FAPA PEOPLE
Our FAPA People
The Wilton Fine And Performing Arts (FAPA) department is composed of a diverse team of Arts educators. In addition to their dynamic work with students in the classroom, the FAPA staff continue to engage the community and share their expertise by performing publicly, participating in art shows, contributing to articles in publications, and being active in their respective professional Arts organizations locally and nationally.
MJ Alexander, Band, Music Technology, General Music, WHS and Middlebrook
MJ Alexander is the Assistant Band Director at Wilton High School, where they teach music technology and assist Troy Williams in directing the concert band, wind ensemble, and marching band. MJ also teaches general music at Middlebrook School. Originally from Newtown, CT, MJ earned their B.A. (Music) from Syracuse University and their M.A. (Teaching Music) from Sacred Heart University. MJ’s primary instrument is the French horn and they enjoy playing in pit orchestras for professional musical theater productions.
Before beginning their teaching career, MJ worked with several non-profit organizations which ignited their passion for teaching, mentorship, equity, and inclusion. Their work includes volunteering with and organizing benefit concerts for a local organization (F.U.N.) for children and families with autism and special needs, as well as working as a counselor and mentor at an organization for LGBT+ and gender-expansive teenagers. Most recently, MJ worked with the K.E.Y.S organization, which provides free music lessons and performance opportunities to under-resourced students in Bridgeport Public Schools.
Outside of school, MJ enjoys crafting, trivia, and spending time with their cat. They are excited to start their first year of teaching in Wilton in 2024.
Beth Bakst, General Music, Cider Mill
Beth Bakst teaches Chorus and General Music for grades 3-5 at Cider Mill School. She holds degrees from the Crane School of Music at SUNY Potsdam and CUNY Hunter where she studied Music Education with a focus on vocal performance and Anthropology.. Mrs. Bakst has been teaching K-12 music in the tri-state area since 2011 and joined Wilton Public Schools in 2019. She serves as the Cider Mill instructional leader for the special areas department and is active in the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion committee. She is incredibly passionate about cultivating a life-long love of music in every student through culturally responsive teaching and repertoire. Outside of the classroom, you’ll likely find her singing with local community chorus The Wilton Singers, reading a whimsical fiction novel, or collecting sea glass with her daughter and husband at the beach.
Susanna Brandt, Art, WHS
Susanne Brandt is an art teacher at Wilton High School for over 20 years. She focuses on inspiring students to further their knowledge in the creative process. She is the instructional leader for grades nine through twelve. She is an alumna of Alfred University, where she earned a double major in Fine Art and Art Education and later continued to earn a master's degree in Art Education. At Wilton High, school Susanne currently teaches classes in Photography, Ceramics and Jewelry. She guides her students in exploring and expressing their personal creative visions through various artistic mediums. Outside of the classroom, Susanne is passionate about traveling and enjoys capturing her adventures through photography. She also enjoys an active lifestyle , participating in pilates, skiing, hiking and kayaking with her husband.
Heather Delude, Theater, WHS
Heather DeLude is a teacher, director, and actress with a rich Chicago and Los Angeles improvisational theater background. She honed her craft at renowned institutions such as The Second City Conservatory, ImprovOlympic (IO), ComedySportz, and The Annoyance Theater, studying under master teachers such as Del Close, Martin de Maat, Joe Bill, Mick Napier, Mark Sutton, and Susan Messing. In addition, Heather is a certified instructor of English and theatre at Wilton High School, where she also serves as Co-Instructional Leader of the English Department. She founded Freeplay, A Night of Improv Comedy, which has been a staple at WHS for over a decade and has recently merged to become an official ComedySportz high school league. Heather remains active in professional and community theater throughout Fairfield County and continues to pursue roles in film, television, and commercials in New York City.
Caroline Duggan, Art, Cider Mill
Caroline H Duggan has been an art teacher for 19 years, starting in New York City and then in Connecticut, teaching at Cider Mill in Wilton for the last 10 years. She is also a professional painter, printmaker and fiber artist whose work focuses on landscape. Ms. Duggan has a BFA in Art Education and Painting from Pratt Institute and an MA in Art Education from University of Nebraska. Ms. Duggan spends most of her free time visiting museums, galleries and artists studios. She also enjoys the outdoors and spends a lot of her free time hiking, camping and traveling with her family.
