Precinct: 2
Tell us a little about yourself. You can include your personal background, family, outside interests that are important to who you are as a person and a candidate.
I have been privileged to live in Lexington for over 30 years. We have benefited from Lexington’s excellent schools and developed a strong appreciation for the Town’s open spaces. I have actively participated in Town Meeting since 2021.
I currently direct the Insurance Resource Center for Autism and Behavioral Health at UMass Chan Medical School (massairc.org), where we help the community access critical treatments and services for autism and behavioral health. My personal and professional work in the disability community has helped me understand many of the challenges that people with disabilities face and shaped my commitment to reducing barriers and increasing access for all.
How has your past experience — whether in your professional life, elected office, or as a community leader — prepared you for a role in Town Meeting?
I have extensive experience in policy advocacy at a state level, having played a key role in passing several significant pieces of autism legislation, including the groundbreaking 2010 law requiring health insurance to cover medically necessary treatment for autism. My participation on numerous commissions, boards, and organizations that serve people with disabilities has provided a solid foundation for my role as a Town Meeting Member.
What is the most important issue in this election to you personally, and what ideas do you have about how to address this issue?
I believe addressing climate change and increasing access to affordable housing are among the two most important issues facing our community. I have actively participated in and supported the Town Meeting Articles addressing these, and I look forward to continuing to work to implement change in a thoughtful manner.
I was first motivated to run for Town Meeting out of a concern for the polarization in politics that threatens our democracy and my desire to participate in processes that could counter this. Collaboration and negotiation have always been central to my work. I have participated in numerous processes, both formal and informal, with people who held opposing views on key issues. My approach is to respectfully listen and understand the other person’s perspective. In many cases and issues, there are often some aspects of mutual agreement. I try to find these and, utilizing them as a base, work to forge a compromise. In cases where this wasn’t possible, I’ve been able to respectfully ‘agree to disagree’ and continue to maintain a dialog.
It has been an honor and privilege to serve in Town Meeting, and I look forward to continuing as a Member.