Ferrantella Appointed To State's New Family Advisory Council

Governor Maura Healey has formed an advisory council of parents and caregivers that will provide advice and guidance on policies, programs, and resources that serve Massachusetts children and families. One of the members of the council is island resident and town of Nantucket Housing Director Kristie Ferrantella.

“On an island like Nantucket, access to reliable, affordable childcare is directly connected to whether working families can stay here and whether our community can maintain the workforce we depend on,” Ferrantella said. “I’m honored to bring that perspective to the Commonwealth’s first Family Advisory Council and to make sure the voices of island families are part of this important conversation.”

The council, named the Family Advisory Council, is intended to represent the diversity of Massachusetts families across income levels, languages, cultural backgrounds, races, ethnicities, and geographic regions. According to a press release from the state, the group will meet quarterly to advise the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education on a range of topics, including family access and support initiatives, child care financial assistance, workforce development efforts, and strategies to increase family engagement throughout the state.

“We’re working every day to make high-quality child care more affordable and accessible for families across Massachusetts, and that work has to start with listening to families,” said Governor Maura Healey. "That’s what this Council is all about. These members know firsthand what it takes to find and pay for care, navigate different programs and make the best choices for their children. Their voices will help us build a child care system that works better for every family.”

Ferrantella is best known on the island for her relentless advocacy for affordable and attainable housing, but she has also been a strong advocate in early education and childcare for years, including during her term on the Nantucket Select Board. She also helped found Rising Tide Preschool.