Connecting, Growing, and

Inspiring Community Leaders

Meet the Class Monday – Linda Wollschlager

Linda Wollschlager is a Member of the Natick Select Board, which she was elected to in 2024. Previously, she was the chair of the Natick Finance Committee from 2000-2024, as well as a longtime Natick Town Meeting Member and serial volunteer. Professionally, Linda is the Vice President for Operations and Co-Founder of WebReply, a high-tech marketing company based in Natick. She holds an MBA in Finance and International Business from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business. Linda is married with two adult sons and a 2-year-old Swiss Shepherd, Luna.

Interested in joining next year’s Leadership Academy? The application link is in our bio!

Meet the Class Monday - Stephan Lockney

Stephan Lockney is a 30-year YMCA camping professional working in both the residential and day camp fields with a master’s in Community Social Psychology. He developed an inclusive day camp model in the 90s that was recognized and funded by the state of Massachusetts. Stephan furthered that work coming out of COVID by getting a National YMCA grant to build all-gender housing at Camp Frank A. Day in East Brookfield, MA. He is an American Camp Association board member, L.E.A.D.-certified in “Summer Camp Mental Health,” and a trainer for TQAMP’s “LGBTQIA2s+ Inclusion at Summer Camp” program. Stephan loves leading camp programming because he believes it is one of the best social emotional learning centers for children and young adults.

Interested in joining next year’s Leadership Academy? The application link is in our bio!

Meet the Class Monday – Crystal Dixon

Born in Houston, TX, Crystal Dixon earned a B.S. in Electrical Engineering from MIT and an M.S. in Education Administration from Boston College. She currently serves as Associate Director of Corporate and Foundation Relations at The Salvation Army’s Massachusetts headquarters and as Board Chair of @hospitalitycommon, a nonprofit supporting immigrant and refugee families in MetroWest. A passionate educator, Crystal and her husband led Parkside Christian/Cross Factor Academy for 11 years, growing it from 50 to nearly 200 students and earning recognition as one of Massachusetts’ Top 100 Schools by Johns Hopkins Center for Talented Youth. She has served in executive leadership roles at Emmanuel Gospel Center (EGC), where she focused on fundraising, strategic planning, program development, and strengthening nonprofit capacity. She now continues her commitment as a member of EGC’s Board of Directors. Music is another lifelong passion. Crystal has directed choirs, performed internationally as a flautist, and continues her commitment to young people as director of the Brooks School Gospel Choir in North Andover, where she lives with her husband and their six sons, ages 14 to 26. An ordained minister and worship leader at Life Church Boston, Crystal strives to balance faith, family, and service with dedication and humility.

Interested in joining next year’s Leadership Academy? The application link is in our bio!

Meet the Class Monday – Andrea Sarvela

Andrea Sarvela is the Operations Manager at Access Framingham TV. She joined the organization in October 2023 and brings a diverse skill set to the team, with expertise in office administration, marketing, and project coordination. Andrea is passionate about possibilities, versatile in approach, and shaped by rich experiences. Despite having recently relocated from Framingham to her hometown of Littleton, Andrea is excited to continue contributing to the vibrant Framingham community by empowering residents and organizations to share their stories through media. Andrea is a graduate of the University of Massachusetts Lowell.

Interested in joining next year’s Leadership Academy? The application link is in our bio!

We are excited to launch our first Encore programming for 2025!

Please join us on Thursday, February 6th, from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. for a tour of MCI Framingham, followed by a Networking Lunch with Panel Discussion at Keefe Tech East Side Room.

This informative day includes:
** A facilitated tour of MCI Framingham. Arrival at 9:30 a.m. for security processing, tour 10 am to 12 Noon with Leadership MetroWest Alumi host, Susan Nicholl (2005).
** Lunch & Networking at Keefe Tech East Side Room
** Panel Discussion on New Approaches to Policing, Jail Diversion, and Reentry—and How They Affect our Communities with MetroWest Public Safety Experts Noon to 2 p.m.

