Cardinal Kudos

Founders & Futurists

Discover our healthcare visionaries and imagine the possibilities ahead as MCPHS celebrates its Bicentennial.

Accolades for MCPHS Community members who are making a difference.

Cardinal Kudos

For 200 years and counting, people are what make MCPHS a special place to learn. This Community thrives thanks to their words, actions, leadership, and guidance. Here, those contributions are brought forward so all students, faculty, staff, and alumni can see the stories of people who have made a positive impact on the MCPHS experience.

Ani Ourfalian, stands in a field and looks over her left shoulder to smile at the camera. She has long, dark brown hair and is wearing a lighter brown shirt.

Ani Ourfalian, BS Premedical Health Studies—Physician Assistant ‘25

“Ani has been a major asset to my success in Calculus 1 and 2. Her patience, clear explanations, and dedication has made a significant impact on me. She always believes in me and makes it known that I can solve the hard problems and that I am smarter than I think. She is always going above and beyond. I am very grateful to have met her and I thank her for my academic success and smooth transition into college.”

— Max Reekie, BS ‘27

Hilda Agyapong, MPAS ‘24

“On Saturday March 30th, a bird was trapped in the Student Lounge in Fennell all day. Other students took photos of the bird, staff felt unable to help. Hilda recognized the bird was in distress, unable to leave the lounge area safely. She gently corralled the bird, took it in her hands and released it on Palace Road into the air safely. Hilda took action. This is the kind of PA she will be as a healthcare provider.”

— Nancy Hurwitz, DScPAS, PACAssistant Program Director of Professional Affairs & Director of Clinical Education

Assistant Professor of Health Sciences & Program Director for BS & Doctoral Health Sciences

Anthony Lacina, DHSc, MPH, MEd, CHES

“Dr. Lacina truly goes above and beyond as a professor, mentor, and program director. He has created engaging learning experiences in every course I’ve taken with him that have stuck with me and supported my learning in other courses and has been so supportive as a teacher, mentor, and with research. His commitment to and passion for student learning and success as well as the subjects he teaches is contagious, encouraging, and refreshing. I’m so grateful to have been able to work with him in various capacities and will remember it as a defining experience here at MCPHS!”

—Anonymous

“He has so much passion and energy for teaching and public health. He has true compassion for students and all other people on this planet. [I am] fortunate to have known him since my first year. His commitment to public health changed my learning and career choices.”

—Anonymous

Assistant Professor of Biology and Chemistry

Nalini Broadbelt, PhD

“Dr. Broadbelt is one of the kindest teachers I have ever met. Every class she loves to ask us about our weekends, how we have been holding up with our classwork, and always encourages us. She is a truly great teacher because she loves what she teaches.”

— Anonymous

Dean, Forsyth School of Dental Hygiene

Dianne Smallidge, RDH, EdD

“Dean Smallidge is an amazing person. Her unwavering support and commitment to improving situations reflect her exceptional character. It's evident that she consistently goes above and beyond, finding solutions and making a positive difference. She exemplifies the true spirit of generosity and empathy, enriching the learning experience for everyone fortunate enough to cross her path.”

— Shahad Dhomad, MPH

Abel, Cheryl-3282 - Randall Garnick Photography.jpg

Assistant Dean of Pharmacy Academic Affairs and Operations, Professor of Pharmacy Practice

Cheryl Abel, PharmD, CLC

“Cheryl transitioned to a new role in administration and is doing awesome at it! She is incredibly collaborative and goal oriented. She is also a certified life coach and has been using it to support our students.”

— Anonymous

Griffin, Kerri-4055 - Randall Garnick Photography.jpg

Chair, Department of Public Health, Behavioral, & Health Sciences, Professor of Public Health

Keri Griffin, PhD, MPH, MPA, MCHES

“Dr. Griffin goes absolutely above and beyond for her students, both in and outside of the classroom. The work that she puts into making the Center for Research and Discovery a success is phenomenal, and she deserves every good blessing that comes her way. She inspires me more and more every day. Extremely grateful to have such a wonderful mentor.”

— Gemma Kirby

“Dr. Griffin is truly a champion for students! She is so collaborative, kind, supportive, and is truly invested in students getting the most out there experience here at MCPHS. She has shown me support through challenges and encouraged my academic interests, and I’m so grateful that she has been a part of my experience here!”

— Anonymous

Assistant Professor of Physical Therapy

Jessica Rydingsward, DPT, PT, CCS, GCS

“Dr. Rydingsward was one of the reasons I chose to come to this school because of my interview with her. Anytime I am struggling in courses, she always reminds me that I belong in the program. She understands her students beyond just in a classroom setting. She goes above and beyond to get to know each individual student and seeks ways to help us succeed. She is a beacon of light through the challenges of obtaining a doctorate degree and a great role model as a person, practicing physical therapist, and teacher.”

