Woman wearing jeans and leather jacket standing in front of art exhibit

Professional Networks

Get connected. Be inspired.

At Lesley, we’re committed to building networks that provide alumni and professionals in the field with vibrant communities for learning, collaboration, and mentorship, and for connecting with the world-class employers that partner with Lesley.

Lesley’s Communities of Practice and Alumni Cohorts are how we’re delivering on that commitment. Communities of Practice are small, interest-driven groups organized by professional area, providing members with access to workshops, networking events, mentorship and support, and a range of interdisciplinary projects. They are a chance for experts in specialized fields to collaborate, exchange ideas, and support each other both personally and professionally.

Additionally, our alumni cohorts grow in response to the needs and interests of our alumni. Alumni cohorts are an ideal way for graduates of Lesley to stay connected to their community, and provide a unique space and opportunity to grow, thrive, and belong.

students sitting at a table together smiling

Explore how we are creating and fostering opportunities and connection across our different focus areas.

Education

Professional Networks

Community of Practice: New Teacher Community

The New Teacher Community is a dynamic network designed for educators starting their first school experience, supported by experienced Lesley faculty who guide them through the challenges and triumphs of early teaching. Open to teachers across all grade levels, this community features small, focused groups led by veteran educators to help develop practical strategies and build peer support. Throughout the year, engaging workshops and training sessions on relevant topics provide new teachers with valuable tools, confidence, and a strong professional network that they can connect with from day one and carry through their entire careers.

Facilitators
Andi Edson, Harrier Deane, Marcia Broomfield
The Lesley New Teacher Community (NTC) is a dynamic network designed for early career educators and facilitated by three experienced Lesley faculty members Andi Edson, Director and Marcia Bromfield and Harriet Deane, Founding Directors and supported by a grant by Meditech. The NTC provides professional development, a support group, social media, and resources and grants for teachers at the beginning of their careers. Open to teachers across all grade levels, this community features focused professional development and a monthly support group led by veteran educators to help develop practical strategies and build peer support. Throughout the year, engaging workshops on relevant topics provide new teachers with valuable tools, confidence, and a strong professional network that they can connect with from day one and carry through their entire careers.

Sign me up

Community of Practice for Experienced Educators: Exploring the Impact of Trauma & Cultivating a Sense of Belonging for All

Join fellow Lesley University education graduates with 5+ years of experience in our dynamic professional learning community. Meeting virtually four times a year for 2-hour sessions, this network provides experienced K-12 educators with opportunities to share best practices, explore trauma and belonging for both staff and students, discuss aspects of special education, work-life balance, and develop leadership skills. Connect with peers facing similar challenges while contributing your expertise to collective problem-solving efforts around systemic change and innovative strategies for building effective school communities. Whether you're a veteran classroom teacher, department chair, instructional coach, or administrator, this community supports your continued growth and professional evolution. Educator, practitioner, and scholar Theresa Melito-Conners will lead this community of practice.

Facilitator
Theresa Melito-Conners, '19, PhD Educational Leadership
Dr. Theresa Melito-Conners, a graduate of Lesley University, is a special education administrator in Melrose and the founder of Dr. MC’s Self-Care Cabaret (2019), a platform offering workshops, a podcast, and educational curricula. She holds a doctorate in educational leadership, is a licensed K–12 counselor, and earned both a master’s of education in school counseling and a B.A. in theater studies. In 2022, she was honored with Lesley’s Sally K. Lenhardt Professional Leadership Award. A recognized MA DESE PDP provider, her writing has been featured in ASCD’s Educational Leadership Magazine, Edutopia, Exceptional Parent, NAA, and School Administrator’s Magazine. She also fosters a growing online community @DrMCselfcare. Blending education, wellness, and the arts, her work champions sustainable self-care for educators, professionals, and students alike.

Dates and times
2 meetings in the fall and 2 meetings in the spring remotely:

1st session: November 20th – 6:00 - 8:00 pm EST
2nd session: December 11th -- 6:00 - 8:00 pm EST
3rd session: February 26th – 6:00 - 8:00 pm EST
4th session: April 30th – 6:00 - 8:00 pm EST

Communities of Practice cost $75 for Lesley alumni and $100 for non-alumni participants per year.

