Faculty Profiles
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Joseph Aieta, III, Professor of History
Department: Humanities; the Joan Weiler Arnow Professor
Degree(s): B.S., The College of the Holy Cross; M.A. (two), Brandeis University
Area(s) of specialization: History and Philosophy
A personal statement:
Lasell as an institution has afforded me the opportunity to think about and teach ideas. Over the years, I believe that I have learned more about life, its hopes, and its disappointments from my students than they have from me. I have come to appreciate the value of different, fresh approaches to the same material by succeeding generations of students. Also, Lasell has supported me in my quest for ever more knowledge by presenting me with the opportunity to offer challenging specialty courses in addition to those that are more general. Finally, I have been fortunate in having colleagues who have encouraged me in my research, writing, and presentations. When it comes to learning and teaching, often small can be far more beneficial
than large.
Helen Alcala, Associate Professor of Foreign Languages
Department: Humanities
Degree(s): B.A. - Spanish, Middlebury College; M.A. (two), Middlebury College (French), University of Massachusetts, Boston (English as a second language)
Area(s) of specialization: Spanish and French
A personal statement:
From a very young age I was always fascinated by hearing another language spoken. My most
memorable experience at Lasell has been leading the Service Learning trip to Mexico.
Bradford Allen, Chair, Mathematics Department, Assistant Professor of Mathematics
Department: Mathematics/Science
Degree(s): B.S., Mathematics, Northeastern University; M.S., Operations Research, Northeastern University, M.S., Applied Mathematics, University of Massachusetts, Lowell; Ed.D., Mathematics Education, University of Massachusetts, Lowell
Areas of specialization: operations research, statistics
A personal statement:
What could possibly be more fun than helping students learn mathematics at Lasell College!
Stephanie Athey, Associate Professor of English
Department: Humanities
Degree(s): B.A. in English, Denison University
Graduate degree(s): Ph.D. in American Literature, University of Minnesota
Area(s) of specialization: Women’s and gender studies, American ethnic literature, American literature.
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Sarah Scavone Barnes, Associate Professor of Fashion
Department: Fashion/Design
Degree(s) B.S. Business Management ,University Of Massachusetts/ Amherst; M.S. Management, Lesley University
Area(s) of specialization: Retail Management/ Internship Placement/ Student Mentor
A personal statement:
I get extreme pleasure and enjoyment in sharing my business knowledge and success with students so
they too can be successful.
Cynthia Baron, Director Holway Child Study Center-The Barn, Faculty
Department: Education
Degree(s): B.S. Elementary Education, State University of New York, Oswego; M.Ed. Curriculum and Instruction, Boston College
Area(s) of specialization: Early Childhood Education
A personal statement:
I came to Lasell because I wanted to connect my years of experience working with young children with
training the next generation of teachers. Through the lab school I am able to offer first-hand experience to
education students who are looking to be the next generation of great teachers. College students are offered
weekly experiences with teaching children beginning in their freshman year. They are asked to reflect on
what they are learning in their course work with what they are observing in the classrooms. In addition they
have the opportunity to see the future and help make a difference in what it will be. They touch the lives of
children in positive and meaningful ways that would not be possible without an onsite lab school.
Richard Bath, Chair Fashion/Design, Associate Professor of Fashion
Director: Yamawaki Art and Cultural Center
Department: Fashion/Design
Degrees: B.A. Honors – Business Administration, University of Westminster – London, England; Master of Education – Management, Cambridge College
A personal statement: I have been a member of the Lasell College Community for 17 years and I am still as committed now as I was when I first started in 1988 –- probably more so. When I came to this college to take over the Fashion Program I became part of a tradition that began in 1936 with the founding of the department, it was the largest program then and it is no different after 67 years. The reason the department is as strong today was it was all those years ago is simple – Our Students!
