Executive Office of Health and Human Services Human Resources

This month for the Executive Office of Health and Human Services' Employee Spotlight, we are pleased to feature Dottie Zakarian, a Service Coordinator for the Department of Developmental Services’ Southeast Region, serving Cape Cod and the Islands. Dottie has been in her role for nearly 10 years and brings a unique background to her work, having previously served as an assistant vice president at a bank before returning to school. She earned her MBA and later a Master’s degree in Mental Health Counseling, beginning a new path focused on supporting others.

Dottie works closely with individuals with developmental disabilities, supporting a diverse group of about 65 clients across a variety of living situations, including group homes, shared living, and independent settings. She collaborates with guardians, service providers, and individuals themselves to ensure each person’s needs are met—from helping them access preferred day programs to making sure they are safe, comfortable, and supported in their homes. Her work often includes site visits, coordinating services, and addressing challenges as they arise.

What Dottie enjoys most is the variety and the opportunity to make a meaningful difference. “I just listen; sometimes people need to be heard,” she shared, reflecting her thoughtful and compassionate approach. She takes pride in helping individuals participate in activities they enjoy and in seeing them engaged in their communities. While transitions—such as moving a client to a new living situation—can be complex, she values the impact of helping people find the right fit for their needs.

Despite the important role she plays, Dottie remains humble about her work. “Everyone here works hard and really connects with the people,” she said. A Cape Cod resident for 40 years, she enjoys spending time at home with her two Shih Tzus—one older and one “little terror” who is just a year old.

The Massachusetts Department of Youth Services (DYS) is the Commonwealth’s juvenile justice agency. DYS fosters positive outcomes for young people, strengthens communities, and works toward a more equitable justice system. DYS equips youth, ages 12 to 22, with the tools and opportunities for successful, productive futures through education, vocational training, behavioral health care, and community-based programming. We support this work by valuing fairness, transparency, racial equity, and integrity.

DYS operates and contracts for residential and community-based programs to support youth in its care and custody. These programs meet diverse needs by improving youth access to education, recreation, health, and behavioral supports. DYS’ residential and community-based services have contributed to better school attendance and improved emotional well-being. Over the past year, DYS has enhanced trauma-informed and culturally responsive practices, leading to increased youth engagement. The agency expanded workforce-readiness initiatives, resulting in higher job placement rates. It also increased its emphasis on reentry planning, supporting more successful transitions.

DYS partners with other youth-serving agencies, contracted providers, community organizations, schools, and employers to connect young people to essential resources. Through these partnerships, young people access education, career pathways, vocational training, mentoring, case management, and positive youth development, increasing rates of school completion, job placement, and successful reentry into their families and communities. These outcomes support long-term success.

By investing in young people’s potential, DYS builds safer and healthier communities across Massachusetts. Learn about DYS programs at mass.gov/dys

The Massachusetts Department of Mental Health is seeking a dedicated and experienced ASL Interpreter to support Deaf and Hard of Hearing individuals receiving critical mental health services in the community. This full-time, in-person opportunity in Westborough offers the chance to make a direct impact through specialized American Sign Language (ASL)/English interpretation in a collaborative and mission-driven environment.



This role is ideal for professionals who are passionate about accessibility, communication equity, and public service. Candidates with RID certification (or equivalent recognized by the Massachusetts Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing) and experience working with Deaf and Hard of Hearing populations are encouraged to apply.



Apply today: www.tinyurl.com/DMHInterpreter
Explore all opportunities with EOHHS: www.bit.ly/EOHHSMassCareers

The Department of Mental Health (DMH) is dedicated to improving mental health for all individuals living in Massachusetts. At its core, DMH is an agency that wants to help people, and that is committed to promoting positive mental health and improving access to mental health care across the Commonwealth. DMH is particularly focused on equity and reaching communities that have historically been underserved.

DMH serves individuals and families across the state and has a specialized role in the healthcare delivery system. DMH supports promotion and prevention efforts and provides low barrier services available to everyone across Massachusetts. The Office of Behavioral Health Promotion & Prevention promotes wellness among all residents of the Commonwealth through education, outreach, and supporting philosophically aligned programs and initiatives across the state.

