Fairfield CT Town Elections Candidate Profile Page 2023

BIOGRAPHY

• Lifelong Fairfield County resident; 12-year resident of Fairfield
• Appointed to RTM in 2022 (D5) to fill a vacancy
• MSW, Columbia University; BS, University of Connecticut
• CEO of the Norwalk-based non-profit Norwalk ACTS
• Licensed Clinical Social Worker
• Extensive background in trauma and mental health, including helping build the recovery efforts in Newtown after the shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School
- Former researcher and public policy associate, Bridgeport Child Advocacy Coalition
• Former Adjunct Faculty Member, Sacred Heart University
• McKinley PTA (2013-2022)
• Fairfield Foundation for Education board member (2016-2019)
• Married to a public school teacher, mother of two children attending Fairfield Public Schools (TMS, FWHS)

STATEMENT

 As a macro-level social worker, I have a passion for civic engagement and utilizing the lived experience of community members to enact policy changes that improve systems. Understanding of, and participation in, our democracy is critical to fair and responsive government. I became involved locally because I believe municipal government has the most direct impact on individuals and families yet is the least understood of all levels of government. This is evident by the very low voter turnout in most municipal elections. My goal is to deepen my own understanding of local government and make it more accessible to fellow community members.

ON THE WEB

CONTACT

Email: jbarahonaRTM@gmail.com

Phone: N/A