About Us

The Attleboro Area School to Work Local Partnership was created in 1995 as a result of the National School to Work Opportunities Act. In 2000, the Partnership incorporated to become the Attleboro Area School-To-Career Partnership, Inc. Currently more than 500 "Employer Partners" have worked with us to provide over 1,500 internships and job positions. Working together, we have developed tools and training for career experiences at local companies that help students learn the skills necessary to be successful in the workplace.

The Attleboro Area School-to-Career Partnership, Inc. has serviced over 1,000 young people in the Attleboro, Mansfield, North Attleboro,Norton and Seekonk school systems and continues to reach many more each year. Since its inception in 1995, the Partnership has recruited and collaborated with employers, trades professionals, and local community organizations to raise student awareness of the careers and skills available for life beyond school. Through this alliance, we offer both students and teachers experiences that reinforce and expand on classroom learning by providing the vital connection between school and the workforce.

Meet Our Staff

Name: Christine LaChance
​Title: Executive Director
Location: Attleboro High School
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
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About: Christine is an Attleboro native who has continued to be a pillar for the Partnership for more than 20 years. Christine saw the importance of providing schools in the community with more opportunities and has been a fierce advocate for students ever since. With over 30 years working in Human Resources, Christine has a first-hand understanding of what employers are looking for, the invaluable service the Partnership provides by connecting employers to students, and what these opportunities can mean for student development. Christine’s hobby is a sport called K9 Nose work (canine scent work). She and her dog, Redbud, have been training since 2015 and have achieved a NW3 title so far.

First Job: Human Resources at a Manufacturer (Clerk)
"Your first position will provide you with the opportunity to gain the soft skills you need and will use later on in life. Phone etiquette and working as a team with colleagues are not competencies that get sharpened everyday in school."

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Name: Louryn Hoff
Title: Career Specialist 
Location: Attleboro High School
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
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​About: Louryn moved to Massachusetts 35 years ago. She has a BA from the University of Delaware.  She is the mother of five and is engaged to her partner Steve.  Louryn’s background includes 15 years in Career Services with Johnson & Wales University where she served on the Employee Relations team. Louryn also worked with youth at the NA Hockomock YMCA where she was a Program Director.   Louryn has experience with internships, job placement, career fairs and with employers looking for students to learn, grow and succeed.   When she is not working, Louryn likes to spend time working out, playing pickleball, golfing, playing the guitar, reading, cooking and exploring new areas.  

First Job: Casapulla’s sub shop (Deli Clerk)
This first experience taught me customer service skills, teamwork and a good work ethic.  In every job there is always additional work to do and skills to learn. Employers like to see that “I got this” attitude. My first job taught me to bank half of my paycheck each week and then I was able to spend the other half on clothes, eating out with friends etc.  This proved to be a valuable early life lesson as I always had $ saved for something I wanted or needed in the future.  
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​Name: Samantha Shaheen
Title: Career Specialist 
Location: Mansfield High School
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
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About: Samantha lives in Taunton, MA with her three children. She is currently enrolled at Bristol Community College taking classes to receive her Associates degree in Human Services. Samantha has worked with adults with disabilities to help them find employment and build the necessary skills needed to succeed in a professional environment. As a former Skills Trainer, she has a passion for guiding people to find career paths they are passionate about. Samantha is inspired by the clients she works with and strives to ensure all individuals have adequate access to proper training and employment opportunities.
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First Job: Forever 21 (Store Associate)
"It’s necessary to learn how to work with people and build confidence within yourself. Being able to multitask and collaborate with a team will only help you succeed."

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Name: Lisa Magit
Title: Career Specialist
Location: North Attleboro High School
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers

About: Lisa lives in Bristol county with her husband, two teenage children and her dog Murphy.  With a Bachelors degree in Business Administration and her Masters degree in Special Education, she is adept at providing education, support, and guidance to help students prepare for secondary education and beyond. Her passion for working with students began when she owned and operated a program with the philosophy that artistic creativity exists in all of us and students were encouraged to take risks and challenge themselves to new levels. Lisa is always excited to work with  students to help them plan their future educational and career plans. ​

​First Job: AT&T (Sales Representative)
"Although I learned many lessons, one in particular is to persevere. Learn to not take 'no' personally and continue to work hard. Try your best to stick with it. There are always good days ahead and it's important to stay positive!"

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Name: Heidi Kozikis
​Title: Career Specialist 
Location: Norton High School
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
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About: Heidi attended Northeastern University where she earned a B.S. and M.S in Criminal Justice. With many years of experience working in education, at both secondary and collegiate levels, Heidi has taught adult education, worked in college administration, and worked for a publisher. As a former Career Coordinator at a Career and Technical High School, she has successfully collaborated with faculty, staff and local businesses to assist students in completing Work-Based Learning opportunities in fields of their choice as part of the school's graduation requirement. Heidi enjoys meeting with students to guide them in navigating their own individual passions. Living locally in Norton, you can find Heidi exploring her own interests as an avid crafter and beekeeper.

​First Job: Heartland Drug Store (Vitamin Stocker)
"Important lessons on responsibility: plan your day to be on time, dress appropriately, and smile, be nice even if someone is not nice to you. You never know who you will meet at work, I happened to meet my husband there!"

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Name: Gail Amaral
Title: Career Specialist 
Location: Seekonk High School
Pronouns: She/Her

About: Gail is a licensed educator in Massachusetts for grades 5-12 and a certified teacher in Rhode Island for grades 7-12. A cum laude graduate of Providence College, Gail earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science with a concentration in Public Administration. She has worked in education for the Seekonk and Barrington public school systems, and for the Greater Providence YMCA. Gail is motivated by helping students lay the foundation for a bright futures and enthusiastically partners with school administration and local businesses to guide students in exploring their educational and career interests. A resident of Seekonk, all three of Gail's children have graduated from the Seekonk school system.
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​First Job: Bookkeeper at a Doctor's Office
"Taking a job that wasn't exactly my ideal lead me to something great a year later! There is always experience gained in whatever job you are doing that can be applied to getting a better job and also to enhance your resume."