InHER Circle March Speaker Series Panelist Bios
Barbara Kirklauskas '60 InHER Circle Speaker Series
Lab Coats & Leadership: NDA Women Empowering Science & Technology
Tuesday, March 26, 2024 | 6:30 PM
Cuvilly Auditorium | Notre Dame Academy
Margaret Emmons ’71, Moderator
Christie joined Fallon Health in 2011 and currently leads its government relations department. In this role, her focus on strategic public policies and government relations opportunities to support and promote Fallon Health’s business objectives and mission. Prior to joining Fallon, Christie spent 8 years in the Worcester County District Attorney’s Office as an Assistant District Attorney. Other previous positions Christie has held include legislative assistant for Congressman James P. McGovern and legislative aide for State Representative Robert Spellane.
Christie is a graduate of American University and received her Juris Doctor from Suffolk University Law School. She is a member of the Massachusetts Bar Association. In 2007, Christie was a recipient of the Massachusetts District Attorney Association’s Spotlight Award, and in 2014, she was honored with Worcester Business Journal’s 40 Under Forty award. Christie has served on the YWCA’s Board of Directors for over ten years and is currently its Board President.
She also sits on the Boards of the New England Council and the Massachusetts Association of Health Plans. Christie lives in Shrewsbury, MA with her husband, Paul Belsito and their daughter, Isabelle.
Jessica Snow ’11, Panelist
With over nine years of experience in talent acquisition, Jessica is passionate about finding and attracting the best talent for life science companies. Jessica has a strong background in full life cycle recruitment, DE&I recruitment strategies, talent management, best interview practices, behavioral based interviewing, and culture development. Jessica is currently a Talent Acquisition Strategy & Search Consultant, supporting three life science companies in the Greater Boston Area.
In her previous role as an Associate Director, Talent Business Partner at Albireo Pharma, she was responsible for leading and executing the talent strategy for the company, which was acquired by Ipsen in March 2023. She managed the recruitment process for all functions, including scientific, clinical, commercial, and corporate roles. She also partnered with senior leaders and HR to develop and implement talent management initiatives, such as succession planning, employee training, performance management, and employee engagement. Additionally, she leveraged my expertise in cloud computing to support Valo, an early-stage technology company that uses cloud computing and human data to create novel drug discovery and development processes. She helped Valo build a diverse and talented team of scientists, engineers, and business professionals, using the latest tools and techniques to source, screen, and hire candidates.
Dr. Kara Mancini Morton ’97, Panelist
After 17 years at the Shady Hill School, Cambridge, MA, as a math and science teacher, Kara (Mancini) Morton '97 made the move to higher education on a full-time basis in 2022. Dr. Morton was recently appointed to Assistant Professor (tenure-track) at Salem State University in the McKeown School of Education. She works with both undergraduate and graduate students in math, science and pedagogical coursework, supervises graduate students in their job placements, and serves on a variety of committees from DE&I to STEM initiatives. Dr. Morton is a graduate of American University (B.S. Finance), Lesley University (M.Ed, Elementary Education) and Northeastern University (Ed.D in Educational Leadership). Among University-wide committee appointments, she also sits on a variety of task forces seeking equity and inclusion in elementary classrooms, is a consultant for DESE on numerous curriculum and pilot studies related to teacher preparation, and is a fierce advocate for children’s rights and safety through partnerships with HRE (Human Rights in Educatoon).
Dr. Morton and her husband, Dr. Matthew Morton, have two children, Henry (10) and William (6) who happily attend the Catholic elementary school in their hometown of Lynnfield.
Micaela Lavoie ’16, Panelist
Micaela Lavoie is a 2016 Notre Dame Academy graduate. During her time at NDA, Micaela was a true “STEM enthusiast” in every sense of the word - ultimately inspired to enter the PA profession her junior year while enrolled in Mrs. Ducharme’s Anatomy and Physiology class. Time not spent in the library was spent in Cuvilly auditorium with the legendary Mrs. Byrne, sharing their passion for the arts. Micaela was accepted to Springfield College PA program as a high school senior, a 6 year program in its entirety. She received a Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences/Physician Assistant Studies in 2020, and graduated with her Masters degree in Physician Assistant Studies in 2022. Micaela accepted her first job as a PA in the Division of Emergency Medicine at Connecticut Children’s Hospital in Hartford, CT, where she continues to practice. Outside of her formal work in the emergency room, Micaela is a member of the Advanced Practicing Provider Council at Connecticut Children’s, an advocacy group of providers who work to advance the PA and APRN profession within the institution. She is also a member of the Springfield College Physician Assistant Advisory Committee and works as a guest lecturer, teaching multiple topics to PA students at her Alma Mater. Micaela credits her years at Notre Dame Academy for fostering her curiosity for learning and passion for helping others.
Elizabeth Nompleggi ’21, Panelist
After graduating from NDA, Danielle attended Assumption College where she received a degree in Human Services. She then began working as a Fundraising and Events Manager at Why Me/Sherry’s House, a local non-profit organization that provides support services to families who have a child with cancer.
Still at Why Me, Danielle now serves as the organization’s Director of Family Services. In this position her responsibilities include meeting with families upon their child‘s diagnosis, coordinating support services and hospital outreach, and facilitating various support groups for families.
Over the years Danielle has served as a Love in Action supervisor for many NDA students. Additionally, she has come back to campus several times to share the important role Love in Action and Notre Dame Academy has played in her career.
Danielle received an NDA Young Alumna Award in 2012. Worcester Magazine named her a Hometown Hero for her work at Why Me and in 2016 she was a recipient of the Worcester Rotary Club's Service Above Self Award. Danielle and her husband, Michael, have three young children William, Clara, and Lucy.