Executive Director
An Air Force retiree and mother of five, she credits her experience as a “DCF kid” for her passion and work ethic. Lydia left home and high school early and obtained her undergraduate in social psychology while on active duty. She attended UMass/Boston and Yale University for graduate degrees in sociology. She has worked in several state and non-profit human service and criminal justice agencies and teaches juvenile delinquency and a senior capstone on racial and ethnic disparities in the justice system at UMass/Boston while serving as Executive Director at NFI Massachusetts. She is dedicated to helping develop the next generation of leaders in our field and working in partnership with others to develop practical and sustainable solutions for youth and families who require support. Lydia serves on the Board of the Providers’ Council and Children’s League of Massachusetts and has been a champion of ensuring human service workers have a livable wage.