Dual Scholar Speaks Out on Leading With Invisible Disabilities

Emily Rose finds deep purpose in advocating for others. Having been raised in the foster care system without a consistent advocate of her own, pursuing a college degree was once out of reach. Barriers including undiagnosed chronic health conditions coupled with the cost of living forced Rose to choose entering the workforce immediately following high school over continuing her education. After a decade spent championing individuals with developmental disabilities across all stages of life, the 2025 graduate of the BS in Psychology and Human Services program commenced coursework toward her second degree from William James College earlier this fall. Her goal? Using the science of behavior to make a difference.

“I had to become my own very fierce advocate," says Rose, an aspiring Board Certified Behavior Analyst who briefly considered becoming a lawyer. After entering the field of human services and landing her first job in direct support, Rose began to envision a career in advocacy; when a professor at North Shore Community College, a William James College educational partner, pointed her toward the bachelor’s completion program, a bigger plan began to take shape. 

 “The opportunity to pursue a pair of direct pathway options, that allow for transition into one of two master’s programs without a new application, was a huge draw for me,” says Rose, a first-year student in the Master's in Applied Behavior Analysis. While she did not end up electing the accelerated timeline, the transition between degree programs has been seamless.

Recipe for Success

 “My undergraduate experience at William James College absolutely set me up for success in the master’s program,” says Rose, pointing to Lynn M. Cormier-Sayarath, MSW, LICSW, Teaching Faculty, Lead Academic Advisor, BS in Psychology and Human Services, as integral to the process. 

“Lynn helped me to showcase my prior knowledge, connect it to the theory I was learning, and tie the two together for practical application,” says Rose, of striking a delicate balance between her deep, hands-on experience in the field and what was being reflected in the classroom.

Since 2023, Rose has been employed at Communitas, Inc., a Wakefield-based nonprofit for adults with developmental disabilities. In her current role as career services director, Rose is passionate about empowering others to build job skills and achieve meaningful employment by focusing on abilities. While an undergrad, she completed her practicum hours in the Family Support Division; back in Day Services, the overlap is apparent. 

“The biopsychosocial concept is key to understanding the person as a whole,” says Rose, whose bachelor’s research paper explored the interplay among biological, psychological, and social factors in both understanding and treating health conditions.  

As a graduate student, Rose continues to enjoy the program’s flexibility. While field placement is not a degree requirement, it is encouraged—and her current job allows Rose to begin working toward BCBA clinical hours while earning a salary and benefits. She cites Ronald Lee, PhD, LABA, BCBA-D, Director, MA in Applied Behavior Analysis, with helping her navigate the potentially grueling process.

  “Dr. Lee connected with my supervisor and helped me design an action plan so that upon completion of my graduate program, I will be eligible to sit for the [licensing] exam—which is huge!” says Rose, underscoring the intention aimed at facilitating success for working students.

Paying it Forward

Later this month, Rose will serve as a panelist at the 9th annual MetroWest Conference For Women; produced by She's Local, the event celebrates and connects local women through empowering conversations, diverse perspectives, and actionable strategies for growth. The October 30th panel discussion—Women in Leadership: Building Resilience Through Challenges and Empowerment—will allow the dual scholar to speak on a topic near and dear to her heart: Leading as a young woman with invisible disabilities. 

“I plan to share how my lived experience has shaped my leadership style, strengthened my resilience, and deepened my advocacy for authentic, inclusive leadership,” says Rose who steadily advanced into her current role after working in ABA centers and holding leadership roles across residential, educational, and community-based programs. In fact, Rose considers this progression one of her greatest strengths—one that allows her to lead with empathy, understanding, and a hands-on approach to supporting both staff and participants. 

“I’m looking forward to joining incredible women in creating a day of belonging, insight, and impact,” says Rose, who remains confident that sharing the stage with peers will lend credence to the conversation surrounding leading with invisible disabilities.

“We all know biases exist,” says Rose, who plans to do what she’s always done: Advocate for others by speaking up for herself. 

“I’ve learned firsthand the challenges—and strengths—that come with balancing leadership, graduate school, and invisible disabilities; now let’s talk about it, so others can deal with and overcome these challenges as well.” 

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