Susana Estes, Art, WHS
As a seasoned graphic designer turned educator, Susana brings industry experience and a passion for creativity and design to our school. With a master's degree in Fine Arts of Graphic Design and over a decade of professional practice, Susana specializes in teaching a diverse range of courses including Computer Graphics, Digital Illustration, Computer Animation, Digital Media, AP Art and Design, and Fashion Design.
Though she primarily focuses on these areas, she has also taught courses such as Painting, Photography, Advance Drawing, and Ceramics. Beyond the classroom, Susana is an avid traveler, photographer, and hiker, finding inspiration and rejuvenation in nature and exploration.
Susana actively seeks opportunities for students to showcase their talents, whether through competitions, community projects, or exhibitions. She strives to foster an environment where students develop both technical skills and creative confidence, preparing them for success not only in the digital arts field but also in more traditional art fields. She cultivates a love for design and creativity that lasts a lifetime.
Jennifer Eyikan, Art, Miller Driscoll
Jennifer Eyikan has been teaching art at Miller-Driscoll for almost three decades. She began her teaching career in Wilton teaching second and third grade and then moved into the art position that she has to this day. She loves introducing the youngest members of the school system to the joy of creating art. Jennifer teaches preschool through second grade. She received her Bachelor of Fine Arts and her Master of Elementary Education from the University of Massachusetts. Jennifer enjoys teaching about artists that she is inspired by and also enjoys watching the excitement of her students when they try a new material or technique that excites them. She believes that art at Miller-Driscoll is the foundation of a lifetime of creating and appreciating art. When Jennifer is not teaching she enjoys traveling, going to art museums and cultural sites, reading, playing the piano, and spending time with her family.
Jon Garcia, Band, Cider Mill
Jonathan Garcia is a freelancing professional trumpet player, singer, composer, and music educator. He has toured the world with the B.B. King’s All-Stars aboard cruise ships, and countless salsa artists. He holds two bachelor’s degrees in music education and performance from the University of Connecticut, and a master’s degree in Instructional Design & Technology from Full Sail University. He has been teaching for a total of 11 years (3 of them as the 5th grade band director at Cider Mill School). In addition, Jon is very passionate for racial equity and serves as the co-chair of the Cider Mill DEI Committee.
Outside of school, Jon dedicates his time to performing trumpet with many bands in the NY tri-state area and in his own group called C.L.A.V.E. Latin Jazz Quintet. On the weekends you can find him cheering on his favorite football team the Tennessee Titans and attending exotic car shows!
Jenny Ginsberg, Band, Middlebrook
Jennifer Ginsberg has been teaching music to Wilton children since 1990. She teaches the woodwind instrument lessons at Middlebrook, and conducts the 8th Grade Band, 7th Grade Band and the Sixth Dimension. One of the best things about teaching in this district for so long is having students who are the children of former students!
Ms. Ginsberg has a BA in music from Yale and a Master’s in Music Education from the University of Bridgeport. She is primarily a flutist and plays locally with the Harbor Winds Quintet. Before coming to Wilton she taught general music and band in New York and Maryland and also taught private flute lessons for many years at a studio in Norwalk.
When she’s not teaching or conducting, Ms. Ginsberg enjoys hiking, swimming, sailing, kayaking and snowshoeing, especially with her dog or with her husband and four grown children.
Karen Golder, Art, Middlebrook
Connecticut native, Karen Golder, has been honing her artistic skills since she was a child. Her love for painting was inspired by her grandparents and began a lifelong love for the arts. Due to the many influential art teachers throughout her educational career, becoming an art teacher seemed a natural progression. Karen attended and graduated Pratt Institute in 2001 with a double major in art education and painting. There she gained experience in teaching students K-12 as well as teaching adult drawing and painting courses. Karen found her first teaching position at Cider Mill School in Wilton CT where she taught grades 3-5 from 2001-2013. In 2013, Karen made a transition to Middlebrook School where she was excited for the opportunity to work with an older population of students. Since entering the Wilton School district, Karen has earned a masters degree in school counseling and continues to make art in her home studio.
