MAAPS honors child advocate Maria Mossaides for tireless service

On Friday, March 27, the Massachusetts Association of Approved Private Special Education Schools (MAAPS) honored Maria Z. Mossaides with the James V. Major Award for her immense contributions to the welfare of children in Massachusetts.

The hallmarks of Mossaides’ leadership in child advocacy have included supporting families and children in accessing the services they need to thrive, providing greater certainty to children and families, and investing in prevention services. The James V. Major Award was established in honor of the former MAAPS executive director to recognize outstanding service to the association, its member schools, and their students.

“Maria Mossaides represents the very best of public service in Massachusetts. Throughout her career, she has elevated the voices of children and families who too often go unheard, while pushing our systems to be more responsive, more accountable, and more compassionate,” said MAAPS Executive Director Elizabeth Dello Russo Becker. “Her leadership reflects the core values of MAAPS – that every child deserves stability, dignity, and the opportunity to thrive. We are proud to honor her with the James V. Major Award.” 

During the event, Mossaides joined MAAPS Executive Director Elizabeth Becker for a fireside chat about lessons she has taken from her career, the importance of mentorship, and advice for today’s special education schools. The event brought together over 80 leaders from across MAAPS member schools to build connections and support a talent pipeline for emerging leaders in special education.