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Why are you running for the Board of Health?
I'm running for the Board of Health (BOH) because I'm deeply committed to Dedham and care about our community immensely. As someone raised in Dedham and a graduate of Dedham High School who returned home to Dedham after many years of military service and traveling, I'm deeply rooted in this community. I returned to raise my children here because Dedham is an exceptional town. As a Veteran and Registered Nurse (RN), my passion and devotion lie in service, advocacy, and improving the well-being of others. Dedham has been so wonderful to my family and me that serving our town would align my passion for service and health advocacy to protect our community's health and environment. What are your qualifications relative to this position? I'm an RN with nearly twelve years of diverse nursing experience. I've worked with pediatrics and adults in surgery and critical care and am currently in clinical research at the Boston VA. I've cared for others from infancy to end-of-life, from various races, cultures, religions, and socioeconomic backgrounds, which has given me the hands-on experience in understanding the health needs of individuals from different groups. I'm adept at navigating the healthcare regulatory environment and administering policies. I've learned that being a team member is an invaluable trait in my military and nursing careers. If elected, I would embody this trait as a BOH member and advocate for all of Dedham. What are your top priorities for Dedham's future?
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Why are you running for the Board of Health?
I am running for the Board of Health because I care deeply for this community and I have the skills and experience to make a positive impact in people’s lives. I have always been impressed by how much people in Dedham care for one another. That sense of community inspired me to volunteer and give back to the town. As the mother of a child who uses mobility assistive devices, I have worked with the Special Education Parent Advisory Committee to advocate for and support families in the Dedham Public Schools. I also serve on the Dedham Commission for Disability and am a liaison to the Dedham Active Transportation Workgroup. What are your qualifications relative to this position? I am qualified for the Board of Health because I have an extensive background in public health and infectious disease. My education and hands-on work experience provide me with a deep understanding and passion for the mission of the Board of Health. I have an M.S. in Management and Healthcare Administration and have worked in Boston Healthcare for 30 years at 4 major hospitals. In my current position running a very busy clinical microbiology lab, we test for every type of infectious disease and are a sentinel agent lab to watch for new and emerging disease and agents of bioterrorism. We communicate daily with the Mass Dept of Public Health and the Boston Public Health Commission. What are your top priorities for Dedham's future? The health of our community is dependent on the health and wellbeing of every member of the community. My priorities are to assess our community health needs, improve health literacy across the community, help families become effective advocates for their own wellness and healthcare, prevent substance abuse and vaping, particularly among youth, strengthen support for people impacted by the pandemic, including seniors and other vulnerable populations who have been isolated, people with pre-existing health issues, mental health concerns and food insecurity. If elected, I will collaborate with local agencies on initiatives to help Dedham’s residents develop healthier lifestyles. |
Candidates for Town Wide OfficeContested races:
Select Board School Committee Board of Health Uncontested Races: Commissioner of Trust Funds |
Candidates for Town Meeting
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