The Common Ground Board of Directors
Common Ground is governed by a Board of Directors – volunteer community members who provide oversight and support to the organization so it can fulfill its mission as a community non-profit organization and public charter high school. Board members come from different backgrounds and reflect the rich diversity of our community.
Alexis Smith, Chair, Executive Director of New Haven Legal Aid, Email: alexis.smith@nhep.com
Jeff Carter, Treasurer, Owner of Westmount Group, Email: jeff.carter@nhep.com
Kyeen Andersson, Secretary, Public Health Policy Analyst, Email: kyeen.andersson@nhep.com
Sarah Field, Common Ground High School Science Teacher, Email: sarah.field@nhep.com
Lizanne Cox, Retired Common Ground High School Director, Email: liz.cox@nhep.com
Brian Kelahan, Retired Common Ground Teacher, Email: brian.kelahan@nhep.com
Carly Osborne, Pootatuch Watershed Association and Go Fish Memorial Fund, Email: carly.osborne@nhep.com
Michelle Sepulveda, Dropout Prevention Officer at New Haven Board of Education, Email: michelle.sepulveda@nhep.com
Lauren Caplan, Founder, Mill River Advisory, Email: lauren.caplan@nhep.com
Jameson C. Davis, Founder/President, Writing Wrongs LLC, Email: jameson.davis@nhep.com
Kathi Torres, Administrative Officer, Federal Public Defender Office of Connecticut, Email: kathi.torres@nhep.com
Yexandra Diaz, Board Member, Email: yexandra.diaz@nhep.com
Shaquira Brockington, Parent Representative, Email: shaquira.brockington@nhep.com
Kymani Chapman, Student Representative
Clouds Mutale, Student Representative
Common Ground is Seeking New Board Members
Each year we recruit a class of 3-4 members to serve a 3 year term. Board members are expected to attend monthly public board meetings, contribute to meetings of one of our standing committees (Audit, Development, Finance, Governance, School), and support fundraising efforts (including by contributing to the organization at a level that is personally significant). Board members find that they spend an average of 10 hours a month on board-related tasks and can attend most meetings virtually. If you’re motivated and excited to help Common Ground serve our community and contribute to a just and sustainable world, please email Board Chair Alexis.Smith@nhep.com with a resume or bio to express your interest.
Common Ground Board of Directors Meeting Schedule 2025-2026
All in person meetings will be located at 358 Springside Ave. New Haven, CT unless otherwise noted. In person meetings include September, November, March, April, May, and June.
- August 25, 2025 (Virtual)
- September 29, 2025 (In Person)
- October 27, 2025 (Virtual)
- November 24, 2025 (In Person)
- January 26, 2026 (Virtual)
- February 23, 2026 (Virtual)
- March 30, 2026 (In Person)
- April 27, 2026 (In Person)
- May 18, 2026 (In Person)
- June 29, 2026 (Annual Meeting/ In Person)
- June 29, 2026 (Business Meeting/ In Person)
Board Committees
- School (Commitee Minutes)
- Finance (Committee Minutes)
- Development (Commitee Minutes)
- Governance (Commitee Minutes)
Board of Directors Meeting Agendas
Common Ground Board Meeting Agenda for August 25, 2025
August 25, 2025 BOARD MEETING AGENDA By Microsoft Teams Join the meeting now Meeting ID: 252 941 979 033 6 Passcode: qs6vK6eg Welcome Public Comment (5:30) (two minutes per person for a total time limit
Common Ground Board Meeting Agenda for June 30, 2025
June 30, 2025 ANNUAL MEETING AGENDA By Microsoft Teams Join the meeting now Meeting ID: 291 183 312 295 Passcode: 75YL6t69 Welcome Public Comment (5:30) (two minutes per person for a total time limit of
Common Ground Board Meeting Agenda for May 19, 2025
May 19, 2025 AGENDA By Microsoft Teams Join the meeting now Meeting ID: 283 239 153 880 8 Passcode: wz2Zr7kb Welcome Public Comment (5:30) (two minutes per person for a total time limit of 30
Board of Directors Meeting Minutes
Common Ground Board Meeting Agenda for August 25, 2025
August 25, 2025 BOARD MEETING AGENDA By Microsoft Teams Join the meeting now Meeting ID: 252 941 979 033 6 Passcode: qs6vK6eg Welcome Public Comment (5:30) (two minutes per person for a total time limit
Common Ground Board of Directors Meeting Minutes: Annual & Business Meetings June 30, 2025
June 30, 2025 Board of Directors Annual Meeting Minutes Microsoft Teams Link Microsoft Teams Recording Present: Alexis Smith, Brian Kelahan, Carly Osborne, Jeff Carter, Ky Andersson, Liz Cox, Peter Ludwig, Sarah Field, Terri Snell. Staff:
Common Ground Board Meeting Agenda for June 30, 2025
June 30, 2025 ANNUAL MEETING AGENDA By Microsoft Teams Join the meeting now Meeting ID: 291 183 312 295 Passcode: 75YL6t69 Welcome Public Comment (5:30) (two minutes per person for a total time limit of