— Haley Samara, DPT ‘26

Sydney Schnabl, PharmD ‘20, RPh

“When we met, I was in my second year of my BSN program. By my third year, I was having difficulty studying at home because my roommates were not in classes as rigorous as mine at that time. Sydney invited me into her home and motivated me to work hard, stay focused, and still make time to have fun and practice self-care! She is a passionate, giving individual. She has since graduated as well and has quickly moved up the career ladder at CVS as a pharmacist. Her dedication, perseverance, confidence, and professionalism are always evident in her work.”

— Carly Roderick, BSN ‘17

Angelina Moraca, MPAS ‘26

“Angelina is one of my Resident Assistants on Matricaria. Despite days filled with stress about moving into college, she has created a welcoming environment on our floor. She has interacted specifically with me and my suite mates and I on multiple occasions, and we left feeling like we are creating a bond with her. She is one of the sweetest people I have met, and we are so lucky to have her here on Matricaria 6.”

— Brigid Geezil, DPT ’29, BS ‘27

Assistant Dean, Assistant Professor of Psychology, School of Arts and Sciences

Amy Clinard, MS, BS

“Throughout my time at MCPHS, Amy Clinard has been a fantastic mentor. She truly cares about the students and staff and will always find time in her incredibly busy schedule to help anyone navigate a new or sometimes difficult situation. She is open to great ideas from any source and believes in education for all the right reasons. I would not have been able to work at MCPHS without her help, but, because of it, I'm doing very well.”

— Noah Britton

Irene Stefanakos | MEd Director of Residence Life

“Irene has been going above and BEYOND for ResLife since the day she got here. She really is the glue to our office and keeps us all afloat!”

— Anonymous

“Irene works tirelessly to ensure that all of our residential students feel welcomed into our Community and are able to live their lives here at MCPHS in their truest authentic way. Irene makes things happen in fluid, solid, strategic, and thoughtful ways. She is someone who cares deeply for her staff, her students, and the experience people have when they come onto our Boston campus. Irene has been a pillar of my time here at MCPHS, and I am deeply grateful for her supervision and dedication, and I’m always inspired by her generosity and care for everyone she interacts with.”

— Robin Bogen

“Irene Stefanakos is deserving of this recognition for her ability to go above and beyond in every aspect of her position here at MCPHS. She has taught me so much. She stays late and comes in early and even stays overnight when needed. I have never worked for someone who cares as much for her students, employees, and employer as much as she does.”

— Derek Hector Jr.

“Irene works diligently to balance the many moving parts of our office to ensure that our residence halls operate as smoothly as possible. She is always first to the office, and last to leave. I appreciate how she made me feel welcome when I first transitioned to MCPHS, and I am grateful to have her in the office.”

— Jared Hunter

Program Director, Director of Assessment, MPAS Manchester/Worcester

Kristy Altongy-Magee, DScPAS, PA C

“Kristy Altongy-Magee is a strong leader. She continues to drive our PA program on a path of excellence. She carefully oversees all aspects of the didactic and clinical years and responds to any bumps in the road in a professional and positive manner. Her continued guidance helps cultivate a healthy work atmosphere that is based on teamwork and camaraderie. Thank you, Kristy, for your leadership.”

— Anonymous

Kelley, Charles - 02 - Randall Garnick Photography.jpg

Faculty Emeritus

Charles Kelley, PhD

“In 2007, I was enrolled in organic chemistry under the direction of Dr. Charles Kelley, who was an extraordinarily great teacher and professor. He taught using a chalkboard instead of a computer, and it enabled us to better grasp what we needed to know or understand. The exams he gave were unique because the first section often asked students to write long, thoughtful answers, and this was conducive to learning. He would read every student’s test and correct it by hand. He would sneak funny jokes into his lectures, and I believe he did it to try and see who was really paying attention based on who he saw laughing or chuckling along with him. I am so thankful to have had Dr. Kelley as my professor. I would like very much to thank him for everything they taught me. I am now working at a global pharmaceutical company and using my knowledge of chemistry every day! Thank you so much, Dr. Kelley.”

— Jonathan L. Afshar, BS ‘12

April Mach, PharmD ‘09

“April is a phenomenal pharmacist! I have never met someone who is more passionate, compassionate, and creative. I very much enjoyed working with her when I was in grad school and was thrilled that she served as a health sciences preceptor and adjunct faculty.”

— Anthony Lacina, DHSc, MPH, MEd, CHES

Donna M. Horn, DPh, MS, RPh, CHC, BSP ‘83

“Donna has been very involved within the profession of pharmacy. She is an active member of the Massachusetts Pharmacist Association (MPhA), National Association of Boards of Pharmacy (NABP), and the Lambda Kappa Sigma Pharmacy Fraternity. Since her appointment to the MPhA in 1993, she has worked tirelessly and taken on leadership roles. Through her vision and leadership, the organization’s service to the Commonwealth is a model for other states. Donna is also a member of the Executive Committee of the NABP and has served as president, working on numerous initiatives including patient safety, reducing medication errors, and regulating technicians. Donna has become a popular lecturer and author on pharmacy law. Donna’s leadership, mentorship, and teaching has impacted numerous pharmacists in our state and nationwide.”

