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the wcp team
It's About Positivity & Collaboration.
Our founder, Dr. Dawn Matera has been working for over 25 years, creating academic spaces for students who learn differently, require alternative approaches, and who benefit from creative and inspiring bridges to educational success.
meet our team
Each Member Brings Something Unique to WCP...
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co-founder
Dr. Dawn Matera, Ed.D.
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EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Samantha Cook, M.Ed.
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DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS
Todd Sudora
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DIRECTOR OF OUTREACH & DEVELOPMENT
Whitney Matera
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DIRECTOR OF STUDENT & FAMILY SERVICES
Katie Arsenault
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LEAD TEACHER
Jennifer Boyle
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DISABILITY & TRANSITION CONSULTANT
Gerri Flemming
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Samantha Cook, M.Ed.
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Samantha has been in the education field for over 12 years. She holds her Bachelors in Psychology from Southern CT State University, a Masters in Education from Sacred Heart University, and a Masters in Special Education from Quinnipiac University. In addition, she holds a certification in Educational Administration.
Along with her role here at WCP, Samantha is also currently the Educational Director and Chief Administrator of the Westport Day School.
Her philosophy is that the best educators are those that are lifelong learners and will be starting her Doctorate degree in the Fall. Sam started her career in education at the elementary level where she taught for 10+ years in kindergarten and 4th grade.
Before coming into education Sam worked at the Kennedy Center providing community inclusive services based on individual preferences to adults 21 + with a variety of disabilities.
Sam is a lifelong resident of Shelton and lives with her Husband and 3 children. In her free time, she loves playing volleyball, doing puzzles, and taking photos of her kids!
Fun Fact: Sam is an avid Disney fan and dreams of living in Cinderella’s castle.
Along with her role here at WCP, Samantha is also currently the Educational Director and Chief Administrator of the Westport Day School.
Her philosophy is that the best educators are those that are lifelong learners and will be starting her Doctorate degree in the Fall. Sam started her career in education at the elementary level where she taught for 10+ years in kindergarten and 4th grade.
Before coming into education Sam worked at the Kennedy Center providing community inclusive services based on individual preferences to adults 21 + with a variety of disabilities.
Sam is a lifelong resident of Shelton and lives with her Husband and 3 children. In her free time, she loves playing volleyball, doing puzzles, and taking photos of her kids!
Fun Fact: Sam is an avid Disney fan and dreams of living in Cinderella’s castle.
Dr. Dawn Matera, Ed.D.
CO-FOUNDER
Dawn Matera is a Dr. of Education with over 25 years of experience.
She holds a BS in Psychology, a MS is Special Education and Doctorate in Educational Leadership. Upon completing a teacher training program and obtaining her Connecticut State Teaching Certification, she taught complex learners, at specialty schools, including Eagle Hill and Winston Preparatory, for more than a decade. In 2008. Dr. Matera founded her first education company, A Way to Learn, which provides tutoring, executive function coaching, and test prep to students. Additionally, in 2013, she co-founded The Westport Day School, a Connecticut state-approved special education school for internalizing students in sixth through twelfth grades.
In her free time, Dr. Matera is an accomplished writer and enjoys reading, traveling, and collecting tiny dogs!
Fun Fact about Dr. Matera: Her hidden talent is interior design. One of her favorite designer brands is Serena & Lily.
She holds a BS in Psychology, a MS is Special Education and Doctorate in Educational Leadership. Upon completing a teacher training program and obtaining her Connecticut State Teaching Certification, she taught complex learners, at specialty schools, including Eagle Hill and Winston Preparatory, for more than a decade. In 2008. Dr. Matera founded her first education company, A Way to Learn, which provides tutoring, executive function coaching, and test prep to students. Additionally, in 2013, she co-founded The Westport Day School, a Connecticut state-approved special education school for internalizing students in sixth through twelfth grades.
In her free time, Dr. Matera is an accomplished writer and enjoys reading, traveling, and collecting tiny dogs!
Fun Fact about Dr. Matera: Her hidden talent is interior design. One of her favorite designer brands is Serena & Lily.
Todd Sudora
DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS
Todd holds his Associates Degree in Computer Network Operations. Todd began his career IT developing CRM software for a well-known international hotel chain. In 2013 he joined Westport Day School, a therapeutic day school serving students in grades sixth through twelfth, as the Director of Operations and still holds that position today. Along with keeping WCP running day-to-day, Todd is our in-house photographer, art teacher, 3D printer expert and all around fix-it guy.
Todd lives in Shelton with his wife and three dogs, Charlie, Cooper, and Maggie. In his free time he loves taking photos and is an accomplished landscape photographer.
Fun Fact about Todd: If he could choose one superpower it would be telekinesis/ telepathy, like Jean Gray from X-men. He’s a huge comic book nerd!
Todd lives in Shelton with his wife and three dogs, Charlie, Cooper, and Maggie. In his free time he loves taking photos and is an accomplished landscape photographer.
Fun Fact about Todd: If he could choose one superpower it would be telekinesis/ telepathy, like Jean Gray from X-men. He’s a huge comic book nerd!
Mark Beitel, Ph.D.
CO-FOUNDER
Dr. Beitel is a licensed clinical psychologist with 18 years of experience.
