Faculty and Staff

Dr. James Cressey
James Cressey, Ph.D.

Professor, Education Department Chair

Office: O'Connor Hall 130
Phone Number: 508 626 4928
Email: jcressey@framingham.edu

Website: https://sites.google.com/site/jamescressey/

Starfish: Make an appointment with me in my Starfish Calendar

Education:

Ph.D. School Psychology, University of Massachusetts Amherst

M.Ed. Special Education, Plymouth State University

B.A. Psychology and Theology, Georgetown University

Dr. Cressey teaches courses in special education, inclusive practices, and social-emotional learning. He worked previously with children and families for several years as a licensed special educator and nationally certified school psychologist. Dr. Cressey’s research and service 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. He lives here in Framingham with his husband and daughter and enjoys spending time with his family and friends, singing and playing musical instruments, cooking, and knitting.

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Susan Donnellan, Ed.D.

Associate Professor

Office: O’Connor Hall 140
Phone Number: 508 215 5124
Email: sdonnellan@framingham.edu

Starfish: Please visit my Starfish Calendar to schedule an appointment.

Education:

Ed.D. Curriculum, Teaching, Learning, and Leadership, Northeastern University

M.Ed. Special Education, Framingham State University

B.S. Early Childhood Education, Framingham State University

Dr. Donnellan teaches courses in emergent literacy, reading, social studies, and special education. She worked previously as a kindergarten teacher, special educator, and academic tutor. Dr. Donnellan’s research interests and service are focused on teacher preparation curriculum, classroom management, and mentoring. She enjoys spending time with her family and friends, reading, and crocheting blankets for children in local hospitals.

Stavroula Gurguliatos
Stavroula Gurguliatos

Full-Time Temporary (FTT) Faculty Member (2023-24)

Office: O'Connor Hall 138
Phone Number: 508 626 4569
Email: sgurguliatos@framingham.edu

Education:

M.Ed. School Administration, Boston College

B.A. American Studies, Wellesley College

As a lifelong learner, passionate about the power of education, Stavroula Gurguliatos has worked in the field of K-12 education for nearly thirty years.  At Framingham State University she teaches courses which prepare students to become educators at the Early Childhood and Elementary level.

Dr. May Hara
May Hara, Ph.D.

Associate Professor

Office: O'Connor Hall 141
Phone Number: 508 626 5803
Email: mhara@framingham.edu

Education:

Ph.D. Educational Policy Studies & Curriculum & Instruction, University of Wisconsin-Madison

M.S. Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages, City College of New York

B.A. Government and French Literature, Cornell University

May Hara teaches courses in multilingual education, educational policy, and the student teaching practicum. Her research is at the intersection of educational policy and teacher education, with a specific focus on teacher policy advocacy. She is the co-author of “Teachers as Policy Advocates: Strategies for Collaboration and Change” (Teachers College Press, 2023). Her current book project focuses on Asian American teachers and teacher candidates. She is a former middle school English teacher.

headshot laura hudock
Laura Hudock, Ph.D.

Assistant Professor

Office: O'Connor Hall 142
Phone Number: 508 215 5123
Email: lhudock@framingham.edu

Starfish: Please visit my Starfish calendar to make an appointment.

Education:

PhD, Curriculum & Instruction, The Pennsylvania State University

M.Ed, Curriculum & Instruction, The Pennsylvania State University

B.A. Government & Law, Lafayette College

Research Interests:

Dr. Hudock teaches undergraduate courses in elementary literacy methods, child and family studies, and practicum semester, as well as graduate courses in the Language & Literacy Education program. Her research focuses on twenty-first century literacies and children’s literature, namely critical content analysis of and child reader’s multimodal responses to picturebooks, graphic novels, Early Readers, and transitional chapter books. She enjoys spending time outside with her dog Dobby, gardening, and kayaking.

Dr. Kelly Kolodny
Kelly Kolodny, Ph.D.

Professor

Office: O'Connor Hall 148
Phone Number: 508 626 4567
Email: kkolodny@framingham.edu

Education:

Ph.D. Educational Studies, University of Connecticut

Concentration in Social Foundations, History and Philosophy of Education

M.A.T. Elementary Education, Rhode Island College

B.A. International Development and Social Change, Clark University

Research Interests:

Dr. Kolodny teaches undergraduate courses in foundations of education, social studies methods, child and family studies, as well as a variety of graduate education courses. She has taught in adult education programs, family literacy initiatives, elementary education, as well as with a service learning program for Boston public middle and high school students. Her research interests focus on the learning and development of children; educational collaborations between schools, families, and community institutions; educational biography; and history of schooling.

