Alan Steckler, President and CEO (and CC’s founder)  taught in elementary and secondary schools, both in the U.S. and in England.  He serves on the board of CORO, an international leadership organization, and has conducted an “English as a Second Language” class for adult students with Literacy Volunteers for a number of years.  Receiving a BA degree from Principia College, Alan did graduate work at the Bank Street College of Education, and earned an MA in Educational Theater from New York University.

Miguel Barreto, Director of Operations, has been with CC since 2004. Miguel has over ten years of experience working with environmental and multicultural related non-profit organizations, both in the U.S. and abroad. He holds a BA in Industrial Design from Pontific University Javeriana in Colombia, a certificate in social and environmental conflict management from the University of Peace (UN) in Costa Rica, and a Master of Science in Internet Business Systems from Mercy College, Dobbs Ferry, NY. He lives with his family in Bethel, CT a place he enjoys specially when riding his bicycle.

Polly C. Loughran, Program Director, has been with CC for over three years. Polly worked for Save the Children in Westport CT as the Purchasing Manager supporting both domestic and international efforts. She also served as their event planner. Polly has volunteered her event planning and design skills at The Long Ridge School, Westhill High School and Yale University. She graduated from New York University with a Bachelor of Fine Arts. She, and her husband Joe, have owned several local restaurants over the past 18 years.