He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from the Psychology Honors Program at the University of Michigan, a Master of Arts degree from the New School for Social Research, and a Doctoral degree in Clinical Psychology from Fordham University. He trained at Bellevue Hospital Center, New York University Medical Center, and St. Luke’s-Roosevelt Hospital. Dr. Beitel received college-specific training in the counseling centers of Fordham University and Northern Arizona University. Post-doctoral work took place at Yale School of Medicine.
Dr. Beitel serves as Associate Research Scientist in the Child Study Center and as an Assistant Clinical Professor in the Department of Psychiatry at Yale School of Medicine. He teaches courses at the undergraduate and graduate level, conducts psychotherapy research, and provides supervision to trainees ranging from college interns to medical residents. Dr. Beitel has authored or coauthored more than 60 peer reviewed scientific articles on personality, psychotherapy, substance use, chronic pain, integrative medicine, and culture.
He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from the Psychology Honors Program at the University of Michigan, a Master of Arts degree from the New School for Social Research, and a Doctoral degree in Clinical Psychology from Fordham University. He trained at Bellevue Hospital Center, New York University Medical Center, and St. Luke’s-Roosevelt Hospital. Dr. Beitel received college-specific training in the counseling centers of Fordham University and Northern Arizona University. Post-doctoral work took place at Yale School of Medicine.
Dr. Beitel serves as Associate Research Scientist in the Child Study Center and as an Assistant Clinical Professor in the Department of Psychiatry at Yale School of Medicine. He teaches courses at the undergraduate and graduate level, conducts psychotherapy research, and provides supervision to trainees ranging from college interns to medical residents. Dr. Beitel has authored or coauthored more than 60 peer reviewed scientific articles on personality, psychotherapy, substance use, chronic pain, integrative medicine, and culture.
Whitney Matera
DIRECTOR OF OUTREACH & DEVELOPMENT
Whitney holds her BA in Mass Communication from California State University, Los Angeles. She began her career working at various creative communications agencies that specialized in PR, event production, digital marketing, and social media. Along with outreach and development she is our in-house social media and marketing manager, and general Jill-of-all-trades here at WCP.
Whitney currently resides in Los Angeles with her husband and her Yorkie, Marley. She is a lover of animals, food, a good DIY project, and firmly believes there isn’t much a good cup of coffee can’t fix.
Fun fact about Whitney: She once had her hair styled by Heidi Klum and claims she’s even more beautiful in person.
Whitney currently resides in Los Angeles with her husband and her Yorkie, Marley. She is a lover of animals, food, a good DIY project, and firmly believes there isn’t much a good cup of coffee can’t fix.
Fun fact about Whitney: She once had her hair styled by Heidi Klum and claims she’s even more beautiful in person.
Katie Arsenault
DIRECTOR OF STUDENT & FAMILY SERVICES
Katie has been in education for over 7 years. She obtained her bachelor’s degree in business from University of Bridgeport.
Along with Katies role here at WCP, she is also the Director of Student and Family Services at the Westport Day School, where she was previously the Administrative Coordinator to the Educational Director and Chief Administrator.
Katie values her strong relationships with both students and parents…..
Fun fact: Katie enjoys spending time with her family, working out, and hiking in her free time.
Along with Katies role here at WCP, she is also the Director of Student and Family Services at the Westport Day School, where she was previously the Administrative Coordinator to the Educational Director and Chief Administrator.
Katie values her strong relationships with both students and parents…..
Fun fact: Katie enjoys spending time with her family, working out, and hiking in her free time.
Jennifer Boyle
LEAD TEACHER
Jennifer has been in education for over 15 years in both elementary and special education. She holds her BA in English from Southern CT State University and her BS and certification in Elementary Education. She has taught in many different capacities across various educational settings.
Jennifer currently lives in Stratford with her husband and two girls. She is passionate about conservation and believes in leaving the Earth better for the next generation
Fun Fact: Jennifer Loves getting her hands dirty in her garden and loves all things crafty and DIY!
Jennifer currently lives in Stratford with her husband and two girls. She is passionate about conservation and believes in leaving the Earth better for the next generation
Fun Fact: Jennifer Loves getting her hands dirty in her garden and loves all things crafty and DIY!
Gerri Flemming
DISABILITY & TRANSITION CONSULTANT
Gerri began her career as a high school history teacher in New York City. After moving to Connecticut and starting her family, she opened her advocacy practice. She is a graduate of SEAT, a year-long USDOE-funded program in special education law and advocacy. She ran her advocacy program for the past 15 years. Currently, she is attending CUNY's School of Professional Studies where she is working on an M.S. in
Disability Services in Higher Education.
Gerri was a founding member of SEEK-CT, Special Education Equity for Kids of Connecticut, where she served as Vice President and later, Board member. She was a member of the Legislative Committee. SEEK-CT is an organization created to influence policy and shape legislative efforts on behalf of students with disabilities in Connecticut.
Fun Fact: Gerri lives in Greenwich with her husband and their cat. They love trekking into NYC to visit their son.
Disability Services in Higher Education.
Gerri was a founding member of SEEK-CT, Special Education Equity for Kids of Connecticut, where she served as Vice President and later, Board member. She was a member of the Legislative Committee. SEEK-CT is an organization created to influence policy and shape legislative efforts on behalf of students with disabilities in Connecticut.
Fun Fact: Gerri lives in Greenwich with her husband and their cat. They love trekking into NYC to visit their son.
