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We are WOBURN
The Board of Save the Wyman Castle is not made up of outsiders looking in. We are lifelong residents, educators, community leaders, and families whose roots run deep in Woburn. Our passion for this cause comes from a shared belief that the people of Woburn deserve a vibrant Arts and Community Center that celebrates our city's heritage while serving today's families, students, artists, and residents.
Susan Thifault
Susan's connection to Woburn dates back to the city's earliest beginnings. A descendant of Ezekiel Richardson, one of Woburn's founding fathers, her family's roots in Woburn extend back to 1642 on both sides. Her grandparents and mother attended the Wyman School and lived in the Central Square neighborhood. Susan, her mother, and her children all graduated from Woburn High School, and she is a third-generation educator who taught at Woburn High. Her love for the city inspired her to author Woburn High School History: Pride and Tradition, preserving an important part of the community's story for future generations.
Dr. Patti McCauley
A Woburn resident for 44 years, Dr. McCauley's connection to the Wyman School spans generations. Her husband, both sons, and two brothers-in-law attended the Wyman. The McCauley family is four generations deep in Woburn, and her commitment to strengthening the community reflects a lifetime of service and civic engagement.
Madeline Farrell
Madeline is a proud third-generation Woburn resident whose family history is intertwined with the Wyman School. Three of her six siblings attended the Wyman, as did two nieces and a great-nephew. She returned to the school to teach third grade for 15 years and has dedicated 37 years to educating Woburn's children through the Woburn Public Schools.
Catherine Shaughnessy
A lifelong Woburn resident, former City Council member, and Wyman School alumna, Catherine represents a family legacy that spans generations. As a third-generation Woburn resident, she brings a deep understanding of the city's history and a strong commitment to its future.
Erin Merceruio Nelson
After purchasing a home in Woburn in 2014, Erin made a conscious decision to put down roots and invest in the community. She is dedicated to helping make Woburn an even stronger place to live, work, and raise a family, and believes the Arts and Community Center will enrich the city for years to come.
Together, we represent hundreds of years of combined family history, service, education, and community involvement in Woburn.
We are not simply advocating for a building—we are working to preserve a piece of Woburn's identity and create a place where future generations can gather, learn, create, and connect.
This is our city. This is our history. This is our future. We Are Woburn.
Board of Directors
"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has." Margaret Mead.
Susan Thifault
President
Descendant of one of the founding fathers of Woburn, Passionate Arts Advocate, Bachelor of Fine Arts, Masters in Secondary Education, Woburn Public Schools Educator, Woburn Public Schools K12 Visual and Performing Arts Curriculum Director, Yearbook Advisor, Woburn Public Media Center Board Member, Woburn Historical Society Board Member, Published Author “Woburn High School - History, Pride, Tradition”, Photographer, and business owner.
Dr. Patricia McCauley
Co Vice President
Cummings Foundation volunteer - MA Nursing Council for Workforce Sustainability volunteer - New England League for Nurse Educators, Membership Committee, former BOD - retired associate professor, Regis College, Regis in Haiti volunteer Her husband and sons attended the Wyman Elementary School.
Catherine Shaughnessy
Board Director
Catherine B. Shaughnessy is a proud lifelong resident. Educated at Woburn Public Schools, including the Wyman, she is a graduate of UMass Amherst. Catherine served many years as a City Councilor. She built a successful career in the high-tech industry, and now, in her second act at the Woburn Council on Aging. She is passionate about transforming the Wyman into an arts and cultural center for the benefit of everyone.
Erin Merceruio Nelson
Board Director - Fundraising
Erin Merceruio Nelson has been a resident of Woburn’s Central Square neighborhood since the end of 2014. Erin runs a small nonprofit consulting firm specializing in operations, management, and fundraising. She previously served on the board of the Boston SIngers’ Resource, OperaWorks, and currently advises the team at Opera Untapped. Erin is a classical singer working frequently in opera, concert work, and has a special affinity for newly composed vocal works and premieres. She is passionate about building a community resource that will serve the current and future generations of Woburn residents.
Madeline Farrell
Co Vice President
Madelyn Farrell is a lifelong Woburn resident who attended Wyman Elementary School and later returned as a third-grade teacher. Over the course of a 37-year career in elementary education, she devoted herself to serving the Woburn community. Madelyn is deeply passionate about revitalizing the property as a much-needed community resource and currently serves as Vice President of the Castle Arts and Community Center nonprofit.