The CJK Community
The CJK Community is made up of many people from all over the United States, most of whom predominantly reside in Connecticut. The Foundation has received support from loved ones and strangers from over nine different states and counting.
The Foundation is built for the service of others by those who knew and loved Connie, and those who carry a mental health diagnosis themselves or support loved ones who do. We are fortunate that our group is composed of mental health professionals, business and marketing experts, social workers, and many other talented people who lend their time and skills to further the mental health cause.
The CJK Community is dedicated to spreading kindness and compassion in the darkest of moments and is honored to include all those willing to show up, be present, and share their light. Our volunteers, event participants, well wishers, and donors help create an inclusive atmosphere focused on the positive healing that can occur when people come together to end mental health stigma and offer help to those seeking treatment.
With the generosity and support of few, we continue to grow into many.
The Foundation is built for the service of others by those who knew and loved Connie, and those who carry a mental health diagnosis themselves or support loved ones who do. We are fortunate that our group is composed of mental health professionals, business and marketing experts, social workers, and many other talented people who lend their time and skills to further the mental health cause.
The CJK Community is dedicated to spreading kindness and compassion in the darkest of moments and is honored to include all those willing to show up, be present, and share their light. Our volunteers, event participants, well wishers, and donors help create an inclusive atmosphere focused on the positive healing that can occur when people come together to end mental health stigma and offer help to those seeking treatment.
With the generosity and support of few, we continue to grow into many.
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Krissy Dorsey
Executive Director Professor at Tidewater Community College I reside in Virginia Beach and raise my three children Brooke, Sloane, and James with my husband Jordan. I enjoy being outside, working out, and reading. I consider myself a lifelong learner and am passionate about providing mental health education. I have over 15 years of experience in public education and higher ED. I return to Connecticut frequently to spend time with family and friends and hope that others feel my aunt’s generous spirit through the foundation. |
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Thomas A. Sienkowski Jr.
Board President Owner of New Concepts Plumbing and Heating I have lived in Cheshire for over 55 years and have raised my three children here with my wife Nancy. I enjoy spending time out on the water along with spending time with friends. I am passionate about finding out more about the causes of depression and improving long term treatments for the disease. I have over 45 years of entrepreneurial experience. |
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Katie Smith
Board Secretary A Cheshire native, I currently live in Hamden with my husband, daughter, and greyhound Apollo. I started my career in education, but quickly learned my real passion is social work. I currently work as a LCSW at Yale Psychiatric Hospital and have experience providing mental health services in a variety of settings including community health clinics, in-home, and private practice. I’m a huge fan of self care and love to recharge by hiking, reading, or spending time with friends in the woods or on the water. I feel grateful to have known Connie, and to be part of honoring her life through the work of the CJK Foundation. |
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Ben Klanica
Board Member CJK Classic Golf Tournament Chair I grew up in Cheshire, CT, under my mom Connie and father Brian, and now I currently live in Branford, CT. I have always been a “Momma’s Boy," so my mom was my best friend. Having been there to see the impact that mental illness and depression can have on a person, I am very motivated to aid those who are currently struggling with them and work towards a better future for all. If there is one thing that I learned from my mom that I always try to carry forward, it’s to treat everyone, from those you love to total strangers, with cheerful care, as you never know the amount of light you may bring to someone’s day. |
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Sara Pawlak
Board Member A New York native now residing in Connecticut, working in a diagnostic laboratory and a big fan of hiking and fly fishing. Having volunteered within Emergency Department settings and community dinner programs routinely over the last 10 years, I've strived to educate myself and others on how to provide support to those facing acute and/or chronic mental health issues. My personal goal for being involved in CJK Foundation is to help reduce stigma, provide resources, and promote education around the topic. I am Mental Health First Aid certified by the National Council for Mental Wellbeing and excited to facilitate the growth and reach of the CJK foundation. |
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Cali McGinn
Fundraising Chair I began my career as a special education teacher and currently work as a Board Certified Behavior Analyst consulting to special education programs in the state of Connecticut. I also have experience fundraising for various projects and charities that aim to help others. Independence, health, and joy are life qualities I wish for all. |
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Kate Corcoran
You Are My Sunshine Co-Chair Sociology and Human Services Professional Hello! I am the mother of 3 amazing kids, Andrew, Meghan, and Thomas. I currently work as an Office Administrator at my family's greenhouse business in Wallingford, CT. I have my Bachelors in Sociology from Quinnipiac University and my Master in Human Services from Post University. I love being home with my family and just enjoying the simple moments of playing in the backyard or just watching a movie. I am so honored to be a part of this board, and continuing supporting others, just as my Aunt Connie did. |
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Maggie Shalagan
You Are My Sunshine Co-Chair I was born and raised in Hamden, Connecticut, and have lived in the area my entire life. I have a Masters of Population Health Management from Johns Hopkins University and am a Manager of Clinical Operations at Mayo Clinic, based out of Rochester, Minnesota. I’ve always cared deeply about community engagement and have a personal connection to mental health advocacy. I am honored to be able to continue supporting our community and raising awareness of mental health resources through CJK. |
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Dr. Paula McCauley
Education Liaison I currently reside in Manchester CT with my husband Jim, but spent over 40 years in Cheshire where we raised our three 3 children, Erin, Jess and Curt. I love spending time with our four grandchildren and friends, gardening and being by the ocean. I have spent the last 4 decades as a nurse in acute care and critical care and several years as faculty at UConn’s School of Nursing. Helping others has been a significant part of my life and as a nurse I appreciate how difficult our healthcare system can be for patients and families to navigate, especially those with mental health concerns. I identify and embrace CJKF’s mission to provide positive change, hope and support for those in need, as Connie did. |