MEET THE STAFF
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LORI FIELDS
Executive Director Lori joins Trackside as our new Executive Director after serving 3+ years as a member of the Board of Directors, most recently as Vice President of the Board. With a Master's Degree in Social Work from NYU and more than 25 years of research and professional experience in human behavior & potential, Lori passionately and urgently understands the importance of how children feel about themselves during adolescence. Her deep research shows that it's our story of belonging in our middle & high school years that sets the foundation for how we feel about ourselves for the rest of our lives. Her position at Trackside allows her to utilize her unique blend of clinical, entrepreneurial and leadership skills to make a foundational impact on the well-being of both our youth & community at large. A transplant from NYC, Lori has lived in Wilton with her husband, Mark and 3 children for over 7 years. She's extremely active in the community and you'll usually see her on some sports field somewhere. Lori's top priority at Trackside is creating a culture where anyone who steps foot inside our door, feels like they belong. She's particulary excited about the workshop / artist loft that she and John Priest recently created, giving the teens at Trackside a new and inspired place to build, create, imagine, explore and hangout. It's basically the she-shed she's always wanted, so if you're looking for her, she's usually up there working on a project or in deep conversation with someone. She is thrilled and honored to carry forth the inspired and devoted work of all those who brought Trackside to where it is today. |
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JOHN PRIEST
Programming Rockstar John's passion and energy with the teens is invaluable in his role as Trackside's Program Rockstar. John dreams up, coordinates and oversees select programs and events for our teens and is here to coach, mentor and engage with them afterschool each day. When not making kids of all ages smile by dressing up as Buddy the Elf, Darth Vader, Greatest Showman Ringmaster or Captain Zero, he's most definitely rocking his 80's outfits. John is a 6th grade teacher at Middlebrook Middle School here in Wilton (one of the most loved according to our Tracksiders!) where he also lives with his wife, Heather and 2 daughters. John's passion and creative program planning is a source of great energy, inspiration & enthusiasm, helping both our teens & staff thrive. He wears many hats (well in his case visors) at Trackside) helping to take great care of Trackside in every way. |
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LIZ SIMS
Program and Executive Assistant Liz is a licensed, master’s level social worker, who recently earned her MSW from Fordham University. Prior to that, Liz worked in fundraising and events for both Cornell University and Weill Cornell Medical College during their capital campaigns. She is also a certified children and teen yoga instructor. Liz is thrilled to be able to combine her social work, fundraising, and wellness background with her passion for working with adolescents. Originally hailing from the Midwest, Liz and her husband, David, lived in Seattle, NY, and Chicago before settling in Wilton over 7 years ago with their 3 boys. She’s actively involved in the local community, having most recently served as costume chair on the WCT Board of Directors. Liz can frequently be found cheering in the football stands or sitting in the audience at school band and orchestra concerts. Trackside allows Liz to balance motherhood while leveraging her professional skills and enthusiasm for empowering middle and high school students. She’s excited to use those talents to help contribute to the Trackside culture of belonging. |
HIGH SCHOOL STAFF
Reflecting our mantra of FOR teens, BY teens, high school students lead our programming at Trackside. This dynamic of the older students leading, mentoring and supporting our younger students creates a powerful and magical experience.
Our HS Staff also assist with a variety of different leadership roles throughout the facility, including running our cafe and helping to run our special events.
Reflecting our mantra of FOR teens, BY teens, high school students lead our programming at Trackside. This dynamic of the older students leading, mentoring and supporting our younger students creates a powerful and magical experience.
Our HS Staff also assist with a variety of different leadership roles throughout the facility, including running our cafe and helping to run our special events.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS 2024
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OFFICERS
Board President Mike Handel Vice President Merideth Gilmor Secretary Treasurer Andrea Leifer |
AT LARGE DIRECTORS
Matt Preskenis Olga Zargos-Traub SELECTPERSON APPOINTED Forrest Close Kevin Smith STUDENT BOARD DIRECTORS Thomas Fletcher Adi Mital |