Michael Gordon, Band, FAPA IL, Middlebrook
Michael S. Gordon hails from Bridgeport, CT., receiving his B.A. (Music) and M.S (Education) from the University of Bridgeport. He received his 6th Year in Educational Administration from the University of Connecticut. Michael’s primary instrument is the French horn.
Michael has been teaching Band and General Music at Middlebrook for over 20 years, also connecting with students through the clubs he advises at Middlebrook and Wilton High School. He is also the K-8 Music Instructional Leader for Fine And Performing Arts, and the Equity & Inclusion Instructional Leader for the district.
Michael is an active member of the Connecticut Music Educators Association, a Teacher Leader with the National Association for Music Educators Connected Arts Network grant, a member of the Connecticut Administrators Association, an alum of the Sphere Education Initiative’s Sphere Summit, and a Fund for Teachers Fellow. Michael enjoys spending quality time with family, loved ones, and friends - Family, Friends, Food & Fun!
Francesca Gray, Chorus & General Music, Middlebrook
Francesca Gray is a Chorus and General Music teacher at Middlebrook Schoool (Grades 6-8) and also leads the extracurricular activities Rock Band, Middlebrook Singers, and Middlebrook Songwriters. She has been teaching in Wilton for the past two years and has four years of public school teaching experience. Ms. Gray earned her Bachelor of Music from The Hartt School and Master of Music from Mannes.
Outside of school, Ms. Gray continues her musical passion and curiosity for singing, songwriting, and playing piano and guitar. This summer, she will be attending Carnegie Hall’s Music Educators Workshop. As a lifelong learner, she is dedicated to advancing her musical skills and teaching practice to deliver meaningful and engaging instruction for all learners.
Ken Hayashi, Orchestra 4 & 5, Cider Mill
Mr. Hayashi teaches Strings grades 4-5 for our returning string students at Cider Mill School. He holds performance degrees from the Eastman School of Music and the Yale School of Music. For Suzuki fans, he played at Carnegie Hall with Dr. Suzuki and his students from Japan, along with Australians and Americans, when he himself was in elementary school. Has been a regular performer with local symphonies, operas, and rock bands. His new position this year is to help young string players to continue to grow throughout their time at Cider Mill. Every student’s success brings great joy to his existence. A couple lifetimes of experience in playing, learning, teaching, performance and witnessing an abundance of success in music is freely available to anyone at any age that desires it.
Angelica Jara, Orchestra and General Music, WHS and Middlebrook
Angelica Jara is a violinist with a B.A in Music from Western Connecticut State University and a Masters from the University of Bridgeport. She started her teaching career at a charter school in Waterbury, CT, co-Instructing 2nd-7th grade orchestra, which opened her eyes to the importance of differentiation and inclusion. That propelled her to shift her focus and pursue a teaching certificate through ARC (Alternative Teaching Certification). She then migrated to Wilton, CT, where she currently co - teaches middle and high school orchestra. During her free time, Angelica enjoys playing fiddle and folk music from regions all over the world.
Chris Johnson, General Music, Miller Driscoll
Chris Johnson is a Wilton native entering his tenth year at Miller-Driscoll School where he teaches a general music curriculum to students in grades preschool through second. He holds a Bachelors of Music from Western CT State University, a Masters of Music Education from University of Bridgeport, and a Certificate of Advanced Graduate Studies in Music Education from Boston University. In addition, Chris received his certification in Kodály levels I and II from the Hartt School under the instruction of John Feierabend. He is passionate about the earliest stages of music learning and takes pride in the music-making culture he establishes in his classroom. As a musician, Chris also enjoys a performance career as a drummer with local gigs, Broadway orchestras, and national tours. When not teaching or drumming, he likes to spend time cooking pizza, biking, and gardening.
Kirsten Karlan, Orchestra, Cider Mill
Kirsten Karlan, a Fairfield County native, has just joined Cider Mill School and will be teaching string instrumental beginning students! After teaching for more than two decades, she is most passionate about students learning proper playing technique and developing their musical ear so they can achieve lasting progress and enjoyment in their studies.
