Guest Speakers

As part of GAP's continued efforts to connect with the community, colleges, adult agencies, and meet other post-secondary objectives, we have committed ourselves to bringing experts into the classroom. Through talks with local experts, we are able to connect the curriculum to real-life experiences, work placement, and specific fields of interest. Some speakers who have come to GAP include:

• Michelle Sherman- Advisor, Boston University- Michelle came to the GAP class to discuss what it takes to get into a supportive, engaging college or university. She discussed how BU (and many other colleges) assesses applicants, provides on-campus supports and study skills support, and student expectations. Michelle also talked about the various programs that BU offers, how to make one's educational resume stand out, and how to prepare for college life.

• Melissa Flag- Branch Manager for Rockland Federal Credit Union, Plymouth- Melissa has joined the GAP class twice to help our students early in the school year. She brings a wealth of information about budgeting, types of bank accounts, understanding interest types, and how to manage money. This is one of the foundational skills of our Fundamentals of Math & Personal Finance class, and GAP is very grateful to have a local, knowledgeable resource in Melissa.

• Jason Mastrogiacomo- Society of Actuaries- Jason has spoken with both our GAP students as well as PAC's senior classes about investments, retirement, stock market volatility and projects, and other useful tips for investing and saving money. He brings a more long-term approach to money management, which helps GAP students recognize the need for proper banking and higher-level budgeting skills.

• Senator Vinny deMacedo- State Senate for Plymouth & Barnstable Districts- Senator deMacedo came to the GAP class to speak about local government, how the youth can become involved, the types of bills that become laws, and other details relating to GAP's local community. The Senator offered great explanations and details and gave the GAP students some fantastic ideas about how to get involved.

• Kenneth An, Director of the United States Equal Employment Opportunity Commission Boston Area Office- Kenneth came to GAP to discuss how & when students should disclose their disabilities to employers; what accommodations they can realistically expect in a place of employment; and to explain some of the differences in laws to protect individuals with disabilities. Our students gained some first-hand knowledge not only in their protections as individuals with disabilities, but in precedence and previous cases that the EEOC took on in order to ensure an inclusive and supported place of employment.

• Victoria  Delph who is an Executive Chef at Not Your Average Joe's. 

• Patricia Delph who spoke about her experience navigating the road to professional success becoming an engineer as a deaf person.

• Sgt. Matthew Russel from the National Guard

• Moriah Bassett who is restaurant General Manager as well as a talented artist who spoke about how to use networking to be successful.

• Christine Fassas, a landlord of apartments in Boston and Medford. She gave GAP students advice and information about leases, costs and responsibilities of renters and landlords.

• GAP students were lucky enough to have one of the voice actors from "Bob's Burgers" give a presentation about following your dreams and what it takes to be a voice actor! 

• Erik Neilson prints several local newspapers. He visited the GAP classroom to demonstrate how he uses computer technology to create hard-copy issues.

• DDS-Maureen King and Rebecca Morrissey, Department of Developmental Disabilities, Southeast Learning and Development provided GAP students with a four-part Health and Wellness workshop.  

• Other speakers are scheduled on an as-needed basis, based on students' circumstances. These speakers are typically local agency caseworkers, such as representatives from the Department of Developmental Services, the Department of Mental Health, and/or the Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission. Still other speakers include in-house experts who work for the Pilgrim Area Collaborative, such as Heather Nevilus, a mindfulness expert and owner of Calming Circles Mindfulness & Wellness Education. 

• Feel free to visit GAP's Meet the Staff page to learn more about the staff and consultants.