Leadership Team

Sophia Suarez-Friedman, LICSW
Program Director of Wayside Multi-Service Center

Sophia oversees community-based prevention, outreach, resource navigation, and counseling services for Watertown, Waltham, and surrounding communities. In this role, she leads program development, supervises staff, manages grant funding and reporting, and collaborates with city agencies, schools, and community partners to strengthen access to vital resources. Since joining the Wayside Multi in 2019 as a Clinical Intern, she has held multiple roles, including Program Coordinator, where she expanded case management services, facilitated the internship program, and provided clinical supervision. She also continues to provide therapy and counseling in English and Spanish.

Sophia has played a key role in community initiatives, including coordinating Watertown’s Mutual Aid program during the pandemic, facilitating a Spanish-language support group for Latina mothers, hosting donation drives and free stores, and collaborating with community members to establish the Watertown Community Fridge. She holds a Master of Social Work from Boston College, where she participated in the Latinx Leadership Initiative, and a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Spanish Studies from American University. A Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW) in Massachusetts, her contributions have been recognized with the Latino Excellence Award (2023, nominated by State Representative Steve Owens).

 

Stephanie Sunderland-Ramsey
WYC Program Coordinator

Stephanie has been Program Coordinator for the Watertown Youth Coalition at Wayside Multi-Service Center since October of 2000.  Stephanie’s passion for working with youth started when she was an adolescent herself, teaching art classes at the local Boys & Girls Club.  After receiving a degree in Psychology at University of Massachusetts, Stephanie has consistently focused on psycho-educational and prevention programming.  She is pleased to work in the Watertown community where she collaborates with youth and other adults who are also focused on the health of youth in the community.  Stephanie’s favorite activities are Pilates, running, reading and excursions with her children.

 

Christina Lupica
Youth Engagement Specialist, WYC Peer Leadership Advisor

Christina just started her 4th year at the Wayside Multi. Through her employment, she is currently obtaining her Master of Arts in Mental Health Counseling (LMHC). Her primary connection to the Watertown community is through overseeing the Peer Leaders; a dedicated group of Watertown high school role models who connect with other youth stakeholders in the community to create and facilitate mental health programs and events. Christina participates in similar public speaking, organizing, and leadership efforts for youth through her participation in W2B2, a coalition of youth stakeholders in Watertown, Waltham, Belmont, and Brookline. Christina is also a dedicated member of the Watertown Anti-Bias Coalition.

Additionally, Christina oversees a program that implements life-skills groups with 12-22 year olds in Watertown and Waltham, with a focus on substance use prevention and early intervention. These groups are run in collaboration with school departments, after school youth spaces like Boys & Girls Clubs, housing authorities, and residential programs. If you or your program is interesting in Christina holding a group in your space, email  Christina_Lupica@waysideyouth.org for more information.