FY23 A.I. What’s Up with Wellness

Allyson Perron Drag is a graduate of the University of Connecticut with a degree in Political Science. She has used her degree by worked on several political campaigns and as a staffer in several legislators’ offices, and the Massachusetts Secretary of State. Allyson currently works as the Government Relations Director, Regional Lead for the American Heart/American Stroke Association. Her role is to manage, plan, direct, and implement the advocacy programs to influence local, state, and national public issues related to the American Heart Association's mission in Massachusetts, Maine, and New Hampshire. This is achieved by mobilizing volunteer, staff, and coalition resources, achieving AHA leadership in developing and responding to cardiovascular public health and organizational issues. Allyson has had many legislative accomplishments, including passing the first in the nation flavor elimination law, first in the nation health care access law (ACA Modeled after), first in the nation to provide a comprehensive tobacco cessation coverage, first in the nation to eliminate tobacco sales in pharmacies, first in the nation SNAP incentive program. Requiring all schools to have medical emergency response plans and AEDs, to require all coaches to know CPR, to screen all newborns for critical congenital heart defects, raise the age to 21 to purchase tobacco, and some of the strongest nutrition standards in schools and require schools to have comprehensive wellness plans. Lastly key appropriations for equity in childcare, tobacco prevention and cessation, stroke awareness and SNAP. Allyson has been the recipient of many awards including the Blake Cady Award for Leadership in Tobacco Control, 2020 State House News, Beacon Hills Most Beautiful, 2013 AHA Lobbyist of the Year, 2013 AHA Coach of the Year (2018); Passion Award (2014); Best Collaboration (2011); Integration Team Award (2010); Rookie of the Year (2006) Rhome Betts Award for Excellence, 2008.

Nicole Good is a School Wellness Specialist at the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, Office for Food and Nutrition Programs, and works to support and advance wellness efforts for Massachusetts students, schools, and communities. Nicole oversees the SWITCH (School Wellness Initiative for Thriving Community Health) Movement and is a partner in the Massachusetts School Wellness Coalition. Nicole is currently a fellow in the Rennie Center’s Massachusetts Education Policy Fellowship and is a firm believer in the importance of creating opportunities that support the whole child

A graduate of the Framingham State University’s Coordinated Program in Dietetics holding a B.S. in Food & Nutrition, Heather serves Fresh Picks Café as our Regional Dietitian and Compliance Officer for Massachusetts. Over the course of Heather’s career, she has worked as a Food Service Director in both Management Company and Self-Operated programs, as well as done consultant work for John Stalker Institute to create training modules for the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education

Daniel Gale has been in school finance since 2008 and has worked in Worcester, Clinton, Grafton, and now Hudson.  He graduated from Bucknell University with a major in Business Mgmt and from Clark University with a Master in Public Administration, and also completed the MASBO licensure program.  Daniel is currently on the Board of Directors of MASBO.  He enjoys professional development and collaborating with colleagues.  When not in the office, he enjoys playing all sports, especially golf, with friends and with his son.