Sign me up

Mental Health & Well-Being

Professional Networks

Community of Practice: New Mental Health Practitioner Community

Designed for recent Lesley graduates launching careers in counseling, clinical psychology, expressive therapies, and related fields, this community offers support, insight, and inspiration in the early stages of professional practice. Participants connect with experienced mentors in small groups to discuss challenges, share strategies, and build their confidence. Workshops on topics like patient engagement, self-care, creating space for growth, connection, and lasting professional relationships are offered throughout the year.

Sign me up

Community of Practice: Professional Network & Business Development Hub

This comprehensive community of practice creates a dynamic, supportive ecosystem where mental health professionals can navigate career transitions, pursue business development opportunities, and accelerate their professional growth through meaningful connections and collaborative learning. Members benefit from structured networking opportunities that foster authentic relationships, expert guidance from seasoned practitioners and business leaders, and peer mentorship that provides real-world insights and accountability.

The community serves as a strategic resource, offering ongoing support for practitioners whether they're launching private practices, transitioning between clinical settings, developing specialized services, or seeking to expand their professional influence. Through regular interactions, shared resources, and collective wisdom, this hub empowers mental health professionals to build thriving careers while maintaining the collaborative spirit essential to effective practice and professional fulfillment. Jon Cunha, licensed mental health counselor, co-owner of the youth mental fitness company Riser + Tread, and co-author of The Coaching Zone: Next Level Leadership will lead this community of practice.

Facilitator
Jon Cunha, '13 MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling: School and Community Counseling Specialization
Jon Cunha, LMHC, is a recognized leader in male mental health domain with 15+ years of experience. As Founder of Riser+Tread, LLC, he has built innovative programs that empower young men through therapy, coaching, and group experiences designed to strengthen resilience and performance. Beyond private practice, Jon focuses his attention on supporting the communities in which he serves through mentoring the next generation of clinicians, volunteering time to underserved populations, and teaching at local universities such as Boston University. His mission grounding mission is to break down the stigma of men seeking mental health support, provide trusted guidance, and create spaces where young men can step up, move forward.

Dates and times
Remote synchronous: 2 meetings in the fall and 2 meetings in the spring

1st session: December 1st – 12:00 - 2:00 pm EST
2nd session: February 2nd – 12:00 - 2:00 pm EST
3rd session: TBD
4th session: April 6th – 12:00 - 2:00 pm EST

Communities of Practice cost $75 for Lesley alumni and $100 for non-alumni participants per year.

Sign me up

Art & Design

Professional Networks

Alumni Cohort: Alumni Artist Studio

The Alumni Artist Studio gives graduates of Lesley’s Art & Design programs a vibrant space to continue creating and collaborating. Alumni in digital animation, illustration, photography, and film can reserve equipment and studio space in order to develop their projects, while also reconnecting with the Lesley campus and community.

Sign me up

Community of Practice: Studio Futures: Tech & Tactics for Contemporary Practice

This innovative remote seminar series creates a vibrant community of practice that unites alumni across studio arts, design, illustration, animation, game development, and film to collectively explore how emerging technologies are transforming creative industries and artistic expression.

Members engage in dynamic discussions about AI workflows, hybrid creative practices, cutting-edge portfolio platforms, and collaborative tool sharing while building meaningful professional connections across diverse creative disciplines.

The community serves as both a learning laboratory and strategic network, offering ongoing support for practitioners navigating the rapidly evolving landscape of contemporary creative work. Through regular virtual gatherings, shared resources, and cross-disciplinary collaboration, this hub empowers creative professionals to embrace technological innovation while sustaining fulfilling, economically viable careers that honor both artistic vision and market realities in today's digital-first creative economy. Artist Hanah Cincotta will lead this Community of Practice.

Facilitator
Hanah Cincotta, '22, BFA, Animation
Hanah Cincotta is an award-winning 2D animator and artist whose work has been shown at many international film festivals and exhibits, most notably her award-winning short film, O’o: The Last Voice of Kauai. Since graduating from Lesley University in 2022 with a BFA in Animation, Hanah has lent her diverse skill set in 2D animation and artistry to clients, including independent artists, video production companies, non-profits, museums, and biotechnology companies. With a deep fascination and enthusiasm for 2D animated storytelling and the natural world, Hanah hopes to both entertain and educate her audience through her work.

Dates and times
Remote synchronous: 2 meetings in the fall and 2 meetings in the spring

1st session: December 13th – 1:30 - 3:30 pm EST
2nd session: February 21st – 1:30 - 3:30 pm EST
3rd session: TBD
4th session: April 18th – 1:30 - 3:30 pm EST

Communities of Practice cost $75 for Lesley alumni and $100 for non-alumni participants per year.

