STAFF
Ellen Sturgis
Interim Executive Director
Ellen has worked in nonprofits for over 30 years, in a variety of sectors and positions. She has served as interim executive director and CFO in a variety of situations that called for different needs from that position. A lifelong resident of Massachusetts, Ellen has an MBA in Finance from Boston College, and serves as a Trustee of Hampshire College (B.A. 1981), a Corporator for Middlesex Savings Bank, and is on the Leadership Council for MassCreative. She is the principal of Night Heron Consulting based out of Stow, Mass.
Pronouns: she/her/hers
Keene State College, B.A. Theatre
Aspen was promoted to Operations Director at Greater Boston PFLAG in 2019. Previously, they joined our staff as Finance Manager and have been with the organization for over three years. Aspen has been a passionate LGBTQ educator and activist since college, helping establish LGBTQ programming, education, and inclusive policies for their school. They are excited to continue working with GBPFLAG to help create safe and inclusive spaces for everyone. Outside of work, Aspen is a huge nerd and loves playing video games, reading comic books, going to conventions, and spoiling their cat.
Pronouns: they/them/their
TracyMckay
Program Manager
Tracy has a BA in psychology from Brandeis University and an MSW from Boston College. She spent her professional career working with children and families in a variety of settings, most recently as a lead teacher in a kindergarten program. Prior to becoming a Program Manager, Tracy volunteered for PFLAG and other organizations sharing her experience as the mother of three children, two of whom are transgender. She is also a co-founder of the Needham Coalition for Transgender Equality and a member of Needham’s Human Rights Committee. She is committed to education and advocacy work with the goal of helping to make communities more safe, inclusive, and welcoming for LGBTQ people.
Pronouns: she/her/hers
Sam Thomasson-Bless
Program Manager
Sam Thomasson-Bless has a bachelor’s degree from UNC Chapel Hill, where she double majored in English and Women & Gender Studies. Working with people with social differences, folks on the autism spectrum, immigrants, LGBTQ+ identified folks, youth and veterans, Sam has spent eight years as a curriculum writer, facilitator, and strategic relationship manager, working towards social justice in the fields of education, health, and employment. She joined Greater Boston PFLAG in September as the Program Manager after moving to Waltham, MA from Berkeley, CA. In her free time, Sam likes to spend time with her wife, Athena, and cat, Irene, explore nature, take care of plants, and watch television. She is excited to bring her passion and experience to GBPFLAG!
Pronouns: she/her/hers
Julia Paget
Office Manager
Julia has a background in computer programming, graphics design and corporate communications. Prior to joining Greater Boston PFLAG, she was the volunteer Data Program Lead for the Greater Boston area of the Yes on 3 campaign. Before that, she worked for five years as an IR/PR Communications Specialist in the rare disease biotech sphere. She is excited to use her skills to support the community and create meaningful progress for LGBTQ+ people. She loves stories, games, and rock climbing.
Pronouns: she/her/hers