Press Release  Governor Healey Appoints Two New Members to the Sex Offender Registry Board

Boston — Governor Maura T. Healey has appointed Monica Ferraro, Ph.D., and Maria Salvador, Ph.D., to serve on the Sex Offender Registry Board (SORB). Dr. Ferraro and Dr. Salvador are seasoned experts who bring decades of clinical, court, and policy experience to their new roles as board members.  

“Doctors Ferraro and Salvador are highly experienced professionals with wide-ranging expertise and clinical perspectives that will support and advance SORB’s vital mission to promote public safety. We look forward to their contributions to SORB,” said Governor Healey. 

“We are pleased to welcome Doctor Ferraro and Doctor Salvador to their new roles at the Sex Offender Registry Board,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “Together, their extensive work experience on the state and federal level combined with a deep commitment to keeping our communities safe will enhance SORB’s critical mission of classifying offenders and keeping the public educated and informed.”  

SORB's primary duty is to register and classify convicted sex offenders according to their risk of re-offense and the degree of danger they pose. SORB maintains the state’s sex offender registry, collaborates closely with state and local government agencies, provides public information concerning the location of registered sex offenders, and guides victims and survivors of sexual violence to services. The Governor appoints the Board’s seven members, including one Chair and six additional members who serve for six-year terms. 

“Doctors Ferraro and Salvador are demonstrated leaders with highly relevant, direct experience in risk assessment, treatment programming, and juvenile populations. We look forward to their contributions and are confident they will draw upon their impressive professional accomplishments to serve Massachusetts and help keep our communities safe,” said Secretary of Public Safety and Security Terrence Reidy.  

“With deep appreciation to Governor Healey and the Administration, I welcome Dr. Salvador and Dr. Ferraro to the Sex Offender Registry Board,” said Chairwoman Megan McLaughlin. “Their combined depth of experience in key areas such as risk evaluations, sex offender management programs, and work with adolescents will be a tremendous asset to the Board. They also bring a spirit of service and enthusiasm for SORB’s mission to help advance our work, strengthen public safety, and improve outcomes.”   

For more information about the Sex Offender Registry Board, visit its homepage.  

About the New Board Members 

Dr. Monica Ferraro 

Dr. Monica Ferraro, Ph.D., joined the Sex Offender Registry Board after 15 years at the Department of Youth Services. As the Regional Clinical Coordinator in Central Massachusetts, Ferraro provided clinical oversight, ensured policy compliance, and led strategic planning initiatives.  

In her 30-year career, Ferraro has served in various roles that have prepared her for the responsibilities of a SORB member. During her tenure at Youth Opportunities Upheld, Incorporated (YOU, Inc), a nonprofit agency serving adolescents and their families, she worked in residential and acute treatment programs and in the intensive outpatient sex offender treatment program.  

During her tenure with the Federal Bureau of Prisons, she played an instrumental role in developing the Sex Offender Management Program and helped activate the Sex Offender Treatment Program at FMC Devens. While at FMC Devens, Ferraro completed evaluations of incarcerated sex offenders who were about to be released back into the community. She also completed evaluations on incarcerated individuals facing civil commitment under the Adam Walsh Child and Safety Act.  

Ferraro has earned several advanced psychology degrees, including a Ph.D. and master’s from Clark University and a bachelor’s from the University of Arizona.  

Dr. Maria Salvador 

Dr. Maria Salvador, Ph.D., joins the Sex Offender Registry Board with more than 15 years of experience as a licensed clinical forensic psychologist.  

Salvador has extensive training and expertise in conducting forensic evaluations and testifying as an expert witness in criminal and civil cases. In this capacity, she conducted Competence to Stand Trial Evaluations, Criminal Responsibility Evaluations, Aid-in-Sentencing Evaluations, need for further care and treatment evaluations, Sexual Dangerousness Evaluations, and Pre-Arraignment Evaluations.  

Before joining SORB, Salvador provided psychology services at the Massachusetts Treatment Center in Bridgewater, Mass. In this role, Salvador was a voting member on the Community Access Board, which determined whether residents continue to be a Sexually Dangerous Person as defined by law. Salvador also spent several years as a Designated Forensic Psychologist at Bridgewater State Hospital and has extensive expertise in aiding adults experiencing depression and anxiety. 

Salvador earned her Ph.D. from Alliant International University, her master’s degree in Counseling Psychology from Northeastern University, and her bachelor’s in Psychology and Criminal Justice from Curry College.  

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