About Us

David Cohen

lowerfairfieldearlychildhood@cestrumbull.org

David Cohen has been an educator since 1991 and a school/non-profit leader since 2000. He has taught, led schools, developed programs, and operated large organizations. He is an education consultant for schools throughout Fairfield County. Other roles include adjunct college instructor, state certified consultant and American Red Cross instructor.

David holds a BS in Human Development and Family Relations from the University of Connecticut, a MS in Early Childhood Education Administration from Nova Southeastern University, a MS in Jewish Instructional Education from Gratz College, and all but a dissertation toward a PhD in Leadership: Early Childhood and Elementary Education from New York University. David lives in Trumbull, CT with his wife and has two adult children.

Lina Palacio

lowerfairfieldearlychildhood2@cestrumbull.org​
 

Lina Palacio has over 15 years of experience working with children and families in various local communities, including Port Chester, Mount Kisco, Stamford, and Greenwich. She received a Bachelor of Science degree from Mercy College and a Master of Science degree in social work from Fordham University. Lina is licensed as a social worker in Connecticut and specializes in working with children and families. Having grown up in Colombia, Lina is fluent in Spanish and is personally familiar with many of the challenges that come with being immersed in a new culture. This awareness aids her in her work with families as she helps them to identify and realize life goals. Lina is passionate about supporting children and families, assisting them through challenges and connecting them with resources.

Lindsay Kent

lowerfairfieldearlychildhood4@cestrumbull.org​
 

Lindsay has over ten years of experience working in early childhood education as a classroom teacher, literacy coach and technology integrator in NYC public and independent schools. Prior to her career in education, Lindsay worked in children's media as a Director of Digital Production at Nickelodeon and a Marketing Manager at Scholastic. Lindsay holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Columbia University and a Masters in Elementary Education from Relay Graduate School. Lindsay grew up in Connecticut and currently lives in New Canaan with her husband, preschool-aged daughter and their cat. She enjoys exploring local libraries, museums, nature centers and parks with her family. She's looking forward to engaging families with young children in her community and supporting them in finding local resources. 
 

Andrea Nogales

lowerfairfieldearlychildhood3@cestrumbull.org

Andrea Nogales is a dedicated educator with over 20 years of experience serving children and families in the New York City Public Schools and local community organizations. Her work spans early childhood, bilingual, special, and general education settings, as well as leadership roles beyond the classroom, including literacy coach and new teacher mentor.  Andrea’s passion for family engagement and community partnership grew from her classroom practice and deep involvement in the local community.  Fluent in Spanish and conversational in Italian and French, she is committed to amplifying family voices, advancing inclusive practices, and strengthening connections between families and their communities.  Andrea lives in Cos Cos, CT, and enjoys playing board games, LEGOS and flag football with her husband and two young sons.