DMH also connects people to appropriate wellness services, including community resources. This is done through programs such as Young Adult Access Centers and Recovery Learning Communities which are free and available to everyone in Massachusetts. Additionally, DMH engages in awareness and education efforts, community outreach, early intervention, peer supports, mental health policy and regulation, licensure of private acute mental health facilities, as well as directly providing additional services, treatment, and supports.

For individuals with more serious needs, the Department provides a variety community-based and inpatient services which are not available elsewhere.

The Behavioral Health Help Line, which launched in 2023, connects people with services whether or not they have insurance, and whether they are seeking help for themselves or a loved one. Residents can call or text 833-773-2445 any time of the day or night, and in 200 languages. An option to chat with someone is also available by visiting www.masshelpline.com.

-- Dr. Harold May: Tuskegee Airman, Physician, and Living Legacy Approaching 100 --

Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey recently established Tuskegee Airmen Commemoration Day, to be observed annually on the fourth Thursday in March.

Among those present at the signing were two living Original Tuskegee Airmen from Massachusetts: Enoch 'Woody' Woodhouse and Dr. Harold May, a physician, veteran, and longtime leader in Massachusetts’ developmental services community.

Harold May was born in Peekskill, New York, in 1926. During World War II, he entered Harvard College in 1944 as part of the university’s accelerated wartime program. In 1945, he joined the U.S. Army Air Corps, becoming part of the historic Tuskegee Airmen program.

The Tuskegee Airmen were pioneers who broke racial barriers in the U.S. military at a time when segregation was the law of the land. Their service and excellence helped pave the way for the eventual integration of the US Armed Forces.

After the war, Dr. May returned to Harvard to complete his undergraduate studies and went on to enter Harvard Medical School in 1947.

After completing his residency, Dr. May traveled to Haiti, where he worked at the renowned Albert Schweitzer Hospital, providing care in a community-focused healthcare setting.

Throughout his career, Dr. May held several leadership roles, including Director of Community Health at the Peter Bent Brigham Hospital. He later served as Medical Director of the Wrentham Developmental Center, where he played an important role in shaping medical services and improving care for individuals with developmental disabilities. During his time at Wrentham, Dr. May was known for his commitment to compassionate, person-centered care and for advocating for better health services for residents.

In recognition of his dedication and impact, the May Center, a 12-patient acute care unit at the Wrentham Developmental Center, was named in his honor, reflecting the lasting influence of his work and leadership.

Dr. May also founded FAMILY, Inc., a nonprofit organization dedicated to creating secure and nurturing environments of mutual support where children and families can thrive.

The establishment of Tuskegee Airmen Commemoration Day ensures that the legacy of these trailblazing aviators will continue to be recognized for generations to come. Their courage, perseverance, and excellence not only helped change the U.S. military but also advanced the broader fight for civil rights and equality.

As Massachusetts commemorates the Tuskegee Airmen, Dr. May himself is approaching a remarkable personal milestone, his 100th birthday.

Dr. Harold May’s story reflects an extraordinary journey of service, from helping break racial barriers in the U.S. military to improving lives through medicine, public health, and community leadership.

As one of the last living Tuskegee Airmen, his life stands as a powerful reminder of the courage and determination that helped shape American history.

The Department of Transitional Assistance (DTA) serves almost 1 million people in every community throughout Massachusetts -- one in seven residents. DTA administers food and cash assistance to eligible residents.

The agency partners with more than 100 nonprofits and organizations across the state (SNAP Outreach Partners) that help people apply for benefits, recertify, understand the application process, and more. DTA also maintains a robust network of connections and allies through 14 active advisory boards, with plans to launch more in the future.

DTA employs close to 2,000 people throughout Massachusetts. The agency is dedicated to supporting staff through regular spotlights of staff contributions, as well as participation in employee resource groups that celebrate affinity and shared cultures.

Learn more at https://www.mass.gov/orgs/department-of-transitional-assistance and stay up to date on all things DTA by following them on X/Twitter, LinkedIn, and Instagram!

This month we’re pleased to spotlight Liz Landry, a Benefits Eligibility Social Worker Supervisor (BERS D) at the Taunton MassHealth Enrollment Center. Promoted to supervisor in January 2024, Liz leads one of the agency’s most unique units -- the team responsible for determining nursing home eligibility for members transitioning from community-based benefits to nursing facility care. With only 10 workers serving the entire state, the unit supports 30,000 to 40,000 members each year, processing admissions, discharges, and complex eligibility determinations.

