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Each year, we select Innovation Career Pathways educators and leaders for the role of peer technical assistance ambassadors. This is an opportunity for peers within the ICP Community of Practice to more formally share what they have learned about designing and implementing pathway programs. Ambassadors are teaching in or leading designated Innovation Career Pathway program(s) and poised to talk about his/her/their experiences.
Ambassadors are committed to:
- Serving as a peer point of contact to prospective Innovation Pathways applicants;
- Meeting regularly with the DESE and CCE Innovation Career Pathways team;
- Co-leading Innovation Career Pathways Professional Learning Community meetings; and
- Presenting and/or participating in a formal capacity at Innovation Career Pathways technical assistance events (webinar, workshop or program spotlight)
Ambassadors receive a stipend in appreciation for their contributions.
In addition to the peer ambassadors, you can view our FAQ page or library of resources to help answer your questions and find supportive tools.
We acknowledge the generosity of members who share their work with the wider community in the form of links to resources, templates for documents, advice, and sometimes site visits. If you benefit from this generosity, please remember to credit the provider on any related work you produce, and remember to say thanks! If you are asking for someone’s time, on the phone or for a site visit, please keep the convenience and needs of the host as your top priority. These small but significant moves will help us preserve our positive, student-focused, and equity-centered culture even as the Innovation Career Pathways initiative expands to encompass more schools and students.
Meet the 2024-2025 Peer Ambassadors
Tania Baez (she/her)
Work Based Learning Manager
Dearborn STEM Academy
Email
MassHire Region: Boston
I specialize in creating pathways for student success through my roles as Work Based Learning Manager at Dearborn STEM Academy and Post-Secondary Success Coach at Chelsea High School. My work involves managing internships, fostering industry connections, and guiding at-risk youth towards successful careers. With my passion for student development, I’m dedicated to bridging the gap between education and professional growth.
Designated Pathways:
- Advanced Manufacturing
- Healthcare and Social Assistance
Contact me about:
- Internships
- Workforce Development
Meredith Erickson (she/her)
Assistant Superintendent of Teaching and Learning
Carver Middle High School
Email
IP Website
MassHire Region: South Shore
Growing up on a horse farm in New England, I appreciate the impact that real-world, interdisciplinary education can have on student engagement and post-secondary planning. I have worked with teachers, both as an assistant superintendent and principal before that, to co-construct shifts toward learner-centered, engaging lessons that empower students. Working closely with MassHire and our lead-industry partners has added an important dimension to our work and allowed us to better understand how we can work collectively to prepare students for their futures.
Designated Pathways:
- Advanced Manufacturing
- Clean Energy
- Environmental and Life Sciences
Contact me about:
- Develop a culture of innovation
- Part A and B application
- Cultivating business/industry partnerships
- Leading cultural change towards innovative pedagogical practices/social systems
Annie Le
Pathways & Work-Based Learning Director
Excel High School
Email
IP Website
MassHire Region: Boston
Annie Le is the Pathways and Work-Based Learning Director at Excel High School. She loves working with people and is inspired by what the Boston community offers. Annie started her professional career in Boston Public Schools as a math teacher. In addition to serving the community through BPS, Annie serves as a board member of the Boston Little Saigon Cultural District, as she is passionate about preserving and promoting Vietnamese culture. She is extremely dedicated to helping people navigate the city and about working with youth to support their learning and growth.
Designated Pathways:
- Business and Finance
- Information
Contact me about:
- Whole school approaches to pathway design
- Pathway grant opportunities
- Relationships with community partners
Lindsay McGinnis (she/her)
Science Teacher
Hoosac Valley High School
Email
IP Website
MassHire Region: Berkshire
For the past twenty years, I have been pursuing a lifelong passion in environmental studies and education, with particular ecological focus on forested and riparian ecosystems. Dedicated to enthusiastic and dynamic learning as a means of creating and nurturing a love of the natural world for myself and others, I have developed environmental programming for the past six years at Hoosac Valley High School where I currently teach. Course development includes Outdoor Leadership, Conservation and Stewardship, Food System Science, Outdoor Adventure Skills (field course), and Environmental Sustainability (dual enrollment). A classroom teacher for over twelve years, in 2024 I was nominated by Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts and named one of nine educators to receive the Massachusetts State Universities Educator Alumni Award. I continue to teach high school science at Hoosac Valley High School as a science teacher incorporating environmental education and opportunities as often as possible.
