Executive Director Update
Dear Friends,
The 2024/2025 school year marked an incredible milestone in our school’s history – The Southport School’s 40th anniversary. In a year of celebrating four decades of transformative education, we acknowledged not only our longevity, but also the lives that we have changed through the journey of discovery that defines our community.
Here, learning extends beyond academics. For our students, it is a deeply personal process of self-discovery, guided by compassionate and expertly trained educators. Your support of our Annual Fund not only recognized and celebrated our teachers but also helped ensure continued professional development and curriculum informed by the latest learning science.
In November, we welcomed former students, families, and faculty to campus for our Homecoming Fall Festival. Alumni from Eagle Hill-Southport’s graduating class of 1987 through The Southport School’s class of 2024 joined us for an afternoon of meaningful connection. Hearing their stories of perseverance, purpose, and accomplishment reminded me of the lasting impact of our work and inspired an intentional plan to re-engage and continue supporting these students and their families.
The year was marked by numerous opportunities for our community to come together. The Sea Dog Soirée, our spring fundraiser, was a tremendous success. The funds raised were used to implement state-of-the-art enhancements to our security systems, ensuring our campus remains a safe haven for learning and growth.
It was also a pivotal year for The Southport CoLAB, which published its first book, The Executive Function Blueprint – A Practical Framework for the Classroom. This significant step forward in bridging research and practice equipped educators with science-informed strategies, extending our transformative learning model well beyond our campus.
Celebrating 40 years of transformative learning served as a heartfelt expression of gratitude for our legacy and for everyone whose generosity, trust, and belief in our mission allowed us to continue creating a community where every student belongs and succeeds. The 2025 Annual Report, which I am proud to present, outlines the impact of your generosity, featuring contributions from over 253 donors and highlighting the collective achievements that strengthened our program, secured our campus, and advanced our commitment to educational excellence for all learners.
Thank you for your involvement, trust, and support. We are grateful for your partnership in fostering a community where the exceptional is celebrated.
Warm regards,
Dr. Benjamin N. Powers Executive Director
Leadership
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Dr. Benjamin N. Powers
ADMINISTRATION
Dr. Hallie A. Buckingham, Director of Placement and Alumni Engagement
Dr. Kathleen Gallagher, Associate Head of School for Administration, Student Advisor
Audra Hoag, Director, Lower School; Department Head, Writing; Assistant Director, Summer Academic Program; Student Advisor
Tracey Harris, Chief Financial Officer
Julie Papp, Director, Upper School; Department Head, Social Studies/Science; Student Advisor
Sharon Plante, Director of Education and Instructional Technology, Student Advisor
Jeffrey Ruggiero, Executive Director of Academic Programs and Research
ADMINISTRATIVE STAFF
Samantha Berg, Director, Student Enrollment Management
Olivia Brosnan, Assistant to Executive Director
Julie Ceja, Accounting Manager
Tori Danton, School Programs Coordinator
Dr. Kristi Graber, Senior Director, The Southport CoLAB
Kate Haft, Director, Development
Laurie Hagelman, Professional Learning Specialist, The Southport CoLAB
Jodi Hanna, Front Office Administrator, Alum Parent
Kirk Melhuish, IT Specialist
Patty O’Brien, Database Specialist
Kristi Parisi, Business Manager
Christine Restrepo, Director, Marketing & Communications
Emily Svedin, Professional Learning Specialist, The Southport CoLAB
Cadia Wiley, School Counselor, Student Advisor
Leadership, cont.
