The Jericho team
Mark D. lounsbury, Executive Director
Mark has spent over 20 years serving at-risk youth in Greater Danbury. He became Co-Executive Director of Jericho Partnership in 2022 and Executive Director in January 2025. Previously, he served as Director of Youth Ministries, Stewardship Coordinator, and held leadership roles at REACH-Newtown and Pathways Danbury, mentoring and empowering young people.
In addition to his work at Jericho, Mark serves as Associate Pastor at Lighthouse Ministries in Danbury. He believes that healthy relationships are the foundation for a successful life and strives to create environments where community and connection flourish.
Mark holds a B.A. in Anthropology and Sociology (Magna Cum Laude) from Western Connecticut State University and a Master of Divinity (Summa Cum Laude) from The King’s University, Los Angeles. He lives in Southbury with his wife, Sandra, and their four children. He enjoys reading, writing, coaching youth sports, playing ultimate frisbee, and cheering on his kids at their games.
patricia alcon, executive administrator
patricia@jerichopartnership.org
Patricia serves as Executive Administrator at Jericho Partnership, providing strategic operational leadership and ensuring organizational excellence. She streamlines program execution, establishes operational clarity, and partners with staff and leadership to advance Jericho’s mission of transforming the lives of students and families in the community.
Lisa Siedlecki, Director of DEVELOPMENT and Grants
Lisa joined Jericho in July 2016 as Director of Communications and advanced through several leadership roles, becoming Co-Executive Director in 2022. She oversees development, marketing and communications, event planning, volunteer coordination, and the food pantry.
Before Jericho, Lisa served as Director of Corporate Communications at Origami Owl and Communications Director at Walnut Hill Community Church. She began her career as a reporter and columnist for The News-Times in Danbury after earning a B.A. in English: Writing from Western Connecticut State University.
Michelle Wright, Director of Operations
michellew@jerichopartnership.org
Michelle began serving the community in 2020 as a volunteer translator at Samaritan Health Center, leveraging her tri-lingual skills—developed through her U.S.-born, Brazil-raised background—to support diverse families. She joined Jericho part-time in 2021 and transitioned to a full-time role in September 2022, becoming a key operational leader within the organization.
In her current role, Michelle ensures the efficient operation of Jericho’s programs, manages vendor and partner relationships, and serves as the primary point of contact for volunteers. Her multicultural perspective, meticulous attention to detail, and dedicated work ethic strengthen the organization’s operations, allowing Jericho to focus on its mission of transforming the lives of students and families in the community.
Clara Perkins, director of Mentoring
Clara has dedicated her life to serving youth and has been with Jericho Partnership since its founding. She currently directs Pathways Danbury Boys Mentoring and Naomi Girls Mentoring, and previously led the after-school tutoring program, SAY Yes!, guiding students as a mentor and friend.
A longtime member of New Hope Baptist Church, Clara has served as Sunday School Superintendent, Youth Director, Scholarship Committee Chair, and co-founded the annual HBCU College Tour, giving 40 students—including many Jericho participants—the opportunity to visit multiple historically black colleges each spring break.
Before Jericho, she served on the Head Start Advisory Board, spent 25 years at David & Geck, and contributed to the Ebony Club of Danbury and NAACP youth programs. Known for her welcoming spirit, Clara has opened her home to countless children, family, and friends, seeing it as a blessing to be part of so many lives.
Dotsy torres, director of education
Dotsy joined Jericho full-time in 2018 as CityServe Coordinator, after five years as Director of the Summer Learning Camp at our Spring Street Neighborhood Center. She was promoted to Youth Team Manager in 2019 and named Director of Education in September 2020, reflecting Jericho’s commitment to supporting students’ academic and personal growth.
Prior to Jericho, Dotsy spent 12 years teaching at Christian Life Academy. She holds a B.S. in Child Studies from Charter Oak State College. An active member of First Assembly of God in Brookfield, she has led programs for children and girls and volunteered with YoungLives for six years. She and her husband, Benny Torres, have four children and are currently fostering a child.
Her favorite Bible passage is Isaiah 61:1–4:
"The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me… They will rebuild the ancient ruins and restore the places long devastated; they will renew the ruined cities that have been devastated for generations."
Benny Torres, Facilities Director
Benny oversees the Maple Avenue and Spring Street locations, ensuring all program spaces are safe, functional, and ready for learning. With a proactive approach to maintenance, emergency repairs, and volunteer guidance, he helps sustain the environments that allow Jericho’s programs to thrive and continue transforming lives.
Mary Molina, director of marketing & communications
Mary serves as Marketing & Communications Director at Jericho Partnership, leading the organization’s brand, outreach, and engagement strategies. With a focus on storytelling, strategic communications, and community connection, Mary ensures Jericho’s mission and impact reach diverse audiences effectively. She brings creativity, professionalism, and a results-driven approach to every initiative, strengthening the organization’s visibility and community presence.
Helen Azcona, Food Services Coordinator
On board since August 2022, Helen is responsible for Jericho’s growing food services to those we serve in the city, including our food pantry, our weekender bag program, and our after-school meal program.