Lynn Blake, Assistant Professor of Fashion
Department: Fashion/Design
Degree(s): A.A.S., Fashion Institute of Technology, London College of Fashion, College for the Distributive Trades; B.F.A., Massachusetts College of Art; MFA, Interdisciplinary Arts, Goddard College
Area(s) of specialization: Fashion Design, Illustration
A personal statement:
“I believe strongly in creating a safe atmosphere where students are free to speak and experiment. As I watch them attack design problems head on, I identify my own roadblocks in artistic expression and experimentation. My knowledge is challenged and my curiosity excited when students pursue ideas deemed undoable. When those ideas work….I let them know how I have learned from them. It is a lesson for both of us about taking risks and following intuition. Teaching design at Lasell is a privilege that offers me engagement with raw, undeveloped, artistic talent. Our connected learning philosophy gives me the opportunity to impress upon design students the importance of a well merged education of academics and professional skill development.”
Steven F. Bloom, Dean, School of Arts & Sciences; Director of General Education and the Honors Program;
Professor of English
Department: Humanities
Degree(s): B.A., University of Rochester; M.A., Brandeis University; Ph.D., Brandeis University
Area(s) of specialization: Drama and Theatre; Media Studies; Eugene O’Neill
A personal statement:
It is gratifying to engage students in learning and to watch as they become transformed and empowered
through this engagement; at Lasell, it happens in innovative and exciting ways every semester.
Lisa Harris Bortman, Dean, School of Allied Health and Sports Studies, Director, First Year Programs,
Advising, and Academic Assessment, Associate Professor of Allied Health
Department: Allied Health
Degree(s): BS, Northeastern University; M.Ed., Education, CAGS, Educational Leadership, State, Bridgewater State; Ed.D.
University of Massachusetts
Area(s) of specialization: Allied Health and First year Programs
Linda Bruenjes, Chair Computer & Information Science Department,
Associate Professor of Information Technology
Department: Computer and Information Science
Degree(s): A.S., Massasoit Community College, B.S., Salem State College; M.S.B.Ed., Suffolk University; Ed.D., University of Massachusetts, Lowell
Area(s) of specialization: Technology in Education, Computer Literacy, Internet and the World Wide Web
A personal statement:
Education is not just a profession to me -- it is a lifelong pursuit. I strongly believe in Mahatma Ghandi’s
suggestion that one should “Live as if you were to die tomorrow, Learn as if you were to live forever.”
Linda Bucci, Chair, Justice Studies, Associate Professor of Legal Studies
Department: Justice Studies
Degree(s): Bachelor of Arts, Boston College; Master of Science, Criminal Justice, Northeastern University; Juris Doctor, Boston College Law School
Area(s) of specialization: Criminal Justice, Legal Studies
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Jill Carey, Associate Professor of Fashion
Department: Fashion?Design
Degree(s): B.S., Syracuse University(London) & Skidmore College; Masters in Education, Cambridge College
Area(s) of specialization: Historic Clothing
A personal statement:
The combination of innovative programming through experienced based learning is the hallmark of the
education philosophy at Lasell College. Connected learning fosters a progressive relationship between faculty
and students while creating a rich learning environment that promotes academic excellence and responsibility.
David A. Carlson, Assistant Professor of Criminal Justice
Department: Justice Studies
Undergraduate Degree(s): Bachelor of Science [B.S.] (Biology) Upsala College
Degree(s): Master of Arts in Teaching [M.A.T.] (Education and Zoology), University of Massachusetts - Amherst; Ph.D. (Law, Policy and Society), Northeastern University
Areas of Specialization: The Potential Role of Firearms Tracing in Reducing Illegal Trafficking and Violent Crime and Photography of Human Diversity -- an interest developed since joining the
Lasell College community
A personal statement:
I teach because it is what others have provided me: the opportunity to examine existence with resources
and perspectives I probably wouldn't have discovered on my own; and in the process meet some wonderful
people.
