BOARD OF EDUCATION
Committed to Community, Dedicated to Progress.
MONA COLWELL
Board of Education
Mona Colwell has an extensive and diverse professional career in the financial services industry as an analyst and salesperson. She also is a substitute teacher in the LOL schools. Her candidacy for the Board of Ed is rooted in her “desire to maintain the academic excellence of the district.” Mona has provided countless hours of volunteerism to the PTA, PTO ,and the Lyme–Old Lyme Soccer Club. Mona, her husband Emerson, and 3 children moved to Old Lyme 7 years ago, driven by the quality of our schools. She also finds time to participate in the Lyme–Old Lyme Junior Women’s Club and the Scandinavian Club (of Fairfield). Her focus on education is witnessed by her steady attendance at Region 18 Board meetings where she brings the voice of those who cannot attend in person. She will work tirelessly on behalf of each and every one of the district’s stakeholders.
Chris Staab
Board of Education
Chris Staab lives in Old Lyme with his wife, Erin and his two sons, Jackson and Coop. For 16 years, Chris has been employed in the medical device manufacturing industry. Chris has a history of volunteerism. His participation with the Harbor Management Commission, Lyme Old Lyme Education Foundation, Park and Rec, and LOL Little League reflect his commitment to our community in a variety of ways, especially to education. When elected, he will continue to support children in our school district with the knowledge he has garnered as a parent, a professional, and a citizen volunteer through the years. One of his stated goals is to “improve (communication and educational) gaps in in different town communities.”
LAUREN DEAN-FRAZIER
Board of Education
Laura Dean-Frazier grew up in Old Lyme and has lived here for 30 years! Laura is a Social Services employee in Clinton and Old Saybrook. For 10 years, she was Manager for Shoreline Soup Kitchens and Pantries — an interfaith organization providing food and fellowship to many residents of our neighboring towns. In this capacity, she oversaw all operations, finance, and marketing activities. Laura brings compassion, enthusiasm, and resolve to her work. As a parent of now 3 adult children, Laura participated in PTOs in Mile Creek, Middle and High Schools. She has been a volunteer coach Laura Dean Frazier – U for Old Lyme Park and Rec as well as coaching various traveling sports teams. After thoughtful consideration, her desire to get more closely involved with local politics has resulted in her candidacy for Board of Ed. Laura will tell you that she ”wanted to be part of a diverse team that is invested in keeping our schools and town the best and most beautiful environment in which to live.”
MICHAEL PRESTI
Board of Education
Mike is retired from a successful 24-year military career in the United States Coast Guard, and is now a social studies teacher in New London. Unlike Old Lyme, this system serves a diverse, city population yet it shares the same goal: educating our children. In Mike’s words, “I seek to provide a unique perspective (on the BOE) as an educator and a parent.” For the past 14 years, Mike has lived in Old Lyme with his family: spouse Allyson and their two children, Lauren and Isabella. He has enjoyed volunteering at the Old Lyme Dance studio as the ‘photographer daddy’ and assisting with set-up. Mike will work to preserve the quality and high standards of the LOL Schools, which are among the best in the state. He is a parent, a teacher, a neighbor, and now a candidate. He will serve his constituents with the knowledge and passion that he exhibited throughout his professional career in service to country and now to his local community.