Our alumni do exceptional things.
At the Threshold Program, we prepare young adults who have diverse learning challenges for the world of work and independent living. They gain career training in order to be successful in the workplace and in the real world. They learn how to budget, pay bills, use transportation, and be engaged members of their community. And best of all—they make friends for life.
Threshold Program alumni live full and independent lives. Over three-fourths of graduates live on their own and 95 percent of them tell us that they're satisfied with their levels of independence. Our alumni are working at jobs they love. Pursuing their goals for higher education. Spending quality time with friends. And even starting families of their own. But don't just take our word for it. Check out these alumni stories.
A resident of Somerville, MA and a Marketing Coordinator at John Hancock, Dudley lives a full, independent life, which he credits to the support he gained at Lesley University.
Devin Meyer '90
When Devin was a teenager, he lacked direction. He always told himself, “I don’t need a plan after high school.” Threshold changed that. Devin’s dad heard of the program from an advocacy group and encouraged his son to apply. At Threshold, Devin discovered a love for early childhood education. Now he’s a lead teacher at Technology Childcare Centers, a preschool that serves the children of MIT professors and staff.
Threshold made such an impact on Devin that he now serves on its Advisory Board. He loves to talk about Threshold and share with people how he thinks the program could help them. When he’s not working at the preschool or working to make Threshold even better, he likes jogging, playing basketball, and going out to the movies with his friends.
Maddie Jendzejec ’10
Maddie loves to come back to Threshold. She likes to meet current students, see her professors again, and catch up with old friends. She likes coming back to campus so much because for Maddie, Threshold was all about the connections she made. This year’s semi-formal, a celebration of all things Threshold, was extra special. It gave her and her fiancé (Paul Robinson, another Threshold alum) a chance to practice dancing before their wedding.
The bonds that Maddie made through Threshold have lasted through the years. Ten years after graduating, Maddie and her freshman year roommate still live together. And many of Maddie’s classmates stayed in the area after graduating. When she isn’t busy planning for her upcoming wedding, Maddie likes to get together with the friends she made through the program. Sometimes they go on long walks together exploring Boston and sometimes they like to just hang out at the mall after work.
Paul Robinson '02
Threshold gave Paul the opportunity of a lifetime. Every day, he honors his mom’s memory when he goes to work as a preschool teacher. Paul credits his mom, a teacher in Boston who worked with underserved populations, with his passion for education. Now, Paul's been a teacher for over fifteen years. The co-op that he teaches at is a close-knit community and Paul's favorite part of teaching is seeing his student’s all grown up.
Paul’s work with education doesn’t stop in the classroom, though. He volunteers his time as an advocate for students with disabilities. Through Threshold, Paul travels to colleges to speak with teachers in training. Along with other Threshold alumni, he sits on panels and talks about his experiences as a student. He focuses on helping future teachers prevent bullying in the classroom. When Paul isn’t working in education, he’s busy getting ready for his wedding to Maddie Jendzejec, another Threshold alumni.
Adam Roberge '17
Adam can’t remember a time when he didn’t love cars. He read books and listened faithfully to Car Talk on NPR; later he started researching cars independently online and developed an encyclopedic knowledge of different makes and models. Thanks to this passion, he's now a researcher at Herb Chambers Mercedes-Benz of Boston.
“I’ve been interested in cars since I was a little kid," says Adam. “I always wanted to know what kind of car people drove. I knew what cars all my relatives had, what my friends’ parents drove, every minivan we rented on vacation.” For Adam, being at the Mercedes-Benz dealership every day and being paid to study and share his passion is a dream job. “I like getting to check out the cars, describe them, tell people what they need to know about each car.”
Our faculty and staff provide lifelong support.
At Threshold, we're committed to the work that we do. We're passionate about supporting our students and alumni at every step on their way to independence. And with an extensive network of internship providers and employers, we're ready to help students pursue their career goals.
Michelle Goldberg
Michelle loves that she gets to plan Threshold activities. It’s her favorite part of her job. Sometimes she plans brunch followed by afternoon shopping in Harvard Square. And this past fall she took Threshold students apple picking. “It's wonderful to see students out of the residence halls connecting and socializing with their peers," says Michelle.
Dr. Bill Mitchell
For Dr. Bill Mitchell, Threshold is a place of transformation. For over 35 years, he’s seen students become confident, independent young adults. He knows scores of students who have graduated from the program and gone on to lead exceptional lives. And with such a strong Alumni Center, he gets to keep up with the growing number of graduates who come back year after year.
Breaking news and making history
Threshold student races in Head of the Charles
Threshold Program
of Threshold alumni are living independently from their families.
- 617.349.8181 or 857.360.5039
- THAdmissions@lesley.edu or cbrady5@lesley.edu
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- Mailing address
29 Everett Street
Cambridge, MA 02138-2790