Dr. Sally Romano has been a proud Middlebury resident for 35 years and currently serves as Chair of the Middlebury Democratic Town Committee. She also serves the community as a member of the Board of Education and as a Justice of the Peace, reflecting her longstanding dedication to public service. Professionally, Dr. Romano is a psychiatrist for the State of Connecticut, bringing decades of experience and a strong understanding of mental health and family well-being to her work. Her leadership, professional expertise, and deep roots in Middlebury continue to guide her commitment to serving the town and its residents.

Katie Martin has been a Middlebury resident for 14 years and currently serves as Vice-Chair of the Middlebury Democratic Town Committee, a role she has held for the past two years. Professionally, she is the Director of Community for a global digital media company’s parenting division, where she oversees two of the world’s largest online pregnancy communities. A mother of four—two in college and two attending Region 15 schools—Katie is deeply committed to supporting local families. She volunteers with local youth sports teams and is passionate about strengthening civic participation and keeping Middlebury a welcoming place for families.

Katharine Anger is a psychologist working in public health, where she supports individuals with disabilities and promotes access to essential services. A Middlebury resident since 2018, she is actively engaged in local civic life and currently serves as Treasurer of the Middlebury Democratic Town Committee, as well as an Executive Board member of the Tyler’s Cove Association. Katharine is committed to responsible stewardship, thoughtful collaboration, and helping ensure Middlebury remains a welcoming, well-managed community for all residents.

Dana Shepard is a retired optometrist who practiced for 25 years at Costco in Waterbury, building lasting relationships with patients and families throughout the region. She has lived in Middlebury for the past six years, and her husband has been a resident for 26 years, giving their family deep roots in the community. Dana is an active volunteer with the Middlebury Land Trust, assisting with trail maintenance and supporting preservation of the town’s natural spaces. She currently serves as Secretary of the Middlebury Democratic Town Committee and is committed to thoughtful civic engagement and strengthening the community she is proud to call home.

Maryann Barra has been a Middlebury resident for 48 years and is a dedicated community volunteer with a long history of service. She is an active member of the Middlebury Democratic Town Committee, serving as Chair of the Nominating Committee and Deputy Treasurer. In addition, she chairs both the Commission on Aging and the Poet Laureate Committee and serves on the Tax Relief Committee, reflecting her commitment to residents of all ages. A retired English teacher and former Respiratory Therapist, Maryann brings both educational and healthcare experience to her work and remains deeply engaged in supporting the town she has proudly called home for nearly five decades.

Don Andrews serves on Middlebury’s Board of Finance, where he is committed to fiscal responsibility, accountability, and transparency. He brings extensive experience in business process management, IT leadership, project governance, and operational efficiency from roles at global companies including Under Armour, T. Rowe Price, Eaton, and Edgewell Personal Care, where he currently serves as Director of IT Business Relationship Management and Project Governance. A graduate of Clarkson University with a degree in Computer Engineering, Don applies a strong analytical and continuous-improvement mindset to his work for the town. A founding member of the Middlebury Small Town Alliance and active member of the Democratic Town Committee, he is dedicated to protecting Middlebury’s small-town character and ensuring sound financial stewardship for the community’s future.

Donna Bannon has been a Middlebury resident for more than 50 years and brings a lifetime of community connection to her service. She earned a degree in English from Central Connecticut State University and worked as an English teacher before beginning a successful career in real estate. Donna spent several years as an agent before becoming a Real Estate Broker and co-owner of BHGRE Bannon & Hebert Properties. A familiar face around town, she can often be found walking on the Greenway and remains deeply invested in the community she has long called home.

Ralph Barra has been a Middlebury resident for 48 years and is a dedicated public servant with decades of experience in town government. He currently serves as Town Treasurer, Police Commissioner, Public Works Commissioner, Chair of the Tax Relief Committee, and as a member of the Middlebury Democratic Town Committee, and previously served as a Middlebury Selectman. A retired Accounting Specialist with the State of Connecticut’s Office of Policy and Management, Ralph also volunteers as an advanced-certified VITA tax preparer, assisting residents with their tax needs. A U.S. Army veteran, he remains deeply committed to service, fiscal responsibility, and the well-being of the community he has proudly called home for nearly five decades.

