Meet the Advisors

Christina is assistant vice president of graduate Advising Support Services in education, where she is also advisor for the Special Education and Collaborative Internship programs.

She earned a BA in American Studies from the University of New England and a Master's degree in Higher Education Administration from Suffolk University. She joined Lesley in 2007 after serving in a professional advisor capacity at other local universities. A presenter at the National Academic Advising Association (NACADA) regional conferences, Christina’s research interests include topics such as student engagement and empowerment and organizational behavior. She is the co-founder and current co-chair of the Lesley Professional Academic Advisor Committee, a university committee connected to best practices in academic advising at both the graduate and undergraduate levels.

Susan Fisher has over 40 years’ experience as a visual artist and arts educator. An accomplished ceramic sculptor, photographer, and calligrapher, she is actively involved in art making, and exhibits regularly. She finds that staying involved in the creative process is vital to her work as an arts educator.

At Lesley, Susan serves as an adjunct faculty and faculty academic advisor in graduate arts in education programs, and teaches courses in visual art, art education, and strategies for integrating the arts with students of all abilities. She is also adjunct faculty at Worcester State University, where she teaches courses in studio art and art education. 

Susan weaves theory and practice into all of her integrative arts courses. She has been the recipient of multiple Massachusetts Cultural Council STARS grants to fund an Artist in Residency program at Columbus Park School in Worcester, MA, which links literacy with the art making process for all learners. She has a strong background in working with students of all abilities in inclusive settings.

She worked as an artist in residence, trainer, author and coordinator for VSA arts Massachusetts. In her career as an arts educator, she has worked to make the arts accessible for students of all ages and abilities. She has spent many years in schools across Massachusetts as an artist educator and as a consultant and professional development trainer to support artists, teachers, parents, and administrators learn about the power of the arts in education and the possibilities that arts integration offers for all students to experience success. Susan is a contributing author to Integrating the Arts Across Content Areas.

Education: BA, Clark University (Studio Art), M.Ed. from Clark University (Art Education)

Lisa Lombardi is the Associate Director of Advising and Student Services for the Mindfulness Studies Programs, the Global Interdisciplinary Studies Programs, and the MFA in Creative Writing. She holds a Master of Education in Creative Arts and Learning and a Master of Science Degree in Counseling Psychology. Lisa is a qualified MBSR Teacher who completed her teacher training in Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction at the University of Massachusetts Medical Center, Center for Mindfulness. Lisa’s research interests include adult learning, assessment, graduate student advising, and Mindfulness meditation.

As Associate Director for Academic Advising and Student Services in the Coordinated Student Success department, Maude provides academic advisement to Graduate School of Education elementary, ESL and bilingual, and reading specialist students. She serves as liaison between students and university support offices, including the Registrar, Financial Aid, and Student Accounts. In collaboration with the department chair, program directors, and faculty, Maude supports student retention through tracking of academic enrollment, academic progress, and timely completion of program requirements.

Prior to joining Lesley University, Maude worked at Northeastern University in Boston, MA, in the areas of academic advising and administrative services for over 20 years within different schools/departments including the President’s Office, the School of Law, and the Graduate School of Business Administration. Maude’s passion for seeing others succeed extends to her volunteer work with high school students in youth ministry at her local church, encouraging social, spiritual, and academic development through coordination and delivery of presentations and workshops during the school year, and at annual retreat and conferences during summer vacation. She serves on her church Scholarship committee responsible for reviewing high school graduates application for financial award and annual recognition for academic success and pursuit of higher education.

Maude is a member of the National Academic Advising Association (NACADA).

Education:  Northeastern University, Boston MA; BA, Sociology/Anthropology; M.Ed., Higher Education Administration with concentration in College Student Development and Counseling  

Honors and Awards:

• Northeastern University: Sigma Epsilon Rho Honor Society
• Northeastern University:  Phi Beta Delta, Honor Society for International Students
• Tabernacle Congregation: Mother of the Year Award (2015)

Presentations

• March 2016: “An Advising Team Greater than the Sum of Its Parts”  A presentation by Lesley University Academic Advising Team at NACADA East Region Conference. March 2016, Maine MA.
• 2000-2018: “Preparing for College” Annual presentation to high school students and parents on the importance of maintaining academic progress through senior year, understanding the admissions process, financial aid award, and the different ways to save for college. Tabernacle Congregation, Youth Ministry.  September 2000-present, Boston, MA.
• 2013-2018: “Strategies for Surviving First Year of College” Annual presentation to first year college students on tips for maintaining academic success, physical, social and spiritual health on college campuses. Tabernacle Congregation, Young Adult Ministry. January 2013-2017, Boston, MA.
• 2011: “Teamwork in Rebuilding the Wall” A presentation encouraging teamwork among women while facing challenges for building, restoring, and fulfilling family, fellowship, ministerial and professional responsibilities. Tabernacle Congregation, Women Ministry conference. September 2011, Boston, MA.

Sabina has been affiliated with Lesley since 2003. She previously served as the assistant director of National Programs and the assistant director of Online Recruitment and Admissions. She holds a BA in English and an M.Ed. in Technology in Education. Sabina is a member of the National Academic Advising Association (NACADA). 

Diane Ronchetti Cooper is an associate director for academic advising and student services in the Graduate School of Education, where she is advisor for the middle school, high school, individually designed, instructional technology, and digital literacy and computer science programs.

She is a long-standing member of the Lesley community. She earned her BA from Emmanuel College; attended the George Washington University Law School; and received graduate degrees from Suffolk and Lesley University in both Business and Educational Administration. She is an active member of the American Association of University Women, the National Academic Advising Association (NACADA), and various local school and community organizations.