Defy Gravity Award
Jessica Bradley
Stapleton Elementary Schools, Framingham
Jessica Bradley, born and raised in Framingham, Massachusetts, is proud to be entering her seventh year with the TLC program at Stapleton Elementary School, including four years as a paraprofessional and three years as a teacher. She previously spent several years as a substitute teacher at Stapleton while in college before joining the staff full time. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Merrimack College, and a masters degree in Education with a concentration in Curriculum and Teaching from Fitchburg State University. She is devoted to fostering a positive and inclusive educational environment that empowers all students to achieve success.
Marie Compton
Barbieri Elementary school, Framingham
I’ve been an elementary school teacher for over 20 years, and it’s truly been the joy of my life. Thirteen of those years were spent teaching in Chile, where I not only grew as an educator but also built deep connections with students, families, and the culture. Since then, I’ve taught in Massachusetts, and previously in Minnesota, and California—each place shaping me in different ways and adding to the rich tapestry of my teaching journey. No matter where I am, my passion remains the same: creating a supportive, engaging classroom where every child feels seen, valued, and excited to learn. Teaching continues to surprise and stretch me every day, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.
Sheron Throp Doucette
Walsh Middle School, Framingham
Sheron Thorp Doucette Sheron has been a member of the Framingham Fine and Performing Arts team since 2001 as a theater educator and director at Walsh Middle School. Her philosophy is, foster a love of theatre whether it is on stage and off, guide students through kindness to find and express their creative voice then get out of the way and watch them shine. She prefers leading others to discover the warmth of the spotlight rather than standing in it herself. She is a proud graduate of Regis College’s Art and Theatre programs and studied Art and Architecture at American University Earning a Masters in Education: Creative Arts and Learning from Lesley University, Sheron developed an educators guide to teach empathy through the Arts for middle school students, Knowing Myself, Understanding Others. Sheron has produced, directed and stage managed numerous musical productions and plays professionally and at all educational levels from elementary school to college. As a member of Actor’s Equity Association,she stage managed shows from Boston to Nashville. She is co-owner of Do Sets Design, a theatrical prop and scenery design company with her incredibly talented husband. Sheron is honored to have been a 2017 Tony Award Nominee for Theatre Educator of the Year. Sheron has taught Theatre and Creative Expression for the Boston Symphony Orchestra's Days in the Arts program for several years, she was Director of Education at Reagle Music Theatre where she is now President of the Board of Directors, was President of the Middle School Division for the Massachusetts Educational Theatre Guild and most recently took the reigns of Framingham Youth Theatre. Her most cherished role is mother of a Framingham Public School alumna, currently a MassArt senior.
Heather Kissel
Walsh Middle School, Framingham
Heather Kissel is celebrating her 20th year as a public school educator, with teaching experience spanning St. Croix in the U.S. Virgin Islands, Boston Public Schools, and most recently Framingham Public Schools. She holds a B.A. in Spanish from Universidad Interamericana de Puerto Rico and an M.Ed. in Foreign Language Education from the University of Pittsburgh. Licensed in both Spanish and ESL, Heather has served as World Language Department Head in Boston, where she also organized and led experiential learning and community service trips to Puerto Rico. Dedicated to creating engaging and culturally rich learning experiences, Heather designs hands-on activities that bring language to life—such as transforming the school library into a grocery store where students practice their skills, interact with “store employees,” and explore currency conversion. She also participates in Framingham Public Schools’ Parent Teacher Home Visit Program, through which she is able to build stronger relationships with students and their families.
Kristy Keane
Blocks Pre-School, Framingham
Kristy Keane is a sub-separate special education teacher at BLOCKS preschool in Framingham. Kristy has been working in special education for 15 years and has been in Framingham for one and a half years. She is passionate about meeting the needs of every student and making sure our most at-risk students receive the best education possible. In her personal time, Kristy enjoys spending time with her cat and family as well as reading and attending book conventions.
Antonio Martins
Cameron Middle school, Framingham
I’m Antonio Macedo Martins, an ESL teacher at Cameron Middle School in Framingham. Originally from Portugal, I love helping multilingual learners grow and celebrating the diverse cultures they bring to the classroom.