John J. Carroll, Associate Professor of Education
Department: Education
Undergraduate degree(s): Bachelor of Science, History and Education, University of Massachusetts, Boston
Degree(s): Masters Degree in Education, Reading and Learning, University of Massachusetts, Boston; Doctor of Education, Curriculum Theory and Development, Boston University
Area(s) of specialization: Curriculum, Special Needs and Instructional Modifications, Inclusion, Assistive
Technology, leadership, Teacher Training/Professional Development
Carole Center, Assistant Professor and Director of Writing Program
Department: Humanities
Chad Clements, Head Athletic Trainer/Athletic Training Clinical Instructor and Faculty
Department: Athletic Training and Sport Management
Degree(s): BSEd, State University of New York, College at Cortland; MS, East Stroudsburg University of Pennsylvania
Area(s) of specialization: Athletic Training/Sports Medicine
Jeffrey P. Corcoran, Assistant Professor of Management Information Systems
Department: Computer and Information Science
Degree(s): B.S., Nichols College; M.B.A., Nichols College, M.S./M.I.S., Boston University
Area(s) of specialization: Systems analysis and design; impact of technology on business
and society
A personal statement:
One of the best things about teaching at a small college like Lasell is the small class size, which gives the students a chance to interact directly with the faculty. Having been a student at both a small college and a large university, I know what an advantage this is. As a faculty member, I know all of my students by name, and they know they can stop in my office to see me any time. This is a great atmosphere for learning.
Richard Dodds, Jr., Director, RoseMary B. Fuss Technology for Learning Center,
Assistant Professor of Information Technology
Department: Computer and Information Science
Undergraduate degree(s): B.A. English, Williams College
Degree(s): Ed.M., Harvard University
Area(s) of specialization: Information Technology Project Management, and
Database Development
A personal statement:
Working at Lasell gives me the opportunity to utilize two of my favorite skills sets: IT project implementation
and classroom teaching.
As a year-round member of Lasell's in-house IT team, I manage IT projects that improve the productivity of
all constituencies at the college. Each summer I engage in professional development by learning or honing
the latest technologies and putting them to use in a live working environment.
When I return to the classroom each fall, I bring to my courses the type of in-depth knowledge that can
only be gained by implementing products in actual business situations. I find that students taking my
classes intuitively know and appreciate it when I prove them with knowledge that will help them in their
future interactions with computers. The dual nature of my 12-month faculty position has its stresses,
but I cannot imagine a better career for me at this point in my life.
Jennifer Drew, Assistant Professor of Sociology
Department: Social Sciences
Degrees: A.B., Indiana University; M.A., Boston University; Ph.D., Boston University
Areas of Specialization: Dramaturgical Sociology; Sociology of Food and Culture; Women's Issues; Social Inequality; Restorative Justice
A personal Statement:
Lasell is a fabulous place to grow, to risk and explore -- that is true for faculty as well as students. It has been my pleasure to watch my students grow, and my honor to have played a small part in their young lives.
Kimberly Farah, Department Chair, Sports Science, Associate Professor of Chemistry and Physics
Department: Sports Science
Degrees: B.S., Virginia Polytechnical Institute and State University, M.S.E , University of Massachusetts, Lowell; Ph.D., University of Massachusetts, Lowell
Area(s) of specialization: chemistry, physics
A personal statement:
I find teaching to be one of the most rewarding and challenging professions. Teaching requires a depth
of knowledge in a subject, the ability to relate the subject to everyday life, and promoting an understanding
of the subject for students who are new to the area of study.
Maritza Cantero Farrell, Assistant Professor of Fashion
Department: Fashion/Design
Degree(s): B.F.A. / Graphics; M.S.A.E
Areas of specialization: Art, Illustration, and Surface Design
A personal statement:
I believe that each student has a world inside, which a teacher can help to bring out. Opening new doors of knowledge for them is the most important part of the teacher’ job.
