John M. Clapp, PhD, is webmaster and founding member of the Shared Parenting Council of Connecticut, incorporated under his guidance in 2002. He has testified on shared parenting issues before the legislature and the judicial branch numerous times over the past 24 years. He has participated in several educational seminars on shared parenting, including the International Conference on Shared Parenting 2017 and the Connecticut Child Support Policy Conference 2014. In 1994 he obtained half time parenting privileges for his two boys, then 8 and 5; parallel parenting worked well for the remainder of their childhoods and he is now the proud grandfather of four. One of his grandkids is benefitting from a successful shared parenting arrangement. He is an emeritus professor at the University of Connecticut where he  taught for 38 years.

Jerry is an entrepreneur who has 40 years of business experience. He serves as Co-Owner, President and CEO of four Planet Fitness franchises – Branford , Guilford, Hamden and East Haven and he co-founded the first World Gym in Connecticut in 1979 at age 20.  He oversees a $5.5 million annual budget and manages 80 employees servicing more than 30,000 Planet Fitness members. Jerry gives back to the community in many ways including Planet Fitness Donation drives for the United Way, “Toys for Tots” and “Stuff a Bus.” Jerry was instrumental in passing Substitute Senate Bill No. 494, Public Act No. 14-3 in 2014, working closely with legislators on both sides of the aisle. This law, “An act concerning Guardians ad Litem and Attorneys for Minor Children in Family Relations Matters,” now clearly defines the role of Guardians ad Litem and Attorneys for Minor Children when representing the best interests of children.

Mark is a Connecticut-based, board-certified plastic surgeon and committed advocate for shared parenting and family court reform. He has developed a collaborative relationship with State Representative Juan Candelaria to advance dialogue on issues affecting children of divorce and to support policies that encourage the meaningful involvement of both parents. Dr. Melendez served as Master of Ceremonies for the 7th Annual Shared Parenting Symposium at the Connecticut State Capitol, helping to bring together legislators, legal professionals, and families in support of child-centered reforms. He also acts as a liaison between the Shared Parenting Council of Connecticut and the National Parenting Organization–CT, strengthening cooperation and coordinated advocacy. In partnership with NPO, he is actively working to establish a state task force dedicated to comprehensive Family Court reform.

Dr. Melendez analyzed the National Parenting Organization’s state Report Card, evaluating strategies from “A-rated” states and identifying how those approaches could be adapted for Connecticut. He has contributed to the Shared Parenting Council newsletter and has helped facilitate the development of the SPC website and social media platforms, expanding public outreach and education on shared parenting issues.

As a divorced father who experienced a high-conflict separation while fighting to remain fully present in the lives of his two sons, ages 14 and 10 in 2026, Dr. Melendez brings personal understanding to his advocacy. He participated in a video project addressing the challenges faced by divorced fathers and the limitations of the current court system, emphasizing the developmental necessity of children having consistent relationships with both parents.

Drawing on his professional discipline and his experience as a parent, Dr. Melendez mentors fathers navigating separation and supports mediation-focused solutions that protect children from prolonged conflict. Through his work with the Shared Parenting Council and the National Parenting Organization–CT, he continues to champion reforms that promote stability, dignity, and equal opportunity for children to thrive with the love and guidance of both fit and engaged parents. His goal is for SPC, in collaboration with NPO–CT, to help advance a presumptive shared parenting framework tailored to Connecticut families and to establish a task force to monitor high-conflict custody cases and post-divorce outcomes, ensuring accountability and keeping children at the center of all decisions.

Jennifer is an advocate for recognizing parental alienation as child abuse. Her experience with the shared parenting movement includes active year-long service on Connecticut’s Task Force to Study Legal Disputes Involving the Care and Custody of Minor Children. She advocated for legislation surrounding Connecticut’s Guardians ad Litems. Following many meetings in Hartford with legislators and others, Jennifer’s hard work paid off. On May 8, 2014, Governor Malloy signed Substitute Senate Bill No. 494, Public Act No. 14-3: An act concerning Guardians ad Litem and Attorneys for Minor Children in Family Relations Matters. This important bill now clearly defines the role of Guardians ad Litem and Attorneys for Minor Children when representing the best interests of children. She has years of experience with mediation of family disputes.

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