2023 Recipients

Monique Goring Shealy is a passionate speech-language pathologist and the founder of a private practice dedicated to myofunctional therapy—an emerging field crucial for treating conditions like tongue ties, yet rarely covered in traditional graduate programs. Inspired by her son’s journey with oral restrictions, Monique has become a trusted resource for families and healthcare providers in her community. To elevate her practice and provide the highest quality care, Monique is seeking advanced training through the Simon Says professional program. This specialized education will empower her to better serve infants with myofunctional disorders, a critical need in her area. However, as a part-time clinical educator and new business owner, Monique faces financial challenges that limit her ability to afford this training. With the support of the alumni professional development fund, Monique aims to expand her expertise, grow her practice, and share her knowledge with future speech-language pathologists—ultimately making a lasting impact on her community and the field at large.

Sarah Kroeger (Heath Howe) is dedicated to expanding her impact as a mental health professional by becoming a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC). Currently certified to provide counseling services within school settings, Sarah has witnessed the significant emotional and social struggles students face, especially in the wake of the pandemic. While her role in the Chicago Public School system allowed her to offer immediate support and create daily plans for students in crisis, it restricted her ability to provide the in-depth, long-term counseling that many students desperately need. With the LPC certification, Sarah aims to transition into a mental health setting where she can more effectively address the root causes of the emotional challenges she encountered among students. This advanced training will not only refine her counseling skills but also allow her to bring valuable insights back to school settings, ultimately benefiting the students she is passionate about helping. Due to recent relocations for her husband’s State Department job, Sarah is currently out of work and unable to renew her contract with Chicago Public Schools. As traditional educator funding often excludes certifications like LPC, which are geared toward clinical settings, financial assistance from the alumni professional development fund would be crucial in helping her achieve this career milestone and continue her vital work in mental health.

Ellen Park is an aspiring clinical psychologist with a passion for providing culturally relevant care and developing scalable psychosocial resources for underserved communities, particularly those coping with chronic illnesses like cancer. As she prepares to apply to doctoral programs in clinical psychology this Fall 2023, Ellen is focusing on refining her application, gaining research experience, and networking within the field. A crucial step in her journey is attending the Society of Behavioral Medicine’s Annual Meeting, where she plans to present her work, engage with scholars, and explore ongoing research. Ellen has already made significant strides in her field, including presenting her research at last year’s SBM Annual Meeting and contributing to the Cancer Special Interest Group (SIG) as an active member. Her role as a Clinical Research Coordinator at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center further deepens her commitment to psychosocial oncology and geriatric mental health. While Ellen has secured partial funding for the conference, she seeks additional support from the Tufts Alumni Professional Development Fund to cover the remaining costs of lodging and meals. Attending this conference is not just about advancing her professional goals—it represents the culmination of her dedication to the field of behavioral medicine and the strong foundation she built during her time at Tufts.

Jacqueline Amelia Quander has built an impressive career in political organizing, working on campaigns at every level, from presidential races to congressional and gubernatorial contests. While her work has made significant strides for Black women in political spaces, Jacqueline has realized that her true calling lies in community advocacy as a public defender. She believes that the most impactful change begins at the start of a community’s interaction with law enforcement and local institutions, long before election day. Her journey began with a political science degree, leading to an internship with the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee. However, Jacqueline found that the policy work she did there had limited direct impact on the communities she sought to serve. This realization pushed her toward grassroots advocacy, where she managed large swaths of swing states and campuses, eventually organizing the largest participation of BIPOC students in a presidential caucus in over a decade. Her work has consistently focused on uplifting disenfranchised voters and bridging the gap between communities and the political processes that shape their lives. Now, Jacqueline is preparing to take the GRE and apply to law schools with strong Public Defender clinics and Public Interest Programs, such as WUSTL Law, UFL Law, GWU Law, and Howard U Law. She seeks support from the Tufts Alumni Professional Development Fund to cover the expenses associated with this next step in her journey. Despite some fee waivers from her AmeriCorps service, Jacqueline requires additional financial assistance to fully realize her goal of transitioning from political organizing to a career dedicated to defending and advocating for underserved communities.