Liz oversees the team’s workflow by assigning cases, managing phone coverage, answering questions, and providing day-to-day support. Each staff member maintains their own caseload, working with nursing homes and families to gather documentation, interpret financial records, and determine eligibility -- including the often challenging task of interpreting trusts. Liz says the variety of the work is one of the best parts of the job. “Every day is different -- it keeps you alert and learning.”

Having worked in the unit for 13 years, Liz is now its most senior member. Despite the small team size, the unit handles a critical statewide function and prides itself on working closely together. Known for her upbeat, energetic personality and remarkable memory, Liz is someone colleagues across units feel comfortable turning to for guidance. She also leads with empathy, addressing errors privately and reminding staff that everyone makes mistakes.

Outside of work, Liz enjoys traveling and exploring new places. Last fall she took a five-week solo trip to the South Pacific, visiting New Zealand, Australia, and Fiji, including a week-long cruise.

The Massachusetts Office for Refugees and Immigrants (ORI) is committed to welcoming immigrants and refugees to the state and supporting their integration into all aspects of Massachusetts life. Their mission is to welcome and empower all immigrants in Massachusetts to access resources and supports.

Through a statewide network of community-based groups and resettlement agencies, ORI administers programs that provide direct services to immigrants and refugees living in the Commonwealth. ORI’s providers deliver culturally and linguistically appropriate programs, including employment assistance, legal services, case management, health assessments, and educational opportunities. ORI also provides financial literacy training and supports for low-income immigrants to become citizens.

ORI works closely with these partners to ensure effective service delivery to immigrants and refugees, often leveraging staff with lived experience or specialized training.

To learn more about ORI, visit:

www.mass.gov/orgs/office-for-refugees-and-immigrants
www.facebook.com/MassachusettsORI
www.instagram.com/ori_massachusetts
www.threads.net/
x.com/ORI_XMass

Zeke Meginsky serves as ADA Specialist and Regional Clerk at the Massachusetts Commission for the Blind (MCB), bringing flexibility and dedication to his work. He travels throughout the greater Boston area, driving social workers who are blind or visually impaired to client appointments. During these visits, he assists staff as needed to help ensure their appointments go smoothly.

In his role as Regional Clerk, Zeke focuses on fiscal work, collaborating with counselors across the region to place orders for clients. These may include assistive technology like digital magnifiers or payments for educational tuition. His work plays an important behind-the-scenes role in helping clients gain greater independence.



Zeke enjoys the variety his role offers and values being part of a strong, collaborative team. He finds meaning in contributing to services that support the visually impaired community, especially knowing how much clients — including many older adults — deeply appreciate these services.



Outside of work, Zeke has a big heart for animals. He has been fostering a pair of cats for more than two years, turning fostering into a long-term commitment. In his downtime, he enjoys unwinding with science fiction shows -- balancing his busy and people-focused workdays with some imaginative escapism.

Learn more about MCB at https://www.mass.gov/orgs/massachusetts-commission-for-the-blind.

EOHHS is comprised of 11 health and human service agencies and the MassHealth program. Today we are spotlighting the Department of Public Health.

DPH keeps people healthy and communities strong. Its mission to promote and protect health and wellness for everyone in Massachusetts is centered in health equity, including a special focus on racial equity. That mission is woven into all that DPH does — and here is just a taste:

- Helping people prevent, manage, and treat infectious and chronic disease
- Supporting people affected by substance use disorders
- Licensing health professionals and health care facilities
- Managing millions of birth, death, and marriage records
- Responding to emergencies that affect or could affect people’s health
Strengthening the public health workforce
- Operating the State Public Health Laboratory and four specialized public health hospitals

Whether it is protecting access to lifesaving vaccines, defending reproductive health services, pushing back against health misinformation, improving maternal health outcomes, monitoring beach water quality — and so much more — DPH provides care, compassion, support, and resources to all 7 million people in the Commonwealth, so they can live their best, healthiest lives.

Learn more about DPH at https://www.mass.gov/orgs/department-of-public-health and stay updated by following DPH on X (https://x.com/massdph) and LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/company/massachusetts-department-of-public-health).

And don’t forget: it’s not too late to get vaccinated for flu and COVID-19! Learn more about how to stay healthy this season and schedule your vaccine appointment today at mass.gov/SeasonalVaccines.