I’ve worked with adults, children and families for over 30 years. I have a Master’s of Arts with a concentration in Family Therapy and Holistic Studies from Lesley College. I have worked directly with families and children in various settings, including working with the child welfare and court systems, coordinating  a shelter for adolescents, and managing home-based services for children and their families. Much of the challenges families faced were hampered by the system not working together on the family's behalf. It was my personal goal to assure that families and their children were at the center of the delivery system and decisions regarding their services were delivered in a way that worked for and with them. It became clear to me that the way services were delivered for families was often ineffective, at least partially due to children and families believing they did not have a “choice”. I believe that at least a conversation for choice is key, such that, in the process, family’s voices are heard and respected.