As an artist dedicated to exploring the intersections of life and death in the natural world, Heidi Hogden is passionate about incorporating new techniques into her practice. With a strong foundation in drawing and painting, Heidi aims to broaden her artistic repertoire by mastering lithography—a medium that will enable her to translate her intricate, realistic drawings into prints and make her work more accessible. Heidi’s commitment to continuous learning is evident from her previous experiences with printmaking and her recent foray into sculptural art. Her goal is to use the skills gained from the Tamarind Institute Workshop not only to enhance her own practice but also to teach and inspire future artists. This workshop represents a unique opportunity for Heidi to grow her artistic abilities and adapt to evolving trends in academia. Given recent challenges, including financial constraints and health concerns, Heidi is seeking support to attend the Tamarind Institute. This opportunity will allow her to develop her skills while maintaining a safe and accommodating environment. Support for Heidi will help her pivot her career and become a more competitive candidate for university teaching positions.

Amy Chu is set to transform her career trajectory by diving into filmmaking through a Media Production course. With a background in Sociology and Studio Art from Tufts, and experience in writing comics and short stories, Amy brings a unique storytelling perspective. Despite her creative skills and self-taught filmmaking efforts, she seeks formal training to build a professional portfolio and gain industry vocabulary. Amy’s journey has included roles such as a Documentary Fact-Checking Intern and outreach at the Boston International Kids Film Festival, which deepened her connection to the film industry and youth arts. These experiences, combined with her current role at Mass Cultural Council, have ignited her passion for filmmaking. While she has explored screenwriting and produced a short film, Amy recognizes the need for a comprehensive skill set to confidently engage in production projects. The Media Production course at Emerson will equip her with essential technical knowledge and help her build a strong portfolio. Amy values the support from Tufts, which she sees as vital for her career transition. With limited funding options for digital media courses and challenges in accessing film-specific scholarships, she appreciates the opportunity to grow through Tufts’ Professional Development fund. This support will enable her to pursue her filmmaking ambitions and contribute to a vibrant creative community.

Jessie Lan is dedicated to enhancing her role as a learning specialist at a charter school, where she focuses on supporting students with disabilities. Her current position involves teaching multiple support classes and co-teaching 12th-grade English. Jessie is passionate about building strong relationships with her students and is committed to further developing her expertise in this field. To continue making a meaningful impact, Jessie is pursuing licensure in teaching students with moderate disabilities and needs to pass three MTEL exams. Achieving full licensure will enable her to work in public schools, offering greater financial stability and access to structured salary increases and pension plans. Jessie’s commitment to education is rooted in her undergraduate experiences in American Studies, Ethnic Studies, and Education, where she learned about the disparities in the public education system. Inspired by her professor Jean Wu and her peers, Jessie is driven to support and nurture students, aiming to bring transformative education to underserved communities. With her current employer covering only part of the exam costs, Jessie seeks support to cover the remaining expenses. Her goal is to gain licensure and continue making a significant impact in the classroom. Jessie also hopes to use her experience to provide valuable career insights to others in the education field, reflecting her belief in the importance of nurturing and commitment to education.

Abigail Beech seeks to enhance her research career by presenting at an upcoming psychology conference. This opportunity will allow her to connect with leading researchers like Dr. Kristen Lindquist and showcase her work from the Translational Emotion and Memory (TEAM) Lab at Tufts. Presenting at this conference is vital for Abigail as she prepares to apply to highly competitive clinical psychology PhD programs. It will demonstrate her commitment to research and support her goal of becoming a dual researcher-clinical psychologist. As a 2020 Tufts graduate, Abigail has faced challenges due to COVID-19, limiting her in-person presentation opportunities. Her extensive background in psychology research, from Tufts to Yale, has prepared her for this step. Traditional funding sources are limited for non-student trainees, making the TUAA Professional Development Fund crucial for her career advancement.

Claire Stauffer, a PA specializing in bariatric surgery, seeks to expand her expertise in obesity medicine to enhance care for veterans. Currently running a GLP-1 clinic and leading innovations in obesity treatments, Claire aims to transition into primary care and women’s health at the VA. This course will provide her with essential knowledge in obesity medicine, crucial for addressing the growing need for specialized care in Boston’s VA system. A Tufts graduate with an MPH and PA degree, Claire’s experience includes volunteering with childhood obesity interventions and conducting research on lifestyle medicine. Her goal is to integrate her expertise into primary care, addressing the current gap in obesity medicine specialists at the Boston VA. The Tufts Alumni Development fund would enable Claire to afford this training course, which is vital for her career development amidst financial constraints. This support will help her increase access to obesity care for veterans and further her commitment to whole-health-based care and research.