Kirsten holds a Bachelor of Music in Violin Performance from Western Connecticut State University and a Master of Music in Music Education from Kent State University, in addition to having obtained violin teacher training with the Suzuki Association of the Americas through the Hartt School of Music at the University of Hartford. She is a lifelong learner and continues to study additional approaches such as Gordon’s Music Learning Theory and the Bornoff Method in order to enrich her students’ experiences. Kirsten most enjoys power walking, performing with The American Chamber Orchestra, and spending time with her husband and daughters!
Malcolm Karlan, Orchestra, FAPA IL, WHS and Middlebrook
Malcolm Karlan directs the orchestra programs at Wilton High School and Middlebrook School, leading instruction for string students in grades sixth through twelve. He is a graduate of the Oberlin Conservatory, Teachers College, and the University of Bridgeport, where he studied Classical Guitar, Music Education, Psychology, and School Administration/Supervision. Mr. Karlan also serves as one of the two instructional leaders for music, helping to shape the direction of music education in the district. Now in his 18th year of teaching, Mr. Karlan is passionate about bringing the joys of music making to all students. When he is not teaching or playing music, he spends his time chasing after his three children and tackling DIY projects.
Susan LaBarbera, Art, FAPA IL, Middlebrook
Susan LaBarbera is a passionate and dedicated art educator at Middlebrook School. She has been teaching fine art for over three decades. Susan is also the Instructional Leader for the district grades K-8.
She is advisor for the Visionary Art Club and Open Art Studio.
Ms. LaBarbera has a Master of Art Therapy and Counseling and uses this training to work specifically with the special needs population.
In addition to fine art instruction, Ms.LaBarbera works with students to maintain the greenhouse and perennial gardens at Middlebrook School.
In her spare time, she is a beekeeper and a skilled gardener. Susan loves to travel and cook. She is painter and likes creating sterling silver jewlery in here home studio. Other wise she is spending time with her family and dogs at the pool and beach. She hopes to learn how to sail this summer.
Joanna Lepore, Art, Middlebrook
Joanna Lepore is an art teacher at Middlebrook School who teaches 6th, 7th and 8th grade. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Art Education from The College of New Jersey and a Master’s Degree in Supervision from The College of New Jersey. She taught elementary school art in New Jersey before moving to Connecticut. She has 4 children, all of which attended Wilton Public Schools. She has been an active member in the community through many organizations such as Wilton Soccer Association, PTAs, Ambler Farm, Mom’s Club, Newcomers Club, The Lake Club and Wilton Congregational Church.
Mrs. Lepore really enjoys creating sculptural art and the creative problem solving process. When Mrs. Lepore isn’t teaching students or spending time with her family, she enjoys playing lots of sports, traveling and being outdoors.
Kathryn Luckstone, Artistic Director, Theater, WHS
An alumni of Wilton High School, Kathryn assumed the role of Artistic Director and Producer in the fall of 2019.
Kathryn received a B.A in Acting with a minor in arts administration from Marymount Manhattan College. In 2007, she received further theatrical training at the Moscow Art Theatre in Russia.
Kathryn went onto become the international touring company manager for Mikhail Baryshnikov with the theatrical production of In Paris. Following the tour, Kathryn relocated to Los Angeles to become the tour manager and later the General Manager of Benjamin Millepied’s new contemporary dance company, LA Dance Project.
Kathryn has additionally been a producer and production manager for The Broad Stage in Santa Monica, Ballet Etudes at the Westport Country Playhouse, the New Haven Festival of Arts & Ideas and New York City Center.
Kathryn returned to Wilton High School with the goal of continuing to grow the theatre program at WHS that was so formative to her as a student.
Will Mandelbaum, Chorus and Music Theory, WHS
Will Mandelbaum is the Director of Choral Activities at Wilton High School, where he directs seven vocal ensembles and teaches AP Music Theory. In 2023, Mr. Mandelbaum was named Emerging Conductor of the Year by the Connecticut chapter of the American Choral Directors Association.
Mr. Mandelbaum has a keen interest in music directing, and music directs all theatrical productions at WHS, most recently conducting their award-winning production of Disney's MARY POPPINS. In the summer, he holds the position of music director at Fairfield Teen Theatre. Mr. Mandelbaum also conducts the new Connecticut-based professional choral ensemble Voicebox.
