Lauren Buffone is the Director of Student Success & Support and has been at WPI since February 2022. In this role, she manages the CARE Team, a group of professional staff members on campus to support and guide students to identify and connect to resources as needed. In partnership with students, faculty and staff, the CARE Team promotes the safety and well-being of students while empowering them to access academic, social and interpersonal support.

Prior to WPI, Lauren was the program director of a residential experiential education program and has worked in different capacities in youth mentoring, volunteer management, and homelessness advocacy. Lauren has held an Independent Clinical Social Work (LICSW) license since 2018. She received a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology with a concentration in Health and Counseling from Emmanuel College in Boston, MA. She went on to pursue a Master in Social Work from Simmons College in Boston, MA. Lauren lives in Worcester with her family.