Regina L. Lawson, President
Regina, Andrew’s Mom, has nearly three decades of experience working intimately with individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. She is passionate about supporting programs that promote inclusion in the community. Regina has been a volunteer for Special Olympics Massachusetts for 20 years. She has helped organize the Special Olympics Polar Plunge fundraiser for 10 years. Regina is a past member of the Norwell Special Education Parent Advisory Council (SEPAC), a parent organization that advocates for children with disabilities in Norwell Public Schools and provides information and support to parents of children with disabilities in the schools. She is a graduate of Bentley University and was a self employed accountant until she retired in 2023. Regina was awarded the 2023 Diversity Champion of the Year by USTA New England.
James D. Lawson, Treasurer
Jim, Andrew’s Dad, served for 19 years on the Board of the ARC of the South Shore, a charitable organization committed to empowering families and individuals of all ages with intellectual and developmental disabilities to reach their fullest potential. He also served two terms as the organization’s president and initiated its Capital Campaign to expand and improve its building. He also served for four years on the Board of Directors of the ARC of Massachusetts, a charitable organization whose mission is to enhance the lives of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families. While on the Board, he started a Capital Campaign for the organization’s new building. In addition, Jim has been involved with Special Olympics Massachusetts for 20 years as a volunteer and a tennis coach. Jim earned a Bachelor of Science from Babson College and a Master’s of Science in Taxation from Bentley University. He retired in 2023 from his position as a Senior Estate tax accountant with Ropes & Gray LLP, a global law firm, after 42 years.
Sarah Hanson
Sarah is Andrew’s older sister, who he referred to as “the lovey sister.” From early intervention sessions to high school sporting events, Sarah was able to witness Andrew’s many achievements throughout his lifetime. Her favorite times with Andrew were those on the beach and on the ski slopes where he would pick the trails and lead the way. One of her favorite moments was when Andrew gave an inspirational toast to her and her husband Cliff at their wedding in August 2015. Sarah earned her doctorate of physical therapy and minor in psychology from Northeastern University in 2011. She works at Peak Physical Therapy & Sports Performance.
Bridget Lawson, Clerk
Bridget is Andrew’s younger sister, who he referred to as “the Bridgeybee.” Throughout the years Bridget followed Andrew through his love of sports with Special Olympics Massachusetts. She volunteered with his swim team, ski team, and tennis team. While going through Norwell Public Schools, Bridget was involved in Best Buddies with Andrew. When Andrew turned 22 and transitioned to the Friendship Home of Norwell, she started volunteering there until she was old enough to be employed. Bridget has been working for Friendship Home since 2013. She received her Master’s degree in Occupational Therapy from Springfield College in 2016. She is now employed as an Occupational Therapist at Proven Behavior Solutions working with children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Leo Sarkissian
Leo Sarkissian serves as Executive Director of The Arc of Massachusetts, which works to advance the rights of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The Arc has been a leader in advocating for increased budgets for community services, family support, and expanding access to MassHealth services such as the personal care attendant program. The state office also is active in national advocacy through The Arc of the United States. Working with 17 chapters and other agencies across the state, The Arc provides families with needed information, services and support. Leo has held various roles in the disabilities field before his present position, serving as executive director of The Arc of the South Shore, residential director and an area social worker. He lives in Newton Massachusetts with his wife Mary and is the father of two grown daughters.
Matthew Breen
Matt and Andrew grew up and went to school together in Norwell. They quickly became friends due to their shared interest in sports and appreciation of one another’s sense of humor. In high school Matt was involved in Best Buddies and was Andrew’s teammate on both the soccer and basketball teams. As Andrew’s friend, Matt experienced firsthand the immense benefits that inclusive programs provide. He received his Master’s degree in Occupational Therapy from the University of New Hampshire and is now a pediatric Occupational Therapist (OT). He has worked at Children’s Hospital New Orleans, Children’s Hospital Boston and Thom Boston Metro Early Intervention. He is the Co-Founder & CEO of Rahoo Baby.
James Long
James and Andrew were lifelong classmates, teammates and friends. From their early days as kindergarten classmates, the two bonded over their shared loves of basketball, good food and involvement in the Norwell chapter of Best Buddies. James and Andrew were teammates on the 2008 Norwell High School boys' basketball team that finished its season with 19 wins and many more lifelong memories. James received a Bachelor of Arts degree from Tufts University and a Juris Doctor degree from Boston College Law School. He is a Senior Counsel for BioMed Realty in Cambridge, Massachusetts, where he works as a real estate attorney.