Kerry Quella
Hopkinton High School
Kerry is an adjustment counselor at Hopkinton High School, a position she has proudly held for four years now. She lives in Newton with her husband and two step daughters. Kerry is so passionate about her work, and despite the challenges of her job, she genuinely enjoys showing up for students each day. Beyond the school day, Kerry coaches Unified Track & Field in Hopkinton, and is very involved in the Special Olympics community.
Kelly Sherman
FHS academy evening program coordinator
Kelly Sherman - I have been teaching for 14 Years. I have taught both kindergarten and second grade. Kindergarten is my passion. I love the opportunity that comes with a child's first school experience. My goal as a kindergarten teacher is to build confidence to try new things, take risks and learn about being a productive citizen. I want children to learn to be a good friend and create an environment that fosters imagination, dramatic play experiences, and get to know each student on a personal level that can bring out the best in themselves.
Ratnakar Amaravadi
Natick High School
Three sisters graduated with education degrees back in the 80s. A daycare center was up for sale in the next town over. Their dad thought this would be the perfect opportunity to follow a dream the girls had and bought the building. Fast forward 34 years and here we are! Still loving what we do and know best. Teaching, nurturing and caring for children. Our goal is to make everyone feel welcome and be a part of our family regardless of your ability, disability, background, beliefs or religion. We look at our job as a privilege rather than an occupation. As the saying goes…if you love what you do, you’ll never work a day in your life! We are truly blessed by all the wonderful families we’ve met through the years and now welcome the children of the children who attended our school.
Jill Conroy
Natick High School
I have been a Biology and Environmental Science teacher at Natick High School for 20 years. I enjoy working with all different students and teaching a wide variety of classes. I love when students think outside the box and challenge the ideas asking questions that make me really think. Outside the classroom I enjoy running and hiking.
William Sanford
Natick High School
I started teaching at Cohasset High School in 2007, and moved to Natick High School in 2008 where I've been ever since. I teach all levels of Chemistry at Natick High School and an elective class titled Disease and Medicine. Chemistry is a challenging subject, and so I most enjoy helping students realize that they are capable of processing difficult material. I also hope that students have an appreciation at the end of my courses of how much I think the "world of the very small" (atoms, molecules, macromolecules, cells) is cool! Outside of school, you'll find me golfing, hiking, playing tabletop games, and baking.
Jane Gardner
Natick High School
Jane Gardner has been a dedicated member of the Natick Public Schools community for 17 years, serving as a guidance counselor at Natick High School. Throughout her career, she has built strong connections with students and families, providing thoughtful academic, social, and emotional support. As the mother of three sons, two of whom have ADHD, Jane brings both professional expertise and personal understanding to her role. She deeply empathizes with the challenges and strengths of neurodivergent students and their families, and she is passionate about helping every student find a path that works for them. Known for her compassion, advocacy, and commitment to equity, Jane strives to create a supportive environment where all students can thrive
James Cressy
Education Department Chair
Dr. Cressey is an Associate Professor and Chair of the Education Department at Framingham State University. He was the center's first coordinator in 2020-21. His scholarship and teaching are focused on inclusion and equity through evidence-based inclusive practices such as universal design for learning, social-emotional learning, culturally responsive practices, positive behavioral interventions and supports, and multi-tiered systems of support. Before coming to FSU, Dr. Cressey worked directly with children and families for several years as a licensed special educator and nationally certified school psychologist at Wediko Children’s Services and in the Boston Public Schools. He lives in Framingham with his husband and daughter and enjoys spending time with his family and friends, singing and playing musical instruments, cooking, and knitting.
Andrea Connoly
Stepleton Elementary School, Framingham
Hello I am Andrea Connolly with over 25 years of experience as a dedicated Special Educator. I have had the privlege of working with students from kindergarten to fifth grade. My passion lies in helping children grow academically, socially and emotionally. I take great pride in the progress they make, especially when I hear contiued success in high school and beyond. Throughout my caeer I have remianed commited to creating an inclusive learning environment where every child feels supported and empowered to reach their full potential. It brings me immense joy to witness the resilence and achivements of my students over time. Outside the classroom, I am a proud parent of a wonderful and succusseful daughter who contiues to inspire me everyday.
Kacie Power
Ambroce elementary, Winchester
Special Education Teacher for 18 years. Bachelors degree in Special Education, Masters degree in Assistive Technology. I have a passion for teaching and I love spending time with my family and working out.