Chu Ly
Chu Ly, Ed.D.

Assistant Professor

Office: O'Connor Hall 139
Phone Number: 508 626 4568
Email: cly@framingham.edu

Starfish: Schedule an appointment with me in Starfish Calendar. 

Education:

Ed.D. Language and Literacy, Wheelock College of Human Development, Boston University 

M.Ed. Education, University of Massachusetts Boston

B.A. English, Northeastern University

Dr. Ly teaches undergraduate courses in foundations of education, literacy, and child and family studies.  She worked previously as an early childhood teacher in a bilingual school in Shanghai, China and as an administrator in Boston Public Schools.  Dr. Ly’s research interests are focused on equity and social justice for young children through digital literacy, critical perspectives in children’s and young adult literature, critical pedagogy, bilingual education, and teacher education.  She lives in Boston with her husband and two curious little humans.  She enjoys reading, cooking, spinning, and wondering about the world with her children.

Dr. Wardell Powell
Wardell Powell, Ph.D.

Associate Professor

Office: O'Connor Hall 136
Phone Number: 508 626 4830
Email: wpowell1@framingham.edu

Starfish: Please make an appointment with me in my Starfish Calendar

Education:

Ph.D. Curriculum & Instruction Teaching and Learning in Science, University of South Florida

M.S. Science Education, Herbert H. Lehman College, City University of New York

B.A. Biology, Herbert H. Lehman College, City University of New York

Dr. Powell teaches courses in special education, secondary, and elementary science methods, and supervises student teachers.  Dr. Powell spent over a decade and a half working in the K-12 system.  He previously worked as a biology teacher with New York City Department of Education and the District School Board of Pasco County, Florida.  He also worked as a regional science coach with Polk County Schools in Bartow, Florida.  Dr. Powell's scholarly interest centers on effective science instruction for students with and without specific learning disabilities and the development of accessible science curriculum for such students.  Specifically, he is interested in the use of socioscientific issues as a critical pedagogical strategy to enhance scientific literacy among marginalized students.  Dr. Powell serves as the coordinator and Advisor for the M.Ed. in Science, Technology, Engineering, & Mathematics (STEM) Program, and coordinator for the Post-Baccalaureate Teacher Licensure (PBTL) & M.Ed. in Elementary and Secondary Education Programs at Framingham State University.

Dr. Folashadé Solomon
Folashadé Solomon, Ed.D.

Associate Professor

Office: O'Connor Hall 143
Phone Number: 508 626 4878
Email: fsolomon@framingham.edu

Education:

Ed.D. Administration, Planning, and Social Policy K-12
Harvard Graduate School of Education

M.Ed. Administration, Planning, and Social Policy K-12
Harvard Graduate School of Education

M.S. Leadership and Policy in Education
Wheelock College

B.A. Theater Arts and Elementary Education
University of Massachusetts Boston

Dr. Julie Zoino-Jeannetti
Julie Zoino-Jeannetti, Ph.D.

Professor

Office: O'Connor Hall 147
Phone Number: 508 626 4594
Email: jzoinojeannetti@framingham.edu

Education:

Ph.D. Curriculum and Instruction, Boston College

M.Ed. Education, Boston College

B.A. History, Wellesley College

Dr. Zoino-Jeannetti teaches undergraduate and graduate courses and seminars in foundations of education, philosophy of education, and practicum supervision. She worked previously for several years in Boston as a high school teacher of interdisciplinary humanities, and as a GED coordinator and instructor in a community-based adult education program.  Dr. Zoino-Jeannetti’s research focuses on pre-service teacher education, influences of social class in schooling, cultural competence, critical pedagogy, and adult literacy.