OPERATIONS
Rick Fedeli, Facilities Support
Mario Fiallo, Director, Facilities
Peggy Lewis, Chef
Jason Mercurio, Kitchen Support
Jimmy O’Hara, Facilities Manager
Shaquanda Young, Kitchen Support
FACULTY
Aline Anderson
Kari Anderson
Stacey Angelico
Megan Aversano
Justin Behn
Melissa Brown
James Bruce
Theresa Collins, Director, Orton-Gillingham Academy Training & Instruction, Tutorial Director, Fellow, Academy of OrtonGillingham Practitioners and Educators
Sarah Crupi, Art Director
Carrie Curtin
Brandon DeMunnik, Student Advisor
Michelle Dobes
Pamela Drought
Christine Filep
Janine Forry, Department Head, Literature, Student Advisor
Jeannine Gallagher, Alum Parent
Ashley Halkowicz
Melanie Higgins
Melissa Kinyon, C.C.C./SLP, Speech-Language Pathologist
Elizabeth Kotchmar
Cassidy Lombardo
Catherine Morris, Physical Education Director
Taylor Myers
Carly O’Connor
Talya Oral
Joanna Quinn, Alum Parent
John Robbins, Director, Summer Academic Program, Student Advisor
Kim Ruggiero, Department Head, Math
Julia Santala
Marisa Scott
Nora Scott
Shelbey Spinella
Katie Vannicola
Courtney Wandelt
Monica Woods
Elizabeth Zobel
2024 – 2026 BOARD OF DIRECTORS
CHAIR
Virginia Cargill, Chair
BOARD MEMBERS
Ellen Ringel Boyle
Jim Bradley
Colleen Brandon, Alum Parent
Andy Bria, T ‘87
Chester Burley
Mark Carey, Alum Parent
George Clark, Jr.
Mark Connelly, Alum Parent
Bob DiSabato, Alum Parent
Gary Downing
Dick Ferguson, Alum Parent
David Holtze, Alum Parent
Karen Jeffers
Stephanie Turnier Mitchell, Alum Parent
Andree Palmgren, Alum Parent
Dr. Benjamin N. Powers
Paul Quinsee, Alum Parent
Sue Roberts
Jim Vose
Amy Watson
DIRECTORS EMERITI
Janet Brogan, Alum Parent
Barbara Evans
Lawrence Hughes
Michael F. LaPorta
Hugh R. Smith, Alum Grandparent
Janet L. Steinmayer, Alum Parent
Robert W. Wright
Mrs. F. Henry Berlin, 1920-1995
Stephen D. Colhoun, 1921-1991
Walter S. Robbins, 1928-2016
John D. Upton, 1909-2005
Frank P. Wendt, 1925-2018
Patricia Willett , 1940-2023
Financials Fiscal Year 2025
September 1, 2024 – August 31, 2025
The Southport School, Inc. Statement
FY 2025 All Annual Giving
Thank you to all our donors for your generous support of The Southport School and The Southport CoLAB. Together, we offer transformative educational experiences and thought leadership that have a lasting impact on students worldwide.
$500,000 or more
The Rhimes Foundation
$100,000 - $499,999
Colleen and Joseph Brandon
$25,000 - $99,999
Anonymous (2)
The Quinsee Family Foundation
Marissa and Richard Ferguson
$20,000 - $24,999
Virginia K. Cargill
$15,000 - $19,999
Mary and David Holtze
Dana and Brian Lawlor
Leonard Tavormina
$10,000 - $14,999
Sally and Michael LaPorta
Stephanie and Todd Mitchell
Amy Watson and Casey Mulqueen
Andree and Karl Palmgren
$5,000 - $9,999
The Connelly Family, in memory of Jennifer Connelly
EmmaKate and Leonard DiNardo
Christina and Robert DiSabato
Lisa and Paul Doocy
Deborah and Geoffrey Erickson
Annick Winokur and Peter Gilbert
Margie and Chip Gillis
Anna and Michael Janis
Adam & Phyllis Kurzer Family Fund
Victoria and Christopher Powers
Michelle-Lee and Justin Rabinowitz
Anna and Benjamin Sarly
Lauren and Brian Schiller
Tikkun Olam Steinberg Foundation, Inc.
Wilmot Wheeler Foundation, Inc.
