The primary goals of the program are to help our students reach their full academic potential, build life skills, and create a path to success. Students attend every afternoon for three hours of academic enrichment. Each student receives individualized assistance in reading and math skills, and learns how to manage their time effectively.

DGA supports the learning our students are doing in their classrooms. We also help them focus on post-secondary educational and career goals, providing preparation for the SAT and support throughout the college admissions process.

We have two full time employees, Mayra Torres (Executive Director) and Lynn Radford (Academic Director). We have three part-time employees, Joe Higgins Supervisor of Student Development, Pat Snow, College and Career Counselor, and Olmer Granados, Administrative Assistant. In addition, we have the support of over 50 active, year-round volunteer tutors and tennis pros comprised of National Honor Society students from local high schools, former teachers, WCSU students, and local residents.

Academics Director

Lynn was born and raised in New Jersey and earned her undergraduate degrees in Education and Psychology from the University of Denver. She has extensive experience working in various educational settings, including a school for Gifted and Talented students, a Montessori school, a Sacred Heart school, and as a substitute teacher across multiple states. After moving to Connecticut, Lynn focused on raising her two daughters and began volunteering as a tutor at DGA. Her dedication and expertise led to her being hired as the full-time Director of Education in 2011 when DGA relocated to its current location at 196 Main Street.

In her role, Lynn serves as the key liaison between DGA and schools, teachers, and counselors, ensuring effective communication and collaboration. She attends all Parent-Teacher conferences, regularly checks students’ online grade portals (PowerSchool), coordinates volunteers, and organizes one-on-one meetings with parents to support the academic success of every student.

College and Career Counselor

Pat Snow earned her undergraduate degree from the Watson School of Engineering at Binghamton University, and her MBA from the University of Connecticut. She has a College Access Counselor Certificate from Rice University.
After a career in business software development with IBM and Paloma Partners, a Greenwich-based hedge fund, she worked in numerous volunteer roles in Ridgefield while raising her two children. She began at DGA as a volunteer college mentor in 2019. pat@danburygrassrootsacademy.org

Supervisor of Student Affairs

Joe Higgins attended Eastern Michigan University earning degrees in Business Management and Education with a K through 12 teaching certificate. He spent over 35 years selling office products including 25 years with Pitney Bowes Inc the last 15 years as the Vice President of Sales. He is a father of 3 and grandfather of 6. He has coached a variety of youth sports since he was 16. He has been involved with DGA since for 15 years. For the last 6 years, as the Director of Student Activities.

Administrative Assistant

Leticia graduated from Western Connecticut State University in May 2024 with a degree in Psychology. After interning at DGA, she officially joined the team upon graduation. Leticia supports students with their math and reading while also assisting with various administrative tasks. Her background in psychology proved invaluable during her internship and will continue to enhance her contributions at DGA.