Occupation: Substance Use/Mental Health Therapist
Your Education/Background: I hold a bachelor’s degree in Addiction Psychology and a master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. I am a licensed contractor through the Federal Bureau of Prisons and NH State Parole to provide substance use and mental health treatment to individuals.
How Long Have You Lived in Manchester? I have lived in Manchester since 2014.
Hobbies/Fun Fact about you/other biographical info: I have five children; a set of 15-year-old twins, a 4 year old, and a set of 2-year-old twins. My memere, Lillian Rheault,
earned a key to the city from former Mayor Wieczorek and Mayor Baines, and was a state representative for 20 years. I am paralyzed, wheelchair bound, due to a car accident in which I was a passenger, at 15 years old.
If re-elected, what steps would you endorse to address the issue of homelessness in the city?
If I am re-elected, I will continue to take the necessary steps to help support individuals to gain housing and obtain treatment. The homeless population in Manchester is so diverse, including individuals who have severe mental health issues, and will not take a “one size fits all” approach to help manage this. I will continue to work with city agencies and city officials to develop more affordable housing and obtainable, safe transitional living. The mental health needs of this population needs to be addressed immediately. There are so many wonderful treatment programs throughout our city that these individuals should take advantage of.
If re-elected, what steps would you endorse to address the issue of housing costs?
The cost of housing is unfair and unjust. Families and individuals are struggling across the country. If I am re-elected I will be a voice in developing affordable and safe senior housing as well as affordable and safe family housing. Creating additional workforce development programs may allow residents to afford appropriate housing and decrease their risk of homelessness.
If re-elected, what steps would you endorse to address the issue of attracting and retaining quality city employees?
I think in order to attract and retain quality city employees, we need to provide an appropriate benefits package and support them in their positions. The goal is to foster a positive, flexible, and supportive work environment allowing employees to expand their skills, take on new responsibilities, and provide quality work. Achievements should be recognized and rewarded, boosting morale and increasing loyalty. City employees should be respected, valued, and appreciated.
What is your opinion on the city’s parks, library and entertainment offerings/public events? If improvement is needed, what should be done?
Our Economic Development team, Jodie and Erik, do an incredible job at creating and managing new events. They have done an incredible job attracting many wonderful shops and restaurants to our city and they continue to do so. They have great motivation to continue to bring success to the city in this area.
What is your opinion of the state of education in Manchester and what should the relationship be between the Board of School Committee and Board of Mayor and Aldermen?
If I am re-elected, I am going to push for a change in the school facilities plan. I want to see a plan developed to bring trades programs and special education to the forefront. Manchester should be developing a specialty school for students which may also gain funding through nearby towns and cities who choose to send their students. The Manchester School of Technology should be expanded and various trades programs should be offered in each high school.
Anything else you’d like to add not mentioned here and what is the best way voters can reach you if they have more questions?