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.
My husband and have lived in Lexington since 1988, raising four children through the Lexington Public Schools. I am a psychiatric occupational therapist working in a busy Boston emergency room (the only psych OT in an emergency room in the state). I graduated from Harvard in psychology magna cum laude and then attained a master’s degree from Tufts. I have been working for over 40 years in many inpatient and outpatient mental health and addiction programs. Mental health reform, advocacy and treatment are very important to me. I am passionate about helping others. I believe in inclusion and equity for all, and I strive to ensure that people of all ages with disabilities whether physical, mental, neurodiverse, visible, invisible and/or sensory have full access to programs and services. I have made many trips to Uganda to help disabled children and to enhance educational opportunities. I enjoy public service.
Why are you running for Town Meeting?
I am running for Town Meeting in precinct 8 because I want to continue to serve Lexington. I am the chair of the Commission on Disability, co-chair the Community Wellness Collaborative, have been a voice in Town Meeting for years and collaborate with many committees and town departments. I believe in the power of successful collaboration and want to be fully informed on what my precinct 8 members identify as important so I can adequately represent my precinct. Many challenges lie ahead for Lexington and I look forward to learning all I can to make the right decisions.
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?
My extensive experience as a healthcare professional and my lengthy community involvement as the chair of the Commission on Disability make me an excellent candidate for Town Meeting. I have participated in Town Meeting both as a member and as the voice of the Commission. I advocate so that the rights and needs of our residents with disabilities can enjoy full access to all programs and services.
I work hard to learn both sides of every issue before I form my own opinion. As a health care professional, I am part of a treatment team where many opposing views are welcomed and expressed before we come to a consensus. I welcome the challenge of debate and compromise.
What is the most important issue in this election to you personally, and what ideas do you have about how to address this issue?
Housing issues are crucial in Lexington. We need affordable housing for our seniors, our workers, and our young adults. Extensive community meetings and public information sessions must be available concerning new projects. I believe in universal design and there is a citizen’s article in the 2026 Town Warrant that would seniors to age in place and expand accessibility. We need to be more inclusive and thoughtful about equity. The Commission on Disability reviews architectural plans for projects with scrutiny about accessible design and percentages of affordable units. Zoning considerations and development planning need community input and consensus to make sure that residents are truly informed. Everyone should be heard and should be encouraged to become active community voices.