1. Youth Mental Health & Support for the Milton Coalition
Right now, youth mental health is one of the most urgent public health issues we face. Kids are under a lot of pressure—and rates of anxiety, depression, and risky behaviors are on the rise.
I helped launch the Milton Coalition over a decade ago to address underage drinking and drug use. A program of the Health Department, the coalition has grown into a hub for community-wide prevention work, involving parents, schools, faith leaders, and youth themselves.
On the Board of Health, I will champion developmentally appropriate, community-based mental health programming for Milton’s youth—supporting strong decision-making, reducing stigma, and helping young people build resilience. The Coalition’s funding will be expiring in 2 years. I will fight to keep the coalition alive. How? I will use my grant writing experience and strategic planning skills to start planning right away to keep this treasured and cherished resource in Milton.
2. Community Health Improvement Plan (CHIP)
In 2024, Milton gathered information from residents and organizations about the town’s health needs—what’s working, what’s not, and where we need to do better. We collected information about cancer, asthma, diabetes, falls, mental health, and substance use - focusing on the special needs of youth, working age adults, and older adults. This process was called the Community Health Assessment. The next phase created a plan to improve health across the town called the ‘Community Health Improvement Plan." I served on the advisory board for both the Assessment and the Plan and will bring that experience to the Board of Health. I’ll work to make sure that the plan does not sit on a shelf so it leads to real improvements in areas that matter—especially for families, youth, and older residents. You can read the report here.
3. Responsible Use of Opioid Settlement Funds
Milton is receiving money from the state as part of the opioid settlement—and more is on the way over the next several years. These funds are a once-in-a-generation opportunity to make a difference, and we have to get it right. We have hundreds of thousands of unspent dollars in the fund and an unclear strategic plan.
With over 15 years of experience working with towns across Massachusetts on substance use prevention, overdose response, and recovery supports, I know what works and how to get it done.
On the Board, I’ll advocate for using these funds for prevention programs and youth education for the schools, and harm reduction and services for people in recovery and for families impacted by opioids.
6. Supporting Youth Sports as a Public Health Asset
4. Increasing Community Engagement & Transparency
Public health works best when the public is involved. That’s why I led the successful effort to require elected boards in Milton to record their meetings—so residents can see what’s happening and how decisions are made.
If elected, I’ll continue pushing for more open communication and real community input. That means public forums on key issues, clear updates from the Board of Health, and making sure residents feel heard—not just spoken to. Community engage is public health.
5. Long-Term Visioning: Exploring a Milton Shuttle
Transportation may not seem like a health issue—but it is. It affects how people get to the doctor, buy groceries, go to work, or visit friends. As a board member of the Partnership for a Healthy Milton (PHM), we identified intra-town transportation as an important public health priority. On behalf of PHM and in collaboration with the Town, I am working with two Northeastern students and the Shuttle Community Advisory committee to explore what other towns are doing and whether a local shuttle might work for Milton in the future.
This is a long-term idea—we are just gathering information right now. But as our town grows, we need to think ahead about how we can stay connected, support each other, and make it easier to get around.
6. Supporting Youth Sports as a Public Health Asset
As a lifelong athlete and the parent of two kids who played sports in the Milton Public Schools, I know firsthand how valuable youth sports are to our kids’ physical and mental health—and to our sense of community. Milton's youth sports programs are invaluable to our town.
On the Board of Health, I’ll support the Parks Department’s work on strategic planning for all of Milton’s fields, including the CPA-funded Open Space and Recreation Plan. Every child in Milton deserves the opportunity to get out there, be active, and feel part of something.
PRIORITIES
Healthy People. Healthy Communities. A Healthier Milton.
Public health touches every part of our town and affects all of us—from the air we breathe and the water we drink to how we get around, raise our kids, and support each other. I’m running for the Milton Board of Health to make sure public health is part of every important decision, not just during emergencies, but every day.
I’ve spent my career working to improve health and wellness in communities like ours, using practical tools, smart policies, and strong relationships to bring about real change. I’ve also been deeply involved in Milton—on neighborhood projects, local coalitions, and town committees—because I care deeply about this town and the people who live here.