Board of Directors
When creating our Board of Directors, it was important that our team reflected the diversity of the youth we wish to teach. Our Board is a uniquely diverse group of passionate individuals who are dedicated to the mission of PROUD Academy.
Cathie Hillian, LPC, M.Ed
Cathie Hillian (she/her) received her master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Springfield College and has been a practicing...
Maria Kokiasmenos J.D.
Maria (she/her) received her bachelors degree from New York University and her J.D. from Georgetown University Law center. She is...
Tisha Markette M.ED
Tisha Markette (she/her) has dedicated over 28 years to disrupting inequities in urban education. Currently, she brings leadership development, systems...
Dr. Philip McAdoo, MA, Ed.D.
Philip McAdoo, (he/him) brings over 15 years of experience as diversity, equity and inclusion practitioner and educator. He is the...
Dustin Rader, BA, MA
Dusty Rader is the Interim Coordinator of the LGBTQ Center at Central Connecticut State University (CCSU), where he also teaches...
Robert Rader J.D.
Robert Rader, (he/him) has a passion for high-quality education, diversity and social justice. He was executive director of the Connecticut...
Rev. Dr. Stephen G. Ray Jr.
Rev. Dr. Stephen G. Ray Jr. (he/his) is the Senior Minister of the historic United Church on the Green in...
Nicole Selmanie M.Ed
Nicole Selmanie (she/her) began teaching in Hartford, CT in 2011. As an educator, Nicole is a fierce advocate for students...