Sign me up

Liberal Arts & Business

Professional Networks

Community of Practice: Professional Self-Promotion

This focused community of practice brings together professionals from diverse fields to master the art of authentic self-promotion and strategic career positioning in today's competitive marketplace. Members engage in practical webinar sessions that cover essential skills including LinkedIn optimization for maximum professional visibility, effective project development and presentation techniques, and crafting compelling elevator pitches tailored to various professional contexts and audiences.

The community serves as both a skill-building workshop and supportive network, providing ongoing opportunities for practice, feedback, and refinement of personal branding strategies. Through collaborative learning, peer review, and expert guidance, participants develop confidence and competence in showcasing their unique value proposition, building meaningful professional relationships, and advancing their careers through strategic, authentic self-promotion that aligns with their professional goals and personal values. Coming soon.

Facilitator
Maria Laws, ‘16, M.Ed. Integrated Teaching in the Arts
Maria Laws, M.Ed. Integrated Teaching through the Arts, is a learning and development executive, author, and advocate for ethical innovation. A graduate of one of Lesley’s national master’s cohorts in Sacramento, she has led curriculum and workforce initiatives at UC Berkeley, Stanford, and now Ahura AI, where she is Vice President of Learning & Development. She supports emerging leaders through programs including A4AI (Alliance for Affordable Internet) and All Tech is Human, and serves on the board of Art for Oakland Kids to expand access to arts education. Maria is also the author of AI Empowered: A Practical Guide for Teachers, Learners, and Parents in the Age of AI.

Sign me up

Threshold

Graduates of Lesley’s Threshold Programs can stay connected through our dedicated alumni center. They can also tap into our Lifelong Support Program, which provides a range of services and resources for both Threshold alumni and other neurodiverse adults.

Community of Practice: Threshold Programs Supporting Success at Work

This peer-to-peer support community is designed to connect Threshold Programs alumni who are currently employed and graduated before 2020. This COP offers a supportive environment for shared experiences, leadership growth, and professional networking.

Over four sessions held weekly at the Sherrill Library or the Threshold Alumni Center, participants will explore key topics such as setting healthy boundaries at work, navigating difficult conversations with colleagues, coping with stress and burnout, and reflecting on “Things I wish I knew.” Each session includes introductions, group discussions, real-life examples, and practical takeaways, fostering both personal growth and a stronger professional community. A survey link will be shared to gather feedback and shape future connections. Through collaboration and shared insights, PeerLink aims to empower alumni to thrive professionally and build meaningful, lasting relationships in the workplace.

Facilitator
Pamela Weiss, ‘87 Threshold Program, Early Childhood Education
Pamela Weiss graduated from Lesley University’s Threshold Program in 1987 and went on to become the first Threshold alum to return to school, earning her associate degree from Wheelock College. She built a 30-year career as a lead daycare teacher, working with children ages 2 to 5 and shaping the early learning experiences of countless families. Pamela now lives in Cambridge with her husband and their 20-year-old daughter, where she continues to be proud of her Threshold roots and the path she’s paved for future alumni.

Dates and times

1st session: November 13
2nd session: November 20
3rd session: December 4

Communities of Practice cost $75 for Lesley alumni and $100 for non-alumni participants per year.

Sign me up

The Threshold Alumni Center

The Alumni Center is a valued resource for graduates of Lesley’s Threshold Programs. It provides an exciting array of activities for alumni and their families, ranging from social outings to restaurants, performances, and sporting events. The Alumni Center also leads travel opportunities within the United States and abroad, opening doors to new adventures and lifelong memories.

Threshold Lifelong Support Program

Our Lifelong Support Program is designed to help neurodiverse adults build essential career and life skills that foster independence and personal growth. Led by seasoned Threshold staff, the program pairs highly trained Lesley graduate students with participants to reach predetermined goals in career achievement or independent living. The program is designed to support neurodiverse employees who are seeking to obtain jobs or move up in their careers. This is often done in part by placing them in an internship on the Lesley campus or with a Lesley Scholar Partner Organization, each of which has been personally trained by Lesley to successfully employ a neurodiverse workforce. It is also meant to support neurodiverse individuals seeking to improve of adjust to changes in their living and/or social arrangements.

Sign me up