The CNS board is comprised of the following parent volunteers.
Tim Wells
President
My son, Louis, will be moving to the Roost this year. I grew up in Ithaca, graduated from Ithaca High School in 2000, and stayed local to attend & graduate from Cornell University. For the past decade I have lived at the base of the Teton mountain range in Victor, Idaho, where I owned a ski manufacturing business, and where I met my wife, Anna. Last summer we moved back to Ithaca to be closer to family. In March, we welcomed Margot Sloane Wells to the family. Along with our two dogs, Lenny and Poppy, our favorite family activity is going for a mountain bike ride. I have enjoyed getting to know and work with the CNS community the past couple of years on the fundraising committee as well as board co-president and look forward to increasing my involvement in the coming year.
Candice Reeves
Secretary
I’m mom to Olive (currently in the Nook) and Baker (future CNSer). I first came to Ithaca for grad school and stayed because of the incredible community that we’ve found. I have spent many years working in tech and also own and operate my own bath soak business. I’d love to be a part of the Board in order to play a bigger part in this vibrant and caring community. CNS is the first place where I dropped Olive off and left (perhaps you can relate!) and it holds a very special place in our hearts.
Emily D'Alessandro
Co-Treasurer
I am originally from Lansing, NY and went to Cornell University where I met my husband, Tom. After about 7 years away, Tommy and I settled back in Ithaca with our two young boys Bennett and Auggie in 2021. Bennett was a student in the Nest and Nook this past year, and Auggie will be starting in the Nest this coming year (he is VERY excited). We love CNS for the strong community of teachers, staff, and parents. It is a place where we have felt comfortable that our child was truly cared for each day and our son Bennett has had an absolutely wonderful first school experience at CNS. We are grateful to be part of this supportive and nurturing community.
Tommy D'Alessandro
Co-Treasurer
TBD
Kaille Grey
VP of the Nest
I am mom to Declan (former Roost), Delaney (Nook), and Abel. My husband, Mike, and I originally hail from the great state of New Jersey, but have since made Ithaca our home. Mike attended Cornell University and is currently the Head Wrestling Coach, and I have a background in law enforcement after receiving a bachelors in Criminal Justice from Appalachian State University in Boone, NC.
When I’m not chauffeuring between activities, and depending on the time of year, I can be found cooking for my 40 adopted college age wrestlers, cheering VERY loudly at the Friedman Center, or very happy on a beach in NJ. We love CNS and are so grateful for the opportunity to transition into a different role in the community this year!
Kirsten Williams
VP of the Nook
Hi there! My husband and I are Ithaca natives and feel grateful to live close to family. I earned both my undergraduate and MBA degree from Ithaca College and now work in the pallet and packaging industry. I also stay involved in local family businesses that my parents built over the years—it’s been a meaningful way to stay connected to our roots. Our son had a wonderful year in the Nest, and we’re excited for him to join the Nook this year—CNS is truly filled with such caring and dedicated teachers and staff. I’m looking forward to becoming more involved with the CNS community via the Board!
Casey Ward
VP of the Roost
Casey is mom to Wren (Roost) and Colt (who will be 1 in the fall). She and her husband are Cincinnati natives, and both of their children were born there. They moved to Ithaca at the end of last year when her husband became the Assistant Women's Tennis Coach at Cornell—he got the job just hours after their son was born. It’s been a whirlwind year, but CNS has felt like home since Wren started in January. It was definitely emotional pulling Wren out of her beloved school in Cincinnati mid-year, but everyone at CNS welcomed her with open arms. She has had the best time making new friends and exploring everything Ithaca has to offer.
Before moving to Ithaca, Casey owned a spinning (fitness) studio with her mom. They opened the business in 2013, just months after she graduated from the University of Michigan (Go Blue!), and sold it ten years later in 2023. Casey holds a B.S. in Psychology from the University of Michigan and an Executive MBA from Xavier University in Cincinnati. She had planned to pivot careers after selling the business, but then became pregnant with Colt and has since enjoyed stepping back and staying home with both kids. While she’s not sure what’s next professionally, she is very excited to be more involved in Wren’s schooling at CNS as VP of the Roost.
Josh Lambert
Community Member
My name is Josh Lambert. I am an Ithaca native, husband to Rachel Lambert, and father of two sons, Leon(5 and former Roost member) and Lawrence(14 months). I’ve spent 20 years as a bar manager in local venues and restaurants. I’m currently a house spouse looking to get involved with my children’s early education. I hope that my people skills and communication can be of use in this position, and I look forward to meeting all of the teachers, parents, kids and community that led us to choose CNS for our family.
Tessa Masi-Perkins
Teacher Representative
Tessa has been a part of the CNS community for over 6 years, as a caregiver, substitute, and recently as a student teacher. She received her degree in Early Childhood Education and is excited to begin teaching in a formal setting. Tessa has over 12 years of childcare experience and loves to guide children as they grow and develop into their unique selves. She moved to the Fingerlakes from New Jersey 7 years ago, met her husband, and has settled down in Freeville. Tessa has a deep love and appreciation of nature, enjoys baking for everyone, and expressing her creativity through arts and crafts.