Syntiro's Board of Directors
Kathryn Markovchick, President
Kathryn Markovchick brings more than 30 years of experience conducting and overseeing systemic change activities. She has worked as a special education teacher, administrator and university faculty member and now, as the President of Syntiro. The scope of her work is extensive, from designing and delivering statewide professional development to managing myriad state and federal contracts. Kathryn earned her doctoral and masters degrees in learning and behavior disorders and experiential education from the State University of New York at Buffalo. Currently, she serves as director of the Maine State GEAR UP Program under contract from the Maine Department of Education. As President of Syntiro, Kathryn oversees more than $2 million dollars in grants, contracts and fee-for-service activities in professional development, college access projects, technical assistance and organizational development activities. She is credited, with colleague Corda Ladd Kinzie, with developing the research-based Celebratory Learning model of engaged teaching and learning. Her mission is to facilitate the change process with care, thought and purpose. Kathryn is a vibrant leader, facilitator, educator and mentor who uses a balance of "hands-on/heads-on" experience and theory in all of her work.
Corda Ladd Kinzie, Secretary
Corda Ladd Kinzie is an educational consultant to teams, teachers, schools, school committees, districts and businesses. Her mission is to facilitate the change process with care, thought, and purpose. She is a seminar/workshop facilitator who uses a balance of "hands-on/heads-on" experience and theory. Corda’s areas of expertise include: using current brain research to inform learning, understanding the change process, generating strategies for teaching all learners, social skills and team development, parent/professional relationships and standards-based learning. At Syntiro, Cordo works on Positive Behavior Supports and Interventions, Cooperative Learning and Life Coaching programs. Corda raised 3 sons, Brooks, Spencer, and Arthur. She is proudly grandparenting 4 grandsons, MacKenzie, Roland, Nathan and Matthew. She loves "camp"in Oakland where she watches eagles and osprey and listens to loons with all the boys!
Jan Kolenda, Treasurer
Jan Kolenda is beginning her 18th year as Technology Director for the RSU 38 Maranacook School district. She graduated from the University of New Hampshire with a BA in social work and worked 7 years as a Medical Social Worker at K.V.M.C.. in Augusta. Jan earned a M.Ed. from the University of Maine. Prior to her appointment as Technology Director, Jan taught for 5 years in Mt. Vernon, grades 2-4. Jan lives in North Monmouth with her husband of 33 years, Stephen. They have two daughters, Leah and Lauren, who both live in New York City. Jan loves to travel, paint, and spend time with family and friends.
Richard Abramson
Richard A. Abramson (Rich) is Superintendent of Schools for Regional School Unit 38 in Readfield, Maine. Rich just completed his 15th year as a Superintendent - 10 in RSU 38. He holds a master's degree and advanced coursework in education and special education administration from the University of Maine and a bachelor of arts from Colby College. Rich also is a Senior Director through the YMCA of the USA, a result of his work as Executive Director for the Kennebec Valley YMCA. He is also a member of the YMCA's Hall of Fame. During his tenure at the YMCA, Rich developed his pasion for wellness and healthy living strategies. Rich serves on the Schools Advisory Panel of the Dannon Institute representing superintendents nationwide. He works closely with the Panel to develop wellness policy strategies and tools for superintendents to implement healthy lifestyle policies, and wellness programs for students and staff. His work is published in the "School Administrator" magazine of the American Association of School Administrators. Rich is recognized by the International Association of School Business Officials for his work on wellness. He also serves on numerous boards and commissions within the State of Maine. He lives with his wife Paula of 39 years. His hobbies include snowshoing, golf, bicycling, Nordic walking, and relaxing on a remote lake in Maine.
Judy Enright
Since 1991, Judy has been an independent education professional serving clients primarily in AL, CA, CT, IA, ME, MA, NC, OR, TX, and WA. Her scope includes schools, school leaders, school systems, and other education related organizations. Judy's focus in on helping educational leaders effectively manage change in complex systems. Her passions are organization development, leadership team development, planning processes, coaching, and effective facilitation.
Mark Ishkanian
Mark Ishkanian is best known for his leadership during Maine's largest natural disaster. He was Central Maine Power's spokesperson during the January 1998 Ice Storm when half the state lost power, some for as long as three weeks. Mark has worked for the Natural Resources Council of Maine (11 years), CMP (11 years), Maine Hospital Association, Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield and ran his own PR firm. Currently, he consults for the Maine Health Management Coalition, Occupational Medical Consulting and other healthcare organizations. Mark serves on the American Lung Association's Maine Leadership Board, as well as the boards of the Bicycle Coalition of Maine and Maine Huts and Trails. He spends the rest of his time riding his bicycle, sailing, hiking and cross country skiing. He is married to Ginger and they have two grown children.
Emily Liebling
Emily Liebling is a first grade teacher at Riverton Elementary School in Portland, and has recently completed the Extended Teacher Education Program (ETEP) at the University of Southern Maine. She is currently working toward an ELL endorsement and Master in Literacy. She is thrilled to continue her involvement with Syntiro, after working for four years on the GEAR UP grant. Emily is passionate about working with diverse learners and ensuring equitable opportunities for success.