Chris Walsh Center
For Educators And Families
AT FRAMINGHAM STATE UNIVERSITY
Meet the Staff
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Therese Ajtum-Roberts
Center Coordinator
Therese Ajtum-Roberts has devoted most of her career to creating inclusive, equitable, and engaging learning environments. For nearly twenty years, she has supported educators' use of technology, backwards design, and UDL principles to create a responsive, equitable, and inclusive curriculum for all learners. Therese's research interests focus on faculty and in-service teachers' professional development, teaching with technology, and how teachers create responsive, equitable, and inclusive learning environments. Therese is currently serving on the Board of the New England Educational Research Organization as Conference Director and Technology in Education Strand Director.
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.
James Cressey
Faculty Liason
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.
Therese Ajtum-Roberts
Center Coordinator
Therese Ajtum-Roberts has devoted most of her career to creating inclusive, equitable, and engaging learning environments. For nearly twenty years, she has supported educators' use of technology, backwards design, and UDL principles to create a responsive, equitable, and inclusive curriculum for all learners. Therese's research interests focus on faculty and in-service teachers' professional development, teaching with technology, and how teachers create responsive, equitable, and inclusive learning environments. Therese is currently serving on the Board of the New England Educational Research Organization as Conference Director and Technology in Education Strand Director.
Vladyslav Moisei
Pre-engineering Spring 2029
Vlad Moisei is a student at Framingham State University, majoring in Pre-Engineering, with an expected graduation in Spring 2029. Originally from Ukraine, he came to the United States due to Russian aggression and is pursuing his dream of becoming an electrical or software engineer. He is passionate about innovation, technology, and problem-solving, and aspires to work for leading companies such as Google, Apple, or Microsoft. Vlad is dedicated to developing his technical skills, creating innovative solutions, and contributing to projects that make a positive impact
Janyizza Hobbs
Child And Family Studies
My name is Janyizza I am an undergraduate student majoring in Family and Social Studies. I have always had a deep passion about social work as well as continuing to be committed to helping others in any way I can, big or small, believing it's the most effective way to make a positive impact. With a rich background as Dominican, Puerto Rican, and African American, and having grown up in Cambridge, I bring a unique perspective to my studies. I also have a strong passion for content creation, where I love to explore my creativity.
Thiago Souza
Child and Family Studies
I’m Thiago, a freshman at Framingham State University majoring in Child and Family Studies. I was born and raised in Brazil and moved to Framingham as a kid. I have a strong connection with the large Brazilian community in Framingham, which has supported me and helped me feel at home. During school, I discovered my passion for learning and teaching by helping my teachers as a teacher’s TA. My greatest interest is giving back to the community that once put me on the right path. In the future, I hope to continue my education and advocate for inclusive and supportive school environments. I look forward to working as a school counselor so I can inspire other children to believe in themselves and achieve their goals.