Get to know the Program Associate and Assistant Directors who help make HGSE feel like home. In this feature, leaders from TTL, LDIT, ELOE, HDE, and EPA share what they love most about the HGSE community, what excites them about the future of their programs, and why students should never hesitate to reach out for support, guidance, and advocacy.
Emily Hess (she/her) – Teaching & Teacher Leadership (TTL) Program Associate Director
What is the most underrated part of being a part of the HGSE Community?
One of the most underrated aspects of being part of the HGSE community is the daily opportunity to collaborate with TTL faculty, staff, and students whose expertise and passion for liberatory education continually challenge and expand my thinking. Many students arrive here feeling anxious about whether their impact will be big enough or noteworthy enough, but the true value of HGSE lies in the relationships built every day. Real change often happens in conversations, small moments of collaboration, and the ongoing support we give each other. These daily interactions are transformative and just as meaningful as any headline achievement.
What excites you the most about the future of your program?
What excites me most about the future of our program is preparing teachers who are committed to building classrooms rooted in love and justice, especially for young people who are most vulnerable in our world today. I believe the intersection of love and justice in education is incredibly powerful. It is not enough to simply care for students; teachers must also work intentionally to create just spaces where all young people, including Black, brown, queer, trans, and undocumented students, can learn, grow, and experience joy. Supporting future teachers in this work feels urgent and is, in itself, a powerful form of resistance.
What excites you the most about the future of your program?
Reach out to your AD to have someone in your corner who can advocate with you, help navigate challenges, connect you with resources, and offer perspective on your goals and struggles. You do not have to figure everything out alone. Support is here when you need it.
Shaelyn Casey (she/her) – Learning Design, Innovation, and Technology (LDIT) Program Assistant Director
What is the most underrated part of being a part of the HGSE Community?
Everyone that chooses to either attend or work at an education school has a shared belief in the power of community and shared values of compassion and human connection. This comes through so clearly in interactions with everyone from students to faculty and staff and creates a special culture here at HGSE.
What excites you the most about the future of your program?
The fields that students in the LDIT program are most interested in are some of the most cutting-edge and rapidly changing areas of education and technology, which means that there are new interests and priorities every year. I think LDIT students are particularly well-positioned to think about the changing landscape of education and create the innovations that will continue to push this sector forward.
Why should HGSE students reach out to their Program ADs?
Program ADs are always here to help you with the logistics of being an HGSE student and connecting you with resources. You can reach out to us about course registration questions, graduation requirements, or for help navigating any personal challenges.
Karen Bottari (she/her) – Education Leadership, Organizations, and Entrepreneurship (ELOE) Program Associate Director
What is the most underrated part of being a part of the HGSE Community?
The gift of being with people from all over the globe with varying experiences, beliefs, and interests that tie back to education. To have an academic year together to try, fail, learn, grow, connect and transform is profound. And when you bring your experience with what you learn in the classroom and through the enormity of your peers, this is part of the positive and lasting impact you will have on the field of education.
What excites you the most about the future of your program?
The students that join ELOE are intelligent, passionate, and impactful leaders who care deeply about access, equity agency and excellence in education. There is nothing better than getting to know them, witnessing their growth as individuals and along the ELOE core competencies and then seeing the transformative roles they play as leaders in the field.
Why should HGSE students reach out to their Program ADs?
I’m a first gen college student and have been at Harvard for a long time and with ELOE since the beginning. There is nothing I love more than helping students make connections to resources or connecting them to needed supports. I especially enjoy talking with students who are experiencing imposter syndrome to remind them just how much they belong here.
Mandy Farhoodi-Moberger (she/her) – Human Development and Education (HDE) Program Associate Director
What is the most underrated part of being a part of the HGSE Community?
I think our Teaching Fellows are an underrated part of HGSE, at least to the outside world who hasn’t met them yet! They’re alums or doctoral students who are knowledgeable about their field and life at HGSE.
What excites you the most about the future of your program?
HDE attracts students with a wide range of interests and experiences. I love learning about the interesting things people do (or want to do) in the field of education.
Why should HGSE students reach out to their Program ADs?
We’re great helpers. We may not have all the answers, but we usually know where to start.
Sarah Haas (she/her) – Education Policy and Analysis (EPA) Program Assistant Director
What is the most underrated part of being a part of the HGSE Community?
The small, intimate campus, with Gutman Library serving as the heart of the community. You’re greeted by name when you walk through the doors, run into friendly staff who are always ready to help, and find yourself in line at the café alongside leading researchers and practitioners in the field. No matter where you go, you’re likely to spot a peer and share a warm hello, creating a genuine sense of belonging and connection that makes this dynamic place truly feel like home.
What excites you the most about the future of your program?
The emergence of future policymakers and data game-changers, especially during this challenging time for education. The program is empowering a new generation of leaders who are not only passionate about education, but also equipped with the analytical skills and vision needed to shape policy using data-driven insights. Seeing current students and alumni leverage data to tackle complex educational challenges gives me tremendous hope for the field, and inspires me to contribute in meaningful ways myself.
Why should HGSE students reach out to their Program ADs?
To gain insights into academic planning, career development, and navigating opportunities and challenges unique to the program. Think of me as your EPA advocate!
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