Visiting Lecturers

Therese Ajtum-Roberts

Chris Walsh Center Coordinator

Office: Corrine Hall Towers 112
Phone Number: 508-215-5630
Email: tajtumroberts@framingham.edu

Education:

Ed.D University of Massachusetts, Amherst MA 

M.Ed. University of Massachusetts, Amherst MA

B.A. History University of Massachusetts, Amherst MA

Therese Ajtum-Roberts is the Coordinator of the Chris Walsh Center for Educators and Families of MetroWest at Framingham State University. She has devoted most of her career to creating inclusive, equitable, and engaging learning environments. For nearly twenty years, she has supported instructors' use of technology, backwards design, and UDL principles to create a responsive, equitable, and inclusive curriculum for all learners. Dr. Ajtum-Roberts is currently teaching Elementary Curriculum: Science, Social Studies, and Special Needs

Therese’s research interests focus on pre-service and in-service teachers' professional development, teaching with technology, and how teachers create responsive, equitable, and inclusive learning environments. Therese currently serves on the Board of the New England Educational Research Organization as Conference Director and Technology in Education Strand Director.

Mary Grassetti, Ed.D.

Professor

Office: O'Connor Hall 138
Phone Number: 508 215 4859
Email: mgrassetti@framingham.edu

Education:

Ed.D. Mathematics Teacher Education, University of Massachusetts Amherst

M.Ed. Science Education, University of Massachusetts Amherst,

B.A. Psychology and Education, Mount Holyoke College

Mary Grassetti is a Professor of Education at Framingham State University. She earned an undergraduate degree in psychology and education from Mount Holyoke College, a master's degree in science education, and a doctorate in mathematics teacher education, both from the University of Massachusetts Amherst. Her research interests include mathematics teacher education, technology and education, and motherhood and education. She is active in professional organizations and has served as the President of the New England Educational Research Organization (2016 – 2018). Prior to her work as a university professor, Dr. Grassetti was a public school teacher and taught at the elementary and middle school levels. She loves to read and is an avid runner.





Megan Jacobs

Office: O'Connor Hall 145
Phone Number: 508-626-1220
Email: mjacobs5@framingham.edu

Education:

MAT, Sacred Heart University

BA English, Framingham State University 

Megan is a passionate educator, learner, and teacher leader who has specialized in STEAM and 21st-century learning. She’s delivered professional development, led professional learning communities, and currently serves as Math Recovery and STEAM teacher for Union Elementary Schools in north central CT. She is thrilled to share a learning journey helping to shape future educators at FSU!

Brenda Maurao

Office: O'Connor Hall 145
Phone Number: 508-626-1220
Email: bmaurao@framingham.edu

Education:

Certification in School Administration - Lesley University

Master of Science in Elementary Education - University of Bridgeport

Bachelor of Science in Human Relations/Psychology - Western Connecticut State

Brenda has been an elementary educator for over 20 years, both as a classroom teacher, building administrator and district leader.  Brenda is a lifelong learner who is committed to creating an inclusive school community that supports students, empowers teachers, and engages families. She currently serves as the Assistant Director of Talent Growth and Development in the Framingham Public Schools and a Program Supervisor for teacher candidates at FSU

Sue McGilvray-Rivet

Office: O'Connor Hall 145
Phone Number: 508-626-1220
Email: smcgilvrayrivet@framingham.edu

Education:

EdD - Administration, Policy and Training - Boston University

MEd - Educational Leadership - Boston University

BA - Elementary Education and Spanish - Wittenberg University

Dr. McGilvray-RIvet’s passions are bilingual education and family involvement. During her 43 year career in public education in Massachusetts, she served as Principal of Barbieri School and Director of Bilingual and Sheltered English Programs in Framingham, Principal of Proctor School in Topsfield and as Bilingual Program Coordinator and Elementary Bilingual Teacher in Lawrence. She currently works as a consultant and principal coach and at Framingham State, she serves as a program supervisor for student teachers.

Marissa Piligian

Office: O'Connor Hall 145
Phone Number: 508-626-1220
Email: mpiligian@framingham.edu

Education:

Master of Arts in Education- Special Education, American International College

Bachelor of Business Administration, Georgia Southern University

Marissa is a passionate learner and educator in the realm of special education. Her previous professional experiences include working as an Early Childhood and Elementary Special Education teacher in Massachusetts public schools and as an Early Childhood instructor of students with diverse learning challenges at Lesley University. At Framingham State University, Marissa teaches courses in special education for students studying Early Childhood and Elementary Education.

Sheila-Sohn-2020
Sheila C. Sohn, Ph.D.

