Meet the Staff

I am Mrs. Caviness. I have been a part of the Griswold Public Schools team since 2019 years. I have worked in Before and After School programming and child care for over 15 years. I am thrilled to be a part of this wonderful program and the Griswold community!  I am married with 2 wonderful daughters and 2 big goofball dogs. I love football, baking, and all things Disney.  

Hello, My name is Ms. Lisa. This is my 5th year with Wolverines Forward.  I’m so excited to be part of the Griswold community!  I love spending time with my family.  I also enjoy participating in team sports, gardening , hiking, kayaking, traveling and exploring new places.  I hold a soft spot in my heart for all animals! 

Hello, I’m Mrs. Haley, I’m a mom of four with over 15 years of experience working with children. I'm dedicated to fostering growth through nurturing environments and engaging play. We recently moved to Griswold from Rhode Island, I’m thrilled to be part of the Wolverines community. I have a deep love for nature, farming, reading, hands-on learning, and art.

Hi, I'm Mrs. Owens. I have been a Paraeducator for over 15 years! Eight of those years were here at GES. My son graduated from GHS in 2019. I am so excited to be a part of the Wolverines Forward Program

Hello, I am Mrs. Gasparino. I have been working at GES for over ten years and am currently working as a paraprofessional in kindergarten. I am married and I have two sons. I like spending time with my family, traveling and going to the beach.

 Hi, I'm Ms. Gencarella and I've worked at GES as a Para for over 15 years. I love my job and all the challenges and fun that comes with helping all these kiddos! I have a big family that loves to spend time together!

I am Mrs. Barber. I love working at Griswold Elementary School and have been doing so for over 20 years. I have a wonderful husband and 2 incredible sons who are also married. I am blessed to have a beautiful granddaughter. I love dogs, pizza, reading, the beach, Disney, and spending time with my family. 

Hi, I'm Lacy students call me Ms. Bennett. I am from Texas but have been in New England for 12 years now. I love the seasons here especially fall. I enjoy being near water and going to the beach. I have three children who are all Griswold Wolverines. This will be my 9th year as a GES Para. I like to tell students every day is new and you can make tomorrow better!              

Hi I’m April Chavez but the kids call me Ms. April. This is my 4th year at GES. I’ve been married for 21 years and have two daughters in college and one son in college. I also have a golden retriever and a puggle. I enjoy being with my family, watching soccer, movies, pizza and the beach. I’m a Starbucks girl and a Christmas movie fanatic. Lastly, I love elephants and do not like the cold! 

I am Ms. Nevin. This is my third year working for GPS, however I graduated from Griswold in 2023. I have been working with children for the past 3 years and I absolutely love it. Outside of work I am currently in college and a cheer coach for the senior Griswold youth cheer team.

Hi! I am Ms. Autumn. I had the pleasure of attending Griswold Public Schools for my education and am happy be back! This is my 3rd year with Wolverines Forward. I am currently a senior at Mitchell College. Outside of work I love to read and travel. 

My name is Abigail Rasmussen. I am delighted to work with you and your children! I am the oldest of seven girls and have worked in childcare since I turned sixteen.  A few favorite things are: 

Colors: Teal & Purple
Season: Fall
Food: Avocado Toast
Drink: Dunkin' Iced Coffee
Sports: Cross Country Running & Lacrosse

I am Ms. Angela.  This is my third year at Wolverines Forward.  I have worked in Special Education for 16 years and have worked as an Instructor in a previous afterschool program for 5 years. I am married and have two sons. I enjoy gardening, boating and traveling with my family. 

My name is Ms. Sarah! This is my 8 th year at Griswold Elementary being a paraprofessional! My daughter is in 8th grade at GMS! We both started Griswold together. We love this school and community! I have an adorable Jack Russell dog named Kirby who loves to go on walks and to our football games!! I love all New England sports teams, concerts and going on adventures to find new places to eat at! My Motto is, "Be Kind, whenever possible!

Hi! I am Ms. Sam! I this is my second year working for Griswold, and my first year with Wolverines Forward. I've worked with kids for many years. I graduated from GHS in 2019, and have been part of the Griswold community my whole life! Outside of my job I am working on my Master's in Social Work. I am very excited for this experience! 

Hi, I am Mr. Rourke. I have been working at GES for 4 years. This is my second year with Wolverines and I am very excited to be a part of this team!

Hi, my name is Jordan. I am currently a student at ECSU, and I am excited about my first year working with the Wolverines Forward program. In my free time, I enjoy getting outside and playing sports!

Hello! My name is Ms. Avery! This will be my first year doing Wolverines Forward and my second year subbing at GES. I am currently going to Eastern Connecticut State University and majoring in elementary education and English. When I’m not at work or school, I enjoy hiking, hanging out with friends and family, and baking!

My name is Emma Holman. I am a student teacher with Sacred Heart University. I am completing my student teaching at GES in kindergarten. I will be a substitute for Wolverines Forward while I am finishing the last component of my masters. I am looking forward to being among the GES community.  

Hi, I am Ms. Marina! This is my second year working in Wolverines. I am currently in college, majoring in Early childhood education. I love working with children and am very excited about this school year! 

Hello! My name is Luci Cruz, the kids call me Miss Luci. I have been apart of the Griswold School Family for over 7 years as a Special Education Para. This is my third year working the Wolverine Forward program and I am lucky to be apart of such a wonderful group of staff and students. 

Hello, I am Ms. Nikki. This is my 4th year working for Griswold Public Schools. I am so excited to work in the Wolverines Forward PreK this year! I graduated from GHS in 2021. I am thrilled to be back working in this community.