Class Notes
Discover How Your Fellow Classmates Are Spending Their Time
Kathy Hickey G’74 was honored by the Medway School Committee as a 2025 Memorial Plaque recipient for her decades of service as a special education teacher and substitute. A Medway native, Kathy earned her master’s from Framingham State and taught in the district for 28 years. She was recognized for her deep care for students and lasting impact on the community.
Dr. Michael Pregot G’75 recently published his latest book, Slavery and Abolitionism on Cape Cod: A Massachusetts Incongruity, with Sunbury Press. The book explores the complex and often contradictory history of slavery and the abolitionist movement in a region known for its progressive ideals.
Rear Admiral (Ret.) Robert Wright ’78 has retired after serving as Reserve Deputy Commander and Chief of Staff at U.S. Fleet Forces Command in the U.S. Navy. A Naval Aviator and Information Warfare Officer, he served in multiple squadrons and key leadership roles. He led major initiatives at U.S. Space Command, Naval Network Warfare and Fleet Forces Command. His efforts helped shape the Navy’s global Maritime Operations Centers.
Craig Leo Blais ’89, president and CEO of Worcester Business Development Corp., was named to the Power 100: Worcester Business Journal’s Most Influential Professionals in Central Massachusetts for 2025.
Billie Gillman ’89 authored a gardening companion book to support pollinators, Friendly Yards and Landscapes: Embracing Nature’s Winged Wonders – A Celebration of Bees, Butterflies and Hummingbirds.
Elise Strom ’89 has been promoted to chief development officer at Aldersbridge Communities, a nonprofit elder care organization based in East Providence, RI, which provides affordable independent living, assisted living and memory care communities for older adults throughout Rhode Island and Massachusetts.
Elise Strom ’89
Dana Neshe ’90, chair, president and CEO of Middlesex Savings Bank, was named to the Power 100: Worcester Business Journal’s Most Influential Professionals in Central Massachusetts for 2025.
When James “Jimmy” Schindler ’91 reconnected with his classmates, they were inspired by the grace and humor with which he faced a cancer diagnosis. Jimmy made fast friends everywhere he went—including Fenway Park, where he proudly served beer behind home plate for more than four decades. A proud father, husband and friend to all, Jimmy lived with heart and grit. His Framingham family will never forget him.
Alicia Hyndman G’95, an assemblywoman representing South Queens in the New York State Assembly, recently provided the keynote address at the 2025 SUNY College of Optometry Commencement Ceremony. Alicia currently serves as chair of the Standing Committee on Higher Education. Her legislative and professional career reflects decades of advocacy for public education, community development and racial justice.
Jessica Beattie ’00 has been named the director of student services at Hopkinton Public Schools. She was previously the director of student services at Holliston Public Schools.
Janet Stevens ’01 was a featured artist exhibited by the Society of Bluffton Artists in the spring of 2025. The exhibit was a celebration of the natural world, and her work invites viewers to appreciate the quiet moments of wonder found in everyday surroundings.
Stephen Wolff ’02 has joined ERA Key’s Framingham office as a realtor. He previously served as an account manager and customer success manager for Rave Mobile Safety.
Gina Saia ’03 has worked in the hospitality industry for over 20 years, holding leadership roles in both hotels and restaurants. Most recently, she has taken on a new venture with Legal Sea Foods, leading the company’s off-site catering operations across all locations.
Brad Petrishen ’07, an investigative and court reporter at the Worcester Telegram & Gazette, was named to the Power 100: Worcester Business Journal’s Most Influential Professionals in Central Massachusetts for 2025.
Newlyweds Erin Heitkamp ’16 and Joshua Louissaint ’15.
Jesse Tudela G’07, EdD, RRT, is the new chair of the Northern Marianas College Board of Regents. Jesse, chief operations officer for ancillary and support services at the Commonwealth Healthcare Corporation, has served as a regent since 2018.
Alysha Gebo ’15 and their husband, both graduates of Framingham State’s Coordinated Program in Nutrition and Dietetics, now own and operate a nutrition practice specializing in the treatment of eating disorders.
Erin Heitkamp ’16 and Joshua Louissaint ’15 were married last August. The couple first met in 2013 as friends while living in North Hall and reconnected in 2020. They share fond memories of their time at Framingham State and are excited to begin this next chapter together.
Emily Cromwell ’16 married Christopher Mulvey ’16 in June 2025. “We started off as good friends and eventually that blossomed into our first date in 2013, and the rest is history!” Emily says. “We met in one of our Art History classes and sat next to each other, and here we are 11 years later still going strong! We [got] married this June and are proud cat parents of our fur baby, Toby.” Emily is also the owner of Emily Cromwell Designs, a colorful shop for book lovers—follow her on Instagram @emilycromwelldesigns.
Newlyweds Emily Cromwell ’16 and Christopher Mulvey ’16.
Sarah Cowdell ’16 and Matt Banks ’18 are now colleagues at Lynn English High School, and Sarah was recently Matt’s secret Morale Pal. They proudly represent Ram Pride in their school community.
Reading Cooperative Bank announced Brendan Lauretti ’18 as its new assistant controller. Brendan was previously at East Cambridge Savings Bank.
Michelle MacLean, G’18, a seventh-grade special educator in Sudbury, MA, recently published her debut graphic novel Abilities. The inspiration for the book came from her students with disabilities, who often expressed frustration with their school experience. A talented cartoonist with dyslexia, Michelle drew on her own experiences in a sub-separate special education classroom to shape the book’s central character, Daniella, a reflection of her own middle school years. With Abilities, Michelle hopes to help children with learning differences better understand themselves and find the strength to navigate the challenges of school.
Gabriela Betances ’19 is leading a new $5 million Youth Hub initiative in Lawrence, funded by the Atrius Health Equity Foundation. The project, based in the North Canal Historic Mill District, focuses on youth-led mental health and wellness programs. Gabriela and Lawrence Community Works will assist local partners to empower youth as health advocates and community changemakers.
Lethycia Romeiro '23 is excited to share that she has been accepted to UMass Chan Medical School.
Mariano Cuartas ’24 recently joined Meketa Investment Group. He is also a founding member of the Wait and Hope Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to exploring the intersection of education and technology. The foundation’s mission is to empower individuals and communities through meaningful learning experiences and collaborative opportunities.
Sarah Cowdell ’16 and Matt Banks ’18 repping FSU at Lynn English High.