— Christine Perry, BSP ‘91

Dean, School of Arts and Sciences

Delia Anderson, PhD

“Under Dean Anderson’s leadership, the School of Arts and Sciences has thrived wonderfully. She has helped transform, strengthen, and streamline the foundation of our students’ education. She has been an unwavering supporter of a cross-discipline approach to healthcare education and a champion of the importance of health humanities.”

— Anonymous

Adjunct Faculty, School of Physical Therapy

Caitlyn Ofiesh, DPT '20, BS '18

"As an alum and adjunct faculty member, Dr. Ofiesh embodies what it means to be a leader in healthcare. She is a passionate advocate for students and patients, treating every individual with care and respect. Dr. Ofiesh was one of the first students I supervised at MCPHS and was integral in my growth as a professional and finding my home at the University."

— Garland Mann-Lamb

Sarah Nulty | Clinical Case Manager, Counseling Services Worcester

"Sarah deserves to be recognized for her constant dedication to making sure students feel supported and heard. She is a wonderful advocate, a knowledgeable resource, and a very thoughtful counselor."

— Katlyn Wells

Olivia Crouch, MPAS ’23, BS ‘21

“As an undergraduate student, Olivia single-handedly stood up the University's Pre-PA Club. The organization has proven very successful over the years since its inception. A large number of premedical health studies students have benefitted from the club’s structure and function. Many of those students who vacillated between tracks were won over to physician assistant studies thanks to Olivia’s trailblazing efforts. Kudos to Olivia!”

— Scott Orrahood, MPAS, EM, PA-C

Rojean Jadbabaei Behbahan, PharmD '22

“Rojean was like my pharmacy ‘big sister’ during my fourth and fifth year. She was always open for me to share my worries or any problems I was having, and she always followed up with sound advice. I have never met anyone as empathetic as her. She really played a crucial part in my career development, especially as an international student who had already been in my shoes and could instruct me based on her past experience.”

— Lois Ezi, PharmD ‘24

Rebecca Macy | Instructor of Psychology

“Rebecca and I have been working together for the past two years on an IPE project between her abnormal psychology class and my health promotion course. Aside from our successful project, it has been great to see how she works with her students and to hear the high praise her students share about her and how she instructs her courses. Her passion and enthusiasm are contagious, and working with her is a real pleasure.”

— Anthony Lacina, DHSc, MPH, MEd, CHES

Cardinal Kudos

Ani Ourfalian, BS Premedical Health Studies—Physician Assistant ‘25

Hilda Agyapong, MPAS ‘24

Assistant Professor of Health Sciences & Program Director for BS & Doctoral Health Sciences

Anthony Lacina, DHSc, MPH, MEd, CHES

Assistant Professor of Biology and Chemistry

Nalini Broadbelt, PhD

Dean, Forsyth School of Dental Hygiene

Dianne Smallidge, RDH, EdD

Assistant Dean of Pharmacy Academic Affairs and Operations, Professor of Pharmacy Practice

Cheryl Abel, PharmD, CLC

Chair, Department of Public Health, Behavioral, & Health Sciences, Professor of Public Health

Keri Griffin, PhD, MPH, MPA, MCHES

Assistant Professor of Physical Therapy

Jessica Rydingsward, DPT, PT, CCS, GCS

Sydney Schnabl, PharmD ‘20, RPh

Angelina Moraca, MPAS ‘26

Assistant Dean, Assistant Professor of Psychology, School of Arts and Sciences

Amy Clinard, MS, BS

Irene Stefanakos | MEd Director of Residence Life

Program Director, Director of Assessment, MPAS Manchester/Worcester

Kristy Altongy-Magee, DScPAS, PA C

Faculty Emeritus

Charles Kelley, PhD

April Mach, PharmD ‘09

Donna M. Horn, DPh, MS, RPh, CHC, BSP ‘83

Dean, School of Arts and Sciences

Delia Anderson, PhD

Adjunct Faculty, School of Physical Therapy

Caitlyn Ofiesh, DPT '20, BS '18

Sarah Nulty | Clinical Case Manager, Counseling Services Worcester

Olivia Crouch, MPAS ’23, BS ‘21

Rojean Jadbabaei Behbahan, PharmD '22

Rebecca Macy | Instructor of Psychology

Related Stories

Inclusive Community Intro

A Recipe for Expanding Minds

Historic Founders & Futurists

People Are the Heartbeat of MCPHS

Evolution With Vision

Strategic Collaboration

Global Impact