MASCA 2024 Governing Board Election
Thank you for participating in the 2024 MASCA Governing Board election. This year, we have three candidates running for three open governing board seats. Each open seat is for a three-year term, running July 1, 2024 - June 30, 2027. Please review the candidates’ information and vote for the THREE (3) candidates of your choice. Voting will be open from 8 am on Wednesday, March 15 through noon on Tuesday, April 9.
Note: Per our bylaws, only professional and retired members may vote in this election.
Membership must be active and voters must be logged in to vote.
(You may log in now by clicking on the blue icon on the upper right of this page.)
Note: the above voting link will only be functional between March 15 and April 9, 2024.
Meet the Candidates (listed in alphabetical order):
CYNTHIA ESIELIONIS
Biography
I earned my Master's of Education in School Counseling from Northeastern University. I have worked as a school counselor for about 30 years at all levels including several years as a building or district level coordinator of the counseling program. During my career, I have supervised many interns and worked in several districts. I am currently a school counselor at Ayer Shirley Regional Middle School serving students in grades 6-8. I am in my 3rd year as a MASCA Governing Board member, second year as the MA Model Committee co-chair and was a co-chair of the MA Model 3.0 writing committee. I have been a mentor in MASCA's mentoring program, a member of the Ad-Hoc committee on school counselor shortage, a faculty member of the School Counselor Summer Camps, presented at the New Counselor Boot Camp and will be-presenting with others at one of the pre-conference session at the upcoming Annual Conference. Other professional affiliations include NEACAC, ASCA, ACA, PDK and a member of the BHHL advisory board.
What will you champion for as a MASCA Board Member:
As a MASCA board member I will continue to champion the promotion and preservation of the role of the school counselor as well as working toward the goal of ensuring all students have access to a school counselor. Further, I continue to encourage increasing the prevalence of developmental school counseling programs across the personal/social, academic/technical and workplace readiness domains in all schools and for all students. The collaborative relationship between school counselors, school social workers/adjustment counselors and administrators (as well as other stakeholders) is critical to programmatic and student success across the domains. Through advocating for appropriate staffing, educating stakeholders and demonstrating effectiveness with the use of data I can contribute to the promotion and preservation of the school counselor. As a board member, my efforts on behalf of the profession and the students of Massachusetts will reach a broader audience and I can champion our collective causes for the benefit of all students.
Lori Ford
Biography
My name is Lori DiCarlo Ford, I am a School Adjustment Counselor/School Counselor at MLK Jr. Charter School of Excellence in Springfield. I am passionate about supporting and advocating for resources that may help students on their journey towards success. I strive to have positive relationships with students and their caretakers, the school community, and external resources and develop awareness so they understand the supportive role of a School Counselor. This has improved communication and allows my colleagues to help identify when my services and interventions might be needed. One of my goals is to bring the same opportunities to the scholars in my district that others have in theirs. I connect students and their caretakers to services and help them overcome boundaries and stigma to receive treatment. I bring my fearless energy to work each and every day with passion and purpose. I plan to continue to bring that energy to the MASCA board. I just completed my first term as a MASCA governing board member and look forward to continuing to advocate for our role with a new term.
What will you champion for as a MASCA Board Member:
I have had the pleasure of serving on the MASCA board for the last 3 years. I have been the nominations and bylaws committee chair and have been part of many of the SIG’s. Being a part of the board and serving on various committees has been an honor. I align with the vision and values that MASCA represents. Advocacy at all levels is not only a passion of mine, but a necessity for the success of students, families and other educators. I bring my passion, persistence and desire for advocacy, inclusion, equity and diversity to the board. The best ideas come from people collaborating together from diverse environments. I want to be an impactful part of our evolving field. I appreciate you supporting me to continue advocating for you and all of our students.
Ali Robidoux
Biography
Ali Robidoux is a School Adjustment Counselor at Apponequet Regional High School, with dual licensure as a school counselor. She is passionate about helping students succeed academically, socially, and emotionally. Ali is an active leader for the Massachusetts School Counselor Association, serving as the Professional Development Committee Chair, a member of the Ethics Committee, and started off as an Emerging Leader for MASCA, back in 2021. Ali is also shadowing as Conference Chair-elect for MASCA. In her role as Conference Chair-elect, Ali is responsible for planning and organizing the annual MASCA conference, and will continue this role as conference chair as of July 1. Last summer, Ali was part of the Inaugural MASCA Summer Camp, leading and presenting as a camp counselor and presenter, held at Endicott College. Ali is a dedicated and passionate school counselor who is committed to making a positive impact on the lives of students and professionals alike.
What will you champion for as a MASCA Board Member:
As a dedicated school counselor and active member of MASCA, I am passionate about advocating for both students and school counselors. If elected to the board, I will champion the following:
1. Amplifying Student Voices:
● Advocate for initiatives across the Commonwealth that address student mental health concerns, social-emotional learning, and college and career readiness.
● Encourage counselors to incorporate student perspectives into program planning and decision-making.
2. Empowering School Counselors:
● Provide professional development opportunities that align with counselors' needs and interests, focusing on areas like trauma-informed practices, cultural competency, and data-driven decision-making.
● Promote counselor leadership within schools and districts, encouraging collaboration with administrators and other stakeholders.
3. Strengthening MASCA:
● Leverage my experience as Professional Development Chair and Conference Chair-elect to contribute to impactful conferences and professional development opportunities.
● Collaborate with the board to develop and implement a strategic plan that reflects the evolving needs of school counselors and students.
● Increase membership engagement by fostering a sense of community and shared purpose among school counselors across the state.
By championing these initiatives, I believe we can create a better future for both students and school counselors in Massachusetts. I am confident that my experience, skills, and passion will make me a valuable asset to the MASCA board.