Richard T. Frederics, Chair of Business Administration, Associate Professor of Accountancy
Department: Business Administration
Degree(s): Bachelor of Science, Bradley University; Master of Science in Accounting, Bentley College; Graduate Degree in Banking from The Stonier School of Banking at the University of Delaware
C.P.A. (Certified Public Accountant) C.F.E .(Certified Fraud Examiner)
Area(s) of specialization: Accounting
A personal statement:
Before I went into teaching I was a very successful accountant. But after twenty-five years, I wanted a change. I chose education because I wanted to make a difference in other people’s lives. I wanted to share my knowledge while at the same time guiding students in using their minds to explore and challenge ideas. I wanted to teach students to learn not only that it is important to work smart but also work hard. I love to teach because you can make all the difference in shaping the future of a student. I love to teach because I continue to grow. I learned much from being an accountant; I continue to learn from my colleagues; and I am always learning from my students. Who could ask for a better profession than teaching and who could ask for a better place to be than at Lasell College.
Stephen C. Fischer, Assistant Professor
Department: Fashion/Design
Degrees: B.A. in Liberal Arts, Art Major Lycoming College, Williamsport, Pa; MFA-IA, Goddard College, Plainfield, VT
Area(s) of specialization: Graphic Design, Illustration, Theatercraft
A personal statement:
As an interdisciplinary artist I identify more with my personal art practice than I do with a particular medium or discipline. Whether my work is considered fine art, commercial art, or art education, I bring my aesthetic values, a desire to learn, and the hope for of an enriched community.
Dennis A. Frey Jr., Chair, Humanities, Assistant Professor of History
Department: Humanities
Degree(s): B.S. in Social History 1991, Carnegie Mellon University; M.A. in European History 1993, Syracuse University; Ph.D. in Early Modern European History 1998,
Syracuse University
Area(s) of specialization: Social & cultural history, early modern German history
A personal statement:
My teaching philosophy centers on one relatively simple statement: Teaching is all about learning. To be sure, on the surface
this statement does seem rather trite and contrived, but in a deeper sense it is axiomatic. For instance, a teacher cannot perform his or her duties without first developing a solid understanding of the material. Thus, a teacher must engage the material through arduous study that may last decades, if not a lifetime. Indeed, the best teachers, in my opinion, are the ones who have dedicated their lives to the pursuit of knowledge in not only their specific field, but also related fields. Only after immersing oneself in the material can one claim to have the depth of knowledge required to teach. Even then, in order to improve, a teacher must remain a lifelong pupil of their discipline. Otherwise, the teaching becomes stale and outdated, and
moreover, the burning desire for knowledge, which is so important for teaching, dwindles and perhaps may even burn out. Therefore, the first step to good teaching is learning -- and continuing to learn. Teaching and learning, however, are not simply about immersion in one's field. Some of the worst teachers are those who have committed themselves only to research and discovery in their field. Horror stories about this abound at universities and colleges throughout the world. To protect oneself from falling into this trap, a teacher must also be dedicated to learning from and about students. In other words, a teacher can learn immeasurable quantities about his or her discipline from the students. Therefore, a teacher should make her or his students feel as though they are younger scholars of the discipline. Perhaps the best way to convey this feeling is to learn about the students, thus creating a comfortable, open atmosphere in the classroom. This comfort is crucial to the successful transmittal of knowledge between not only student and teacher, but also among students, which is the most important thing that teachers do. Learning and teaching go hand-in-hand. Teachers must be committed to learning on their own through personal research and investigation and to learning from interactions with students. After all, we are all just pupils; some of us just have a little more experience. My teaching philosophy is, therefore, founded on this simple, albeit true, concomitance between teaching and learning.
Rosalie Frolick, Director of the Learning Center, Assistant Professor
Department: Learning Center
Degree(s): B.S. in Education, Northeastern University; M.S. in Education, Lesley University
Area(s) of specialization: Learning differences and study skills
A personal statement:
I love interacting with and helping students. The community spirit of the college gives students the opportunity to explore and learn more about themselves and others.
