Amy Alamar, Ed.D.; Parenting Teacher and Coach, Peace at Home Parenting Solutions
Dr. Amy Alamar has worked in the field of education as a teacher, teacher educator, researcher, parent educator, and education reformer for over 15 years. She currently teaches graduate-level courses in teacher preparation and curriculum design and implementation. Her first book, Parenting for the Genius: Developing Confidence in Your Parenting through Reflective Practice is a comprehensive guide to becoming the most thoughtful and confident parent possible, applying practical strategies based in educational research. Dr. Alamar was an invited guest of former First Lad Michelle Obama at the White House for a conversation about kids’ health in 2016 and was the host of Parenting from the Trenches on Yellowbrick.me. She is a contributing author to the Disney parenting website, Babble and the psychology blog, Hey Sigmund. Her second book, The Parenting Project: Build Extraordinary Relationships with Your Kids through Daily Conversation, focuses on communication strategies. She serves on the boards of the Watkinson School and the Avon Education Foundation, and is dedicated to promoting and enhancing excellence in education. Dr. Alamar is the mother of three children whom she learns from and enjoys each and every day.
Kimberly Asselta, B.A.; Director of Educational Counseling, Bright Horizons College Coach
Kimberly Asselta began working in admissions as a student tour guide for the admissions office at Stonehill College. She started her professional career as an admissions counselor at the College of the Holy Cross, where she was a member of the admissions committee, a liaison to the athletics department, coordinator of transfer admissions, and also oversaw the tour guide program. Most recently, Kimberly was the senior associate director of Undergraduate Admissions at Babson College. There, she was responsible for the strategy, implementation, and publication of all marketing materials; coordination of recruitment travel; and the selection of Babson’s Presidential and Weissman Scholars — in addition to being a member of the admissions committee. She holds a B.A. in communication from Stonehill College.
Jimmy Becker, M.B.A.; Founder, Financially Speaking
Jimmy Becker is the founder of Financially Speaking where he provides one-on-one financial planning services that are unbiased and actionable. He also creates and presents customized workshops on many dimensions of financial decision-making to employee groups, adult education learners, and graduate students. Jimmy began his career on Wall Street as an options trader and understands the financial services industry from the inside out. He earned a B.A. in economics from Brown University and an M.B.A from the Yale School of Management.
Kelley Bonner, L.C.S.W., M.A.; Founder, Burn Bright
Kelley Bonner is a licensed clinical social worker, burnout expert, and wellness advocate. She launched Burn Bright to help high-achieving professionals prevent burnout through mindfulness and self-care. Over the last 15 years, Kelley has worked with individuals, groups, and organizations to provide tools to reduce stress, enhance wellness, and strengthen workplace culture. Kelley has teaching experience in diversity, equity, and inclusion, and holds additional certifications in resiliency, mindfulness, and trauma.
Kristen Cascio, M.S.W., L.I.C.S.W.; Program Manager, MIT HR Work-Life
Kristen Cascio is a licensed independent clinical social worker and a certified Mental Health First Aid instructor. Kristen is a program manager for Work-Life, where she oversees MIT MyLife Services and backup care benefits, coordinates programming via the Seminar Series, and works on a variety of resources and projects to support the overall wellbeing of MIT’s community. Prior to joining MIT, Kristen was a behavioral health care manager at Tufts Health Plan, where she worked directly with individuals with severe and persistent mental illnesses to coordinate the resources needed to achieve safety and wellness in the community. Kristen has extensive experience in crisis intervention, including conducting emergency mental health assessments and staffing 24-hour crisis hotlines related to mental illness, domestic violence, and sexual assault. Kristen received her B.A. in psychology from Clark University and her M.S.W. from Simmons University.
Andrew Cipro, CIMA; Owner at Midgley Circle LLC
Andrew Cipro is a financial services sales professional with 20+ years of experience in retail and institutional sales, relationship building, and new business development. He holds a B.S. from the Carroll School of Management at Boston College.
Mike Collins, Psy.D.; Clinical Director, Kendall Psychological Associates
Dr. Mike Collins works with adults, providing evidence-based treatments for a variety of challenges and concerns. His areas of interest include trauma, anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), depression, insomnia, and stress reduction. Dr. Collins’ primary treatment approach is Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), which incorporates mindfulness and a focus on finding meaning by exploring clients’ values through the lens of self-compassion and acceptance. He also provides cognitive and behavioral therapy (CBT), Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) therapy, and empirically validated treatments for trauma. He graduated from Boston College and received his doctorate from La Salle University. Dr. Collins worked in various multidisciplinary outpatient and hospital settings prior to joining Kendall Psychological Associates.
