Recognizing the dedicated professionals who invest in their skills, strengthen local services, and help Massachusetts communities meet the evolving needs of older adults.
Behind every successful Council on Aging is a team of dedicated professionals who bring knowledge, compassion, and commitment to their communities.
At the 2026 MCOA Fall Conference, the Massachusetts Councils on Aging proudly celebrated professionals who achieved important milestones through MCOA’s certification programs.
Class of 2026 MCOA Certification
These accomplishments represent far more than certificates. They reflect a commitment to lifelong learning, professional excellence, and the increasingly important role Councils on Aging play in municipal government.
Investing in the People Who Serve Our Communities
Today’s Councils on Aging are dynamic organizations responding to a wide range of community needs.
From outreach and caregiver support to healthy aging, transportation, technology education, and access to essential services, Council on Aging professionals help older adults navigate challenges, discover opportunities, and remain engaged in community life.
Their responsibilities continue to evolve, making professional education and leadership development more important than ever.
MCOA’s certification programs support this growth by encouraging participants to deepen their knowledge, strengthen professional practices, and bring new skills and perspectives back to their municipalities.
A Milestone Worth Celebrating
Earning a professional certification requires time, dedication, and a willingness to grow.
For many participants, that commitment takes place alongside the daily demands of serving residents, managing programs, supporting volunteers, and responding to community needs.
Each certification represents an investment not only in an individual’s career but also in the quality and effectiveness of local services.
For municipal leaders and community partners, these achievements demonstrate the value of a well-prepared, knowledgeable workforce that can respond thoughtfully to the opportunities and challenges of an aging population.
Strengthening Our Statewide Network
Professional development also builds connections across Massachusetts.
Through training, shared learning, and collaboration, Council on Aging professionals exchange ideas, discover promising practices, and develop relationships that extend beyond their own communities.
That spirit of collaboration is one of MCOA’s greatest strengths.
To our 2026 certification recipients: Congratulations!
Your achievements reflect dedication to your profession, the residents you serve, and the communities that rely on you.
We also recognize the municipalities, supervisors, colleagues, and community partners who encourage and support continued professional growth.
Together, you are helping build a stronger, more connected, and more responsive network of Councils on Aging across Massachusetts.
Excellence in aging services begins with investing in people.
Massachusetts Councils on Aging is proud to support professional education, training, leadership development, and opportunities for collaboration throughout our statewide network.
DIRECTOR
- Janice Fitzgerald, Brockton
- Julie Groom, Harwich
- Alicia Johnson, Cambridge
- Laurie Keefe, Millbury
- Eric Poulin, Rochester
- Kristen Spence, Stoneham
- LaTanya Steele, Needham
- Lisa Thornton, Hull
ASSISTANT DIRECTOR
- Lauren Conrad, Brockton
- Lisa Rosen, Harvard
- Angela Sinnott, Duxbury
PROGRAM MANAGER
- Christine Coakley, Duxbury
- Julianne Fitzgerald, Millbury
- Christina Long, Brockton
- Sandy Mahoney, Beverly
- Anne McDonough, Tisbury
- Josh Ryan, Millbury
- Laura Stewart, Nantucket
- Elissa Wyllie, Duxbury
