Who we are

The people behind the scenes of GISC are critical to our success. Center staff and leadership are focused on supporting the excellence of our programs and the individual needs of each student. Our board of directors reflects the same creative blend of leaders, therapists, consultants, coaches and academics that make up our faculty and our program participants. Their extraordinary commitment to GISC is based on their personal experience of the value of our programs.

GISC Staff

Laurie Fitzpatrick, CPC, ACC

President & CEO

Laurie Fitzpatrick is President and CEO of GISC where she's been part of the leadership team since 2008. She draws on her Gestalt training as well as her background in international small business management and communications to advance GISC’s vision to bring about transformative growth in the individuals and organizations it serves. Laurie is a graduate of Simmons College and holds a graduate certificate in publishing and communications from Harvard University. She is a GISC and ICF Certified Coach.

Michelle Ward-Gilles, EdM

Program Manger

With more than 10 years of experience in the field of education, Michelle leverages her expertise in program management, training, and curriculum development. She believes deeply in the transformative power of education to teach, influence, and inspire and the importance of lifelong learning. Michelle has a background in mental health education and adult learning as well as experience as an elementary school classroom teacher. She holds a Master of Education degree from the Harvard Graduate School of Education along with bachelor’s degrees in Journalism and Political Science from the University of Missouri. Outside of work, Michelle enjoys cooking, traveling, and reading a good novel.

Kat Tessier, MBA

Operations Manger

Kat brings her creative energy to provide operational and marketing expertise at GISC. She has a background in graphic design, photography, and marketing, in addition to an MBA from Bridgewater State University. Beyond work Kat is an avid runner who also enjoys traveling and spending time with her two cats.