robin lynch

Board Chair

Robin is the Manager, Quality, Risk & Patient Safety at Med-IQ. Robin was awarded her Master of Science in Nursing Education from the State University of New York Institute of Technology and her baccalaureate of science in nursing from the University of Texas in Austin. Prior to accepting her current position at Med-IQ, she was a Risk Manager at Stamford Health and the manager of simulation centers at both NewYork-Presbyterian/Columbia University Medical Center & the College of Health Professions Clinical Education Labs at Pace University in NYC.

aaron coopersmith

Board Fundraising Chair

Born and raised in Newtown, Aaron Coopersmith is the Co-Director of Newtown Chiropractic Health Center. He obtained his undergraduate degree in Biology from Northeastern University and his Doctor of Chiropractic Degree from New York Chiropractic College. Aaron enjoys working with young athletes in the field of injury prevention and optimizing health and performance through maintaining a positive attitude, exercise and nutrition. Aaron brings with him years of experience of being a Director of the Newtown Earth Day Commission and has served as a past President of the Newtown Forest Association.

connie hemphill

Board Treasurer

Connie earned her B.S. with honors in Accounting at the University of Connecticut and has many years experience in both public (C.P.A.) and private (C.M.A.) accounting. She is currently retired and lives in Bethel with her husband, daughter and son. She has been active in the Boy Scouts of America for many years and is currently serving in many roles at both the troop and district level. Connie has also served in several roles at St. Thomas’ Episcopal Church in Bethel where she currently holds the position of Clerk and helps with Sunday school when needed. Connie is very excited to join this energetic and passionate team!

daniell martinez

Board Secretary

Daniell has a BA in English Literature, MSED in English Education, and MSED Educational Leadership. She’s been a Middle School and High School teacher, and currently serves as an Assistant Principal in Dutchess County. Her commitment to literacy and learning through play is at the center of her work and consequently, what brings her to EverWonder. Daniell has two young daughters who love EverWonder and all of its wonderful exhibits. She looks forward to bringing her background in education to support EverWonder’s mission. 

brian fagan

Board Member

Brian brings nearly 50 years of experience in public education as a teacher, building principal, and central office administrator in several Fairfield County school districts to his role on the EverWonder Board.  He is strongly committed to advancing educational opportunities for all children by providing engaging experiences to enhance and extend their learning.  He is a student of the characteristics of successful organizations and the organizational behaviors and processes that underpin their success. Brian and his wife Pam have enjoyed living in Sandy Hook for more than 40 years.

jack thatcher

Board Member

Jack Thatcher is a naturalist and a lifelong learner.  He holds a Master’s of Science in Environmental Education with an emphasis in ecological philosophy and ecological resilience from Southern CT State University.  Previously, he was an educator at CT’s Beardsley Zoo.  Jack and his wife, Bethany, moved to Sandy Hook in December 2015.  Jack soon became a member of the Newtown Environmental Action Team (NEAT).  NEAT was a nonpartisan grassroots group of Newtown, CT residents who worked together on smart solutions to environmental challenges.  Jack is very excited to be a part of the board of directors of EverWonder.  He hopes to share his love of nature and his knowledge of the environment.

don forstrom

Board Member

Don was born and raised in central Connecticut before earning his undergraduate and graduate degrees from Ithaca College. In 2020, Don retired from a 35+ year career in human resources management. Don and his wife, Becky, have lived in Danbury for 30+ years and have 2 adult children – Carolyn & Christopher. Don loves all sports (especially football, lacrosse, golf, and fishing) and in his spare time, he’s made over 300 pieces of Adirondack furniture.

Don grew up with a great children’s museum nearby so, as a child, he personally experienced the ‘positivity’ that an organization like EverWonder can provide a community…he’s excited to be part of EverWonder’s positivity, success, and growth!

tushar amin

Board Member

Tushar is a technology and finance executive with experience spanning Fortune 500 companies and venture-backed start-ups. Most recently, he served as the CEO and Board Director of Hazeltree Fund Services, a fintech company headquartered in NYC with offices in London and Hong Kong. Prior to this role, Tushar enjoyed an 18-year career at IBM, culminating as the COO of its $28 billion Global Technology Services business. Before joining IBM, he worked as a management consultant for PricewaterhouseCoopers in Washington, DC.

Currently residing in Newtown, Connecticut, with his wife Margaret, Tushar has been an active member of the community for the past 13 years while raising their two children, Naiya and Dhilan. Tushar holds an MBA from the NYU Stern School of Business and a BS from the State University of New York at Stony Brook. He maintains a passion for STEM both professionally and personally and remains a loyal fan of the metro area sports teams, including the Yankees, Giants, and Rangers.