Designated Pathways:
- Environmental and Life Sciences
- Healthcare and Social Assistance
Contact me about:
- Environmental and Life Science Pathway
David Moura
Dean of Students/Internship Coordinator
Uxbridge High School
Email
IP Website
MassHire Region: Central Massachusetts
David Moura is the Dean of Students and Internship Coordinator at Uxbridge High School, where he oversees 75 senior interns and manages the career pathways program. With three decades of experience in education, Mr. Moura has primarily served as a Social Studies teacher at both middle and high school levels. His dedication to shaping young minds extends beyond the classroom, as he has been a football coach for 33 years, working with both college and high school athletes. Mr Moura has also coached Ice Hockey and Spring Track. This dual role as an educator and coach has allowed Mr. Moura to foster academic excellence and personal growth in countless students. His extensive experience and leadership skills make him an invaluable asset to Uxbridge High School, where he continues to guide and inspire the next generation of learners and leaders, preparing them for successful futures in their chosen career paths.
Designated Pathways:
- Advanced Manufacturing
- Business and Finance
- Healthcare and Social Assistance
- Information
Contact me about:
- Internships
Marlene Sabeh (she/her)
College and Career Coordinator
Fairhaven High School
Email
IP Website
MassHire Region: Greater New Bedford
I started my career in education as the Lead Coordinator of the Massachusetts GEAR UP Program in New Bedford. For 22 years, GEAR UP has given me the privilege to partake in outstanding training programs and exceptional professional development opportunities. I was fortunate to expand my knowledge and understanding of the different available education pathways, whether traditional or innovative. I was also able to forge strong partnerships with local workforce boards, other community-based organizations, and several higher education institutions—I am so grateful for that. Three years ago, I assumed my new role as the College and Career Coordinator for Fairhaven Public Schools. Though the demographics changed, my passion and drive did not! Fairhaven’s motto is “All kids; All the time” and it directly speaks to my beliefs, values, and work strategies. I am incredibly blessed to be helping all students be future-ready! What an honor! What a privilege!
Designated Pathways:
- Business and Finance
Contact me about:
- Grant writing and program design
- Family and community engagement
- Student recruitment
Latasha Sheffield (she/her)
Teacher
Athol High School
Email
IP Website
MassHire Region: Franklin Hampshire
I am in my twelfth year in education and second year as a computer science and engineering teacher at Athol High School. I am passionate about project-based learning that not only engages students, but also prepares them for various career paths and higher education opportunities after high school. I have leveraged my previous career as an engineer in the defense and intelligence industries to provide practical, industry-relevant insights into the classroom. I am also committed to ensuring that all students have equitable access to quality computer science and cybersecurity education. Athol High School has earned the advanced manufacturing pathway designation, and we are in the process of applying for the information technology pathway designation. I am an Ambassador for the Society for Science this year, and I am active in the Computer Science Teachers Association. I am honored to have been chosen as an ICP Ambassador, and I am looking forward to helping others expand their school’s offerings and reach more students!
Designated Pathways:
- Advanced Manufacturing
Contact me about:
- Computer science and engineering
Christine Wu (she/her)
Community Outreach Coordinator
Frontier Regional High School
Email
MassHire Region: Franklin Hampshire
Christine is serving her third year with the ICP program. Working to connect local businesses with the program, she has developed a number of student-centered internships, in-depth/immersive field trips, annual career events and a school speakers bureau. A native of Western, MA, Christine brings 30 years’ experience in job development and training. She has worked with State and private vocational agencies, the Massachusetts Small Business Development Center and has served as a consultant, offering staff trainings on job development, job coaching and the development of marketing materials. Her career has given her an appreciation for the value of work people’s lives. “Work gives us a sense of purpose, a sense of identity. For students, work helps connect classroom learning to the real world, helps define their vocational goals and gives them a sense of appreciation for their field of interest.” Christine holds an MS in Vocational Rehabilitation Counseling from Assumption College in Worcester, MA. In her spare time, she enjoys hiking, dance, gardening and creative writing.
Designated Pathways:
- Advanced Manufacturing
- Healthcare and Social Assistance
Contact me about:
- Developing relationship with business community
- Career event planning
Past Innovation Career Pathways Peer Ambassadors