Name: Chrissy Fensore Martinez
Political Party: Democrat
Running For: Board of Education
Education Background: BS in Special Education, MS in Special Education, CT state certification in school administration
Work Experience: I have 26 years of experience in public education as a special education teacher as well as a public school special education administrator/direct. I am also an adjunct professor at the University of Saint Joseph in the department of special education.
I am currently the Director of School Partnerships at Aspire Living & Learning, a non-profit human service agency that supports children and adults with special needs. I supervise programs for students in public schools who require behavioral and academic supports in the states of Connecticut and New Hampshire.
Political Experience: Political Newcomer
Family: I am a lifelong Monroe resident with a 5th grade stepson (Julian) at Fawn Hollow, a 10th grade daughter (Kendyl) and a son who is a 2021 Masuk graduate (George). My husband, Jim Martinez, is a former Monroe Board of Education member.
What is an issue affecting the town that you care about most and want to make a priority? How will it guide your decision making?
Martinez: As someone who was born and raised in Monroe, I have witnessed all the wonderful changes we have seen in our town over the years. Some of these changes include a significant growth in population and more diversity in our residents.
In my opinion, this is all quite welcome. While some feel Monroe should stay the same as it has always been, I believe it is time to embrace the change. In fact, this change is already here to stay. I believe we should want our community to be welcoming and embracing of our new members.
Monroe is, and should continue to be a place in which people want to move their families and raise their babies. As a community we should welcome those who don’t look, learn, think, pray or love exactly like we believe we always have.
As a member of the board of education, I plan to use my diverse background in education to help our schools continue to create an environment in which our students are supported for who they are. I believe wholeheartedly that this can be accomplished while making responsible budgeting decisions, finding common ground and making sure our policies are current and meet the needs of our diverse population of learners.
I strongly feel my background in both teaching and school administration helps me stand out as a qualified candidate.