Samuel E. Schieren is a novelist and writing instructor who has recently been awarded a significant residency by Writing by Writers. This opportunity represents a major step forward in his writing career, providing him with two weeks of uninterrupted time to advance his novel-in-progress. The residency also offers a chance to connect with fellow writers, including the director of the University of Alaska’s MFA program, and to find inspiration in a new environment. A Tufts graduate with a background in English and Psychology, Samuel has built his career through various roles, including teaching and writing in both New York and Vermont. His novel, which explores themes related to Huntington’s disease, reflects his academic and professional experiences. Despite having applied for other funding and grants, Samuel finds himself in need of additional financial support to make the most of this residency. The Tufts Professional Development Fund would provide essential support during this pivotal moment in his career, helping him to fully leverage this opportunity and further his writing endeavors.

Katherine M. Rizzolo, a nephrology research fellow focused on health disparities in kidney care for Latinx communities, seeks funding to attend the NKF 2023 Spring Meeting. This conference is crucial for her professional development and for establishing valuable connections in the field of kidney health equity research. Due to COVID-19, opportunities for networking and learning have been limited, making this conference an essential step for her career. The NKF conference will allow Katherine to present her research on kidney transplantation access for undocumented immigrants, engage in abstract sessions, and gain insights from peers and mentors. Her long-term goal is to become an independent physician investigator working to reduce kidney health disparities through mixed-method research. Despite having attended a previous conference and facing limited funding options, Katherine is committed to leveraging this opportunity to further her research and advocacy efforts. The Tufts Professional Development Fund would be instrumental in supporting her attendance and advancing her contributions to the field.

Jaclyn Gaboriau, a Drama major from Tufts (2000), seeks funding to enhance her acting and motivational speaking skills. She aims to take classes with The She-Collective to improve her auditioning techniques and character development for TV and theatre. These classes will boost her confidence, expand her network, and increase her chances of securing acting roles and meeting influential industry professionals. Additionally, Jaclyn plans to attend the Mic Drop workshop to refine her storytelling and public speaking skills. She intends to use motivational speaking as a supplemental income while auditioning, and eventually as a primary career path. Her experience includes a certificate from the Atlantic Acting School, various scene study classes, and a recent Off-Broadway debut. Currently employed as an Executive Assistant at a luxury retail company, Jaclyn’s acting classes and conservatory program have been self-funded, as her employer’s reimbursement does not cover acting-related courses. The Tufts Professional Development Fund would provide essential support for her career advancement in both acting and motivational speaking.

Jennifer M. Albertini, a small business owner and former public health professional, is seeking support for advanced training in professional organizing. The COVID-19 pandemic significantly impacted her income, and rising costs have made it difficult to invest in her professional development. However, Jennifer recognizes the importance of continuing education for her growth and the future of her business. Jennifer’s transition from public health to professional organizing began in 2016 when she became one of Marie Kondo’s first certified consultants. Since then, she has expanded her skills with additional certifications in workplace mindfulness and behavioral change. Her upcoming book, releasing in early 2024, emphasizes the connection between decluttering and personal well-being, highlighting the impact of organized spaces on health and mindfulness. Despite her achievements and recognition in the field, Jennifer lacks access to employer-funded professional development resources. She is eager to take advanced courses through the National Association of Productivity and Organizing Professionals (NAPO) to enhance her expertise and better serve her clients. The Tufts University Alumni Association’s support would be invaluable, helping her invest in her future and continue contributing to her field with renewed skills and knowledge.

Lior Appel-Kraut, currently working in a Labor Union as a researcher and organizer, is transitioning to a career in nursing. With a background in American Studies from Tufts, Lior has honed skills in empathy and multitasking, which have fueled his decision to pursue a more care-driven role. To successfully shift careers, Lior needs to complete several prerequisite classes, a process that is financially burdensome while working full-time. The funding would enable him to take multiple classes each semester and reduce his workload to part-time, accelerating his path to nursing school. After graduating from Tufts, Lior worked as a Personal Care Attendant, which initially sparked his interest in nursing. He has since completed Anatomy and Physiology I with an A, begun volunteering in various health settings, and is enrolled in additional prerequisite classes. However, funding for these prerequisite courses is scarce. The support from Tufts would alleviate financial stress and allow Lior to focus on his studies and volunteer work, ultimately preparing him to enter an Accelerated Nursing Program and make a significant impact in the healthcare field.