Panelists: Framingham Deputy Police Chief Sean Riley (2025), 1854 Cycling Company Founder Brandale Randolph. Director, Jail Diversion Program for Advocates, Opal Stone. Ashland Police Chief Cara Rossi. (2013)

The tour space is limited to the first 14 who register.
Encore Event price: $75
If the tour is full, please join us for the Lunch Panel Discussion for a donation of $35—capacity 60.

Grab this URL to register: https://bit.ly/EncoreMCI

Meet the Class Monday – Ben Trapanick

As Executive Director of Family Engagement at Framingham State University (FSU), Ben works to empower families with the tools and information they need to support their students’ success. By building connections with family members and sharing updates on deadlines, events, and key processes, Ben ensures families can effectively support students through their collegiate journey, from enrollment to graduation. Prior to this role, Ben focused on helping first-year students adjust to FSU by developing and coordinating programs like the first-year seminar and new student orientation, while also leading student leadership teams. Ben is actively involved in the family engagement community, serving in the Mentor Program and as co-chair of the Equity, Belonging, and Inclusion Council for the Association of Higher Education Parent/Family Program Professionals (AHEPPP). Ben is committed to building strong support networks for students and families, fostering an environment that promotes success both in and out of the classroom. Outside of work, Ben coaches basketball in his Hyde Park community.

Interested in joining next year’s Leadership Academy? The application link is in our bio!

Meet the Class Monday – Jessalyn Villafane Dutra

Jessalyn Villafane Dutra is the Program Manager for Hoops & Homework, where she is responsible for overseeing daily youth program operations. Previously, she served as the Residential Services Manager at the Pelham Lifelong Learning Center. Jessalyn is the proud mother of three smart, athletic boys and an Army wife, and she enjoys balancing family life with her passion for creating positive change. She is committed to empowering, encouraging, and mentoring others to realize their full potential, and her passion for equality and inclusion drives her to ensure that everyone has the opportunity to succeed, regardless of their background or circumstances. Jessalyn grew up in Framingham and graduated from Framingham State University with a BA in Sociology.

Interested in joining next year’s Leadership Academy? The application link is in our bio!

Meet the Class Monday – Sarah Fleming

Sarah Fleming has worked as the Harm Reduction Program Manager at Program RISE, @justice_resource_institute since July 2023 and has worked in human services in MetroWest since 2015. Prior to working at Program RISE, Sarah served as a program manager at the South Middlesex Opportunity Council for several years and as a clinician in outpatient addiction treatment. Sarah is a dedicated advocate for the rights of unhoused individuals and those who use substances. She is a proud member of the harm reduction community and she is especially passionate about serving the downtown Framingham area. Born and raised in Framingham, Sarah attended Framingham State University where she received her Bachelors degree in English Education and her Masters degree in Education. Outside of work, Sarah enjoys spending time with her son, husband, and two pugs.

Interested in joining next year’s Leadership Academy? The application link is in our bio!

Meet the Class Monday – Keith Rovinelli

Keith Rovinelli is a firefighter and community leader who has dedicated his career to serving others and fostering positive change. His unique blend of experience in public safety and organizational development allows him to bridge the gap between theory and practice, creating a more compassionate and effective community. A wellness and culture advocate for his department, he partners with fire administration and local politicians as a local union leader, to promote the well-being of firefighters and advocate for their rights. Keith is a founding board member of the Warrior Within Yoga Project. A lifelong learner, Keith is constantly seeking new experiences and knowledge. Whether it’s through connecting with people, enjoying a good book, or whipping up a delicious meal, he finds joy in exploring the world around him. As an avid hiker and paddleboarder, he finds solace and energy in nature, often joined by his dog, Sofie. Yoga rounds out his life, offering both physical and mental balance.

We hope you can join us on Monday for a special 90-minute program on Navigating Difficult Conversations!

Details:
FREE registration here: https://bit.ly/LMWNavigate
Monday, 12/16
12 p.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Zoom

Let us know you can make it!