Karen Jeffers and Dick Worth
$2,500 - $4,999
Christa and Frederick Andresky
Bank of America Matching Gifts
The Beckerer Foundation
Kimberly and William Brasser
Elisabeth and George Clark
Ginger and James Donaher
Arlene Ettinger
JJK Foundation, Barry Emswiler, Jeff Emswiler
Heidi Palmer and Robert Kruger
Robert and Virginia Shiller Foundation
David and Eleanor Sylvestro
Whitney and James Vose
Joanna and Matthew Walsh
$1,000 - $2,499
Jenny Anderson
Candace and Thomas Banks
Daniel Berger
Dina and Paul Berger
Margaret and Richard Bondy
Ellen and Edward Boyle
Barbara and James Bradley
Janet and Christopher Brogan
Mark Carey
Nadine Caron
Liz and Steve Chbosky
Deborah and Robert Criscuolo
Dana and Kevin Davis
Stephanie B. Frost and Morgan Frost T ’13
Amy and John Giudice
Mr. and Mrs. Thomas J. Keller
Cornelia Gallo and Peter Lanni, in honor of Amelia and Madeline Lanni
The Leibowits Family Fund
M&T Bank
Sharon and Brian Miles
Kelsey and Nathaniel Mundy, T ’91
Heather Hassan and Nicholas Pecsok
Dr. and Mrs. Benjamin N. Powers
Sue Roberts
Russell Insurance
Sasco Pediatric Dentistry
Smart Kids with Learning Disabilities
Sally and Hugh Smith
Janet L. Steinmayer, in honor of Ben Guaglianone T’03
Lori and Stephen Wyckoff
$500 - $999
Dr. Hallie Buckingham and Mr. William Buckingham
Dr. and Mrs. Charles and Karen Crape
Lindsey and Matthew Crape, T ’98
Jennifer and Gary Downing
Edith and David Faile
Jeannine and Kevin Gallagher
Dr. Kathleen Gallagher and Mr. Kenneth Gallagher
Carol and Edward Glassmeyer
Jane and Shedd Glassmeyer
Goldman Sachs Gives
Hope Hetherington
Jayne and Christian Jepsen
Kari and Joe Kazer
Leah and Matthew Kirshner
Kadiatu and Derek Lublin
Maggie and Tony Macari
Jessica and Patricio Maldonado
Lauren and Darrin Marshall
Brooke and Robert Mountain
David Newton
Sharon and Philip Plante
The Pritchard Homes Team at William Raveis
Drs. Georgina and Robert Sackstein
The Sasquanaug Conservancy for Southport
Laura Jayson and Edward Waters
Under $500
Jennifer Adorno
Aline Anderson
Ashlee and Raymond Anderson
Kari Anderson
Stacey Angelico
Coleen and Felipe Arguello
Maureen and William Auer
Megan Aversano
Ilyssa and Jacob Axel
Jennifer and Brian Baldwin
Barings, LLC
Marie and Christopher Bartels
Justin and Tiffany Behn
Samantha Berg
Deborah and Lawrence Berliner
Amy Bernard
Jennifer and Eric Bernheim
Sandra and Douglas Bisset
Karin Bowman
Maddie Brasser, T '14
Cathy and William Breck
Andy Bria, T ’87
Melissa and Michael Brown
James Bruce
Cameron and Christopher Buzzeo
Cheré Campbell
Cathryn Carrington
Patricia Carrington
Cynthia Cartier
Julie Ceja
Jennifer Labbadia-Colon and Adam Colon
Kristin McNamara and John Comer
Sarah and Joe Crupi
Carrie Curtin
Karen and Thomas Curtin
Loretta and Steven Dalgleish
Emily and Christopher DeCruze
Brandon M. DeMunnik
Kieran and Stéphane DiTullio
FY 2025 All Annual Giving
continued
Pamela Dixon Drought
Gina Fedeli
Rick Fedeli
Belen and Christian Ferreira
Mario and Jenny Fiallo
Christine M. Filep
Sandra H. Filep
Elizabeth and Peter Fitton
Ralph and Deborah Flamini
Janine and Christopher Forry
Amy and Bruce French
Melanie and Michael Fusco
Gena Lennon-Gomez and Jason Gomez
Patti Provoost and Michael Goodrich
Dr. Kristi Graber
Jamie and Carter Gremp
Elizabeth and Jeffrey Griffin
Benjamin Guaglianone, T ’03
Kate and Jesse Haft
Jodi and Mark Hanna
Tory and Joby Harold, in honor of Will Harold, T ’24
Stephen Forneris and Hollis Heimbouch
Melanie Higgins
Audra Hoag
Sally and Jack Ijams
Brittany and Jonathan Jacobs
Erin Johnson
Jessica and Clayton Johnson
Elizabeth and Nolan Kaliski
