The Greater Concord Chamber of Commerce’s Concord Young Professionals Network (CYPN) introduces you to our “Young Professional of the Month,” Caitlin Connelly. Each month the CYPN Steering Committee recommends a young professional in the community it thinks readers would enjoy getting to know better.
How old are you? 34
Where do you live? Concord
Where do you currently work? I am currently the director of admission and secondary school placement at Shaker Road School in Concord.
What’s your favorite part of your work day? Any time I can introduce new families to Shaker Road School, I am thrilled. I love sharing a community that supports children and families in a variety of ways, and showcasing a campus with such natural beauty is so much fun.
Where did you go to school? I attended Hobart and William Smith Colleges (Geneva, N.Y.) as an undergraduate where I studied Geoscience and Environmental Studies. I received my Master’s degree in Higher Education Administration from the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor.
What do you like to do for fun? My husband and I love to take our family camping. Spending days at a time outside is refreshing for all of us, and we enjoy exploring campgrounds throughout the state.
Favorite places to be? Anywhere outside. With three small children, we spend as much time as possible exploring playgrounds and taking walks around the neighborhood. In the summer, we love to spend time at Lake Winnisquam with family.
Last book you’ve read? Lean In: Women, Work, and the Will to Lead, by Sheryl Sandberg was recently recommended by several colleagues. I just cracked it open, but so far, I am loving it.
What organizations are you involved with? I was selected as a member of the Leadership Greater Concord class of 2018 – a great program established by the Greater Concord Chamber of Commerce. Only a couple of months in, I have met some incredible community leaders and learned so much about our city.
Who is your greatest role model? My grandmother. Other than inheriting my fiery red hair from “Gee,” she taught me values of hard work and respect for others. She modeled love of family and grace in life; she was an attentive listener and she could make everyone around her feel special. She continues to inspire me, as a working mother of three small children, to see the joy in everyday situations and always find time for a laugh.
What’s your favorite restaurant in Concord? Angelina’s on Depot Street. I love the intimate atmosphere; this is a true gem in Concord.
What’s your favorite place to go in Concord? Shaker Road School! I grew up at SRS, spent my summers on campus for the summer camp session and now my three children attend. Shaker Road School is a family focused community and offers children a safe place to grow, learn and be a kid.
What is one of your life goals? I have many cousins and friends who have hiked all 48, 4,000-footers in New Hampshire and I would love to challenge myself to do the same.
If you could visit any country, where would you go? Sweden. My aunt and uncle hosted an exchange student years ago and I learned so much about the country and culture during his time here. I would love to take a trip to visit him and explore the country.
Where is the best place you’ve visited? I was fortunate to study abroad in Ecuador and Peru while in college and I spent 10 days in the Galapagos Islands – it was the most breathtaking and incredible experience exploring uninhabited islands.
Who would you really like to meet? Kristen Bell and Dax Shepard. These two are always laughing and having a great time together – who wouldn’t want to spend time with them?
Tell us a few interesting facts about yourself! I grew up in Concord and began playing ice hockey in elementary school. Some of my best memories from childhood are at the Everett Arena watching Tara Mounsey play for Concord High and then following her Olympic journey. I haven’t skated much since college, but hope to lace up the skates again soon.
About CYPN: The Concord Young Professionals Network (CYPN) is a professional and personal development initiative of the Greater Concord Chamber of Commerce. CYPN is a vibrant program that has grown to 1,700 members and promotes networking opportunities for young professionals (generally 22-40s) by helping them make connections in the community and providing them with a professional, welcoming setting. Complimentary networking events are held on the third Wednesday of every month at various Concord venues. CYPN also offers enrichment events and a monthly Lunch & Learn Series in collaboration with the Concord Chamber on the first Thursday of each month. For more information, connect with us on Facebook at facebook.com/concordypn, Instagram at instagram.com/cypn and Twitter at twitter.com/ConcordYP. Or email events@concordnhchamber.com to sign up for our eblasts.
