UConn ECE Program Staff

Christopher Todd

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR - OFFICE OF EARLY COLLEGE PROGRAMS

Phone: 860.486.8828
Email: christopher.todd@uconn.edu

Christopher Todd was recently appointed as the Executive Director of the Office of Early College Programs. He is responsible for providing leadership and support to the Office of Early College Programs staff, faculty and ECE instructors on behalf of Connecticut schools, districts and students. Prior to joining UConn, Chris served 3 years as Bureau Chief in the Talent Office at the Connecticut State Department of Education (CSDE) where he led the Bureau of Educator Effectiveness and the Bureau of Educator Standards and Certification to develop and deploy talent management and human capital development strategies to districts and schools state-wide; ensuring all Connecticut students had access to highly effective educators. Previously, Chris worked in the Windsor Public Schools for 15 years in both classroom and district-based leadership roles. As a classroom teacher, he distinguished himself as both a state and national award winner, teaching a wide-variety of courses and levels including UConn ECE. As a district-based teacher leader, Chris facilitated the district’s TEAM induction program, EPP partnerships and teacher leadership initiatives. Chris holds a BA in History from the University of Colorado, Boulder, an MA in Public Policy from Trinity College, and an MA in Curriculum & Instruction from the University of Connecticut. Chris completed his Intermediate Administration and Supervision coursework at Sacred Heart University.

Nella Quasnitschka

ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR - ACADEMIC OUTREACH

DIRECTOR OF PRE-COLLEGE SUMMER

Phone: 860.486.5581
Email: nella.quasnitschka@uconn.edu

Nella Quasnitschka is the Assistant Director of Academic Outreach for Early College Experience in the Office of Early College Programs. Nella is responsible for developing and strengthening academic relationships with partner high schools and managing UConn's Pre-College Summer Program. Nella received her Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Connecticut and her Master’s in Education Administration from Illinois State University.

Jessica Dunn

ASSISTANT DIRECTOR - OFFICE OF EARLY COLLEGE PROGRAMS

DIRECTOR OF STUDENT ENRICHMENT

Phone: 860.486.4650
Email: jessica.dunn@uconn.edu

Jessica Dunn is the Assistant Director in the Office of Early College Programs and the Director of Student Enrichment for UConn Early College Experience. Jessica is responsible for managing the student registration process and coordinating student enrichment opportunities. Jessica attended the University of Connecticut where she earned Bachelor's degrees in Sociology and Human Development and Family Studies.

Stefanie Malinoski

PROGRAM SPECIALIST - CERTIFICATION & WORKSHOPS

Phone: 860.486.8033
Email: stefanie.malinoski@uconn.edu

Stefanie Malinoski is the Program Specialist for the Office of Early College Programs, where she is responsible for maintaining program records and ECE professional development workshops. Stefanie also manages the instructor certification process. Stefanie attended the University of Connecticut where she earned a Bachelor's degree in Communications and a Master's degree from the University's Neag School of Education, specializing in Higher Education and Student Affairs.

Melanie Banks

PROGRAM ASSISTANT - ACADEMIC STANDARDS

ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR - PRE-COLLEGE SUMMER

Phone: 860.486.3419
Email: mbanks@uconn.edu

Melanie Banks is the Program Assistant for Academic Standards for the Office of Early College Programs. Melanie is responsible for supporting accreditation standards by the National Alliance of Concurrent Enrollment Partnerships to improve course comparability of the UConn courses offered at the high schools. In addition, Melanie oversees the collection and maintenance of syllabi records while fostering and helping develop the collegial relationship between secondary and postsecondary faculty that is key to successful concurrent enrollment. Melanie attended the University of Connecticut where she earned a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology.

Carissa Rutkauskas

PROGRAM SPECIALIST - OUTREACH AND EVALUATION

Phone: 860.486.6055
Email: carissa.rutkauskas@uconn.edu

Carissa Rutkauskas is the Program Specialist for Outreach and Evaluation in the Office of Early College Programs. Her key responsibilities includes program assessment, evaluation, and research initiative; program information and national trends; developing programs at the high school level; and website and marketing coordination. Carissa has earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Graphic Design, a Bachelor of Arts in Spanish Literature and Culture, and a Master of Arts in Geography/Human Geography degrees from the University of Connecticut.

UConn Early College Experience