Bonnie Smithers

Bonnie has been a full-time resident of East Lyme since 2008, and a summer resident since 1972.  Fond memories and a deep tie to the community brought her back to Niantic after so many years.  She is the mother of two grown children. 

Born and raised in New Canaan, Connecticut, Bonnie graduated from Hobart & William Smith in New York in 1983.  She also obtained a Master of Liberal Arts degree from Wesleyan University in Middletown and earned a Masters in Educational Technology from the University of Connecticut.

Bonnie is currently a Spanish teacher in Preston, Connecticut, where she created a Spanish program in 2010 for grades K-5.  She has served on the Professional Development Committee for 5 years.  She also created a Spanish Club for students in grades 3-5 which has been an after-school program for 7 years.

Previously, she worked as a research assistant at the White House, the Federal Reserve and on Wall Street. 

Beginning in 1990, Bonnie had the special experience of living in Antigua, Guatemala for 15 years.  Her initial job was teaching English to Spanish-speaking elementary students. In 1991 she also founded a specialty food store in Antigua.  Later, her children attended a bilingual school where she was the President of the Board for 10 years.  Living outside the United States has given her many unique perspectives.

Bonnie is running to serve on the East Lyme Planning Commission.  East Lyme is a very special place that needs decision makers who care about preserving its charming Main Street, woodlands, and open spaces.  Commercial and residential development can be challenging.  Bonnie is confident that her commitment to this community will serve the interests of our beloved town.  She also is especially interested in hearing many perspectives as well as improving communication between Town government and its residents.