Welcome Class of 2030 Mentors | | |
What a wonderful way to begin a new year of mentoring at Shepherds! We were thrilled to gather for our annual Shepherds New Mentor Reception, graciously hosted once again at the beautiful home of former mentor Libby McKinney Tritschler.
It was a special evening welcoming our newest Class of 2030 mentors from Kolbe Cathedral High School, Notre Dame High School, Lauralton Hall, and Fairfield Prep as they prepare to begin their four-year mentoring journeys with their new mentees.
We are so grateful to these dedicated individuals for saying “yes” to mentoring and for making the commitment to be a consistent source of encouragement, guidance, and support in a young person’s life. Here’s to new connections, meaningful relationships, and an exciting year ahead. Welcome to the Shepherds family, Class of 2030 mentors as the journey begins! See all the photos
| | The 2026/2027 School Year has "Kicked Off"! | | |
And we’re off--welcome to the 2026–2027 school year Shepherds! We kicked off a brand-new year of mentoring, friendship, and opportunity for all of our partner schools.
A great evening was had at each school bringing together our Shepherds mentors, mentees, and families for plenty of good food, friendly competition, laughter, and most importantly, time to connect and catch up.
A big thank you to everyone who joined us and helped make our kickoffs a fun one. We loved seeing our Shepherds community back together and are excited for all that’s ahead this school year. Here’s to a fantastic year, Shepherds!
FAIRFIELD PREP KICKOFF PHOTOS
KOLBE CATHEDRAL PREP PHOTOS
NOTRE DAME KICKOFF PHOTOS
LAURALTON HALL KICKOFF PHOTOS
| | Shepherds Students go to Lourdes, France | | |
Each year, Shepherds is proud to provide deserving students with extraordinary sponsored experiences that broaden their horizons and encourage personal growth.
One of the most meaningful is the annual Lourdes Youth Pilgrimage, an opportunity offered to select Shepherds students during their junior year.
This past August, Shepherds Class of 2027 students Alex A. and Joseph C. spent a week in Lourdes, France, joining young people from around the world for an unforgettable experience centered on service, spiritual growth, friendship and fellowship.
From serving and connecting with pilgrims to experiencing the beauty and traditions of Lourdes, Alex and Joseph returned home with memories—and perspectives—that will last far beyond their week in France.
Experiences like this are an important part of the Shepherds journey. We are incredibly grateful to the generous supporters who make opportunities like the Lourdes Pilgrimage possible for our students. See all the photos
| | Shepherds Seniors College Tour | | |
Shepherds seniors from Kolbe Cathedral High School and Notre Dame High School, West Haven, CT hit the road for college visits to Southern Connecticut State University and UConn Storrs!
As our seniors prepare for their next chapter, these campus visits offer valuable opportunities to explore college life, experience different learning environments, and envision the exciting possibilities ahead.
College access and readiness are at the heart of the Shepherds mission, and experiences like these help our students take another important step toward their educational goals.
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A little fall chill couldn't stop our amazing Shepherds mentors, mentees, and friends from coming together for a morning of community service at Seaside Park In Bridgeport!
With a fantastic turnout and plenty of helping hands, our crew rolled up their sleeves to collect litter and debris, giving one of Bridgeport's most beautiful parks some well-deserved TLC! Hot coffee and donuts helped keep us warm, but it was the teamwork, laughter, and spirit of giving back that made the morning truly special.
A huge THANK YOU to everyone who came out and made a difference! We're so proud of our Shepherds community for showing that even small acts of service can make a big impact. CLICK HERE TO SEE ALL PHOTOS
| | Shepherds Student attends Sacred Heart University's Nursing Immersion Program | | |
Congratulations to Shepherds/Lauralton Hall Class of 2028 mentee Jaylee U. for attending Sacred Heart University's Summer Nurse Immersion Program. Jaylee spent a week learning from Sacred Heart’s Davis & Henley College of Nursing faculty and staff of hands-on activities in the SHU's School of Nursing and at Norwalk Hospital. Her mentor Amy Keary reported that she had a great week and was so grateful for the opportunity to meet other students and work with the SHU faculty and staff who ran the program.
| | Please join us in welcoming new Shepherds Board Member, Dennis Klemenz and two new Shepherds staff members --- Roberto Lopez, Jr. as our new Business & Operations Manager and Nancy Mitchell as our new Program Coordinator! | |
Dennis is no stranger to the Shepherds community! A proud Notre Dame High School alumnus, Dennis served as a Shepherds mentor to Steven Torres, Notre Dame Class of 2026 Salutatorian, supporting and encouraging Steven throughout his four-year high school journey.