Patricia C. D’Agostino, J.D.; Partner, Margolis Bloom & D’Agostino
Patricia C. D’Agostino is a partner at Margolis Bloom & D'Agostino, practicing in the following areas: estate and long-term care planning, MassHealth applications and appeals, planning for children with special needs, settlement planning, guardianship and conservatorship, and probate administration. She has developed a specialized practice in the area of advising clients on how to supplement the cost of care at home or in an assisted living facility through the use of myriad MassHealth, Veterans Administration, and low-income programs.
.jpg)
Steve Dimitriou, A.I.F, C.P.F.A.; Managing Partner, Mayflower Advisors
Steve Dimitriou is a co-founder and managing partner at Mayflower Advisors, with more than 30 years of experience in the retirement-plan industry. He has been named Retirement Plan Advisor of the Year by PlanSponsor Magazine, and is the former president of both the American Retirement Association and the National Association of Plan Advisors (NAPA), the largest retirement-plan advocacy group in the nation and the preeminent sponsor of professional development and continuing education in the industry. As such, he meets regularly with congressional members and various governmental agencies, and is a frequent speaker at industry conferences. Steve has earned the Accredited Investment Fiduciary (A.I.F.) and Certified Plan Fiduciary Advisor (C.P.F.A.) designations, and is a graduate of Colby College, where he earned an Honors B.A. in both physics and economics.
Lauren Dumont, Psy.D.; Clinical Psychologist and Clinical Director, Kendall Psychological Associates
Dr. Lauren Dumont is a clinical psychologist and the Clinical Director at Kendall Psychological Associates based in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Through her work in private practice, she engages with individuals, couples, and groups to help them achieve enhanced wellbeing. Dr. Dumont integrates empirically based techniques with tailored approaches for each of her clients. She also regularly works with companies and organizations in Cambridge to promote employee and organizational wellbeing through seminars, workshops, and groups. Her knowledge base, expertise in stress management, and sense of humor often put people at ease as they navigate their journeys toward health and wellness. Dr. Dumont holds a doctorate from Loyola University Maryland and has worked in various outpatient settings, including New York University, the University of Delaware, and Drexel University.
Ruth E. Freeman, L.C.S.W.; President and Founder, Peace at Home Parenting Solutions
Ruth E. Freeman is a psychotherapist in private practice who has taught parenting education to hundreds of parents annually over the past 30+ years. She is co-founder of the Connecticut Parenting Education Network and lead author of Building Family Futures, a University of Connecticut train-the-trainer parenting education curriculum. Ruth has also served as the family services director for the Cove Center for Grieving Children, the family services manager for EASTCONN Head Start, and the primary therapist at the Newington Children’s Hospital Inpatient Psychiatric Services. Ruth’s approach to parenting education incorporates her clinical experience with children and families in crisis, as well as key concepts synthesized from a wide range of sources. Ruth freely and humorously shares the real-life blunders, challenges, and successes she has had applying positive parenting as a bio mom, stepmom, foster mom, and “Nana.”
Dionne Garcia, S.H.R.M.-C.P., B.A.; Faculty Retirement Plan Counselor, MIT
Dionne Garcia is the faculty retirement plan counselor at MIT, where she assists faculty as they transition into retirement. Prior to joining MIT, Dionne acquired over 15 years of experience as an Enrolled Actuary with the DB Pension Administration and other actuarial work. Dionne holds an Honors B.A. in actuarial science from Western University, and a S.H.R.M.-C.P. designation.
Scott Gillespie, CFA; Portfolio Manager, LMCG Investments
Scott Gillespie is a portfolio manager at LMCG Investments located in Boston. He brings experience in investment analysis, positioning, portfolio implementation, and financial planning. Scott primarily serves high-net-worth families, individuals, and small institutions. He holds a B.A. in economics and political science from Wake Forest University and is a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) charter holder. He is actively involved with the CFA Society of Boston. Scott lives in Boston with his wife, two children, and their dog Kai.
Kathy Kasabula, B.A.; Program Manager, MIT HR Work-Life
Kathy Kasabula oversees the many services that support MIT’s Technology Childcare Centers (TCC) and works closely with MIT’s child care management vendor, Bright Horizons, to ensure that TCC centers are able to meet the needs of the families they serve. Kathy visits all TCC locations regularly and works closely with parents and a host of MIT departments in order to coordinate projects, establish systems, monitor activities, and resolve problems. Kathy also manages the MIT Childcare Center scholarship program for employees and postdoctoral scholars, leads “Choosing Quality Childcare” sessions, oversees the campus lactation rooms, and is a contributor to many Work-Life projects offering support to MIT children and families. Kathy holds a B.A. in communication from Rhode Island College, a graduate certificate in project management from Boston University, and is certified in the Classroom Assessment Scoring System®, a leading quality improvement system for measuring and improving classroom interactions.
