Alumni Stories | Lesley University

A group of women in traditional outfits in Nigeria

Faith Adiele ’96

Saying ‘yes’ takes writer Faith Adiele on unforeseen journeys

A work from Ransome's "Lynched Boxes" series

Art & Design

Ransome ’21

An artist finds a creative community and a new path

Camp Erin Boston staffers with Jennifer Wiles

Jennifer Wiles ’86

Dance therapist Jennifer Wiles '86 works to expand the language of grief

A black and white photo of the Lesley University Class of 1961.

Celebrating a 60th Lesley reunion

Classmates who met in the fall of 1957 enjoy a lifetime of Lesley memories

Sophie Lyons ’21

Sophie Lyons uses her studies in Holistic Psychology and Mindfulness to help her yoga students find growth and healing

“I love creating a sense of community, joy, and high expectations—and getting kids somewhere they maybe didn’t think they could go.”

Sydney Chaffee ’07, 2017 National Teacher of the Year

Faith Ninivaggi ’21, Art & Design

Photojournalist documents the pandemic experience of teens

MFA in Photography and Integrated Media alumna Faith Ninivaggi documents history through her lens

Andy Mellen ’17

As an adaptive learning center teacher, Andy goes above and beyond to ensure students with diverse learning needs can succeed in a general education setting.

Greg Maraio ’03

Greg's experience in Lesley student productions launched his career as a professional actor.

Craig Martin ’07

A leadership philosophy based on feedback, affirmation, and joy has made a meaningful impact at this Principal of the Year’s South Boston elementary school.

middle school counselor listens to a student in her office

Leona Watson ’14

As a school counselor, Leona empowers Dorchester, Massachusetts middle schoolers to advocate for themselves.

holistic psychology alum carolyn kaufman at machu picchu

Carolyn Kaufman ’11

From the depths of chronic illness, psychology alum Carolyn embraces a holistic approach to helping others.

Jesse Sparks receives his diploma from President Jeff Weiss

Jesse Sparks ’17

Jesse Sparks '17 worked tirelessly to achieve his dreams, inspiring kids along the way.

Rose Piscuskas ’21

At Lesley, Rose Piscuskas found a path to pursue her interest in medicine and emotional wellbeing.

Asiya Shaikh ’21

Future teacher Asiya Shaikh advocates for the humanities as a vital means of teaching children critical thinking skills