Alumni Interviews

How do Trinity graduates reflect on their liberal arts learning? What advice do they wish they had heard years ago? Many thanks to Trinity alumni who kindly agreed to be interviewed and publicly share their stories and advice with current students. If you graduated from the Educational Studies Program or St. Joseph’s teacher preparation program, and would like to share your experiences on working in fields such as education, youth development, community organizations, or related areas, email the Director of the Ed Studies Program to arrange to be interviewed by a student.

Julia Burdulis ‘21, interviewed by Xavier Mercado ’24, for the Educational Studies Program at Trinity College, Hartford, CT, January 2022. Julia discusses teaching 5th-grade special-need students and how her Trinity courses prepared her for this field of work.

Rafael Villa ‘21, interviewed by Xavier Mercado ’24, for the Educational Studies Program at Trinity College, Hartford, CT, January 2022. Rafael discusses teaching mathematics and financial literacy at the high school level in the metro Boston area, as well as how his experience in the Noyce Scholarship Program has prepared him for his current work.

Cara Midlige ’17, interviewed by Karolina Barrientos ’22, for the Educational Studies Program at Trinity College, Hartford CT, April 2022. Cara discusses teaching 3rd grade in the Bronx NYC, curriculum planning for literacy and technology, her experience in Teach For America and decision to stay in her school, and the long-term value of liberal arts learning.

Emily Meehan ’16, interviewed by Azka Hassan ’23, for Educational Studies Program at Trinity College, March 2022. Emily discusses her shift from teaching elementary school in Rhode Island to education policy analysis at the Massachusetts Department of Education, her experience with Teach for America and a master’s program at Brown University, and her community-learning experiences in Hartford. 

Elaina Rollins ’16, interviewed by Azka Hassan ’23, for Educational Studies Program, Trinity College, March 15, 2022. Elaina discusses teaching second grade in New York City and Chicago, her experience with charter schools, learning about educational policy and classroom teaching, and the value of summer work and community-learning experiences in Hartford.

Danyelle Doldoorian ’14, interviewed by Azka Hassan ’23, for the Educational Studies Program at Trinity College, Hartford CT, March 22, 2022. Danyelle discusses teaching math and coaching at a boarding school in New Jersey, how critical thinking and writing influenced her teaching, her experiences with community placements in Hartford, and mentoring and tutoring at Trinity.

Begaeta (Nukic) Ahmic ’11, interviewed by Azka Hassan ’23, for Educational Studies Program, Trinity College, March 19, 2022. Begata discusses teaching high school math, coaching other teachers, the UConn master’s preparation program, her experience as an immigrant to Hartford, and her undergraduate research experience.

Sari Fromson Laberis ‘10, interviewed by Xavier Mercado ’24, for the Educational Studies Program at Trinity College, Hartford, CT, January 2022. Sari discusses her transition from serving as an elementary school teacher to now doing work with Curriculum Associates.

Keisha (John) Morris ’08, interviewed by Karolina Barrientos ’22, for the Educational Studies Program at Trinity College, Hartford CT, April 2022. Keisha discusses her work as a managing director of operations for a charter school network, supporting students, families, and teachers, building educational systems, and her liberal arts learning about the policy and psychology of education.

Kate (McEachern) Bermingham ’07, interviewed by Karolina Barrientos ’22, for the Educational Studies Program at Trinity College, Hartford CT, April 2022. Kate discusses teaching elementary and special education in Hartford and Wethersfield CT, the University of St. Joseph teacher preparation program, balancing work and family, and how her liberal arts education broadened her view of learning.

Katie Brewer Goodman ‘07, interviewed by Xavier Mercado ’24, for the Educational Studies Program at Trinity College, Hartford, CT, January 2022. Katie discusses her time as a school counselor and her transition to being a licensed psychotherapist, explaining how her private practice gives her the chance to work with adolescents and young adults.

Jessica Wagner ’07, interviewed by Karolina Barrientos ’22, for the Educational Studies Program at Trinity College, Hartford CT, April 2022. Jessica discusses her administrative role at the National Summer School Initiative non-profit start-up, curriculum design and professional development, her prior experience in charter school management, and the value of critical thinking skills from her liberal arts education. 

Tim Cleary ‘06, interviewed by Xavier Mercado ’24, for the Educational Studies Program at Trinity College, Hartford, CT, January 2022. Tim discusses his journey toward becoming the Director of Curriculum and Student Life at Friends Academy in North Dartmouth MA, talking about how his time at Trinity furthered his passion for the field of education.

Brandon Best ‘05, interviewed by Xavier Mercado ’24, for the Educational Studies Program at Trinity College, Hartford, CT, January 2022. Brandon discusses his time at Trinity, exploring his different interests, from potentially doing work with ESPN to becoming interested in the field of education. He also discusses his current work as the Senior Director of Regional Advocacy Systems for the KIPP Foundation.

John Bonhom ’03, interviewed by Karolina Barrientos ’22, for the Educational Studies Program at Trinity College, Hartford CT, April 2022. John discusses his work in external affairs, communications, development, admissions, and diversity at the Indian Creek independent school in Maryland, connecting with families about financial aid, and his experience with Admissions and PRIDE at Trinity.

Luke Forshaw ’03, interviewed by Karolina Barrientos ’22, for the Educational Studies Program at Trinity College, Hartford CT, April 2022. Luke discusses his experience as a psychology major and the University of St. Joseph teacher preparation program, his development from an elementary school teacher to principal in Darien CT, and graduate work at Teachers College at Columbia University, and his continuing role in teaching teachers.