Members

Shannon Marimón was elected to the West Hartford Board of Education in November 2023 and currently serves as Vice Chair of the Board.

Shannon is the executive director of ReadyCT, which is a statewide education nonprofit seeking to advance policies and practices that equitably serve all children in Connecticut with a focus on academic excellence and career-connected learning. Shannon has worked in PK-12 and higher education for just over two decades. As a graduate of Connecticut public schools, she is committed to narrowing the state’s opportunity gaps, raising academic outcomes for all students, and better aligning our educational system with the world of work through advocacy, public awareness, and capacity-building of schools and districts.

Before stepping into her role at ReadyCT, Shannon was director of talent and operations for the CT RISE Network, responsible for establishing, advancing, and monitoring organizational goals related to student on-track achievement and college and career readiness. Prior to RISE, Shannon was division director for the Talent Office at the Connecticut State Department of Education (CSDE). During her five years with the CSDE, Shannon provided leadership and support to districts and schools to expand talent management systems and strategic planning efforts on behalf of the educator workforce. Shannon was also a partner and director of site launch with The New Teacher Project (TNTP) and spent seven years working in higher education with a focus on admissions, development, and study abroad programming.

Shannon holds an MBA with a focus on nonprofit and public sector management from the Yale School of Management, an M.A. in art history from Stanford University, and a B.A. in art history and Spanish literature from Dartmouth College. She resides with her husband, Michael, a professor of geology at UConn, and her two daughters who attend school in West Hartford.

LaToya Yagaloff is a passionate educator, equity leader, and community advocate dedicated to empowering students and families through inclusive and culturally responsive education. LaToya works as a statewide Restorative Justice facilitator and trainer, helping schools and organizations build equitable, collaborative learning environments.

With a career that has spanned nearly every role in the school system, from crossing guard and tutor to teacher, administrator, and policymaker, LaToya brings a deep understanding of all stakeholders in education. Her diverse experiences, combined with her perspective as a West Hartford parent, inform her commitment to collaboration, transparency, and student success.

Before her work in Connecticut, LaToya served as a Neighborhood Commissioner in San Jose, California, and as a California State Delegate (ADEM). She also founded YouthHype, a nationally recognized organization empowering youth from marginalized communities to lead social justice initiatives in areas such as affirmative action, juvenile justice reform, and LGBTQ youth housing. In recognition of this impact, June 19th was declared “YouthHype Day” in Santa Clara, California.

LaToya’s educational leadership centers on closing opportunity gaps through culturally responsive teaching, community partnership, and academic excellence. She believes that when students see themselves represented, feel safe, and are encouraged to express their full identities, the entire community thrives.

A lifelong advocate and servant leader, LaToya’s journey, from Hartford’s Capen and Enfield streets to becoming a DEI leader and elected public official, reflects her belief in the transformative power of education to break barriers and build a more just future for all.

Jason Gagnon was elected to his first term on the West Hartford Board of Education in November 2023.

A graduate of Boston College Law School and Florida State University, Jason comes to the Board of Education as a parent of two children enrolled in the West Hartford Public Schools and the son of a life-long educator.

​Jason is a partner at the Connecticut-based law firm of Carmody Torrance Sandak & Hennessey LLP where he has practiced since 2008. He has a national practice representing manufacturing clients here in Connecticut and across the country with professional honors that include:

• Litigation Star, Benchmark Litigation, 2022-2023

• Rising Star, Connecticut Super Lawyers® – Products Liability Defense, 2012-2022

• New Leaders in the Law, Connecticut Law Tribune, 2016

• Rising Star, New England Super Lawyers® – Products Liability Defense, 2012-2017

Although Jason was a first-time candidate for public office, he was no stranger to public service. Jason has served on the Board of Directors for the Mattatuck Museum and is a Past President of the Waterbury Bar Association. He is a board member of the United Way of Greater Waterbury and was elected to the Connecticut Bar Association’s Board of Governors.

Jason and his wife, Jessie, moved to Connecticut in 2008 and have lived in West Hartford since 2016, where they have chosen to raise their two children, Hadley and Emerson.

Jennifer Herz brings both professional expertise and deep personal commitment to the West Hartford Board of  Education. A government affairs professional, Jennifer has built
her career navigating complex policy issues, fostering collaboration, and finding balanced solutions that reflect diverse perspectives. 

Jennifer and her husband, Stein Helmrich, met while attending UConn Law School and made West Hartford their home in 2012. They are the proud parents of three daughters, all of whom attend West Hartford Public Schools. Her family’s deep roots in town date back to her grandparents—immigrants who settled in West Hartford in the 1950s—and her father’s fond
memories of Conard High School athletics. 