Lori and Imad Khoury
Meghan LaMonica
Peggy Lewis
Patricia and Charles MacDonald
Sarah Gomez and Ryan MacDonald
Marsh & McLennan Companies
Theresa Collins and Jamie Martin
Sanem Erucar and Mischa Matthews
Vivecca and Jonathan Mazella
Andrea and Michael McGee
Christy McWilliams
Lara and Jason Meersman
Kirk Melhuish
MetLife
Gina Pasquini and Barry Moller
Danielle and Scott Morgan
Catherine Morris
Taylor Myers
Alex Novak, T ‘99
Patty and Keith O’Brien
Susan and Tom O’Hara
Alexandra and Peter Oldershaw
Rene Almeling and Jeffrey Ostergren
Rosemary Ostmann
Missy and Samuel Palmisano
Julie Papp
Kristi Parisi
Pediatric Associates of Western CT
Jeanine and Robert Pellicci
Neal and Kathleen Perrelle
Monica and Michael Queally
Joanna Quinn
Tatiana Reeves
Christine and Luis Restrepo
Barbara and John Robbins
Kimberly and Jeffrey Ruggiero
George F. Russell
Kylie Ryan
Michael Sackstein, T ’04
Julia Santala
McKinne Dunn and Todd Schlachter
Michael Schoen
Christin and Alfred Schor
Suzanne and Craig Schwegel
Gina Scinto
Marisa Scott
Megan and Mike Seff
Christine and David Selph
Elisabeth and Paul Sevigny
Jodi and Paul Sosman
Patricia Spaght
Shelbey Spinella
Anne and Daniel Stark
Deborah Sylvestro
Jared Trippel
Uncle Matt’s Bakery and Cafe
Katie Vannicola
Jessica and Justin Wachler
Courtney Wandelt
Mr. and Mrs. D.G. Warner
Melissa and Daniel Welby
Katharine Wilson and Andrew Wertz
Cadia Wiley and Sean Whalen
Leahkay and James White
Revs. Laura and Paul Whitmore
Lisa McComb-Williams and Ira Williams
Katherine and Justin Wingate
Monica V. Woods
Elizabeth Zobel
Legacy Gift
Wendt Family Trust
In Kind Gifts
A.C.T. of Connecticut
Aquila’s Nest Vineyard
Bailey’s Backyard
Bloom Skin + Wellness
Crafty Kids
Elicit Brewing Company
Esskay Four Photo Booth Co.
NicholsMD of Fairfield
Precious Oysters
Rock Climb Fairfield
Rosebud Slumber Parties
Shelter Harbor Inn
SoulCycle
Spacecat Brewing
The Home Cook
Total Wine & More
Two Roads Brewery
The Southport CoLAB provides evidence-based training to educators and families through a collaborative, research-driven approach. As the professional learning and research initiative of The Southport School, The Southport CoLAB bridges the gap between cognitive science and classroom practice, translating groundbreaking research into actionable strategies that enhance teaching
In this fiscal year, with the continued support of visionary donors, including The Rhimes Foundation, The Southport CoLAB trained 671 teachers across seven states, likely impacting 14,420 students. With the publication of its first book, The Executive Function Blueprint: A Practical Framework for the Classroom, and the continued expansion of its solutions and services, including the online course, Introduction to The Executive Function Blueprint, as well as its community outreach initiatives, The Southport CoLAB marked a pivotal year
With the generous support of our donors, funds raised at our Sea Dog Soirée were used to install a state-of-the-art security system. This improvement to our campus is an essential complement to the safe and supportive learning environment we provide our students. These upgrades reflect our ongoing commitment to maintaining our historic buildings while ensuring that they meet the
Now, the spaces where students feel safe taking academic and personal risks to learn and grow are also better equipped to protect
Corporate Donations, Endowments, Matching Gifts and Grants, Planned and Estate Giving
The Stephen Sylvestro Scholarship Fund
In memory of Stephen Sylvestro,TSS Faculty 1985 - 2015.