Professionally, Dennis brings extensive experience in technology, data analytics, cybersecurity, and financial services. Currently with Jovia Financial Credit Union, Dennis has built a career focused on leveraging technology, innovation, and strategic leadership to help organizations grow and succeed.
Beyond his professional accomplishments, Dennis has demonstrated a genuine commitment to giving back through his involvement with Shepherds and other community organizations. Having experienced the transformative power of mentoring firsthand, Dennis brings a particularly valuable perspective to our Board — combining professional expertise with a personal understanding of the Shepherds mission and the students we serve.
We are thrilled to welcome Dennis to the Board and grateful that he has chosen to continue his Shepherds journey in this new leadership role. Welcome aboard, Dennis! Connect with Dennis on Linkedin
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Roberto will work closely with Executive Director Tim Magee and the Shepherds team to oversee and strengthen many of the essential functions that keep our organization running smoothly. His responsibilities will span financial management and reporting, business operations, human resources and compliance, organizational policies and systems, and support for our Board of Directors.
Roberto brings experience in business and operations along with a thoughtful, organized approach that will be a tremendous asset to our small and collaborative team. His role will help strengthen Shepherds’ internal infrastructure and position the organization for continued growth and sustainability as we enter an exciting new chapter! Connect with Roberto on Linkedin
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Nancy will be working closely with Cecilia Hatton to help support our mentors, students, and families, while continuing to strengthen the Shepherds community.
We are so excited to have Nancy take on this new role. Her experience as a mentor, her enthusiasm, and commitment to our mission make her a wonderful addition to the team.
| Mentors/Mentees Out & About | |
Shepherds/Lauralton Hall Class of 2029 mentee Ella L. and her mentor, Nancy Mitchell, were all smiles while cheering on Fairfield Prep at last Friday’s football game — and they had an extra-special reason to be in the stands!
Ella’s brother, Roberto, plays on the Fairfield Prep football team. Their dad, Roberto Lopez, Jr., is Shepherds’ Business & Operations Manager and a Fairfield Prep alum himself. And the Prep connection doesn’t stop there — Nancy is also the proud mom of a Fairfield Prep alum!
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And...Nancy joined Ella in celebrating her Sweet 16 — a wonderful reminder that the bonds formed through Shepherds mentoring extend far beyond the classroom.
Happy Sweet 16, Ella! Wishing you a wonderful year ahead filled with happiness, growth, and unforgettable memories!
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Shepherds/Kolbe Cathedral Prep Class of 2029 mentor Andrew Malkin recently shared how rewarding his mentoring journey has been with Joseph R. They recently enjoyed a meal having conversations about academics and future goals. Andrew describes Joseph as a bright, mature, and promising young man, and their relationship as a truly rewarding experience for both. Next up? Introducing Joseph to the excitement of lacrosse this spring!
| Fundraising & Development | | |
We are incredibly grateful to Ives Bank for their generous support of Shepherds through a grant that will sponsor a student at Kolbe Cathedral High School.
Pictured here, Tim Magee, Executive Director of Shepherds, accepts the grant from Chad Stewart, First Vice President and Commercial Team Leader at Ives Bank.
This investment is about so much more than tuition—it provides a young person with access to four years of life-changing mentorship, educational opportunities, college preparation, and the support they need to build a successful future.
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A special thank you to the Lone Pine Foundation for its generous support of Shepherds! A supporter of Shepherds since 2014, Lone Pine continues providing students with the mentorship, educational opportunities, and resources they need to thrive in high school and beyond. We are grateful for your partnership and belief in the potential of every Shepherds student!
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Shepherds extends its sincere gratitude to the Heisman Trophy Trust for its continued generosity and longstanding partnership. A valued supporter since 2010, Heisman’s commitment has helped provide students at Notre Dame High School in West Haven with tuition assistance, meaningful mentoring relationships, and essential college-readiness opportunities.
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Do you need to contact the Shepherds Staff?
Office Phone: (203) 208-9312
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