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
Marissa Wong
MAIPSE Program
Hi everyone! My name is Marissa Wong, and this is my first year at Framingham State University in the MAIPSE program. This semester, I’m taking Fashion:Design to Consumer, and I’ve been enjoying learning about fashion design for the first time. I graduated from Wayland High School last year and am excited to continue learning in a new environment. I have a twin sister, Melody, and an older sister, Crystal, and we live together with our parents. I am Asian and speak a little Cantonese. Outside of school, I love cooking and baking, especially Chinese dishes. Cooking is one of my favorite hobbies, and I’ve been part of cooking clubs and culinary classes. While I’m still exploring career options, I know cooking will always be something I enjoy doing. I recently started my internship at the Chris Walsh Center and am looking forward to learning new things and meeting new people at FSU!
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.
Sinaiya Lee
Psychology
Hi! My Name is Sinaiya Lee. I am a senior majoring in Psychology. My ethnicity is African American, Jamaican, and Chinese. Here at Framingham State I am an intern in the Chris Walsh Center, a resident assistant, and the social media officer / secretary of the Black Student Union. My lifelong goal is to pursue a career in the mental health field by being a therapist for adolescence. I am also interested in direct care for individuals with brain injuries which is my current job back at home. Additionally, I aspire to work as a social media influencer to positively impact young people by promoting mental health awareness. Overall I have a passion for being able to help in the mental health field. I believe mental health is an important part of life that should be discussed openly, and my goal is to help create safe environments where individuals feel comfortable to be themselves.
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.
Laila Jenkins
Psychology
Hey, I'm Laila Jenkins. I'm an undergraduate student studying psychology. After graduation I hope to work in the Psych/social work field helping people get connected to the resources they need. As a resident assistant and president of the Black student union I've been able to see the different ways that people like to be helped. At the Chris Walsh Center I hope to not only be a resource for parents and teachers short term, but give them the tools to make lasting impacts in and out of the classroom. My main goal in life is to help people and support others when challenges arise in any way that I can. I feel that helping others always starts with the mental health of individuals and communities.
Sohli Patrick
Intern at the Chris Walsh Center
My name is Sohli Patrick. I am a first year student at Framingham State University. I grew up in Framingham, MA. I am Puerto Rican, Cuban and African American. I speak Spanish at home with my mom, and English with my dad. I was a member of Stage Door Dance and performed on stage with the Framingham High School Drama Company for many years prior to attending FSU. Presently, I am an intern at the Chris Walsh Center and the YMCA. I am taking " The Business of Fashion”. My dream is to become a pre-school teacher after I graduate from Framingham State University.