Karen Bertelsen is a newer Middlebury resident who has quickly become an engaged and valued member of the community. A consistent presence at Democratic Town Committee meetings, she played an important role in helping rewrite the committee’s bylaws—an effort that strengthened the organization’s structure and transparency. Karen is known not only for her thoughtful participation and collaborative spirit, but also for being a fantastic baker who often brings a warm, welcoming touch to gatherings. She is committed to active civic involvement and contributing wherever she can to support the Middlebury community.

Charles “Chuck” Couture is a pilot who brings a strong sense of responsibility, precision, and professionalism to his work and community involvement. He attended SUNY Adirondack and moved to Middlebury with his wife, drawn by the town’s welcoming atmosphere and quality of life. Chuck has been a member of the Middlebury Democratic Town Committee for the past two years and is committed to active civic engagement in the community. In his free time, he enjoys sailing and spending time outdoors, embracing the natural beauty that makes Middlebury such a special place to call home.

Edwin Durgy has lived in Middlebury since 2020 and currently serves as a member of the Middlebury Democratic Town Committee. A credit investor and former investment banker, he brings extensive experience in financial analysis, strategic planning, and sound decision-making. Edwin is a graduate of The Taft School, earned his BA from Colgate University, and holds an MBA from Cornell University. He is committed to thoughtful civic engagement and contributing his professional expertise to help support and strengthen the Middlebury community..

Janice Joseph has been a Middlebury resident since 2019 and brings decades of healthcare leadership experience to her community service. Janice spent nearly 30 years in senior administrative roles within Veterans Affairs Medical Centers, ultimately serving as Chief of Nursing Service in Newington, Connecticut, and has also worked in clinical and consulting roles in nursing and wound care. She has been an active member of the Middlebury Democratic Town Committee for the past two years and currently serves as an Alternate on the Zoning Board of Appeals, where she is committed to thoughtful, informed decision-making and supporting the needs of the Middlebury community.

Allison Kimble-Cusano is a committed educator, researcher, policy analyst, and leader with more than twenty years of professional experience, including in Region 15. With a strong commitment to equity, social justice, and inclusive practices, Allison focuses on strengthening systems that expand opportunity and access. She holds an Ed.D. in Education Policy and Leadership from American University, has been an active member of the Middlebury Democratic Town Committee for the past two years, and is passionate about building and strengthening the Democratic Party in Middlebury.

John (“Jay”) Klemundt has been a Middlebury resident for 30 years and brings a lifelong commitment to community engagement and civic leadership. A native of Chicago, he worked as a professional community organizer in Illinois, Massachusetts, Wisconsin, and Connecticut, training citizen leaders and strengthening local advocacy efforts. Jay has also taught and coached at the secondary and middle school levels and holds an M.A. from Boston University in American & New England Studies. He volunteers as a board member of the Middlebury Land Trust, has supported Region 15 building improvements, and assisted in the resettlement of refugees fleeing war. Jay is married and the proud father of two grown children.

Charles “Casey” Larkin serves on the Middlebury Board of Finance and brings a strong background in environmental policy and government to his public service. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Analysis and Policy from Boston University and has served as Clerk of both the Commerce Committee and the Environment Committee for the Connecticut General Assembly, gaining first-hand experience in legislative processes and public policy. A proud member of the Middlebury Democratic Town Committee, Casey is committed to thoughtful governance, fairness, and transparency. He applies his experience in environmental and economic policy to support responsible financial oversight and protect Middlebury’s small-town character while planning carefully for the future.

Patricia Lindenman is a dedicated community volunteer and more than 40-year Middlebury resident who remains deeply engaged in town life. An active member of the Middlebury Democratic Town Committee, she previously served on the Greenway Committee, where she spearheaded the mural project on the Greenway. She is an America Reads tutor at LMES, serves on the town’s Poet Laureate Committee, and is a member of the Board of Trustees of the Connecticut Community Foundation, supporting community philanthropy and giving. Patricia remains committed to strengthening connection, creativity, and civic engagement throughout Middlebury.