Jennifer Gerstel, Assistant Professor of English
Department: Humanities
Felice Gordis, Chair, Social Sciences, Associate Professor of Psychology
Department: Social Sciences
Degree: B.A., Barnard College; M.A., Columbia University; Ph.D., Columbia University
Area(s) of specialization: Developmental Psychology
Allyson Gray, Director, Brennan Library
Discipline: Library Science
Department: Library
Degree(s): B.A. History, Boston State College; M.L.S., Simmons College
Area(s) of specialization: Library
A personal statement:
Learning to be effective in finding the information we need no matter the format: print, non-print and electronic has always fascinated me. My goal is to help our students become effective in finding the information they need.
Neil Hatem, Assistant Professor of Mathematics
Department: Mathematics/Science
Undergraduate degree(s): B.S., Business, Tulane University
Degree(s): Masters of Education - Mathematics, Framingham State College; candidate for Doctorate of Education - Mathematics, University of Massachusetts, Lowell
Area(s) of specialization: Mathematics
A personal statement:
I chose teaching as a profession because I truly enjoy to teach. I like to see the smile on a students’ face when they solve a problem and realize they can do math! Lasell is a great community, from students to faculty to the administration, and that is why I chose Lasell! 
Cristina Haverty, Coordinator of Clinical Education, Assistant Professor of Athletic Training,
Department: Athletic Training and Sport Management
Degree(s): B.S. in Athletic Training, Springfield College; M.Ed., Boston University
Area(s) of specialization: Counseling; Sports Psychology
A personal statement:
After practicing in a clinical setting for seven years, I wanted new challenges. I loved the idea of sharing information about a profession. Connected learning is very much at the core of all the allied health professions. Outside the classroom, the students are involved with their clinical affiliations and inside the classroom these experiences lead naturally to discussion of the application of theories. Professionally there is nothing better than seeing the expression on a students face when ‘they get it’!
Tulin Johansson. Assistant Professor, Economics
Department: Social Sciences
Degree(s): B.S. in Architecture and Civil Engineering, Istanbul Technical University; M.S. in Economics, University of Kentucky; Ph.D. in Economics, University of Kentucky
Area(s) of specialization: Economic Development, Environmental Economics, and International economics
A personal statement:
Learning and teaching is, and should be, open, interactive and proactive. It is also life long. It accumulates quantitatively until it reaches a qualitative jump into new paradigms, new realms and endless possibilities. Learning and teaching is a lot more than covering the content material, giving and passing exams, writing papers and giving/receiving credits. It is also a process whereby, especially in Economics, a method for critical thinking, gaining wider perspective and being able to break apart from limiting world views and methodologies are communicated.
greatly enjoy teaching; it is an honor and a thrill to participate in the development of able young people. I hope and believe that enthusiasm, for economics and teaching, comes through.
Becky Kennedy, Assistant Professor of English
Department: Humanities
Degree(s): A.B., English, Radcliffe College; Ph.D., Linguistics, Harvard University
Area(s) of specialization: theoretical and applied linguistics, writing, poetry
A personal statement:
I love the Lasell students, faculty, and staff; and I love the courses I am able to teach at Lasell.
Joanna Kosakowski, Associate Professor of Mathematics
Department: Mathematics/Science
Degree(s): B.A., Montclair State University, N.J.; M.S. University of Massachusetts, Amherst
Area(s) of specialization: Calculus, Statistics
A personal statement:
I have a picture of myself at the age of five writing numbers on a blackboard. Obviously, I was destined to teach mathematics. I love to help people appreciate the beauty and utility of mathematics and I take great satisfaction in knowing I've helped innumerable students develop confidence in their ability to make sense of an increasingly complicated world.
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Ellen M. LaBelle, Chair, Hospitality Management, Assistant Professor
of Hospitality Management
Department: Hospitality Management
Degree(s): B.A. (English Major, Philosophy Minor), Wheeling Jesuit University, 2nd Undergraduate degree: B.S. (Business Administration), Eastern Nazarene College; Masters in Education, Bridgewater State College
Area(s) of specialization: Hospitality, Travel and Tourism, Special Events, Business
A personal statement:
I believe I was born to be a teacher and to share knowledge with others. I feel fulfilled when I witness my students learning and showing the ability to reflect and share new ideas in class. Everyone has a purpose in life, I believe teaching and sharing is mine. I would like to be remembered as one who made a positive impact on educating professionals in our rapidly changing hospitality & tourism industry.
