Third Rail Educators
Bringing educators, parents, and students together to remove inequities and ignite learning for the future
Our Team
Dr. Stacey Williams-Altius
Lead Coordinator
STEM educator, STEM consultant, and Adjunct Professor. Dr. Williams has her BS in Health Education, her MA in Curriculum and Instruction, and her Ph.D. in Higher Education Administration. Dr. Williams has written curriculum, developed various STEM programs, and published. In addition, she has developed and implemented professional development for educators in various districts throughout Connecticut in STEAM, Science, and Teaching multicultural students. Her passion is to ensure that minority students are getting the education they need to be successful.
Dr. Antoinette Ryan
Dr. Toni Ryan has enjoyed a 20-year career in K-12 public schools. She served for a decade as Director of Curriculum, providing central office leadership for high schools and K-12 special education programs. Most recently, Dr. Ryan has joined Central Connecticut State University’s Department of Educational Leadership as Assistant Professor. Dr. Ryan’s professional interests include organizational learning, applied critical leadership, and social justice.
Daemond Benjamin
Podcast Producer
Mr. Benjamin is an entrepreneur, educator, husband, and father. Daemond is passionate about the experiences of others, particularly young men of color. As the Founder of Walk Worthy Brands, he facilitates and produces events centered around youth engagement and empowerment such as the Passing the Torch Luncheon and the Journeys through Life Rites of Passage Program.
Jaunice Edwards-Hassan
Experienced professional in the field of agricultural education, aquaculture, and aquatic sciences with demonstrated skills in program management, problem-solving and team-building. Advocate for student achievement in the local, domestic, and global landscape of education
Erin Powers-Bigler
Secretary
Mrs. Powers-Bigler is an experienced teacher, consultant, and instructional coach with a sixth-year certificate in Educational Leadership. Driven by a deep commitment to improving teaching and learning for all students, she partners with teachers and leaders to implement effective practices that foster student growth and positive change in school culture.
Oscar Perez
Podcast Facilitator
Mr. Perez is an 8th-grade Spanish teacher and team leader at CREC’s Academy of Aerospace and Engineering Magnet School in Windsor, CT. He received his BA from UConn in Spanish Education and also received my MA in Spanish Literature and Culture Studies as well his 092 6th year Certification in Educational Leadership. He is a true believer in advocacy and wholeheartedly believes that “Education is the passport to the future, for tomorrow belongs to those who prepare for it today…” –Malcolm X
Antwaine Debnam
Podcast Producer
Mr. Debnam is an inventor and entrepreneur who has launched businesses, products, and marketing campaigns that help him bring more value to more people. He is results-driven and develops strategies that are practical, measurable, and scalable. He was awarded a U.S. Utility Patent and won a CT Entrepreneur Innovation Award at Yale for one of his inventions. He also served as a member of the State of Connecticut Innovation Advisory Council, under Governor Dan Malloy.
Kaziya Watson
Ms. Watson is currently a junior attending Dominican College with a concentration in special education. She spends her free time working with special education children in hopes of making learning just a little easier. She plans on becoming a teacher with the hope of changing the educational system to ensure minority students, in particular, are receiving the proper tools and encouragement.
Other Members
Rayna Dunham
Shiatika Lewis
Dyami Watson Jr. (Social Media Manager)