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Inspired by Experience to Support Children in Foster Care

Jan 16, 2026 | Stories

Jon Parra-Tobey ’26 has a clear career plan—and passion—driving his pursuit of a degree at Mitchell College. He wants to help support kids in the foster care system, as he was as a child, and work for the Connecticut Department of Children and Families (DCF). Through a combination of academic studies and an internship, he is on track to get there.

“I lived with seven different families from ages 8 to 12, when I was adopted. I came to Mitchell to prepare to work with DCF and help kids experiencing the same things I did,” he said.

Internship leads to employment

A psychology major with a criminal justice minor, Jon completed an internship at the Nathan Hale Arts Magnet School in New London. He worked with social workers there. Upon completing his internship, he was hired as a paraprofessional, a position he has now held for two years.

He was recently named Employee of the Quarter.

“My favorite part of the job is seeing my students’ improvement over time and how excited or happy they are to see me each day. Knowing that I am making a positive difference in their growth and even confidence motivates me each day.”

Being a paraprofessional can be challenging, and Jon is often assigned to students who struggle behaviorally.

“Patience was easily the biggest struggle I had. I work closely with students who have strong emotional and behavioral needs, which made some days unpredictable. There were plenty of times when progress felt slow, and it was hard to stay calm and consistent while handling repeated behaviors and outbursts. It took some time for me to realize that every student has a different pace and just needs steady support,” he said.

“My psychology courses at Mitchell helped me realize my students aren’t just acting this way for no reason. There are deeper roots to the cause of their behavior, whether trauma or unmet learning needs. My courses helped me with seeing things I wouldn’t have normally paid mind to.”

After graduating from high school, Jon took a year off to think about what he wanted to do in life. He grew up in New London “right down the road” from Mitchell College. His mother is an alumna, so he was very familiar with what Mitchell has to offer. He kept coming back to working for DCF and knew Mitchell was the right place to pursue that goal.

“I’ve got ADHD and ADD, so I struggle sometimes with focusing, especially in larger classrooms. So, I knew Mitchell would be a smart decision for me. At Mitchell I had a relationship with my professors and received one-to-one help if I needed it. Mitchell is a great school for the things that you need. Some kids are looking for larger party schools. This is a place to come and get your education and you’re going to be good.”

Coursework and skills strengthen confidence in the workplace

Drawing on course content as a paraprofessional, Jon also uses learned skills based on the Mitchell Ability Model. This foundation for adaptability and resilience serves him well in his work every day.

“I’ve used the Mitchell Ability Model time and time again, especially critical thinking and social interaction. There have been times when I don’t have the answer or correct way to go about something and had to come up with my response or actions on the fly. I also work with many different students and coworkers and interact with them every day.”

The skills he learned also gave him the confidence to approach school administrators about a proposed change in his duties.

“I was supposed to be moved to work with another student, but I wasn’t comfortable with some of the behaviors that were occurring. At first, I didn’t want to say anything but decided I should, and I did. I was able to stay where I was.”

In pursuing his goals, he also credits the support he has gotten from faculty and staff at Mitchell.

“All of my courses have helped me with next steps in my life, as well as the people I have gotten to know. I know I can always email or text if I have questions. They will always be there to answer them.”

Next steps

Jon has taken the next step in pursuing his dream of working at DCF. He completed his degree in December 2025 and has applied to be a full-time social worker with the State of Connecticut.

He counts three people as his inspiration for pursuing this role: Professor Jennifer Mauro, associate professor at Mitchell; his mother Franca Polimeni ’95, who was a social worker with DCF; and the social worker who worked with him when he was in foster care, with whom he keeps in touch.

“They all helped me realize the potential I have in this career and have been role models through it all.”

His experience as a student at Mitchell has also broadened his horizons when thinking about the future.

“My goal has always been DCF, but, working in a school, I see other opportunities as well. School social worker or behavior interventionist are positions I could pursue down the road. Being able to give back is what excites me the most.”

Jon Parra-Tobey

Strong Foundation of Abilities Helps Student Juggle Athletics, Honors, Internship

Dec 8, 2025 | Stories

A Mitchell baseball player and Honors Program student, senior business major Savier Paige balances schoolwork, practice, and an internship.

He is grateful to use the technology, communication, and problem-solving abilities gained through Mitchell’s Ability Model, woven throughout the curriculum. Savier applies the skills at his internship with Quinn, Hary & Gellar, a New London marketing and communications firm.

Mitchell College requires every student to complete an internship.