Catherine Cummings, a PhD student at Auburn University, is researching Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) from both biological and social science perspectives. Her dissertation focuses on the human dimensions of CWD and analyzing state wildlife agency management plans. Attending the upcoming symposium is crucial for her professional development, as it will allow her to present her innovative research, engage with experts, and build valuable relationships with potential employers and mentors in her field. Catherine’s academic background includes a Master’s degree from Tufts University’s Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine, which prepared her well for her current research. She has actively participated in deer research, fieldwork, and volunteer efforts related to CWD, underscoring her commitment to the field. Funding from the Tufts Alumni Professional Development Fund would enable her to attend the symposium, as her current PhD funding does not cover conference expenses. Without this support, Catherine might be unable to attend, limiting her networking opportunities and professional growth. She appreciates the consideration for this funding to help advance her career in CWD research.

Rabiya Ismail is a dedicated professional with a clear vision of advancing to law school and eventually earning a dual JD/MSW degree. Growing up as a first-generation, low-income student and currently working full-time at a public defender’s office, Rabiya has demonstrated a strong commitment to legal advocacy and social equity. Her role in family defense law has solidified her desire to become an attorney and help her family achieve financial stability. Despite her dedication and experience, Rabiya faces financial challenges in affording LSAT preparation classes. Funding from the Tufts Alumni Professional Development Fund would enable her to access the Test Masters program, which is crucial for her success on the LSAT and her goal of attending prestigious law schools like NYU or UCLA. Her current situation involves living paycheck to paycheck, making it difficult to invest in expensive test preparation. Rabiya’s extensive background in legal aid and her current work in family defense underscores her commitment to justice and her potential as a future attorney. She appreciates the opportunity to apply for support from Tufts, recognizing the university’s historical support for its alumni’s professional development.

Alex Ocampo, a first-generation Latinx entrepreneur, is developing a health wearable that combines style with functionality. With a background in AI from IBM Watson and a personal connection to wearable tech, Alex aims to address the gap between data tracking and elegant design. A membership to the Angeles Investment Network would connect him with investors and industry experts, crucial for advancing his startup and showcasing it at major events like CES. Support from Tufts would accelerate his business and enable him to continue contributing to the university community. Facing the challenges of bootstrapping a startup, Alex is investing every dollar into his business. With no employer support and a limited personal network for funding, Tufts’ support would be pivotal in helping him reach his goals and build a successful company that reflects both his passion and heritage.

Caleb Chen, whose startup StellarEmploy faced a setback due to COVID-19, is now focusing on advancing his career in product management. After a year of unemployment and self-reflection, Caleb secured a product manager role aligned with his career goals and societal impact aspirations. He seeks support for the Reforge program, a highly regarded training platform that offers personalized, high-value education in product management. This program is crucial for Caleb to excel in his current role and prepare for future executive positions. Having been admitted to the Reforge cohort starting March 20th, 2023, Caleb finds the Tufts Professional Development Fund an ideal match for his career development. With limited financial resources after a year of unemployment and insufficient support from his employer, Tufts’ assistance would significantly aid his professional growth and align with his commitment to creating impactful products.

Nia Hamilton, a dedicated researcher in intercultural communication, seeks funding to attend her first ACTFL conference. Despite being a member of ACTFL for two years and contributing research through her work at Tufts and Harvard, she has been unable to afford conference registration fees. Attending the ACTFL conference would provide invaluable networking opportunities with experienced professionals in her field and help her stay connected with the latest advancements. Nia’s background includes presenting her research at international forums, training teachers, and founding the student organization Throughline. Her current role as a research assistant at Project Zero’s Out of Eden Learn reflects her ongoing commitment to intercultural communication. With limited funding options available at Harvard and through ACTFL for her research, this support from Tufts would significantly enhance her professional development and enable her to contribute further to the field.

Sandeep Singh Gujral seeks funding to attend a symposium that will deepen his understanding of the healthcare needs of native Californians, a group often underserved and mistrustful of urban healthcare systems. This event will help him gather practical insights from native elders and stakeholders, aiding in the development of culturally tailored healthcare practices and policies. His goal is to bridge gaps between healthcare providers, policymakers, and these underserved communities. Sandeep’s background in occupational therapy from Tufts and his work with disabled individuals in native communities have fueled his passion for empowering the disabled through assistive technology and effective training. By attending this symposium, he aims to enhance his ability to advocate for and improve the quality of life for native Californians. Despite limited funding options from his company and local organizations, Sandeep remains committed to his mission. He believes that Tufts, known for its philanthropic spirit, can support his efforts to make a meaningful impact on these communities.