Mary Watson Avery, M.S. | Director
With substantial experience in developing curriculum, planning professional development, as well as coaching and mentoring groups and individuals, Mary is a well-respected educator across the Commonwealth and the region. In addition to training on a wide variety of topics related to the social emotional well-being on very young children and their families, Mary is a master trainer in all aspects of Pyramid Model implementation, including Train-the-Trainer, Train-the-Coach, Program-Wide Implementation and the Pyramid Model Family Modules.
In addition to her many years as an early childhood educator, Mary has taught at Harvard University Graduate School of Education and Wheelock College. She also served as the Director of Family Connections, a community mental health outreach program targeting parental depression, based at Boston Children’s Hospital.
Mary earned a MS in Infant & Toddler Studies from Wheelock College with additional training in trauma-informed practices at Harvard University Graduate School of Education. Mary also earned a BFA in Studio Art from Manhattanville College.
Mary can be reached via phone at 774-455-7366 or our contact form.
Jody Figuerido | Training Specialist, Central MA Professional Development Center
Jody Figuerido, Ph.D. is the Training Specialist for the Central MA PDC and she is President of The Institute for Education and Professional Development, Inc. Jody Figuerido has over 30 years of experience supporting the early childhood field. The intent of her work is to help programs and educators increase their knowledge and competency, thereby improving the outcomes for the children and families they work with. Dr. Figuerido has experience in the field as an elementary education teacher, a Center Director for 12 years, serving as the statewide training coordinator for the Department of Early Education and Care, and supporting students as a college professor and supervisor of student teachers. She now runs The Institute for Education and Professional Development, Inc. which offers
nationally accredited professional development for the field of early childhood education as well as coaching and consultation services for agencies. She is also a Trainers of Trainers for CLASS by Teachstone, a certified observer on the TPOT and TPITOS Assessment Instruments, and she is certified as a Practice Based Coach. Dr. Figuerido is President of The Institute for Education and Professional Development Inc. (IEPD), Training Specialist for the EEC StrongStart Central MA Professional Development, and consultant on several projects in MA and RI.
Kara Lehane | Lead Coach, Central MA Professional Development Center
Kara Lehane is the Lead Coach for Central MA PDC. She holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Education and Social Service. Kara has worked in the field of Early Childhood as a director since 1999, is an Early Childhood trainer and was a curriculum coordinator for 2 years. Educators enjoy Kara’s style of teaching – bringing knowledge and joy to her training presentations.
Shakesha Thompson | Trainer and Coach, Central MA Professional Development Center
Shakesha Thompson has a passion for education and has worked in the early childhood field for over 15 years. In that time, she worked as a center director, school-age program administrator, coach, trainer and much more. Ms. Thompson is fluent in Portuguese. She received her bachelors degree in early education from Fitchburg State University. She earned her master’s in educational leadership and management, also from Fitchburg State University.
Catherine Wakely, B.S. | Data and Instructional Technology Manager
Catherine Wakely is the Data and Instructional Technologies Manager for Connected Beginnings. Her expertise includes Salesforce, website administration, and data management.
Catherine earned a B.S. in Animal Science from The University of Maine where she also worked for several years as an IT support consultant. She has also worked as an operations coordinator at Sun Life Financial.
Catherine can be reached via phone at 774-455-7368 or our contact form.