Shannon Martin has lived in Middlebury for eight years and is proud to call it home. An experienced educator with more than a decade of teaching in Connecticut public schools, she has served as a teacher-leader, mentor, and professional development representative, and was named Amity Region 5 PTSO “Teacher of the Year” in 2021. A five-time National Endowment for the Humanities Summer Scholar, Shannon has created instructional materials for museums across New England and presented at educational conferences. As an active member of the America 250 Committee, she is committed to strong public schools, meaningful civic engagement, and building a Middlebury community that honors tradition while welcoming new voices and ideas.

Janice Paul has been a Middlebury resident for more than 50 years and brings a lifelong appreciation for history, culture, and community involvement. She earned a B.A. in History from Central Connecticut State University and has enjoyed a varied professional background, including more than a decade as a partner in Artworks Gallery in New Haven and co-owner of For Art’s Sake. She also co-owned Faux Belles, a custom painting and interior design business. In addition to her professional work, Janice served on the Board of Waterbury Youth Services, supporting programs for underprivileged youth, and remains actively engaged in reading, travel, and cultural activities.

Sarah Proulx is a Literacy Facilitator for Waterbury Public Schools, supporting elementary education and working closely with teachers to strengthen literacy instruction. She has served as an Executive Board Member At-Large for the Waterbury Teachers Association and was recognized in 2022 as a district representative. Raised in Middlebury, Sarah is now raising her three children in the community she proudly calls home. A two-year member of the Middlebury Democratic Town Committee, she is committed to strong public education, active civic engagement, and supporting families throughout the town.

Jordan Santos is a lifelong Middlebury resident who has proudly called the town home for 33 years. Having grown up in the community, he has a deep appreciation for its traditions, neighborhoods, and strong sense of connection among residents. Jordan has been a member of the Middlebury Democratic Town Committee for the past year and is committed to thoughtful civic engagement and active community involvement. He is especially proud to be raising his young family in Middlebury and remains invested in supporting the town’s future for the next generation.

Carol Taylor moved to Middlebury eight years ago with her husband and has enjoyed becoming an active and engaged member of the community. She is passionate about working collaboratively to strengthen the town while preserving its beautiful natural resources and lakeside environment. Carol serves as Vice President of the Tyler’s Cove Association, representing the north side of Quassy Lake, and is also a board member of the Quassy Lake Association. An animal lover, she volunteers with Brass City Animal Rescue and remains committed to supporting both the residents and natural spaces that make Middlebury special.

Paul Taylor moved to Middlebury eight years ago with his wife, drawn by the town’s peaceful setting and welcoming community. His professional background includes work in research and robotics, followed by teaching high school science, reflecting both technical expertise and a passion for education. He currently serves on the board of the Lake Quassy Association and is committed to working collaboratively with fellow MDTC members to strengthen community connection and engagement. In his free time, Paul enjoys the outdoors and music, embracing the natural beauty and spirit of Middlebury.

Barbara Yantorno began her career as a social worker with the City of Stamford Social Services Department after graduating from Trinity College in Burlington, Vermont. Following a brief hiatus to raise her children, she returned to public service and advanced over a 35-year career to become Director of Mandated/Social Services, overseeing the transition from City Welfare to a comprehensive Social Services Department. Her leadership roles included serving as Project Manager for the Operation Safe Houses Task Force, Anti-Blight Officer for the City of Stamford, and Manager of a Federal Asthma Grant in collaboration with local agencies. Before moving to Middlebury, Barbara served on the Darien Democratic Town Committee and remains committed to community-focused public service.

Christian Yantorno, GBA, GBDS, serves as Vice President of Account Management, where he brings strong leadership, client relations, and strategic planning experience to his work. His professional background reflects a commitment to collaboration, service, and delivering thoughtful, results-driven solutions. A member of the Middlebury Democratic Town Committee for the past two years, Christian is dedicated to active civic engagement and strengthening the local community. He is proud to contribute his professional expertise and community-focused perspective to supporting Middlebury’s continued growth and vitality.

Michael Yantorno earned a degree in Mechanical Engineering and worked for 40 years across multiple engineering disciplines, including applications engineering, chemical systems, computer-controlled systems integration, and computer networking. His career included roles with Dorr-Oliver, Rockwell International, Cober Electronics, and the City of Stamford, reflecting broad technical expertise and problem-solving experience. Michael retired in 2011 and previously served on the Darien Democratic Town Committee before moving to Middlebury in 2018. He remains committed to thoughtful civic engagement and contributing his experience to support the local community.