Alissa located to Acton in 2001 and is raising two children, now ages 16 and 20, with her husband. She works part time as a Classroom Assistant at Merriam Elementary School.
Originally from the midwest, Alissa attended Boston University, earning a BA in Biology and studied Early Childhood Education at Urban College of Boston.
Her work experience includes Preschool Teacher at Mulberry Childcare Center and Soldier’s Field Park Children’s Center, Education Guide at the Boston Children’s Museum, Educator at the New England Aquarium, and Discovery Center Program Manager at the Boston Museum of Science.
Values Alissa will bring to the Select Board
A person’s values can tell you quite a bit about who that person is. Alissa has done a lot of work with various programs and coaches to identify her core values. Read on to get to know her better.
Curiosity and Caution
Good decision making is not a quick process. It requires:
– bringing people with diverse skills, experience, and knowledge together
– a careful assessment and analysis of the data available and consideration of the possible outcomes
– being open to learning new things and changing your mind rather than assuming you know best
Alissa believes she can learn something from everyone she talks to.
She does her research and uses her excellent analysis skills to look both broadly and deeply at all sides of an issue. She will bring these skills to the Select Board’s deliberations.
Communication
Alissa is a good listener. She is committed to hearing your stories, your ideas, your concerns, your questions, and your grievances.
Connection and Community
From volunteering with community organizations to organizing events that bring people together, she shares her love of meaningful connection that makes communities stronger. As a Select Board member, Alissa will be in service to the community.
Courage
Speaking the truth takes courage. Courage is needed to amplify the voices of those who have been historically excluded from the conversation or positions of power. Courage is vital to stand up and challenge false narratives. Asking questions and admitting you don’t know the answer requires courage. Alissa will bring this courage to the Select Board, inviting others to the table, taking accountability for mistakes, and apologizing when appropriate.
Compassion
Alissa cares deeply about people, their quality of life, inclusivity, and equity. When someone is in need or has a problem, she offers support and works on finding solutions together.
Standing up for Racial Justice