Adjunct Professor, Education Department

Office: O'Connor Hall 145
Phone Number: 978 660 0617
Email: sheilasohn1@mac.com

Education:

Ph.D. Curriculum and Instruction, Boston College

M.Ed. Education, University of Massachusetts

B.A. Psychology and English, Worcester State University

Dr. Sohn teaches courses in mathematical education and supervises teacher candidates. Her previous positions include middle school educator, curriculum specialist, undergraduate and graduate professor (focusing on elementary mathematics and educational theory). She volunteers on various school committees and local charity leagues.  Dr. Sohn’s interests include the pedagogical implications of constructing knowledge with regard to educators and children,  the application of differentiating instruction in teaching and learning mathematical problem solving and inquiry-based science, and examining and developing effective collaboration.  

Secondary Education-Affiliated Faculty

Lori Gemeiner Bihler, PhD

Professor of History

Office: May Hall 312
Phone Number: 508 626 4835
Email: lbihler@framingham.edu

Dr. Bihler teaches secondary history methods and supervises student teachers seeking the History 5-12 teaching licenses. She is also the advisor to the PBTL/M.Ed. Secondary Education: History
5-12 program. Dr. Bihler was a middle school social studies teacher before she did her Ph.D. in History.

Kelly Matthews
Kelly Matthews, PhD

Professor of English

Office: May Hall 115A
Phone Number: 508 626 4815
Email: kmatthews@framingham.edu

Dr. Matthews teaches secondary English  methods and supervises student teachers seeking the English 5-8 and English 8-12 teaching licenses.

Dr. Robert Page
Robert Page, PhD

Professor of Mathematics

Office: Hemenway Hall 404
Phone Number: 508 626 4773
Email: rpage@framingham.edu

Dr. Page teaches mathematics methods and supervises student teachers seeking the Mathematics 5-8 and Mathematics 8-12 licenses.

On Sabbatical Fall 2023

Staff

Valerie Hytholt

Director, Centers for Early Childhood Education

Office: Child Development Lab, Hemenway Hall 106
Phone Number: 508.215.5738
Email: vhytholt1@framingham.edu

Valerie is the Director of the Centers of Early Childhood Education on campus: the Jeanne M. Canelli Child Development Lab and Early Childhood Center. Valerie has extensive experience working in the early childhood field developing and supporting educational opportunities for young children and for adults learning to teach and care for children and their families. Valerie earned her M.Ed in Literacy and Language from Framingham State University as well as completing the University’s Post Baccalaureate Teacher Education Program in Early Childhood Education. She holds the Initial teaching license in Early Childhood Education (PreK-2) from the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. She also holds Lead Teacher and Director certifications from the Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in economics from the University of California, Davis and a California secondary teaching license in the social sciences.

Sandra Shaw, M.Ed.

Director, Education Placement and Licensure

Office: O'Connor Hall 125
Phone Number: 508 626 4573
Email: sshaw1@framingham.edu

Mrs. Shaw oversees the Education Field Placement and Licensure Office. She is responsible for securing pre-practicum and practicum placements for all Initial licensure programs and licensure endorsements for all Initial and Professional licensure programs

Kate Stewart, Ed.M.

Data Management Coordinator

Office: O'Connor Hall 123
Phone Number: 508 626 1220 x4412
Email: kstewart7@framingham.edu

Mrs. Stewart provides data management for the teacher education programs in the College of Education, including national accreditation, state program approval, educator licensure, student support and retention, and faculty research. She has a (B.A.) from University of Massachusetts - Amherst and an (Ed.M.) in Educational Leadership & Policy Studies: Higher Education Administration from Boston University.

Margaret hagemeister
Margaret Hagemeister, M.A.

Field Placement Assistant

Office: O'Connor Hall 125
Phone Number: 508 215 8510
Email: mhagemeister@framingham.edu

Ms. Hagemeister assists in the placement of pre-practicum and practicum teacher licensure candidates.

Hunter Seabrook

Administrative Assistant

Office: O'Connor Hall Room 126
Phone Number: 508 626 4569
Email: hseabrook@framingham.edu

Education:

B.A. Communication Arts, Framingham State University

Mr. Seabrook is the administrative assistant for both the Education and History Departments. His previous professional experiences include working in the Framingham State University and Fitchburg State University Registrar's Offices.