Meet Joie Gerrish, President

“I have been a resident of Wakefield my entire life. I attended Greenwood School as a youngster, Atwell Junior High as a tween, and Wakefield High School Grades 9-12, as did my children. I have been an active citizen in many aspects of our community over the years.

Two of my most profound opportunities to volunteer have enriched my life and I hope those of the lives I’ve touched.

In 2002 I joined the Wakefield Adult Mentor program (WAM) serving at all levels at our local school system and the NE Voke.  To this day I still “mentor” and am a “Big Sister” to Sophia whom I met as a second-grade student at the Dolbeare School 9 years ago.  She will graduate from Lynnfield HS next June with honors. There are amazing back stories to this journey.

In 2008 Bob and Merry Eldridge encouraged me to join them in the WAAV program. Having grown up in a dysfunctional family atmosphere, I was interested in learning more about how to help those in the similar circumstances. WAAV seemed like a great opportunity to do so.  And here I am now, President of WAAV for the next two years, leading with a much deeper understanding and knowledge of the  importance of providing help, resources, and encouragement to those experiencing and or living in unhealthy relationships.  No one deserves to live with violence, abuse, or fear. This being exactly what we at WAAV strive to diminish.”

Meet Sue Scofield, Secretary

“The mission of Wakefield Alliance Against Violence is to support and educate, whether it is someone struggling with domestic violence or educating about the difference between healthy and unhealthy relationships. WAAV supports and educates by working with the Wakefield Police and the Wakefield Public Schools through various programs.

I have lived in Wakefield for many years, raised my two children here and worked full time. Fortunately my life has not been touched by domestic violence but that’s not true for so many. And in 2019 I decided to volunteer with Wakefield Alliance Against Violence as a way to give back in a small way. It is an honor to be a part of an organization that strives to make other people’s lives better.”

Meet Julie MacArthur, Treasurer

Julie is very honored to be a part of the Wakefield Alliance Against Violence and has also become very involved in different aspects of the town of Wakfield. “When I discovered WAAV’s purpose and mission it resonated with me and I decided I wanted to be a part of it.” In today’s world domestic violence is running so rampant that WAAV’s scope of work is essential to the safety of families and individuals everywhere. Julie supports the preventative approach to domestic violence that WAAV takes and see’s the importance of spreading the message as far and wide as possible.

When Julie has free time she enjoys spending time with her family and her grandson Tommy. Julie also does volunteer work with the Peabody Police Department’s K9 unit. Over the past few years Peabody’s K9 unit has suffered the loss of their beloved dog. Julie’s fundraisers and T shirt sales helped substantially. This kind of work takes dedication and drive but most importantly pride in the things she believes in, with WAAV being at the top of that list!

Meet Stefanie Alpert, Corresponding Secretary

“I became a member of WAAV during the pandemic so it’s been a little less than a year. Before becoming a member, I ran the road race several times thanks to the suggestion of a co-member, and my friend and neighbor, Catherine Dhingra.

WAAV is important to me because I believe the mission of ending domestic violence to be so important in our community. It’s not an easy topic for victims to talk about and the fact that WAAV gives them a place to turn is an incredible resource. I hope to be able to make a difference, and an impact no matter how big or small through my involvement with WAAV.”

Meet Merry Eldridge, Board Member

“I officially became a member of WAAV in March, 2016; however, I had been involved behind the scenes, as my husband, Bob, was one of the founding members when WAAV began in 2007. He also served as President for five years before I joined and during that time there were many times I was needed to help out; i.e., preparing agendas and getting it to the secretary for distribution, typing emails, helping to build and install signs for “Stories For A Safer Wakefield,” etc.  When WAAV needed a Treasurer and Bob thought they might have to hire someone to fill that position, I offered my assistance and it was then that my involvement became official.

Knowing that WAAV is such a valuable resource for those at risk and that over the years WAAV has helped so many who find themselves in a violent situation has given me a good feeling and a reason to be involved. The bottom line is that there are many people in our town that find themselves at risk for domestic violence and for me being a part of WAAV is the right thing to do.

Meet Nicole OBrien, Board Member

Being involved with WAAV is important to me because I have lived experience with partner violence. I am in recovery from substances, mental illness, and trauma. My recovery process began in 2007 when I established a relationship with God, and have been abstinent since 2008. In 2014 I founded Ruth’s Way. We offer person person-centered support to assist others in building their recovery capital. I have a certificate in Alcohol and Drug Counseling, facilitate recovery-based training, and I am a Certified Addiction Recovery Coach, Recovery Coach Supervisor, and Certified Community Health Worker. As a trainer, I enjoy engaging with participants as they become self-aware, learn to facilitate problem-solving solutions, and develop skills to remove stigma while they promote wellness. I serve as the Training Chair and Ethics Committee for the Massachusetts Alliance for Sober Housing. I participate in several community-based organizations and coalitions. Today I am married to a wonderful man, have two amazing adult children, and am a dog mom.

Meet Amy Rando, Board Member

Officer Amy Rando grew up in Wakefield, attending WMHS and graduating from Suffolk University, majoring in criminal justice. She joined the Wakefield Police Department in 2009 and became the Family Services Officer in 2015. Amy has been a member of WAAV for the last 10 years and is also a past president.

Amy started our annual race, Racing to End Domestic Violence, and it will see it’s 10th year this Fall. Amy has helped many survivors in Wakefield through her police roll and also through WAAV’s initiatives. In her spare time Amy is a mother to three amazing children and loves to cheer them on in their school activities and sports games.

Meet Carole Giordano, Board Member