Public Schools lays forth the goal of “balancing academic achievement with personal well-being in the pursuit of individual dreams.” As an alumni of Andover public schools, Northeastern University, and Yale University, I value a challenging, robust and competitive education. As a pediatric nurse practitioner, I consider the larger factors that influence young people’s well-being. Now, as a candidate for School Committee, I am taking action to address systemic barriers to wellness for Harvard’s youth, while maintaining excellence in education.
I use many of the same skills in my work as a pediatric nurse practitioner that I would bring to the School Committee: I listen closely, think critically, communicate effectively, examine evidence, collaborate, and make difficult decisions. Every day I care for young people who are strung out by the pile-on of expectations from today’s culture. They are stressed, overwhelmed, exhausted, and often lack coping skills. As a specialist in adolescent medicine, I am fluent in the evidence base around wellness for young people, including development, depression, anxiety, substance use, and self harm. As a School Committee member, I will prioritize policies that promote academic excellence alongside a culture that promotes overall well-being for our town’s young people.
Prior to my career as a pediatric nurse practitioner, I was a program coordinator at the youth services department in Andover. In this capacity, I collaborated with young people and their families, school administration, school committee, and faculty of the schools to bring essential programs to Andover’s youth. This experience provided me with an intimate perspective of how town leadership can partner with the community at large to create an environment that helps all young people thrive.
As a lifetime youth advocate working alongside young people and their families, I am well positioned to serve on the School Committee. For these reasons, I ask for your vote on Tuesday, May 7.
Suzanne Allen
Littleton Road
