I have a deep passion for educating about the importance of healthy living, physical activity, and well-being. I am in my second year at FPS with 18 years of experience. I had the privilege of working as the Wellness Curriculum Coordinator in Region 10, where I focused on wellness curriculum that supported students. 

As a lifelong mover,  I am constantly seeking new ways to inspire others to make physical activity a lifelong habit. Outside of my professional life, I am married and a proud parent to three amazing children, ages 13, 11, and 8, who continually inspire me to be my best self. I’m driven by the belief that movement is key to both physical and mental health, and I’m dedicated to helping everyone develop a love for being active that lasts well beyond their school years.

I am always learning from others—whether through professional growth or personal experiences—and I find inspiration in the people I meet. 

Veronica Ruzek 

Assistant Superintendent

Veronica has served as Farmington’s Director of Curriculum and Instruction since 2012. She has also served other leadership roles within the Farmington Public Schools as a former Assistant Principal and Dean of Students at Farmington High School (FHS).

 As a graduate of the Farmington Public Schools and a long-time leader within the school district, her dedication to the children, families, faculty and staff of Farmington is unwavering. She is a truly gifted and exemplary educator and instructional leader who has contributed to the success of the Farmington schools in many ways. 

As a life-long learner and avid researcher, she has led efforts in the areas of innovative programming, researched-based learner-centered curriculum and instruction, mastery-based learning and forward-thinking professional development.

Joe Walsh

Certified Chef & FPS Director of Dining Services 

I have been in food and nutrition for 20 years. I have been with Farmington Public Schools for almost 4 years. I have a degree in Food Service Management. 

As the Director of Dining Services I enjoy working with my staff of 30 plus  to offer "Hearty and Healthy" meals to the Farmington Public School community across all 7 schools. I enjoy assisting to educate students on healthy options.

I serve on several committees "Health and Wellness" "Safety" as well as the "Cafeteria Advisory Committee" 

In my spare time I enjoy exercise and spending time with my 3 grown children and traveling as often as possible. 

Courtney Landheer 

    FHS Health, PE & Wellness Teacher        FPS Wellbeing Coordinator

With over 23 years of experience as a Health and Physical Education teacher, I am deeply passionate about fostering a love for movement and wellness in my students. Throughout my career, I’ve dedicated myself to creating engaging, thoughtful curricula that empower students to become lifelong movers, equipping them with the skills and knowledge to lead healthy, active lives.

In addition to my work in the classroom, I am honored to serve as the Well-being Coordinator at my school, where I support and promote wellness for our teachers and staff. From providing resources to organizing wellness initiatives, I strive to create an environment that encourages everyone to prioritize their health and maintain a balanced lifestyle. 

Kate Martorelli

School Counseling Department Leader 

This is my 6th year working in Farmington and my role includes working with the school counselors in the district, grades 5-12. I was previously a school counselor at Glastonbury High School for 12 years and My husband, Matt Martorelli is the Athletic Director at FHS. We live in town with our 3 children (two older ones attend Noah Wallace)

Angela Cianci

 Board of Education member 

My husband Paul and I have lived in Farmington since 2016 and we have three young children (ages 9, 7 and 4).  My education is in structural engineering and I currently work in supply chain for a North American beverage wholesaler.  I am passionate about keeping our young children healthy, active and thriving!

Kerry Ransford 

FHS Health, PE & Wellness

 I’m thrilled to be a part of the Farmington Wellness Committee. This is my sixth year teaching at Farmington High School, and since my arrival, I’ve had the privilege of being actively involved in the school’s Wellness Committee, where I’m passionate about promoting healthy habits for students and staff alike.I enjoy finding ways to stay engaged with healthy initiatives that encourage overall well-being

Eric O'Toole 

IAR Health, PE & Wellness

I have been working at Irving A. Robbins Middle School for the past four years as a Physical Education and Health teacher. I am also the Athletic Coordinator at IAR and I am the Special Areas Team Leader. Before coming to Farmington, I was a PE and Health teacher at Derby High School and was Wellness Club advisor. 

Mackenzie Hedberg

IAR Health, PE & Wellness

 Along with Health, PE & Wellness, I also teach electives in Global Games and Civic Minded Contributors. I’m passionate about teaching topics such as mental health and healthy relationships, helping students develop emotional well-being and self-awareness skills. I also offer intramural sports like badminton and kickball after school. I am an active member of the HPEW Vertical Team and Health and Wellness Committee. 

I am a Springfield College graduate with a degree in Health and Physical Education and I am currently working toward earning my Master’s degree in Health Education at Southern Connecticut State University. Outside of school, I enjoy outdoor walks with my golden retriever, coaching soccer, and cooking.

Jamie Dudyak 

Community Health Associate at the Farmington Valley Health District

Local health department serving Farmington and nine other towns. I am a social worker and public health practitioner and my work currently involves several initiatives that aim to address health and wellness in our communities, including the FVHD’s Community Health Improvement Plan and our workplace wellness project. I am excited to be part of this committee and learn from everyone involved!

Darcy O'Shea 

East Farms Health, PE & Wellness

I have been a Physical Education & Health teacher for 13 years. I have taught all ages from preschool through grade 12. My favorite level to teach is elementary education. I graduated from CCSU in 2005 with my BS in Physical Education, minor in Health and Dance Education. In 2021, I obtain my MS in Teacher Leadership from CCSU. I also am trained to mentor new teachers + student teachers. Additionally, I hold a variety of health and safety certifications.  During the 2022/23 school year, I was the vertical team leader for the K-4 teacher on the FPS Health + Wellness Team, I look forward to continue in this role to be able to advocate for assured PE experiences for all students in our school community. 

When I am not teaching at East Farms, I am home with my husband and sons. We enjoy being outside, playing/watching baseball, hikes, bike riding, and creating memories. I personally, enjoy reading, mediation, strength training, crocheting, and organizing spaces. 

Elizabeth DeNardo 

Emily Kaliney

Parent of FPS students

I have a child at West Woods, IR, and Farmington high school. I am active as a parent volunteer in the schools and also with a variety of organizations in town. I am a big proponent of increasing the wellness efforts in our district. My favorite form of stress relief is distance running – I enjoy half and full marathons.

 Chalise Ross

Parent and Volunteer

I am the mother of 2 FPS students, one at the HS and one at IAR.  (Yes, I’m also the wife of Matt Ross!) I myself am an educator, having worked in 3 different CT districts over the past 21 years. I’ve been a member of this committee for a few years and enjoy hearing the updates and being a part of the discussions we have about student health and wellness.