Our Staff

Monica Blondin

Monica Blondin

• Director of Financial Aid

Monica Blondin joined the Office of Financial Aid at WPI in January 1995 and has been the director of Financial Aid since January 2005. She received her bachelor of arts degree from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst and her master of science degree from Northeastern University. She also holds her certificate in CEPF® (Certified Educator in Personal Finance).

Brendan Leahey

Brendan Leahey

• Assistant Director

Brendan joined the Office of Financial Aid at WPI in October of 2012. He is responsible for administering private loans and determining awards for a portion of the undergraduate population. Brendan received his bachelor’s and MSA degrees from Babson College. He also holds his CPA (Certified Public Accountant) license in Massachusetts.

Chelsea Adams

Chelsea Adams

• Associate Director

Chelsea manages the receipt of all FAFSAs and CSS PROFILE applications, in addition to overseeing the Federal Pell Grant and verification programs. She also determines awards for a portion of the undergraduate population.

Chelsea is a graduate of Phillips Exeter Academy and Trinity College. Originally from Worcester, Chelsea has returned to the city, where she enjoys spending time with family and is kept busy raising her two children.

Michael J. DiRuzza, Jr.

Michael J. DiRuzza, Jr.

• Senior Associate Director

Mike’s primary responsibilities in the office are the Federal Work Study Program, as well as determining financial aid awards for both graduate and undergraduate students. Mike joined the WPI Office of Financial Aid in December 1999. Prior to WPI, he worked in student loan collections and originations for Key Education Resources.

Mike has his bachelor’s degree from Southern New Hampshire University and his MBA from Anna Maria. In his spare time, Mike enjoys spending time with his family, baking, and is a fan of all things Disney.

Susan Fischer

Susan Fischer

• Administrative Assistant

The financial aid process can be daunting to both parents and students. My job is to make it easier and answer any questions you may have, no matter where you may be in the process.

Because of my Italian heritage, my passion outside of work is food! I love to prepare Italian dishes, adding my own flair to traditional Italian dishes.

Patricia Maclnnes

Patricia Maclnnes

• Office Operations Manager

Patty’s responsibilities include overseeing the day-to-day operations of the Office of Financial Aid, including the processing and mailing of all enrolled students’ financial aid award letters. She is director of financial aid Monica Blondin’s direct support and assists with the Tuition Exchange Scholarship Program and the WPI Yellow Ribbon Program, along with overseeing the office work study students. On a personal note, Patty’s favorite book and movie is Pride and Prejudice.

Leolyn Osborn

Leolyn Osborn

• Information Analyst

Leolyn Osborn serves as a liaison between the Office of Financial Aid and Information Technology in support of UDC (Unified Digital Campus) initiatives and the technical support of the Office of Financial Aid. Lee, along with other information analysts across campus, is an active member of working groups on campus forming policies and standards around data stewardship, data access, and project management as it applies to the university’s administrative systems.  

Prior to her role as an information analyst, Lee has had more than 20 years of practical experience in the field of financial aid.

Pamela Paskalis

Pamela Paskalis

• Administrative Assistant

Pamela Paskalis joined the WPI family in 2011. Pam provides administrative support for the department, along with customer service to students and their families over the phone as well as walk-ins at the front desk. Off campus, Pam is a mother to three young men as well as being a hockey mom.

Jennifer Sheehy

Jennifer Sheehy

• Administrative Assistant

Jen joined the Office of Financial Aid in October 2012. She provides administrative support for the department and customer service for students and parents. Jen recieved her Bachelor of Arts degree from Emerson College and recently moved back to the Worcester area from Los Angeles.

Jonathan Sparling

Jonathan Sparling

• Senior Assistant Director

Jonathan started his career at WPI as the graduate assistant in our Student Activities Office and then made the transition to the Office of Financial Aid. His main responsibility is managing several state grant programs and the Massachusetts No Interest Loan Program, as well as the office’s Financial Literacy program. He also determines awards for a portion of the undergraduate population.

Jonathan has a master’s degree from Assumption College and is currently working on his MBA at WPI. On campus, Jonathan sits on the Campus Sustainability Committee dedicated to community engagement and serves as a sexual assault judicial advocate.

Amanda Woodward-Mitchell

Amanda Woodward-Mitchell

• Senior Assistant Director

Amanda joined the Office of Financial Aid at WPI in September 2011. In her role at WPI, Amanda’s primary responsibilities are to manage the Direct Loan program. She also determines awards for a portion of the undergraduate population.

Amanda earned her bachelor’s degree in business administration from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst. Prior to joining the team at WPI, Amanda worked in the Office of Financial Aid at Brown University for more than seven years. When she is not working, Amanda enjoys exercising at WPI’s new Sports and Recreation Center, taking road trips with her family, and spending time outdoors.