My years at Lasell have been very rewarding. I have witnessed many changes and growth over the years. We started as a two-year women’s junior college and gradually moved into a 2+2 year program. We continued this growth to a 4 year
co-educational college and now we have the Graduate school. Despite this, we still have a close knit association between faculty and students giving us more of a family atmosphere. My colleagues are the best to work with and to share ideas. In my opinion our faculty is what makes Lasell College what it is. I love being here.
Lori A Leary, Assistant Athletic Trainer/Clinical Instructor and Faculty
Department: Athletic Training and Sport Management
Degree(s): B.S. In Athletic Training, Northeastern University; M.S., West Virginia University
Area(s) of specialization:
A personal statement:
I really enjoy the small class sizes. It allows for a more personalized education for the students.
Margo Lemieux, Assistant Professor of Art and Graphic Design
Department: Fashion/Design
Degree(s): BFA, Boston University; M.Ed., Curry College; M.F.A. candidate, University of Massachusetts, Dartmouth
Area(s) of specialization: Fine Art, Graphic Design, Children’s Book Illustration
A personal statement:
I consider myself to be an artist who shares her love of art with students. Teaching art means being a
lifelong learner. Every day offers something new. ART RULES!!!
Tessa LeRoux, Director, Donahue Institute for Values and Public Life, Interim Director, International Program; Associate Professor of Sociology
Department: Social Sciences
Degree(s): BA, Rand Afrikaans University, Johannesburg; M.A., M.Ed., University of South Africa; Ph.D, Rand Afrikaans University
Area(s) of specialization: Family and gender studies, research methods
A personal statement:
The great poet Yeats said: "Education is not the filling of a pail, but the lighting of a fire." From my very first working days training fieldworkers in a family planning program, through my experiences as a substitute teacher, professor at various universities and volunteering as a teacher naturalist for the Audubon society, I have always been most fulfilled when I was teaching - interacting, being instrumental in "lighting the fire." My dual position as Sociology Professor and Director of the Donahue Institute allows me to light the fire of social justice in the classroom and beyond - what more can anyone ask?
Sharyn Lowenstein, Director, Center for Community-Based Learning, Associate Professor of English
Department: Humanities
Degree(s): BA Elementary Education, University of Massachusetts, Amherst; M.Ed., Northeastern University; Ed.D., Boston University
Area(s) of specialization: Writing, Leadership, Communication, Service-learning, Grant writing, student development,
Learning Centers.
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Amy J. Maynard, Assistant Professor of Education
Department: Education
Degree(s): English, University of Vermont; Master’s in Literacy Education, University of Southern Maine; candidate for doctorate, University of Massachusetts, Lowell
Area(s) of specialization: language arts
A personal statement:
As children learn to read and write, the role of the teacher can be critical. Educating future teachers allows me to share my love of working with children, and help instill in them a love of reading and writing that they will hopefully bring to their own classrooms.
Marsha Mirkin, Assistant Professor, Psychology
Department: Social Sciences
Joan Costello Morris, Assistant Professor of Fashion
Department: Fashion/Design
Degree(s): B.F.A., Massachusetts College of Art; M.Ed., Cambridge College
Area(s) of specialization: Fashion Design
A personal statement:
After years in the fashion design industry, I was asked to teach some courses part- time. That was the hook that drew me in. Now design has become part-time and teaching my passion. At Lasell I have found a true support system for the students and the fashion program. Creative ideas are implemented to develop a constantly evolving and improving program.
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Michael G. Nee, Assistant Professor of Accountancy
Department: Business Administration
Degree(s): BS Accounting, Bentley College; MBA, Finance, Suffolk University
Area(s) of specialization: Accounting, Tax
A personal statement:
Teaching allows me to keep current technically and to use my years of IRS experience to educate students about the real world of business and taxes. I enjoy helping students apply the course material to real world situations.
