Executive Director
Maddrey Goode oversees the daily operations at NECAT and ensures that its mission is reflected in all facets of the organization. He is a native of Boston and a leader in the community. Maddrey has served on numerous committees and advisory boards related to workforce development and social justice, including as an Advisory Board Member at Northeastern University’s Center on Crime, Race and Justice, a member of the MassHire State Workforce Board, and is Board Chair of Boston Day and Evening Academy.
Email: mgoode@ne-cat.org
Program Director
Alina Gardner is a workforce development professional with many years of experience in non-profit management. She oversees the culinary and programing department here at NECAT.
Email: agardner@ne-cat.org
Director of Development
Barbara manages NECAT’s portfolio of grant submissions and reports related to private, corporate and government grant-making sources. A talented writer with significant experience in public relations and marketing, Barbara’s background helps her capture NECAT’s mission, programmatic goals and graduate success stories. She also manages NECAT’s social media platforms. With NECAT since 2022, she previously worked as a public relations consultant and writer for government agencies and nonprofits. She is a graduate of Boston University’s School of Communication.
Email: bpjohnson@ne-cat.org
Student Services Director
Elise conducts weekly information sessions for prospective students, handles all enrollment information and coordinates NECAT’s relationship with community partners like Access to Recovery (ATR), the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and MA Hire Career Centers. Elise also coordinates new student orientations and all student volunteer activities. With NECAT since 2014, she previously worked in student recruitment at Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts in Boston.
Email: ebrandwein@ne-cat.org
Culinary Instructor
Chef Gloria joined the team as a Culinary Instructor in the East Boston, Spanish-language program in the fall of 2025. As a graduate of NECAT, Chef Gloria brings a unique perspective as a former student and as a professional in the culinary field with many years of experience. She also teaches at the Boston Center, working with the Orange Hats in the kitchen.
Email: gcora@ne-cat.org
Maintenance
Bobby is NECAT’s Building Maintenance Manager. He has been with NECAT since its opening in 2013, responsible for ensuring that NECAT remains a beautiful and clean environment for students and guests. He has the distinction of being NECAT’s first and longest tenured employee.
Email: rcorry@ne-cat.org
Career Services Manager
Mary Cronin comes to NECAT with 30 years of experience in professional kitchen management and over 16 years in workforce development. Mary is passionate about teaching her students about the industry and how to best prepare to enter the workforce from their resume through the interview process. Mary is bilingual, she speaks English and Portuguese.
Email: mcronin@ne-cat.org
Culinary Instructor
A NECAT graduate and owner of Breez Gourmet catering and restaurant, Chef Michelene joined NECAT in March of 2024 to lead the Haitian Creole Culinary Training Program. Chef Michelene is a true NECAT success story, who believes in paying it forward by mentoring and supporting her students on their journey. Chef Michelene is fluent in French, English and Haitian-Creole.
Email: mdesormeau@ne-cat.org
Development & Marketing Manager
Sandra manages NECAT’s marketing and communications, including our social media platforms and website. Sandra is a content creator and skilled storyteller, using images and videos to illustrate NECAT's mission in action. Prior to joining NECAT, Sandra worked as a case manager for various social services agencies. She is a graduate of Westfield State and obtained her master's degree in cyber security from Northeastern University. Sandra is fluent in English, French and Ewe.
Email: skwawu@ne-cat.org
Culinary Instructor
Chef Instructor Pascale teaches introductory culinary classes and ServSafe at NECAT. Students are with Chef Pascale during their first seven weeks of training when they are introduced to culinary terminologies, cooking techniques and the expectations of working in a professional kitchen. A graduate of UMass Boston and Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts, she has varied experience as a chef, caterer and instructor. A Mattapan native, she pulls her culinary experience from her rich Haitian background and Boston roots. Chef Pascale has been with NECAT since 2022.
Email: pmartineau@ne-cat.org
Catering Director
Chef Quandré oversees the daily operations of Catering Services at NECAT. He is a graduate of NECAT Cohort 51, and winner of the Student Leadership Award in his cohort. Chef Quandré comes to NECAT with many years of experience in the food service industry.
Email: qmcghee@ne-cat.org
Culinary Director
Chef Avery Perry comes to NECAT with 25 years of experience in food service management and workforce development. As the Culinary Director, he leads the culinary curriculum at NECAT. He teaches the Orange Hats (second half of the program) at the flagship in Boston, as well as NECAT's program behind the walls at Suffolk County House of Correction (SCHC). Chef Avery is the founder of Law of Pasta, teaching the community the fundamentals of making pasta. He is passionate about empowering students and supporting their goal of working in the food industry.
Email: aperry@ne-cat.org
Career Services Director
Lisette is the Career Services Director, teaching career readiness skills, counseling individual students on career choices and working one-on-one with students who are behind the walls at Suffolk County House of Correction (SCHC), helping to set employment goals in the immediacy of release. She has over ten years of experience in the nonprofit industry and is passionate about helping people become better versions of themselves. A graduate of Xavier University of Louisiana, Lisette earned her Master’s degree and Certificate of Advanced Graduate Studies from Cambridge College. Lisette joined NECAT in 2022.
Email: lwilliams@ne-cat.org
In accordance with federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex (including gender identity and sexual orientation), religious creed, disability, age, political beliefs, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity.
