Francesca Reardon and Student Advocacy

Nora Geoghegan

Staff Writer

Content warning: This article contains references to sexual assault. If this topic is upsetting or disturbing to you, please do not read it. If you need support, please reach out to Counseling Services (508-767-7329), Title IX (508-767-7478), or AU Campus Advocate Stephanie Seyde-Rodriguez (508-767-7641).

There are so many seniors to celebrate and recognize, one of which is Fran Reardon!

Fran is from Norwood, MA and is majoring in criminology and psychology with a concentration in mental health/pre-clinical counseling. She intends to become a mental health counselor in the future.

Fran serves as president of Peers Advocating Wellness for Students (PAWS) as well as working as an intern for Pathways for Change. PAWS is a student-run organization aimed at educating Assumption students about mental and physical well-being through G-boards, tailings, and other on campus events. Pathways for Change is a non-profit organization in Worcester that provides services and resources for victims of sexual violence.

Regarding PAWS, Fran stated, “I have been an executive for PAWS since my first year at Assumption. I was initially drawn to the club because I have always been interested in mental health awareness and knew that I wanted to be a mental health counselor.”

She continues by saying, “I also knew that joining PAWS would be beneficial for both my knowledge on mental health, as well as allow me opportunities to meet and make friends with like-minded people on campus. PAWS has truly shaped my experience at Assumption and has taught me many valuable skills that I can bring into my professional life post-grad, such as leadership, collaboration, and time management. Additionally, I have been able to organize and take part in many meaningful events, such as Destress fest and Take Back the Night, which aim to benefit students in the areas of mental health and relationship advocacy.”

Regarding her work at Pathways for Change, Fran discussed how PAWS events, like Take Back the Night, and her Family Violence class with Dr. Angela Kaufman-Parks, developed her passion for advocating for survivors of sexual assault. She explained, “This passion led me to pursue a role as an On-Call Advocate at Pathways for Change in Worcester. In this role, i have been able to support survivors of sexual violence in medical settings and on our hotline, providing them with emotional support, resources and referrals, and options for their next steps in navigating the aftermath of a traumatic event of this magnitude. This experience has strengthened my passion for working in a profession that helps people when they need it most.”

Fran is continuing her education and passion for survivor advocacy here at Assumption.