Inside The COMO: The People Powering Programs, Play, and Possibility
Behind every class, camp day, creative workshop, and community event at the COMO are dedicated leaders who keep the mission moving forward, with a smile, a clipboard, and a whole lot of heart. From early childhood education to athletics, ceramics, fundraising, and the ever-busy Thrift Shop, these staff members help make The COMO a place where people of all ages can learn, connect, and thrive.
Discover the Stonington COMO
Priscilla Rouquayrol, Education Director, and Olga Callahan, Associate Education Director
The COMO Main Building
Priscilla and Olga bring deep experience, consistency, and an unwavering commitment to the children and families the COMO serves. Their long-standing leadership (Priscilla celebrates 14 years at the COMO in 2026, and Olga 8!) has helped create an environment where every preschooler, COMO Kid, and camper is supported and celebrated.
Under their guidance, the COMO preschool proudly maintains NAEYC accreditation, a mark of the highest quality in early childhood education with rigorous standards for curriculum, teaching, health and safety, family engagement, and professional practice.
They have recently implemented the Bank Street approach to the COMO curriculum, emphasizing hands-on learning, social-emotional development, and learning through play and real-world experiences. Beyond the school year, they also oversee Camp COMO, ensuring continuity, fun, and enriching experiences for kids in grades K-7. Summer camp registration opens February 1, and families can expect the same level of care, creativity, and excellence that defines COMO education programs.
Pottery classes at the COMO’s expanded studio
Emma Pons, Director of Ceramics
The COMO Pottery Studio
Emma joined the COMO team in 2025 and has already brought her energy, enthusiasm, and expertise to the COMO Pottery Studio. Recently, she oversaw the studio relocation to 45 Cutler Street (next to the COMO Thrift Shop). This move added an additional 800 square feet of creative space to host more wheels, artists, and opportunities for growth.
Emma’s passion for the art of ceramics is evident in her expanded offerings of classes and workshops, including handbuilding classes, and creative Saturday workshops like make-a-mug, butter dishes, cocktail cups, and more. Depending on the project, classes and workshops are open to youth and adults alike. Emma is excited to welcome potters and artists, experienced or new, to the studio to join in on the fun.
Stonington COMO Basketball Champs
TJ Faeth, Athletic Director
The COMO Gymnasium
Most days, you can find TJ on the fields or in the gym, coaching young athletes the basics of basketball, soccer, or tennis. Recently awarded the Ocean Community Chamber of Commerce’s 50 under 50 award, TJ oversees athletic programs at the COMO, including youth and adult athletic enrichment programs, and the paddle tennis and tennis community. TJ has a special passion for basketball, growing the programs at the COMO and bringing Her Time to Play, a free program combining basketball, life lessons, and leadership for girls ages 7-14 to Stonington Schools. He also leads the Stonington travel basketball teams in coordination with Stonington Basketball. This past year, the Stonington COMO Travel basketball program was off to a great start, with two undefeated teams. All seven travel teams recently competed in the Vertical Hoops Winter Championships, with the Boys 8th-grade team bringing on the championship in the tournament, which featured teams from around New England.
TJ believes in designing programs that are fun, educational, and teach sportsmanship, teamwork, and skill-building for all levels and abilities. Spring athletic programs at the COMO include archery, soccer, tennis, and karate.
Galentine’s After Hours at the COMO Thrift
Liz Theodore, Operations Director
The COMO Thrift Shop
Liz is the Operations Director at COMO, splitting her time between the main COMO office and the COMO Thrift Shop at 45 Cutler St. She has been with COMO since 2014 and values being part of a community where there is always a story of someone receiving help when they need it most. She likens the COMO organization to a prism — when light shines on it, it bursts into color, creativity, and connection.
The Thrift Shop serves as a major fundraising arm of the COMO and is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Sundays from 1 to 5 p.m. Its popular after-hours events showcase new seasonal inventory, spark excitement, and help set the tone for each retail season. The upcoming Galentine’s event on Friday, February 13 at 5 p.m. promises to be an epic celebration of spring!
Fun and prizes at the Annual Village Fair
Kathy Adami, Advancement Director
The COMO Main Building
For the past 8 years, Kathy has been a part of the advancement team at the COMO, helping to drive the growth and sustainability of the COMO. She oversees the organization's marketing and membership efforts, leads major fundraising events such as the COMO's annual Stars Over Stonington gala and COMO Village Fair, and manages year-round and annual giving campaigns to ensure the COMO continues to serve the community.
Kathy and her team are always looking for new collaborations and opportunities for partnerships. Upcoming community events at the COMO include a Frozen Sing-Along performance on January 31 and Let’s Build It! Building Block Workshop in partnership with Historic Stonington on March 28.
For questions about donations, financial support, or membership, feel free to reach out to her at k.adami@thecomo.org.