ABOUT JEAN

Jean’s writing career began as a freelance newspaper columnist. She went on to become a reporter, assistant editor, and then Editor-in-Chief of The Haverhill Gazette in Massachusetts. As a reporter, Jean earned a first-place award for environmental reporting, and a third-place award for health reporting from
New England Newspaper & Press Association. 

As the first woman editor of the paper since its inception in 1821, Jean earned first- and second-place awards for editorial writing from
New England Newspaper & Press Association.

Life After Journalism
After leaving journalism, Jean began a career in public relations in healthcare. After rising to the role of Director of Physician Relations, Marketing, and Strategic Communications, and serving in that capacity for three years, she retired and dedicated her time to completing the novel she started when still in journalism, 
Biz’s Journey Home. The novel, a tribute to her first horse, Official Business, is Women’s Fiction with strong crossover potential for Young Adult readers.

Finally, an Author
Biz’s Journey Home, Jean’s debut novel, was released in September 2023. 
Because of Biz, the sequel, was released in August 2024.

Her third novel, yet to be named, is in the works, so stay tuned for more information.
Concepts for a fourth book are underway.

Jean resides in Merrimac, Massachusetts with her husband.
Her proudest accomplishments are her two children, and she’s
a devoted Nini to her granddaughter.

EDUCATION & CREDENTIALS
1983
Northern Essex Community College
Haverhill, MA
A.A., Liberal Arts
High honors

1997
University of Massachusetts
Lowell, MA
B.L.A., English/Psychology
National Dean’s List

2002
Equissage
Round Hill, VA
Equine Sports Massage Certification

2003
Named Editor of The Haverhill Gazette
Haverhill, Massachusetts

2004
Usui Shiki Ryoho
Reiki Master Certification

2008
Equissage
Round Hill, VA
Canine Massage Therapy Certification

2009
New Hampshire Institute
for Therapeutic Arts
Hudson, NH
Massage Therapy Certification

2009
National Board Certification (NCBTMB)
Licensed Massage Therapist

2010
LMT Success Group
Deerfield Beach, Florida
Medical Massage Therapy Certification

AWARDS & RECOGNITION

2007
Inducted into the YWCA
Academy of Women
Haverhill, MA

New England Newspaper
& Press Association
Second Place for Editorial Writer

2006
Named one of the 60 Most
Influential Women
in the Merrimack Valley by the
Greater Haverhill Chamber of Commerce.

New England Newspaper
& Press Association
First Place for Editorial Writer

Jerry Loy Outstanding Board of
Directors Award
Greater Haverhill Chamber of Commerce

2002
New England Newspaper
& Press Association
First Place for Outstanding Achievement
in Environmental Reporting.

1999
New England Newspaper & Press Association
Third Place for Outstanding
Achievement in Health Reporting

1998
National Dean’s List - UMASS Lowell
An Honorary Award recognizing academically
gifted students nominated by their college dean. One-half of one percent of all college graduates qualify.

1993
Elected to Pentucket Regional
School Committee
Serving Groveland, Merrimac, and
West Newbury, Massachusetts

1992
Appointed, Secretary of the Merrimac Elementary
Schools Building Committee

1990
Appointed, President of the Merrimac
Save Our Schools Committee

1983
High Honors
Northern Essex Community College