2023 - 2024 NSPAC  Officers

Alyssa Degon, President, NSPAC

Alyssa Degon is originally from New Jersey, but became familiar with the Boston area as an undergrad at Boston University. After 11 years working in publishing in NYC, she and her husband settled in Northborough in 2009.  Alyssa joined the board of NSPAC in 2018, inspired by the progress and dedication of previous NSPAC board members and eager to continue to work with the district and the special needs community. Alyssa's family has since moved to Southborough where her 2 children attend Southboro Public Schools.

Shaista Qureshi, Communications Coordinator, NSPAC

Shaista Qureshi is an Engineering Graduate, a proud mother of three wonderful boys, and a resident of Southborough since 2021. Her professional journey has been diverse, having worked as a marketing analyst and office administrator before embracing role as a dedicated homemaker. Her journey as an advocate for special needs children began when she faced the challenges associated with raising a special needs child of her own. Since then, she has dedicated herself to understanding their needs and promoting inclusivity, support, and empowerment for special needs individuals.

Nikol Maher, Secretary, NSPAC

Nikol Maher grew up in Connecticut and went to Loyola College for her Bachelors and Masters degree in Speech Language Pathology. Her passion to work with underprivileged children led her to work for New York City and Boston Public Schools as a speech pathologist. Nikol and her family moved to Northborough in 2012, where she continued her work as a speech pathologist until the birth of her son. She now has three children in the Northborough Public Schools, including one with significant special needs. Nikol hopes that her unique perspective will be an asset to the NSPAC board, which she joined in 2021.


Joelle Gilmore, Treasurer, NSPAC

Joelle is a mom of three who currently works as the Testing Coordinator at St. Mark's School in Southborough. In that role she organizes the logistical operations of standardized testing for this prestigious independent high school. Joelle also works as a College Essay Reviewer for Bright Horizons College Coach where she helps students to hone their messages and highlight their written voices in college application essays.