As Project manager Mary is the main contact person for the project.   She can answer most questions, and direct you to the correct person if she cannot.

Mary D'Alessandro joined the project 3 years ago.   Her role as project manager means that she spends much of her time recruiting participants for the study.   This takes Mary to Springfield's WIC (Women, Infant and Child) offices, doctor's offices, neighborhood centers and sometimes even to Churches.   Mary also maintains the project offices back at Umass by making sure everything is ready and set for the interviews to happen.   She also schedules all the interviews.   Trying to coordinate the schedules of 12 graduate students can be a challenge especially when they change from one semester to the next.

Prior to joining the Work and Family Transitions Project Mary worked in various churches coordinating religious education programs.   She decided to take a break from church work and pursue a job that had more predicable hours.

Mary is very familiar with the underlying concept of the study.   As a mother of 5 children between the ages of 9 and 19, Mary understands the challenges of balancing work and family life.   Having the ability to sometimes work at home has made this position one she highly values.

Phone:   (413) 545-0258;     Toll Free:   (888) 531-BABY
[email protected]