“I found my internship by working with Paul Dunn in the Integrative Career Development office. I was looking for an opportunity that would align with what I want to do long-term for a career.”

During his semester-long internship, he works two to three days each week in the office.

“My days vary, posting calendar listings for clients on various websites and platforms. I also search for visual assets in the public domain that can be used in design. Then I keep track of the details on an Excel spreadsheet—whether they are videos or photos, horizontal or vertical—and do other tasks. Sometimes I figure out how to get information on my own, thinking of different ways to get it, working down the ladder,” he said.

“I had the opportunity to sit in a meeting for the firm’s biggest client, helping plan a 60th anniversary celebration. We talked about costs, food, promotional levels for sponsors, a silent auction, and other things. I was able to give input on the design of a brochure, sharing my ideas on what I thought was visually appealing.”

The thing he likes best about his internship is building connections with the people who work at the firm.

“My favorite part of my internship is the people. Everyone is high energy and conversations are exciting. It’s a small group that feels like a family. I love to come to the office every chance I get, and I am comfortable enough that I can ask for help from anyone.”

Looking Toward the Future

When he graduates, Savier said he will probably seek opportunities in marketing and sales. He also has an interest in gaining experience in public relations, graphic design, and web design.

“As I am exposed to more, I can figure out exactly what I would like to pursue.”

Back on campus, Savier said that sometimes it’s challenging to balance everything. He attributes his success to his favorite Mitchell traits: a calm and beautiful location on the water and a strong, close-knit community that feels like a family.

“Everybody cares about each other in our school whether they know someone or not. And that creates a family within the school.”

Looking toward the future, Savier said, “Mitchell has prepared me in a great way for after graduation. I get one-on-one interaction with professors, and the opportunities outside of school are better, in my opinion, than at a bigger school. I enjoy focusing on what I need to get done to prepare myself for the future and look forward to looking back and thanking Mitchell.” 

Savier Paige

Unexpected Turn at Mitchell Puts Alum on Path to Help Others

Dec 2, 2025 | Stories

When AJ Marini ’24 enrolled at Mitchell College as a transfer student, he intended to play baseball for the Mariners and major in sport management.

“From the very beginning I wanted to stay involved in athletics long after my own career would finish,” he said.

Little did he know that his collegiate baseball career would be cut short by injury and that he would later pursue a career helping and guiding other athletes.

“One of the biggest challenges I faced as a student-athlete was tearing my shoulder twice. That ultimately forced me to stop playing baseball, a sport I loved. I had always identified as an athlete and suddenly that part of my life was taken away.”

Finding Purpose

After the initial shock of his life change, he focused on “finding purpose beyond the field.”

“I suddenly realized there was more to life than just sports. My injury pushed me to grow as a student and as a person, and the experience taught me resilience and adaptability. I focused more on my academics and developed stronger leadership and communication skills. I also found new ways to stay connected to teammates through my coursework and campus involvement.”

AJ credits the Mitchell faculty and staff with helping him transition out of baseball.

“The incredible faculty and staff went above and beyond. They taught me in the classroom and guided, mentored, and supported me through every challenge, both on and off the field. Their encouragement helped me find new purpose. It pushed me to reach my full potential as a student, leader, and a person. Looking back, I was drawn to Mitchell for its close-knit, supportive community. From the start it felt like a place where I could truly belong and grow. Growing is just what I did.”

After graduating from Mitchell (and delivering the student address at his commencement ceremony), he enrolled in a master’s program in sport management at the State University of New York at Cortland.

As a graduate student, he interned with STEER for Student Athletes. The community-based nonprofit organization provides mentorship and support services to student-athletes, helping them graduate from high school, prepare for further education, or enter the workforce.

AJ plans to use this experience to pursue career opportunities in advising, student-athlete development, mentorship, or possibly college athletic administration.

Thanks to his unexpected turn at Mitchell, AJ is now poised and excited to pay forward the support he received.

“It’s important to help others see the same opportunities and support that made such a difference in my own journey.”

Kervick Receives Literary Award for History of Windsor Locks Canal

Oct 9, 2025 | Stories

J. Christopher “Chris” Kervick, an instructor of local history at Mitchell College, was recently awarded the 2025 Literary Award by The Connecticut Society of Genealogists for his book “The Windsor Locks Canal: Yankee Enterprise and Irish Muscle.” The award recognizes the most outstanding genealogical resource of the year.

Since 2022 Kervick has brought his love of history to students in the Thames at Mitchell College program through his “New London Stories” course. Together they have researched and written numerous articles about New London history, some of which have been published by The Day and its imprint The Times newspapers.