Originally from Fairfield, Mr. Mandelbaum is a proud graduate of the University of Connecticut's Neag School of Education, where he graduated with graduate and undergraduate degrees in Music Education. Mr. Mandelbaum was Assistant Conductor of the Festival Chorus, and published his undergraduate honors thesis titled "Analyzing Non-Strophic Forms through the Facets Model: The Early Compositional Technique of Trey Anastasio and Phish".
Janet Nobles, Chorus, STRIDE IL, Middlebrook
Janet Nobles has been teaching Chorus in Wilton since 1992. Raised in Wilton and having raised her own children (Steffen, 25, and Tess, 21) here, Janet finds great joy in educating in the district she calls home. Her husband Kyle teaches piano at their residence on Drum Hill Rd.
A passionate vocalist, Janet lends her voice to St. Matthew's Episcopal Church and performs with The Wilton Singers. She also serves as the Instructional Leader for the STRIDE team at Middlebrook and holds the role of Teacher in Charge.
Janet is a proud alumna of Wilton High School and holds degrees from The University of Connecticut in Music Education, Central Connecticut State University in Choral Conducting, and Southern Connecticut State University in Educational Leadership. Her educational career began at Huckleberry Hill Elementary School in Brookfield, where she taught for two years before joining the Wilton community.
Glenn Packman, Improv, Theater, WHS
Glenn Packman is a resident of Wilton, and a graduate of the Theater Arts program at Drew University as well as a former Artistic Board member at the Theatre of NOTE in Los Angeles.
Locally, he’s appeared at the Carriage House Arts Center in 16 different shows, including performing as Riff Raff in “The Rocky Horror Show”, Gary in “I Hate Hamlet”, Mr. Martin in“Poseidon! An Upside-Down Musical”, as well as pretty much the entire supporting cast in both “Sistah Act” and “The Cluesual Suspects”. Some of his other acting credits include Huey in “Italian-American Reconciliation” at the Wilton Playshop, Arkadi in “A Month in the Country” at the Darien Arts Center, and Mr. Velasco in “Barefoot in the Park” at Curtain Call in Stamford.
As a writer, he penned “The Great American Breakdown”, which was produced in New York, LA and various regional theatres. He’s also done a few commercials and a really bad made-for-PBS film that he flatly refuses to identify. His true love, however, is improv; he’s a founding member of Fairfield of Dreams (a locally-based long-form group) and is a co-owner of ComedySportz - New York, which performs short-form improv as a sporting event, and is part of a national chain. He’s especially proud to have co-coached Connecticut’s first ComedySportz High School League, which took the stage at Wilton High School in January of 2024.
Go Blue Team!
Andrew Pearson, General Music, Cider Mill
Andrew Pearson teaches general music and chorus for Grades three-five at Cider Mill School in Wilton CT. He is a graduate of Princeton University, and Teachers College.
Christian Planton, Theater Manager, WHS
Christian Planton has been designing the sets for Wilton High School productions since the early 2000’s. Christian also teaches the Architecture and Engineering classes. He also serves as the co advisor with Kathryn Luckstone to the Little Theater Club.
Megan Putnick, Art, Miller Driscoll
Megan Putnick has taught art in Wilton at Middlebrook School and Miller-Driscoll School for over 10 years. Before Wilton Megan was an art teacher at Greens Farms Academy in Westport Connecticut. Megan graduated from Manhattanville College where she pursued an Art Education Degree, and continued to complete her Master’s degree from College of New Rochelle.
Megan knew at a young age that she wanted to work with children and in the arts in some shape or form. She has a passion for introducing artists to children that spark an interest outside of the classroom. She believes that art at Miller-Driscoll School is the foundation of a lifetime of creating and appreciating art. Megan has worked with her students in after-school programs to allow students with a passion for art to expand their horizons in other capacities.
When Megan is not teaching she is seen most summers directing the Darien Youth Commission Summer Camp. She enjoys traveling, going to the beach, gardening, and spending time with her 2 daughters, husband, and 2 dogs Remi and Winnie.