Bill Nowlan, Chair, Athletic Training and Sport Management, Assistant Professor of Athletic Training
Department: Athletic Training and Sport Management
Degree(s): B.S. in Physical Education concentrating in Athletic Training, Springfield College; M.Ed. in Athletic Injury
Management, Springfield College
Area(s) of specialization: Athletic Injury evaluation, Educational Preparation
A personal statement:
I enjoy working alongside the students as they explore new techniques and gain a further understanding of the physically active and the problems they may encounter. I have enjoyed working at Lasell because of the smaller class sizes which have allowed us to work more closely with the students and give them more individualized attention.
: Malini Pillai, Associate Professor of Mathematics
Department: Mathematics/Science
Degree(s): B.Sc. (Math, Physics, and Chemistry), Maharani's College, Bangalore, India; M.Science (Pure Math), Central College Mysore University Bangalore, India, M.S. (Applied Math), Brown University; ABD for Ph.D., Boston University
Area(s) of specialization: Numerical Analysis/Approximation theory; research in teaching and learning of math
A personal statement:
I realized the rewards of teaching math while I was a graduate student/teaching fellow at the B.U. math department. That is where I decided to dedicate my life to motivate and inspire students to excel, by instilling in them a discipline for learning math and helping them to cultivate proper math study skills. I have done this for the past 27 years (two years at B.U., seven years at Simmons College, and 17 years at Lasell) as a full-time faculty.
To me, nothing compares to the joy of teaching math! Since the average class size at Lasell is small, my teaching style is based on individualized instruction. My philosophy as a Guru is to show students that I genuinely care about their success, and teach them the power and utility of math. My goal has always been to develop strategies to combat math anxiety in students. A large part of my teaching career has been devoted to doing research on maximizing student learning with a focus on encouraging women to pursue math.
I have cherished my academic freedom at Lasell and consider it a privilege to be a part of the most dedicated faculty and staff I have known. Lasell cares and encourages each student to achieve to the maximum of his/her ability in a very supportive environment.
Lydia Pittman, Head of Technical Services, Brennan Library
Joseph L. Potts, Assistant Professor of Management
Department: Business Administration
Degree(s): BA-economics, Northeastern University; MBA, Northeastern University
Area(s) of specialization: Management, Finance
A personal statement:
Education is my second career, my first was in the investment banking and financial services industry (25 years). Lasell presents, to me, a unique opportunity to bring my years of business experience to a generation of young people so full of energy. Presenting course material, relating the real world application and seeing the light of understanding glow is very exciting and rewarding. I hope to continue to enjoy this for many more years.
Mimi Reddicliffe, Professor of English
Department: Humanities
Degree(s): A.B., Vassar College; M.Ed., Boston University; M.F.A., Emerson College
Area(s) of specialization: Expository and Creative Writing, Murder Mysteries
Kathleen Rudnicki, Director, Rockwell Child Study Center, Faculty
Department: Education
Stephen N. Sarikas, Professor of Biology
Department: Mathematics/Science
Degree(s): B.S., University of Massachusetts, Amherst; M.A., Southern Illinois University at Carbondale; Ph.D., Boston University School of Medicine
Area(s) of specialization: Human Anatomy and Physiology
A personal statement:
I enjoy teaching at Lasell because the College encourages its Faculty to experiment and to be creative in the classroom.
Janice A. Savitz, Assistant Professor of Sports Science
Department: Sports Science
Degree(s): B.S. in Physical Education, State University of New York at Brockport; M.S. in Physical Education, Ithaca College
Area(s) of specialization: Exercise Physiology, Sports Management, Physical Education
A personal statement:
Teaching is the profession that teaches all the other professions.
Mark Sciegaj, Director, the Fuss Center for Research on Aging and Intergenerational Studies,
Associated Professor of Management and Public Policy
Department: Education and Research, Lasell Village
Degree(s): B.A., Bethany College; M.P.H., Emory University; Ph.D., Brandeis University
Area(s) of specialization: Aging, intergenerational studies.
