Jean’s writing career began as a freelance newspaper columnist. She went on to become a reporter, assistant editor, and then Editor-in-Chief of The Haverhill Gazette in Massachusetts. As a reporter, Jean earned a first-place award for environmental reporting, and a third-place award for heath reporting from New England Newspaper & Press Association. 

After leaving journalism, Jean began a career in public relations in healthcare. After rising to the role of Director of Physician Relations, Marketing, and Strategic Communications, and serving in that capacity for three years, she retired and dedicated her time to completing the novel she started when still in journalism, Biz’s Journey Home – a tribute to her first horse.

Biz’s Journey Home, now accepted for publication, is expected to be released in the fall of 2023. Because of Biz, the sequel, is finished and going through final edits. The third book in the trilogy, I Love You Too, Maybe Even a little More Now, is in progress.

Keep Massachusetts Beautiful is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to the simple idea that “beauty matters.” A landscape littered with trash is anything but beautiful.

The most important words in our mission statement are “taking action.” We focus on getting people involved and actively working to improve their communities through community cleanups and beautification projects. We also encourage local business and government leaders to take an active role in these efforts. Neil Rhein, Founder, Executive Director & Board Member joins us on this edition of Commonwealth Conversations to talk about keeping Massachusetts clean, green and litter-free.

All Dorchester Sports League was founded in 1983 as a specific response to growing racial tension in Dorchester. ADSL offered local youth from an ethnically and racially diverse neighborhood, a space for reconciliation and the opportunity to be on the same team, instead of seeing one another as adversaries. Learn about how the program started, has grown through the years and where the program is going when we interview Executive Director Candice Gartley on this week’s edition of Commonwealth Conversations.

Dr. Amy Rothenberg has been practicing naturopathic medicine since the mid-80’s and in that time, has seen the trends change from doubts among traditional doctors to acceptance that natural healing can be part of the overall healing process. She’s a practicing naturopath in Northampton and has her own health-related story she’s going to share.

On this edition of the program we're talking with clinical mental health counselor Sarah Gaer.  She has twenty four years’ experience in the field of mental health care, with specific focus on men in their middle years.  From mens health to recognizing trauma, we’ll talk about it in an extended edition of Commonwealth Conversations

On this weeks edition will be Leigh Doherty, Executive Director of The Literacy Network of South Berkshire. LitNet has been offering free, one-on-one tutoring sessions for adults since 1991. LitNet’s flexible, personalized approach to tutoring enables adult learners to succeed in their jobs, support their families, and engage with their local communities.

On our first episode – we welcome Dr. Tami Gouveia to the program. Dr. Gouveia is a leader, social worker, policymaker, and doctor of public health. She’s also served as a state representative on Beacon Hill. Most recently, she was a candidate for Lt. Governor. She joins us on this edition of Commonwealth Conversations.

BONUS FACTS: Tami is also a podcaster. On POD for the People!, Dr. Tami Gouveia invites everyday Americans, community activists, and status quo disruptors to share stories and insights that inspire us to heal political divisions and invest in everyone’s health and dignity for our collective well-being. Join her every week to learn more about how we can build a hopeful, joy-filled, and thriving future for everyone. Check out the program at tamigouveia.com/podcast and follow Tami on social media at @TamiGouveiaMA.