Justin Shay, Art, Cider Mill
Justin Shay is an art teacher at Cider Mill School. He has been teaching there since 2022 and began his career in 2002. Mr. Shay graduated form University of Michigan with a Bachelor’s degree in Art Education and holds a Master’s degree in Special Education from Southern Connecticut State University. When he’s not teaching or working on his own art he enjoys spending time with his wife and daughter.
Kevin Slater, Public Speaking, Theater, WHS
Kevin Slater teaches Public Speaking and Theater Arts at Wilton High School. He is a graduate of Fairfield University with a degree in English Education. Mr. Slater has a Master’s from Sacred Heart University in Strategic Communications and Public Relations, with a second Master’s (6th year) from Southeastern Oklahoma State University in Theater Pedagogy. Mr. Slater has worked in the entertainment industry for years. He managed for the Sony/Loews corporation. He ran Westport’s Bedford Middle School theater program while associate directing at Staples High School. He has worked for two local professional theater companies; The Downtown Cabaret and The Gateway Candlewood Playhouse. He was on a team that built a national tour of Evita under the supervision of Hal Prince.
Mr. Slater is a veteran of the United States Coast Guard. In 2003, he was recognized for heroism by the Connecticut State General Assembly for rescuing a high school student from a burning car. In 2017 Mr. Slater started directing productions for Wilton High School. In his spare time, he and his wife enjoy traveling and caring for their menagerie of furballs.
Ian Tait, General Music, Miller Driscoll
Ian Tait is entering his 6th year as a general music teacher for Miller-Driscoll School. He holds a bachelor's degree in Music Performance from Western Connecticut State University, and a Masters in Music Education from the University of Bridgeport. His primary instrument is the upright bass. You’ll find Mr. Tait leading classes for grades PreK 3- 2nd Grade with singing accompanied by ukulele, guitar, piano, and more! He takes pride in creating a musical culture at Miller-Driscoll through leading school assemblies with music and an end of year 2nd grade music show. Activities such as the “Ukulele Tour”, where students show their ukulele skills to younger grade levels, and “Morning Music” further the music program and musical culture at Miller-Driscoll.
In addition to teaching, Mr. Tait has spent time touring and recording as a professional musician for bands such as The Alternate Routes, Nick Fradiani, Brian Fallon, David Cook, and more. His passion for performing fuels his music teaching.
Greg Theriault, Art, WHS
Greg Theriault has been at WHS 2004. While he took a brief detour for 7 years to serve as an Assistant Principal, he happily decided to return as a member of the Art Department staff in 2023.
Greg concentrated in painting while a student at the University of Massachusetts at Amherst, and has exhibited his work at various small galleries in Massachusetts. His personal interests have expanded to include 3D animation and digital media. Greg has taught almost every discipline offered in the department except for Jewelry and Fashion Design (one look at him will tell you why he has never taught the latter.)
While focusing on individual skill development and teaching the visual language of each medium, Greg also tries to encourage each student to look within themselves to discover their personal voice to make their creations more meaningful.
When he is not teaching, Greg enjoys spending as much time as possible with his wife and kids. They hike local trails, watch old Star Trek reruns and comedies, and enjoy cooking fantastic meals. He also dreams of one day picking up his old guitar again.
Troy Williams, Band, WHS
Troy Williams is the Director of Bands at Wilton High School, where he directs Wind Ensemble, concert band, two jazz bands, a percussion ensemble, a competitive marching band, a pep band, and teaches lessons. He is currently in his 12th year of teaching with 6 years teaching in Wilton. Troy has over a decade plus of experience in the marching arts such as being the Assistant Director of The Saints Brigade Drum & Bugle Corp based out of Port Chester, NY. As a percussionist, he’s been fortunate enough to perform all over the world including huge performances in London and Italy.
Troy is a lifelong Bridgeport resident with a Bachelor’s Degree in Music Education, a Master’s Degree in Education, and a Sixth Year in Educational Leadership with an 092 certification, all obtained from the University of Bridgeport. In addition, Troy is very passionate about racial equity and inclusion and he serves as a Teacher Leader in The Connected Arts Network. Outside of school, Troy is a fitness enthusiast, loves to watch movies, play video games, play pool, and watch sports.