A personal statement:
There is a feeling of common purpose at Lasell, a sense that everyone really is a partner in the process of educating students, with a genuine concern about putting together a quality academic program. The result is that the College provides the best possible product.
Jill Shoemaker, Head of Reference Services
Department: Library
Marie Smith, Instructor/Director of Career Services
Department: School of Business & Information Technology/Career Services
Degree(s): B.S. in Education, Northeastern University; M.Ed. Counseling & Student Personnel, Northeastern University, CAGS in School Psychology University
of Massachusetts, Boston
Area(s) of specialization: Career Planning & Student Development
A personal statement:
I'm grateful for the opportunity to assist students in acquiring knowledge, applying what they've learned and most
of all discovering their strengths at Lasell.
Sidney Michael Trantham, Assistant Professor of Psychology
Department: Social Sciences
Degree(s): B.A. in Psychology, Brown University; M.S. in Clinical Psychology, University of Florida; Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology, University of Florida
Area(s) of specialization: Child Psychology, Neuropsychology, Psychotherapy
A personal statement:
One of the things that excites me about teaching at Lasell College is the freedom to explore unique and innovative approaches to learning: the opportunity to teach ‘outside the box’ so to speak. The fact that class sizes are relatively small, and one tends to have repeated contact with students who stay in the major, help to build a sense of continuity in education that might not happen at a larger institution where one may see a student for only one or two courses.
Nancy Olsen Waldron, Assistant Professor of Marketing
Department: Business Administration
Degree(s): BS, Business Management, University System of New Hampshire; MBA, University System of New Hampshire, Plymouth State College; Ph.D., Capella University
Area(s) of specialization: Marketing, Entrepreneurship
A personal statement:
Education affords me the opportunity to reach out to people and enable them to reach their goals and achieve better lives. Teaching at Lasell has been especially rewarding due to its small size and the ability to get to know each student individually.
Martin Walsh, Assistant Professor of Management
Department: Business Administration
Brian J. Wardyga, Assistant Professor of Communication, General Manager of
Lasell College Radio
Department: Humanities
Degree(s): Bachelor of Arts in Communication, Bridgewater State College; Master of Science in Television, Boston University
Area(s) of specialization: Video Production, Radio, Web Design, Life Leadership
A personal statement:
It is of equal importance for me not only to determine exactly what to teach, but also the most effective ways of teaching it. A key source of this information is feedback from my students, which I encourage regularly. My teaching methods are strengthened with variety and the underlying theme of how the material can be applied in each student's personal life and career. Students in my courses know they're not just in class to get a decent grade; they're in it to enhance their lives and to make the world a better place.
LeShelle Woodard, Assistant Professor of Psychology
Department: Social Sciences
Degree(s): B.A., Magna Cum Laude in Psychology, University of Colorado at Boulder; M.A., University of Massachusetts, Boston; Ph.D., University of Massachusetts, Boston
Area(s) of specialization: Cumulative Stress, Traumatic Stress, Clinical Intervention, Racial and Ethnic Issues
A personal statement:
I like teaching psychology because nothing compares to the expression on students' faces when something "clicks" in the classroom and I know that they have gained new knowledge about human behavior, themselves, or people they know.
Catherine K. Zeek, Associate professor and Chair, Department of Education
Department: Education
Degree(s): English; Supervision, Curriculum, and Instruction (doctorate); Elementary Education (masters); Business Administration (masters)
Area(s) of specialization: Literacy
A personal statement:
J.M. Barrie said, “Others will love what we have loved; we will teach them how.” This quote captures the excitement I find in teaching. My background includes 20 years of teaching learners from first grade through college. I value the opportunity to work with future teachers individually and tailor course content to their background and goals. Because our education courses include many field-based assignments, students and faculty alike are able to connect practice and new ideas, and to keep our teaching fresh. I look forward to working with the education programs at Lasell College.
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