Her Story
About Elizabeth
Elizabeth “Betsy” Lescadre is an experienced special education educator and real estate agent with approximately 30 years of experience in education. She currently serves as a Teacher at Pilgrim Area Collaborative, where she works with the Gaining Adult Proficiencies (GAP) program, helping young adults with disabilities develop the skills needed for independent adulthood. Her work focuses on career exploration, postsecondary education, employment readiness, financial management, and independent living skills. Betsy holds a Master of Education in Special Education from Boston University and a Graduate Certificate in Special Education with a concentration in Transition Leadership from the University of Massachusetts Boston. Her career reflects a longstanding commitment to empowering students, fostering independence, and helping individuals pursue meaningful opportunities.
Throughout her career, Betsy has worked with several Massachusetts public school districts and educational organizations, developing expertise in transition planning, student support, and community collaboration. At Pilgrim Area Collaborative, she takes pride in maintaining the strength and success of the GAP program by building relationships with school districts, families, employers, and community partners. She finds great fulfillment in seeing students advance into employment, college, and more independent lives. In 2026, Betsy expanded her professional journey by becoming a licensed Massachusetts real estate salesperson and joining Keller Williams Signature Properties as a Real Estate Agent. Having already completed her first buyer transaction, she is building her real estate business while continuing her teaching career. Her experience in education has strengthened her communication, relationship-building, and problem-solving skills, which she now applies to helping clients navigate the home-buying process.
Beyond her professional responsibilities, Betsy values lifelong learning, meaningful relationships, and community service. She supports public broadcasting, including her local PBS station and NPR, reflecting her appreciation for education, reliable journalism, and access to credible information. She also enjoys walking, hiking in New Hampshire's White Mountains, spending time outdoors with friends, and visiting Martha's Vineyard, a place associated with cherished childhood memories. Betsy encourages young women entering their careers to believe in themselves and remain open to new opportunities rather than being too quick to say no. Through her continued dedication to special education and her growing career in real estate, she demonstrates that professional growth can take many forms and that helping others achieve their goals can remain a rewarding purpose throughout every stage of life.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Elizabeth
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to my commitment to maintaining a strong, effective program and building trust with school districts that refer students to me. Teaching transition skills to students with disabilities as they prepare for life after high school is incredibly rewarding, especially when I see them move on to college or employment and achieve greater independence. My years in education have taught me the importance of building meaningful relationships, listening carefully, and understanding each person’s unique needs. I bring those same skills to real estate, taking the time to get to know my clients, guide them through the process, and help them feel confident in their decisions. My goal is to make every client feel heard, supported, and valued. My brand motto is People First. Integrity Always.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
Many years ago, one of my graduate professors shared advice that has stayed with me throughout my career: “Just doing something is never enough.” He was speaking about teaching students with high needs and the importance of taking the time to truly understand each student as an individual—their needs, interests, challenges, and goals. That advice has shaped how I approach my work, both in education and in real estate. It reminds me that truly helping others requires more than simply doing the job. It means listening, asking questions, building relationships, and putting in the effort to understand what matters most to each person.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering the field is to embrace opportunities and avoid saying no before giving themselves a chance to try. Believe in yourself, trust your abilities, and remain open to new experiences that can help you grow both personally and professionally.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
I believe challenges are opportunities in disguise. Entering real estate as a second career has pushed me outside my comfort zone and opened the door to tremendous personal and professional growth. Real estate is an ever-changing field that requires adaptability, continuous learning, and the ability to build meaningful relationships. I’ve always told my students that growth happens when we step outside our comfort zones and give ourselves the grace to fail, learn, and try again. I believe that mindset is just as important in real estate as it is in the classroom.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Inclusion is my greatest value because I believe everyone deserves to feel seen, heard, respected, and valued for who they are. Throughout my career in education, I have seen how powerful it can be when people feel they belong and are given the opportunity to reach their full potential. I believe the same is true in every aspect of life. When we take the time to understand others, appreciate our differences, and recognize the strengths each person brings, we create stronger relationships, communities, and a better world. To me, inclusion is about more than making room for everyone; it is about making sure everyone knows they matter.
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