Our Team

Michelle Lestrud has dedicated her career to special education, serving as Director of the Gengras Center since 2013. A native of Ohio, she earned her degree in Diplomacy and Foreign Affairs from Miami University before finding her passion in education. With over 27 years of experience, she began her journey in 1998 as a teaching assistant, then became a special education teacher before moving into administration.

Michelle holds a Master of Education and a Certificate of Advanced Graduate Studies in School Leadership, and she uses her extensive background to guide the Gengras Center’s mission of fostering independence and meaningful community engagement for every student.

Paul LoVoi has devoted his career to special education, bringing over 33 years of experience to the field. He has served as Associate Director of the Gengras Center since 2013, following a decade as Assistant Director beginning in 2003. Before moving into administration, Paul worked as a teaching assistant, then as a public school teacher, and later as a special education teacher at the Gengras Center from 1999 to 2002.

A lifelong resident of Connecticut, he earned his undergraduate degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Marketing from the University of Hartford. He went on to earn a Master’s degree in Special Education, a Master of Education, and a Certificate of Advanced Graduate Studies in School Leadership. Throughout his career, Paul has remained committed to helping students reach their fullest potential and to making a lasting, positive impact on the lives of the students and families he serves.

Stacy Kawalec grew up in Rhode Island and earned her bachelor’s degree in psychology from Salve Regina University before moving to Connecticut to complete a master’s and sixth-year degree in School Psychology at the University of Hartford. She spent 23 years as a school psychologist, primarily in a specialized program supporting students in special education. Inspired to pursue leadership, Stacy earned her Intermediate Administrator Certification at Sacred Heart University in 2024.

She now serves as Assistant Director of the High School Unit at the Gengras Center, where she values the strong teamwork and collaboration within the community and is dedicated to working with families, students, and staff to create a supportive and successful learning environment.

Lynn Ford has dedicated over 37 years to the field of special education. She began her career as a Special Education teacher in Bridgeport Public Schools before moving to The University School, a private alternative program, where she spent five years teaching and supporting students with diverse needs. Lynn then transitioned into school administration, serving for 20 years with a focus on leadership, program development, and fostering inclusive learning environments.

In 2015, she joined the Gengras Center, bringing a lifelong commitment to helping students, families, and staff achieve their fullest potential. Lynn earned her undergraduate degree in Special Education and Elementary Education from Wheelock College in Boston, a Master’s degree from Sacred Heart University, and a Certificate of Advanced Graduate Studies in School Leadership from Southern Connecticut State University.