Dr. Dolores Garcia-Blocker is a lifelong educator with more than 30 years of experience working in public school systems. She started as a teacher in Washington, D.C., led schools in New York and Connecticut, and has held district leadership roles for the last 10 years in Connecticut. Having attended public school and then a private boarding school for high school, Dr. Garcia-Blocker recognized how her private educational experience allowed her to excel academically and socially in college. As a new teacher, she saw the stark inequities between her educational experience and that of her students. As a result, Dr. Garcia-Blocker has focused her career on providing equitable opportunities for all students, regardless of background. She did this through rigorous instruction in the classroom, leading excellent schools, and developing innovative programs and initiatives focused on college and career readiness. Dr. Garcia-Blocker received her B.A. from Spelman College, M.S. from American University, and an Ed.D from Teachers College, Columbia University. She holds numerous professional certifications, including a Superintendent Certification from the University of Connecticut. She was recognized by The College Board for closing the achievement gap, earned US News & World Report’s Bronze and Silver medals for Outstanding High Schools and was awarded the Outstanding Educator by the National Council of Negro Women, Inc. Dr. Garcia-Blocker is a proud mother of a graduate from Notre Dame High School of West Haven and student at Sacred Heart University.

Dr. Frank Costanzo is on the faculty at Columbia University, Teachers College Department of Organization and Leadership as an adjunct professor where he has taught the Introduction to School Leadership and Decision Making as well as the Internship in School Leadership. He has also served as a graduate student coach. Dr. Costanzo has served in urban public-school districts for nearly 20 years. He previously served as the Chief Operations Officer for the Norwalk Public Schools for six years where he supervised principals, oversaw district and school improvement strategy, developed a leadership pipeline, designed policy, led facilities master planning, food services, health services including the NPS COVID Reopening Plan, district security and human resources. In that time, Norwalk made significant gains on the Connecticut Next Generation Accountability Index in both reading and math assessments, driving NPS from the bottom to top of its district reference group (DRG). Norwalk was the top performing urban school district in Connecticut at the time of his departure. He is also a former high school principal and teacher in New Haven. He earned his doctorate in Organization and Leadership at Columbia University, Teachers College. Frank holds master’s degrees from Harvard and Brown and earned his bachelor’s degree from Quinnipiac University. Dr. Costanzo lives with his wife Nancy, three children, and Teddy, their Portuguese Water Dog in Madison, CT.

Krista served as a Teach For America Corps Member from 2012-2014 where she administered practical field and classroom activities to assist students in meeting course objectives. She also worked as the Manager of Program Operations & Alumni Communication for the region. Prior to her time with Teach For America Connecticut, Schroth worked as Leadership Program Manager and Student Engagement and Leadership at The College of William & Mary. During that time, Schroth also served as Program Coordinator for the Sarah Michelle Peterson Foundation, which provides depression and suicide prevention awareness programs and resources for the Hampton Roads communities and beyond in Virigina. She earned her Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership, Educational Policy, Planning and Leadership from The College of William & Mary and her Bachelors' Degree in Exercise Science, Psychology Certificate in Leadership Studies, Pre-Medical Licenses Concentration from Florida State University.

Danielle “Danni” Harrison-Ramiz is a CT native and 2017 TFA Greater Delta alum. After 5 years in the classroom, 2 summers on TFA Greater Delta staff managing summer school, 2 summers on TFA National staff as a DEI facilitator, and a season as TFA CT’s Manager, POAC, Danni now serves as the region’s Director of CM Experience. She is a wife, mother, and educator, active in her family, church, and community. With an Associate’s in Human Services, an undergrad in English and Sociology, a Master’s in Special Education, and an Educational Specialist degree in Administration and Leadership, Danni is committed to the lifetime work of educational equity and excellence. She is best to contact for All things CM related, programming questions, and AmeriCorps Questions

Justin Young is the Director of Regional & Executive Operations within the TFA CT Regional team. He is a native of Bridgeport CT born and raised and has a background in Communications, Events, & Operations. Justin holds a Bachelor’s of Science in Mass Communications from the University of Bridgeport and is currently pursuing a Masters in Strategic Communications & Public Relations at Sacred Heart University. Justin works within the CT region involves fostering the systems and operations that allows staff, our corps members & alumni, and our community partners to benefit from all TFA has to offer.