Wayside’s Lisa Gibalerio Named 2026 Commonwealth Heroine
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 24, 2026
Contact: Betsy Freedman Doherty
774-287-6418
[email protected]
Wayside’s Lisa Gibalerio Named 2026 Commonwealth Heroine
Framingham, MA (June 24, 2026) – Wayside Youth & Family Support Network is proud to announce that Lisa Gibalerio, MPH, has been named a 2026 Commonwealth Heroine by the Massachusetts Commission on the Status of Women (MCSW). Lisa was nominated by State Representative David M. Rogers in recognition of her outstanding contributions to the Belmont community and beyond.
The Commonwealth Heroine award honors women across Massachusetts who “don’t always make the news, but who truly make a difference” in their communities through service, leadership, and advocacy. Lisa is a Public Health Educator and the long-time Program Coordinator of the Belmont Wellness Coalition, a program of Wayside Youth & Family Support Network’s Multi-Service Center. In this role, she leads a committed cross-section of parents, youth, school, town, and community representatives to promote the health and well-being of young people and families through evidence-based education, outreach, and prevention efforts.
Over the course of her work, Lisa has developed hundreds of prevention-centered video shorts, tip sheets, and educational workshops for both parents and teens. Her work addresses critical topics including substance use prevention, the impact of screens, and the culture of stress, equipping families with practical tools and knowledge. Lisa also serves as a trusted community voice through her monthly “Ask Lisa” advice column in the Belmont Voice, where she provides guidance and support to local families navigating complex challenges. Learn more at belmontwellness.org.
“Lisa’s dedication to prevention, education, and overall wellness has had a profound impact on the Belmont community and beyond,” said Sara McCabe, President and CEO of Wayside Youth & Family Support Network. “Her leadership and compassion truly embody the spirit of the Commonwealth Heroine award.”
Lisa is among the 147 distinguished members of the Class of 2026, recognized for their contributions across nonprofit, business, and civic sectors statewide. The official celebration was held on June 24, 2026, at the Massachusetts State House. Each year, the Massachusetts Commission on the Status of Women partners with state legislators to honor women who enrich their communities through mentorship, advocacy, and service, particularly in support of vulnerable populations
About Wayside Youth & Family Support Network
Founded in 1977 and headquartered in Framingham, Massachusetts, Wayside Youth & Family Support Network is a nationally accredited nonprofit dedicated to building strength, hope, and resiliency. Wayside provides a continuum of behavioral health and family services, including community-based counseling, residential programs, and family-centered outreach, serving thousands of children and families across