Rahul Kay, M.P.H., M.B.A.; Senior Vice President, Enterprise Wellness, FlexIt
Rahul Kay is the senior vice president of Enterprise Wellness at FlexIt. He has a background in mental health, cultural sensitivity, and organizational design. He was the CEO of Sukhi (an employee mental wellness firm), a former consultant at McKinsey & Company, a UN global health official, and a group therapy facilitator. Rahul has led training for 75,000+ employees across 60+ organizations, and has been featured by Harvard University, the World Bank, and Microsoft. He studied clinical psychology at Tufts University and abnormal psychology at Cornell University, and earned an M.B.A. from the MIT Sloan School of Management.
Beth Feinberg Keenan, M.B.A., M.S.; Director, College Finance, Finance Education, Bright Horizons College Coach
Beth Feinberg Keenan has spent her entire professional career in financial aid. She started her career at Lesley University and spent over a decade at Northeastern University’s Office for Student Financial Services, where she was a senior assistant director. At Northeastern, Beth worked with applicants for financial aid, athletes, and families interested in financing their education. In addition, she has served as an ambassador with the Massachusetts Education Finance Authority, visiting Massachusetts high schools to introduce students and parents to the financial aid process and the many sources of education financing that are available. Beth is a graduate of Scripps College in Claremont, CA, and she holds an M.B.A. and an M.S. in college student development and counseling from Northeastern University. She serves as an ambassador with the Massachusetts Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators.
Marc Lehman, L.M.F.T.
Marc Lehman is a licensed family therapist from Avon, CT, who specializes in working with teens and young adults both in high school and college. With over 20 years of experience as a marriage and family therapist, Marc has worked with a broad spectrum of teens and their families as an interactive, solution-focused therapist. He worked with students in crisis and those struggling with substance abuse at New Directions in Enfield, CT. Marc was also a primary therapist at the Institute of Living Eating Disorders program. He founded U Are Heard, an on-demand counseling and coaching program that delivers online services to teens and young adults at home or away at school.
Marc’s therapeutic approach is to provide support and practical feedback to help clients effectively address personal life challenges. He integrates complementary methodologies and techniques to offer a highly personalized approach tailored to each client. With compassion and understanding, Marc works with each individual to help them build on their strengths and attain the personal growth they are committed to achieving.
Cora Megan, M.A.; Parenting Teacher and Coach, Peace at Home Parenting Solutions
Cora Megan is an early childhood specialist and parent educator who has worked with infants, toddlers, preschoolers, and their families for over a decade. She is currently the director of the Nest Shoreline Campus, an early learning center located in Branford, Connecticut. Cora is a trained Circle of Security Facilitator, is a member of the Connecticut Association of Infant Mental Health, and teaches Early Childhood Development at the University of Connecticut. She is especially passionate about infant and toddler social and emotional development and views her work through an attachment lens, providing support and guidance that promote secure and positive parent-child relationships. Cora holds a B.A. in early childhood development and an M.A. in human development and family studies, both from the University of Connecticut.
Gail Miniutti Parsons, M.S.; Founder and CEO, LifeCycle Focus LLC
Gail Miniutti Parsons, leadership development expert and motivational speaker, has been training individuals and groups for over two decades, sharing her empowering message of personal and professional resilience. Gail is known for her genuine conversational style, as well as her ability to personally connect with a group and bring out the best in people. Her fusion of down-to-earth anecdotes, academic expertise, practical strategies, and humor have earned Gail a reputation as an engaging and effective speaker. As a leadership expert, she honed her coaching skills via decades of field experience and delivery of thousands of training programs. As a mother and the founder and owner of LifeCycle Focus, Gail has earned real-life experience parenting three growing boys and one growing business. She earned a B.A. in psychology from the University of Rhode Island and an M.S. from Wheelock College.
Jen Reid, B.S.; Founder, Base
Jen Reid is a personal finance expert, a commentator, and the founder of Base—a financial wellness, coaching, and planning firm in Boston, MA. Since launching Base, Jen’s innovative approach to personal finance has caught the attention of national media outlets, including HuffPost, GOBankingRates, PopSugar, Best Life, Mother Untitled, Apartment Therapy, and more. Jen is a licensed financial planner. She believes that financial planning and wellness is a commitment and discipline, and any willing person can turn around their financial situation. She is also a certified Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP) practitioner, Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT) practitioner, and hypnotherapist, which helps her clients understand the emotional components of managing their finances, along with taking the practical and tactical action steps.
