MCC Hires New Essential Needs Specialist

To help support the needs of students in and outside of the classroom, Middlesex Community College’s Wellness Resource Center (WRC) offers a variety of free, confidential services and resources. Middlesex hired Isabelle Hanley as the new Essential Needs Specialist to strengthen MCC’s support network, expand student access to essential needs resources, and build partnerships throughout the community.

“For students, this means greater access to food, wellness services, and community resources that can help remove barriers to success,” Hanley said. “For the college, it supports retention, engagement, and overall student wellbeing. For the broader community, it creates opportunities for collaboration and strengthens connections between MCC and local organizations working to support residents across the region.”

Students can access free food across MCC’s Bedford and Lowell campuses. The fully stocked Owl Market food pantries have fresh, frozen and shelf-stable foods, including weekly fresh produce delivered by partner organizations. MCC also offers Grab ‘n Go Healthy Food stations with snacks and microwavable meals. Through a partnership with World Food Movement, Middlesex provides free hot lunches Monday through Thursday during the fall and spring semesters.

In addition to offering one-on-one counseling and wellness coaching, Middlesex students can also schedule Essential Needs appointments for assistance navigating resources and addressing barriers. Hanley and the WRC team are available to provide information related to housing, transportation, technology and childcare. Working on these initiatives brings together what she has learned throughout her career and education.

“I have been drawn to work that combines organizing programming with education and outreach,” Hanley said. “I have always been motivated by the opportunity to help people thrive. Essential needs work feels like a natural extension of those interests because it allows me to support students in practical and meaningful ways while helping remove barriers to their success.”

Before coming to MCC, Hanley worked at the Princeton Blairstown Center managing educational and outdoor programming for students to learn and practice social emotional skills. She also oversaw an organic permaculture garden space, mentored staff, and strengthened skills in program development, relationship building, and creating welcoming spaces for people to learn, grow and connect. Earning a bachelor’s degree from UMass Amherst in public health, she focused on sustainable agriculture and environmental science.

Hanley spent a year at the University of Montana in the Wilderness and Civilization Program and the PEAS Farm, inspiring her interest in the outdoors, food production, education and community building. Passionate about using gardens as a tool for education and connection, she hopes MCC’s Bedford Community Garden can provide opportunities to promote learning, wellness and a sense of belonging for students.

“Throughout my career, I have worked to increase access to healthy food while helping people better understand where their food comes from,” Hanley said. “I am excited to continue expanding opportunities for students to engage with gardening, sustainability, and local food systems at MCC.”

In the Fall 2026 semester, the WRC team will offer wellness fairs, educational programs, and stress relief activities. Hanley looks forward to meeting students and connecting them with resources to be successful.

“Student success is about more than academics, and I was excited to join an institution that recognizes the importance of addressing essential needs and overall wellness,” she said. “I was also drawn to MCC's strong sense of community and the opportunity to continue stewarding spaces that bring people together.”