KITE STAFF
Brianna Beckstrand
DIRECTOR
bbeckstrand@enfield.org
Brianna comes from a remote town in Wisconsin. Moving to Connecticut in 2015 away from all family, she quickly learned the importance and value of community support. She tapped into her college background in social work and resource development to meet the needs of her then-young daughters. She stumbled upon the Enfield Family Resource Center (FRC) and immersed herself into everything they offered. Brianna saw the power of connection, shared experience, and the elevation of family voice through programs such as Circle of Security, Parent Support Group, and Raising Readers. It was through the FRC Playgroups that she became enamored by all Enfield had to offer for young children. She made her way to Enfield KITE in 2018 as their Family Engagement Coordinator. Brianna’s passion for Enfield children and their families only grew as she was able to blend her experience in early childhood and nonprofit to effect change for families in her own community. In 2021 she stepped into the Director role, carrying KITE strategies and initiatives not only locally, but to the regional and state levels. When she is not working, you can find her landscaping, finishing your sentences with song lyrics, and spending copious amounts of time with her husband and daughters.
Jennefer Ryan
MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS
jbryan@enfield.org
Jennefer comes from a small town in Massachusetts, where she witnessed the power of a closely-knit community that helped families thrive. Her journey as a photographer began during her time serving her high school community service organization. By documenting various projects through photography, she was able to win awards for the school. It was during college in Vermont, that she developed her passion for typography and design, and how imagry can affect people's emotions. After earning a BFA , she began working for ad agencies and later transitioned into online design in New Haven, where she met her husband. In 2002, she seized a unique opportunity that brought her to Enfield, where she partnered with a record producer to launch a manufacturing company in the recording industry. Her digital skills and creative eye helped make the brand one of the most visible in the market, distributing in over 27 countries for the next 14 years. A few years after having her second child, she decided to step back to spend time with her young children. It was during this time that she discovered her passion for using her talents to make a difference in the lives of children and families in her community, which led her to KITE. Beyond design, Jennefer is an avid skier and loyal beachgoer, who shares in these activities as much as she can with her husband and children.
Michelle Zaugg
PROJECT COORDINATOR
mzaugg@enfield.org
Michelle is a mother of three, living in Enfield, with Starbucks fueling her days and tacos fueling her nights. She speak fluent Enneagram, Taylor Swift lyrics, and Michael Scott quotes. If you asked Michelle 15 years ago what she was going to be when she grew up, she would have told you a singer or an actress. As Michelle got older (and the singer thing didn’t pan out), she tried it all! From being an Account Manager for a large company, photography, and even started her own business called Ivy and Opal where she worked with graphic design and created handmade accessories! Like any mother, Michelle is always busy and always looking for new ways to stay sane, outside of vineyards and the aisles of Target. After long days parenting, teaching, cooking, cleaning, mothering, and more – Michelle desperately needed to find a way to unwind, which is how she came about her role with KITE. Becoming the Program Coordinator for KITE brought Michelle’s love for event planning and being involved in her community to life. When Michelle is not working, you will find her reading a book or attending some activity for one of her children from watching her daughter perform on stage to sitting on the sidelines of a sports game for her sons.
Melanie Dube
ASSISTANT
mdube@enfield.org
Melanie had always loved working with children. Growing up in Enfield, she had dabbled in early care & education in high school, working at St. Bernard's afterschool program. She found it fulfilling to help children learn and grow. After graduating from Asnuntuck Community College with an associate degree in business administration, Melanie went on to earn a bachelor's degree from Bay Path University. During her college years, she met her husband. Her career began at Mass Mutual as a teller, but soon discovered her love for accounting when she took a position as an Accounting Specialist in 2007. Her organizational and accuracy skills helped her excel in this role. However, Melanie took a break to care for her three sons. During this time, she began working as an Academic Tutor at Henry Barnard. It was there that she discovered her passion for working with children. Melanie's own children loved going to KITE events at the PlayLab while they were growing up, which is how Melanie became involved with KITE. She was able to use her business experience and love for working with children in this role. In her spare time, Melanie enjoys spending time with her family and friends, and attending her sons' sporting events.
Kari Auretta
BOOKKEEPER
kauretta@enfield.org
Kari has been a lifelong resident of the town of Enfield, CT, with the exception of her time spent at the Storrs UCONN campus, and a year studying abroad in beautiful Florence, Italy. After nearly 20 years working in the insurance industry, Kari took a step down from the corporate world to spend more time with and focus on her family. Shortly after doing so, she found herself filling in for, and subsequently taking over, the role of KITE bookkeeper. Even in a smaller capacity, it brings Kari a great sense of joy and gratitude to be able to help impact the lives of Enfield’s children and families. In her spare time, Kari loves playing golf whenever possible, hiking with her two goofy dogs, and traveling. She and her son Simon are also avid mini-golfers and love finding new courses to explore!
Leadership Work Group (LWG)
Enfield KITE’s Leadership Workgroup (LWG) is the primary governance and policymaking body of the Collaborative. They are charged with overseeing the implementation of the Enfield Early Childhood Community Plan. LWG is compromised of KITE’s Chairperson, Director, and School Readiness Liaison as well as representatives from Social Services, and Enfield Public Schools.
Carol LaLiberte Chairperson CT State Community College Asnuntuck
Amy Morales Social Services/School Readiness Liaison
Adriene Snow
Enfield Public Schools
LeAnn Beaulieu Former Chair Retired Elementary Principal
Karen Weseliza Co-Founder Former Chair
Brianna Beckstrand
Director, Enfield KITE