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.
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
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Name: Christine LaChance
Title: Executive Director Location: Attleboro High School Pronouns: She/Her/Hers 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: Kristen Marshall
Title: Career Specialist Location: Attleboro High School Pronouns: She/Her/Hers About: Kristen received her B.S in Psychology from Bridgewater State University in 2019. Prior, she attended Bristol Community College where she obtained her Associate's in Human Services. Kristen is an experienced Employment Specialist who can provide the necessary training and tools to ensure workplace readiness for both adults and children with disabilities. She initially worked as a childcare administrator where she coordinated the daily operations of the center and ensured the safety of the children and staff. As a native of Taunton, she has a strong connection to community and the public schools in the area. Her favorite part of this job is being the motivating force that inspires career preparedness in students. First Job: Sears (Cashier-Men's Department) "Not every job will be one you love but you will certainly learn something from it. Whether you are just exploring careers, want experience, or need your first paycheck, what's important is that you stay professional, even in the most difficult times." |
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Name: Emily Sandman
Title: Career Specialist Location: Mansfield High School Pronouns: She/Her/Hers About: Emily is a Bridgewater State University graduate with a B.S. in Social Work and a M.S. in Criminal Justice. Currently, she is pursuing a second master's degree in Social Work at the same university. In her fourth year at Mansfield High School, Emily constantly finds herself being inspired by young people. She gains the most enjoyment when empowering them to identify their full potential, whether that be in continuing education, a prospective career, or a mixture of the two. As a lifelong cheerleader and now cheerleading coach, Emily continues to cheer on her students as they ignite their personal journey into the workforce! First Job: TacoBell (Cashier/Team Member) "Your first job should keep you humble. Be okay with learning how to do the hard stuff first then everything else will come naturally. There is something exceptionally valuable in being the most well-rounded employee." |
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Name: Samantha Shaheen
Title: Career Specialist Location: Mansfield High School Pronouns: She/Her/Hers 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. 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 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. 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." |