The result of over 20 years of research, Kervick’s book tells the story of the creation of the 19th-century Windsor Locks Canal, which served as the backbone of a water-powered industrial center.

The historically detailed book is of interest to genealogists because it humanizes the 400 Irish laborers who built the canal. Kervick introduces the reader to many of the remarkable men by name and identifies laborers who remained in the area and raised families following completion of the canal.

“The Windsor Locks Canal, Yankee Enterprise and Irish Muscle” (Madison, CT: The Connecticut Press, 2025) is available for checkout at the Mitchell College Library. It is also available for purchase in both softcover and hardcover editions online from Amazon Books, Barnes & Noble, and IngramSpark.

Kervick recently completed three terms as First Selectman of his hometown of Windsor Locks, Connecticut, and, prior to that, served as a Connecticut Judge of Probate. He has been practicing law for over 37 years. A 1984 graduate of Fordham University, he is a 1987 graduate of Catholic University, Columbus School of Law.

Mitchell Faculty Host ‘Pints & Professors’ Speaker Series in Downtown New London

Oct 2, 2025 | Stories

Mitchell College faculty are taking their knowledge and expertise from the classroom to the street (Bank Street, New London, that is!), giving back to and engaging with the local community.

“Pints & Professors,” a free speaker series for the public, kicks off on Monday, October 6, at 7 p.m. at The Social Bar + Kitchen, 208 Bank Street, New London. (Watch for announcements about additional talks.)

Professor Luke Walden, M.F.A., who teaches digital communication at Mitchell, will share his perspective as an “accidental historian,” filmmaker, educator, and co-director of the documentary “The Narcotic Farm” (2009). The film, which aired nationally on public television, explores the story of America’s first federal narcotics prison-hospital in Lexington, KY. The institution became both a treatment center and a research hub and is considered the “Ground Zero for American’s first war on drugs.”

Professor Elyse Gessler, Ph.D., event organizer, said, “Knowledge and education are two things that everyone should have access to. I wanted to create an intentional event where we leave campus, meet the public in a relaxing and approachable space, and have some engaging discussions. In my experience, there is nothing that brings people together like good food and drink. Giving our faculty an opportunity to share their research, practitioner, and education experiences over a pint make for a fabulous event to showcase the depth of knowledge and expertise across the Mitchell College faculty.”

Watch “The Narcotic Farm” here: https://vimeo.com/91392115
Read about the researchers’ experiences here: https://lnkd.in/g_hYPDAS
Read more from The Social and reserve a table here.

Mitchell Internship (and Fandom) Led to Working with WNBA Team

Aug 6, 2025 | Stories

Longtime Connecticut Sun fan Kilian Okech ’25 joined the team for the summer as a community relations ambassador. In his internship role, he works with the organization that is part of the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA).

The sport management major, who played on the Mitchell men’s basketball team, said, “When it came time to find an internship, I already had the idea to work with the Connecticut Sun.”

Kilian worked with Paul Dunn in the Integrative Career Development Office to secure the internship.

“Thanks to his connections, I was able to apply and get a response quickly,” Kilian said.

Tasks on Game Day
Kilian attends every home game at Mohegan Sun and handles other aspects of his work remotely. On game day he arrives in the morning to work in the office and arena before the game. Pre-game tasks include helping to prospect leads for groups to attend games. He also assists with “seat notes,” envelopes containing special offers that are placed at seats around the arena.

In addition, Kilian observes office calls about ticket sales and other questions. At game time, he helps fans at a concessions table or booth. He said he uses the Mitchell Abilities, especially diversity/global perspectives and social interaction, to effectively interact with the broad mix of fans.

When he transferred as a sophomore to Mitchell, Kilian was drawn to the college for a variety of reasons. He liked the opportunity to play basketball, Mitchell’s waterfront location, and its campus and residence halls. He said his Mitchell advisor supported him in helping transfer past credits to be on track to graduate.

Future Plans
Through his internship Kilian has a close-up and behind-the-scenes look at a professional basketball organization.

Looking to the future, Kilian said, “My internship has inspired me to continue going after a career in the front office at a sports organization. Mitchell has good internship options for students. The great help I received from Paul Dunn and my peers at the Sun have prepared me and given me the valuable experience that I need to take the next step.”

Kilian plans to pursue a master’s degree in sport management.

Kilian Okech stands in front of a mural feature Connecticut Sun basketball players.