General Endowment Fund
Unrestricted gifts.
Financial Aid Endowment
To provide support for student financial aid.
Locker Maintenance Fund
Est. 2015 for family and friends who wish to name a school locker in honor of a student, teacher, or any community member deserving recognition of their experience or dedication to the school.
The Beckerer Family Scholarship Fund
Est. 2005 by Bob Beckerer to provide support for financial aid.
Mr. Frank S. Beckerer, Jr.
Casey Coleman Scholarship Fund
Est. 1999 by George and Katie Coleman to support financial aid.
Stephen D. Colhoun Scholarship Fund
Est. 1991 by friends and family in memory of Stephen Colhoun, to provide support for financial aid.
Fernandes Family Scholarship Fund
Est. 2010 by the Fernandes Family to provide support for financial aid.
Andrew Kostin Technology Fund
Est. 2008 by Susan Kostin in honor of her son, Andrew, to support classroom technology.
Madison Hui Kwong Scholarship Fund
Est. 2007 by Timothy and Chelsea Kwong in memory of their daughter, to support professional development.
Carolyn Lavender Scholarship Fund
Est. in 2013 by friends and family in memory of Carolyn Lavender, to provide support for financial aid.
Megan Aversano
Samantha Berg
Janine and Christopher Forry
Dr. Kathleen Gallagher and Mr. Kenneth Gallagher
Dr. and Mrs. Benjamin N. Powers
Kimberly and Jeffrey Ruggiero
The Carolyn Lavender and Kelly Wieman Fund
Est. in 2011 by the Wieman Family in honor of Carolyn Lavender, who first suggested TSS to their daughter, Kelly. The funds are unrestricted.
The Daniel E. Offutt III Scholarship Fund
Est. in 2018 on behalf of The Daniel E. Offutt III Revocable Trust to benefit students worthy of a scholarship.
Quinsee Family Fund
Est. in 2010 by the Quinsee family to be used at the discretion of the Head of School and Board of Directors.
Walter S. Robbins Fund for Service Learning
Est. in 2009 by the Robbins children in honor of their father to support service learning at the School.
Grant V.A. Roberts Fund for Art and Music Education
Est. in 2005 in memory of Grant V.A. Roberts by his family to support art and music programs.
Southport Congregational Church Scholarship Fund
Est. in 1992 by the Southport Congregational Church to provide support for financial aid.
Tavormina Endowment Fund
Est. in 2002 by the Tavormina family to be used at the discretion of the Board of Directors.
John D. Upton Scholarship Fund
Est. in 1990 by John Upton to provide support for financial aid.
MetLife
Barbara and Frank Wendt Scholarship Fund
Est. in 2004 by Barbara and Frank Wendt to support financial aid.
WAYS OF GIVING
EMAIL US at Development@SouthportSchool.org
BY CHECK to The Southport School
214 Main Street
Southport, CT 06890
Please include your name, address, and phone or email so we can confirm receipt.
ONLINE at SouthportSchool.org/Giving
CALL US at 203.254.2044
GIVING OPPORTUNITIES
CORPORATE MATCH
Many employers will match your contribution to TSS. Check with your employer’s Human Resources Department or contact our Development Office for
APPRECIATED STOCK
For instructions on transferring stock, please contact the Deve
PLANNED GIVING
Setting up a Trust, including TSS in your estate plans, or naming TSS in a Life Insurance policy are ways you may consider supporting the school. For more information, please contact the Development Office.
NAMED FUNDS
Donors who choose to contribute to the Endowment are in vestors in the future of TSS. The named funds and restrict ed accounts are essential resources that ensure the school will have a support system for years to come. These funds strengthen our academic and athletic programs, as well as our financial aid offerings, and provide for continued professional development.
ANGEL FUND
Donors may invest anonymously to support students who require scholarship funds, either on a quarterly or annual basis, to cover tuition costs. Please contact the Development Office for more details about this program.
We are grateful for our shared vision and your support of a world where every child has access to an exceptional education.Thank you to our donors, volunteers, neighbors, and the Southport community for your unwavering support of The Southport School. Your contributions are instrumental in empowering cerebrodiverse students to achieve their full potential.