Motivated by a lifelong belief in the power of public education, Jennifer ensures thoughtful, compassionate, and informed leadership as the district faces challenging policy and
financial decisions. She is a strong advocate for diversity, student well-being, and supporting teachers as they shape the next generation.

Drawing from her personal story as the granddaughter of Holocaust survivors, Jennifer believes deeply in standing up for others, listening openly, and seeking common ground. She values collaboration between educators and parents and supports decision-making grounded in data and community insight. Jennifer’s blend of professional experience, personal conviction, and commitment to public service make her a thoughtful and dedicated voice for West Hartford’s
students and families.

Jonathan Weiner is a dedicated attorney and community advocate seeking his first term on the West Hartford Board of Education. A resident deeply engaged in civic life, he has been an active member of the West Hartford Democratic Town Committee since 2017 and has served on a range of nonprofit and professional boards, including Connecticut Humanities, Community Partners in Action, the Connecticut Bar Association, and West Hartford Little League. Through
these experiences, Jonathan has developed a collaborative, balanced approach to decision-making—skills he believes are essential to effective service on the Board of Education.
Professionally, Jonathan’s work as an attorney for the State of Connecticut has honed his ability to analyze complex issues, weigh multiple perspectives, and identify reasoned paths forward.

Personally, he brings the perspective of a parent—his son is a seventh grader in West Hartford Public Schools—who deeply values the dedication of teachers and administrators that make the district exceptional. 

Motivated by gratitude and a strong sense of civic duty, Jonathan is committed to protecting and strengthening West Hartford’s public schools as a cornerstone of the community. He identifies student mental health as a critical area of focus and supports thoughtful policies to reduce social media pressures during the school day, along with increased access to school psychologists and social workers. Jonathan also emphasizes the importance of sustaining key student services
efficiently and responsibly in light of changing funding realities.

He is particularly passionate about expanding civics education and engagement across all grade levels, helping students understand their role in a vibrant democracy. Jonathan, his wife, and their son are proud to call West Hartford home.

Miriam Bleich is a devoted parent and community member seeking her first term on the West Hartford Board of Education. Married to Steven, she is the proud mother of four children who all attend West Hartford Public Schools. A former licensed clinical social worker, Miriam now dedicates herself full time to raising her family while remaining deeply engaged in her children’s schools and the broader community. 

Over the past several years, Miriam has been an active voice within West Hartford’s school communities and the local Jewish community. She currently serves on the Community Advisory Board for The School and State Finance Project, where she contributes to discussions on education policy and funding. Her background in social work gives her a unique perspective on the social, emotional, and developmental needs of students, as well as the importance of collaboration between families, educators, and administrators. 

Miriam’s decision to run for the Board of Education is rooted in her desire to strengthen trust between families and schools through greater transparency, accountability, and parent
engagement. She advocates for the creation of dedicated finance and curriculum committees to provide parents with clearer insight into how resources are allocated and how educational content is developed. 

As the parent of a child with multiple disabilities, Miriam is also committed to improving special education services and ensuring that students with individualized needs receive coordinated, effective support. Guided by her belief that parents should be active partners in their children’s
education, Miriam hopes to foster a school system where every family feels informed, empowered, and heard.

Ethan Goldman and his wife Julie have lived in West Hartford since 1989. All four of their children have grown up in West Hartford.

Ethan received a Bachelor of Science in Economics (BSE) from the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School and a Bachelor of Arts (BA) from the University of Pennsylvania’s Faculty of Arts and Science. He is a graduate of the Harvard Business School (Harvard University) with a Masters of Business Administration (MBA) and also a graduate of the University of Hartford, with a Masters in Accounting and Taxation (MSAT). 

Ethan is currently working as the CFO of a midsize (international) manufacturing company. Prior to his current position, Ethan worked at ADVO as their Vice President of Network Planning. He had also has worked in Retail – for Ames Stores as their Director of Pull Replenishment. Ethan is a CPA (State of Maryland non practicing license) and worked for the public accounting firms, Coopers and Lybrands (Boston) and Touche Ross (Baltimore). 

Ethan spent over twenty years in the US Army/Army Reserve in the Army’s Field Artillery branch, retiring as a Major.

Ethan is currently serving as the Treasurer of the West Hartford Youth Soccer Assn (WHYSA) and coached in the WHYSA (Boys/Coed League) and WHGSL (Girls) for approximately fifteen years. He is also a Trustee of the Jewish Community Foundation of Greater Hartford and previously served on the Board of the Jewish Federation of Greater Hartford as its Treasurer.