters. John's passion and creative program planning is a source of great energy, inspiration & enthusiasm, helping both our teens & staff thrive. He wears many hats (well in his case visors) at Trackside) helping to take great care of Trackside in every way. |
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MARIE DEMASI
Program and Executive Assistant A former special education teacher in New York who found her passion for working with middle and high schoolers during the pandemic. Marie is known as being a Bucket Filler; building kids up and being a supportive ear to listen & guide. Marie is a mom to three kiddos, twins who are almost 13 and an almost 10 year old. All who have made themselves feel right at home at Trackside. Marie is heavily involved in the community, usually found front row for anything theater related. Trackside has given Marie the opportunity to balance motherhood, while empowering middle & high school students. This position aligns with Marie’s Life Passion of being a voice for Suicide Prevention and Mental Health. Marie advocates, volunteers and is a Board Member of the CT Chapter for the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention and has completed seven, 16 mile OVERNIGHT WALKS in various cities to honor her brother. Marie is excited to use her passion & talents to contribute to the Trackside culture, helping our teens realize they have something to offer and deserve a place to shine, feel acceptable and valued. |
HIGH SCHOOL STAFF
Reflecting our mantra of FOR teens, BY teens, high school students lead our programming at Trackside. This dynamic of the older students leading, mentoring and supporting our younger students creates a powerful and magical experience.
Our HS Staff also assist with a variety of different leadership roles throughout the facility, including running our cafe and helping to run our special events.
Reflecting our mantra of FOR teens, BY teens, high school students lead our programming at Trackside. This dynamic of the older students leading, mentoring and supporting our younger students creates a powerful and magical experience.
Our HS Staff also assist with a variety of different leadership roles throughout the facility, including running our cafe and helping to run our special events.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS 2024
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OFFICERS
Board President Mike Handel Vice President Merideth Gilmor Secretary Treasurer Andrea Leifer |
AT LARGE DIRECTORS
Matt Preskenis Katie McCabe Olga Zargos-Traub Forrest Close Kevin Smith STUDENT BOARD DIRECTORS Thomas Fletcher Adi Mital |