Heidi Roth, R.D., L.D.N., B.S.; Owner, Heidi Roth Nutrition
Heidi Roth is a registered/licensed dietitian, health coach, and nutrition expert with a passion for health and wellness. She graduated from the University of Pittsburgh with a B.S. in nutrition and dietetics. Heidi spent the first part of her career as a critical care neonatal dietitian and pediatric nutrition specialist. She went on to found her own corporate wellness consulting business, with a goal of making science-based nutrition recommendations simple, real, and fun. Today, Heidi shares her enthusiasm for nutrition and wellness virtually and in person through webinars, worksite seminars, individual counseling, and healthy food demonstrations. She enjoys traveling, hiking, and skiing, and considers herself to be a total foodie.
Michelle Sebak, M.S.; Parenting Teacher and Coach, Peace at Home Parenting Solutions
Michelle Sebak is a certified school counselor who has worked in a variety of school settings, including traditional public school, technical high school, and alternative school. Currently, Michelle is working toward completing the required coursework to become a Licensed Professional Counselor. Michelle values neurodiversity and is committed to providing neurodiversity-affirming support. As a school counselor who is also a mom to neurodivergent children, Michelle supports parents through the often-difficult process of advocating for their child’s needs in the school setting.
Lakisha L. Simmons, CEO; Brave Consulting LLC
Dr. Lakisha L. Simmons (affectionately known as Dr. Kisha) is a best-selling author and thought leader on investing for (early) retirement. She’s the author of The Unlikely AchieveHer™ personal development book and The Wealthy AchieveHer™ money planner. As featured in Forbes, Insider, and People, her workshops and tips have taught thousands to budget better, maximize retirement accounts, and invest for generational wealth. She empowers individuals to embrace the money mindset and strategies of millionaires to transform their lives.
Sherri Snelling, M.A.G.; Consultant and Corporate Gerontologist, Care.com
Sherri Snelling is a corporate gerontologist, “authorpreneur,” and founder/CEO of Caregiving Club, a strategic consulting and educational content creation firm with an expertise in caregiver wellness, well home design, and brain health/Alzheimer’s disease. She is the author of the new book, Me Time Monday – The Weekly Wellness Plan to Find Balance and Joy for a Busy Life, and is the host of the podcast, “Caregiving Club On Air.” Snelling writes articles, appears on TV and radio, and has served on aging and caregiving advisory committees for the White House, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), the Alzheimer’s Association, the National Institute on Aging (NIA), and Georgetown University. She has a master’s degree in gerontology from USC Leonard Davis School of Gerontology and a master’s certification from the MIT Sloan School of Management.
Shannon Vasconcelos, M.A.; Senior Manager of College Finance, Bright Horizons College Coach
Shannon Vasconcelos has worked in student financial assistance at Boston University and Tufts University School of Dental Medicine, where she served as the Assistant Director of Financial Aid. At Tufts, she was responsible for reviewing financial aid applications, determining financial aid awards, and helping families through the college financing process. In addition, Shannon has served as an active member of the Massachusetts Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators Early Awareness and Outreach Committee, as a trainer for the Department of Education’s National Training for Counselors and Mentors, and as a volunteer for FAFSA Day Massachusetts. She holds a B.A. in Economics from the University of Massachusetts and an M.A. in Urban and Environmental Policy and Planning from Tufts University.
Andie Lei Wang, A.S.A., M.S.; Retirement Plans Manager, MIT
Andie Lei Wang manages MIT’s retirement plans and the team that delivers retirement services to members of the MIT community. Prior to joining MIT, Andie acquired over 12 years of experience as an associate consultant, working on various actuarial and benefits projects—and another seven years of experience as a retirement finance manager, managing pension, 401(k), and other retirement plans. Andie holds an M.S. in actuarial science from Boston University and is an Associate of the Society of Actuaries (A.S.A.).
Gayle Parker Wright, M.S.W., L.C.S.W.-R.
Gayle Parker Wright is an L.C.S.W.-R in NY, a licensed social worker in NJ, and a certified Mental Health First Aid instructor. She graduated from Howard University with a B.S. in social work and from Columbia University with an M.S.W. Gayle is currently working toward her doctoral degree at Simmons University. She has over 30 years of experience working with individuals and families in underserved communities, and has provided services to populations such as foster care, criminal justice, mental health, substance abuse, case management, juvenile justice, and geriatrics. Gayle has worked in and provided services in various settings, such as residential, corrections, substance abuse, mental health, respite, and private practice. Over the last 25 years, she has served in many leadership roles, providing management oversight and clinical consultant services to community agencies. Gayle is a motivational speaker, sharing her life experiences and information to empower others.