Dr. Cullen

My sister, Mary Kate, is many fantastic things. Daughter, friend, sister, girlfriend, twenty-five year old, FLC alum, Holy Cross graduate, Boston Marathon runner, midnight blue nail polish wearer… the list goes on. However, the newest addition to her numerous roles is that of a certified doctor of physical therapy. She graduated with her doctorate this past May, and our family could not be more proud of her.

Graduation Brunch

Joyful Hermanas

Bright Flowers for Bright Futures

Celebrating On Boston Harbor

Cheers at Waxy’s

Proud Marmee & The Graduate

We celebrated with a festive party in her honor at our house at the end of June. After lots of preparation from our immediate and extended family, we all gathered together to congratulate her on her achievements in her academic pursuits.

Classic Neighborhood Sign

Casa de Cullen

Although my mom always gets a tent in case it rains, her rosary beads hung out in the tree (an old family tradition to ensure good weather) did the trick. We enjoyed a beautiful day with friends, family, and food – my favorite combination!

Kim (Above) & Elizabeth (Below)

Clients of Quinn DiFalco’s Braid Bar – Coming Soon!

We Love You, Mary Kate!

In addition to the celebration of Mary Kate’s graduation, we were also lucky enough to be able to share the day with Tom Lessard, Mary Kate’s boyfriend, and Melissa Theall, Mary Kate’s best friend since high school. After three years of working multiple jobs while also succeeding in school, Tom has officially obtained his juris doctorate. AKA… that guy is going to be a lawyer! Thank you, Tom, for being an outstanding part of not only Mary Kate’s life but our family’s life. I, especially, am grateful for the dedication you have shown me throughout my two years in Boston. We are all rooting for you as you prep for the bar exam at the end of the summer!

The Three Musketeers – MK, Tom, & Melissa

Melissa, like Mary Kate, also graduated with her doctorate of physical therapy. She is one of the best friends to our family, one of those rare people who blends right into our kookiness so seamlessly that she feels like a part of it. Mary Kate is lucky to count you as a friend, Melissa, and we all know you are going to bring great knowledge and commitment to your patients and to your entire profession. Congratulations!

Robes on Robes

It has a certain ring to it, Dr. Cullen. And, no, it is not just because Edward’s father in Twilight shares the same name. It is because that title, Mary Kate, is one you will carry with you, wherever you help others heal, with pride, dignity, skill, and love. It is no secret that you acted as a second mother to all of us when we were growing up. Your ability to nurture us in a way that is the perfect balance of gentle caring and tough love will make you an even better health care professional. I witnessed the pain you experienced tearing your ACL during your senior year of high school after committing so much effort to your soccer team. Watching you work every day get better (in time to captain the spring lacrosse team you started!) allowed me to believe I would be able to recover similarly when I tore mine last spring. I appreciate how much you have cared for me in my time at Boston College. Knowing you were so close really made my transition to school a lot easier in many ways. I am constantly inspired by your unstoppable work ethic, MK, especially in this past year. You have overcome challenges and accomplished so much all while maintaining your cheerful and humble demeanor. We cannot wait to cheer you on as you continue on your path of success. We ALL love you!