Board & Staff
Caitlin Duffy
Board of Directors
Caitlin (s/he/they) grew up around the artistic hubs of Middletown, CT, spending time in arts and cultural centers like the Buttonwood Tree with her sisters and aunts. Her father, who worked at the Record Express formerly on Main Street in Middletown, instilled a love for music in her at a very young age.
Caitlin graduated from Drew University with a Bachelor of Arts in French and Psychology. She came back to Connecticut from New Jersey to pursue a career in any sector she could get her hands on, from medical to political, town government to nonprofits, and finally to the arts.
Edward Langford
Board of Directors
Edward (Eddie) Langford is thrilled to be a part of The Buttonwood Tree Performing Arts Center family. He is originally from Rhode Island, but has lived in Middletown since 2006.
Eddie is a Licensed Professional Counselor and Behavioral Clinician with an office downtown and have worked in the Mental Health and Human Services fields for more than 35 years, with a strong interest in mindfulness and music. In 2021, He completed the inaugural Mindfulness Facilitator Certification Program at the Copper Beech Institute in West Hartford.
Terri Lachance
Board of Directors
Terri Lachance comes to The Buttonwood from her love of the atmosphere! She has a background of Elementary Education.
She is also a prolific songwriter and performer – with 6 CD’s of original music with (and more to come).
She plays all over CT and also books for a few locations including here at The Buttonwood. She runs the Anything Goes Open Mic every first and third Monday of the month.
Eileen Anderson
Board of Directors
Eileen has practiced as a critical care RN in the CICU at Yale New Haven Hospital combining Reiki practice with patient care. Since retirement she has become a Reiki Master offering Reiki class and facilitating Reiki events at the Buttonwood Tree Performing Arts Center. This contributes to the healing vibes of the arts community.
She involves herself within the Middletown community interacting with the neighborhood around the Buttonwood. She volunteers on Mondays open mics reading other’s short stories and poetry. She has also displayed her sea-glass art along with managing the book sales at make Music Day. She is excited to be part of this board.
Johnny Smigel
Board of Directors
Johnny Smigel is an artist and community arts supporter based in Middletown, Connecticut. He serves on the Board of Directors of The Buttonwood Tree Performing Arts Center, contributing his artistic experience and commitment to the local cultural scene.
Smigel’s work has been featured in local exhibitions, including shows displayed at The Buttonwood Tree, where his art has been part of community events and receptions that celebrate regional artists and creative expression.
Anne-Marie Cannata McEwen
Board of Directors
Anne-Marie Cannata McEwen grew up in Middletown, Connecticut, where she developed a strong connection to the local arts community and a belief in the power of creative spaces to bring people together. Her early involvement in community-based arts shaped her commitment to supporting artists and cultural programming.
She became involved with The Buttonwood Tree in 2003 and was appointed Executive Director in 2008, serving for over fifteen years. During her tenure, she helped guide the organization into a vibrant, inclusive performing arts center. After a brief intermission, she returns to serve on the board.