Meet the Staff
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Therese Ajtum-Roberts
Center Coordinator
Therese Ajtum-Roberts has devoted most of her career to creating inclusive, equitable, and engaging learning environments. For nearly twenty years, she has supported educators' use of technology, backwards design, and UDL principles to create a responsive, equitable, and inclusive curriculum for all learners. Therese's research interests focus on faculty and in-service teachers' professional development, teaching with technology, and how teachers create responsive, equitable, and inclusive learning environments. Therese is currently serving on the Board of the New England Educational Research Organization as Conference Director and Technology in Education Strand Director.
Sihli Patrick
Intern at the Chris Walsh Center
My name is Sohli Patrick. I am a first year student at Framingham State University. I grew up in Framingham, MA. I am Puerto Rican, Cuban and African American. I speak Spanish at home with my mom, and English with my dad. I was a member of Stage Door Dance and performed on stage with the Framingham High School Drama Company for many years prior to attending FSU. Presently, I am an intern at the Chris Walsh Center and the YMCA. I am taking " The Business of Fashion”. My dream is to become a pre-school teacher after I graduate from Framingham State University.
Vladyslav Moisei
Pre-engineering Spring 2029
Vlad Moisei is a student at Framingham State University, majoring in Pre-Engineering, with an expected graduation in Spring 2029. Originally from Ukraine, he came to the United States due to Russian aggression and is pursuing his dream of becoming an electrical or software engineer. He is passionate about innovation, technology, and problem-solving, and aspires to work for leading companies such as Google, Apple, or Microsoft. Vlad is dedicated to developing his technical skills, creating innovative solutions, and contributing to projects that make a positive impact
James Cressy
Education Department Chair
Dr. Cressey is an Associate Professor and Chair of the Education Department at Framingham State University. He was the center's first coordinator in 2020-21. His scholarship and teaching are focused on inclusion and equity through evidence-based inclusive practices such as universal design for learning, social-emotional learning, culturally responsive practices, positive behavioral interventions and supports, and multi-tiered systems of support. Before coming to FSU, Dr. Cressey worked directly with children and families for several years as a licensed special educator and nationally certified school psychologist at Wediko Children’s Services and in the Boston Public Schools. He lives in Framingham with his husband and daughter and enjoys spending time with his family and friends, singing and playing musical instruments, cooking, and knitting.
James Cressey
Faculty Liason
Dr. Cressey is an Associate Professor and Chair of the Education Department at Framingham State University. He was the center's first coordinator in 2020-21. His scholarship and teaching are focused on inclusion and equity through evidence-based inclusive practices such as universal design for learning, social-emotional learning, culturally responsive practices, positive behavioral interventions and supports, and multi-tiered systems of support. Before coming to FSU, Dr. Cressey worked directly with children and families for several years as a licensed special educator and nationally certified school psychologist at Wediko Children’s Services and in the Boston Public Schools. He lives in Framingham with his husband and daughter and enjoys spending time with his family and friends, singing and playing musical instruments, cooking, and knitting.
Therese Ajtum-Roberts
Center Coordinator
Therese Ajtum-Roberts has devoted most of her career to creating inclusive, equitable, and engaging learning environments. For nearly twenty years, she has supported educators' use of technology, backwards design, and UDL principles to create a responsive, equitable, and inclusive curriculum for all learners. Therese's research interests focus on faculty and in-service teachers' professional development, teaching with technology, and how teachers create responsive, equitable, and inclusive learning environments. Therese is currently serving on the Board of the New England Educational Research Organization as Conference Director and Technology in Education Strand Director.