Elected Officers

Matt Eppler,  President

South Windsor High School

Matt Eppler has been teaching HS mathematics for nearly a quarter-century in CT, with more than 10 being spent here at SWHS. Matt teaches all grades at the HS and has previously served as Chair of the Communications Committee within SWEA for three years and then Vice President for one year.  He has been a part of Negotiations and attended many CEA and NEA conferences within this timeframe.  Before becoming a teacher, Matt had a career in the political field both in and around the Federal Government in Washington, DC.  He hopes to use many of the skills and techniques learned throughout both experiences to address all issues that appear before him with SWEA and our Administrations. 

Jason Grosso, Vice President

South Windsor High School

Jason Grosso has been teaching HS mathematics for 21 years, all of which have been spent at SWHS. Jason teaches all grades at the HS and has previously served as Chair of the Communications Committee within SWEA.  He has attended multiple CEA conferences and hopes to attend more on the National level as well.  

Lisa Dicioccio, Secretary

Pleasant Valley


Lisa DiCioccio has been an elementary education teacher in CT for the past 19 years, with the last 7 being in South Windsor at Pleasant Valley. She has also served as a CSDE mentor. Lisa previously served as a SWEA building rep for 2 years before joining the executive board this year as Secretary. Before becoming a teacher, Lisa had a career in corporate banking in Hartford and served as a community volunteer in her hometown of Newington.

  Ellen   Festi, Treasurer

South Windsor High School


Ellen Festi  has been business teacher in the Career and Technical Education department at SWHS for 15 years. She has also served as an adjunct professor instructing both in-person and on-line courses at Goodwin University.  Ellen has previously served as a SWEA building rep before joining the executive board in 2018 as the Communications Chair. Beginning during the 2020-2021 school year, Ellen assumed the responsibility of SWEA treasurer after learning the ropes from highly esteemed, long-time SWEA treasurer, Bill Myers who retired after serving SWEA for many years.