Hi, I’m perri
I have lived in Jackson full time for nearly 8 years, and have been part of the Valley for nearly 30 years. I live in the “Rodeo Grounds North” neighborhood. Originally from suburban New York City, I went to college in Boston, and later met my husband Michael in New York. We have 2 adult children; our daughter lives here in Jackson and our son and daughter in law live in Washington DC. Career-wise, I was originally an Occupational Therapist, working in adult mental health, later earning a Doctorate in Education, and was a tenured faculty member at Duquesne University in Pittsburgh. After leaving academia, I worked in Market Research for several years.
In Jackson I directed Home Care Services at the Senior Center of Jackson Hole, leading a team of 17 dedicated CNAs, Home Care Companions, and Nurses. During the 2 year COVID pandemic, I worked for the Teton County Health Department as a Case Investigator, helping to take care of our community during the public health crisis.
I became a community organizer by happenstance, about 6 years ago. At the time, I learned of the zoning changes and density increases that were targeted for certain parts of town and I became concerned. I canvassed our neighborhood, talking with people, explaining what I thought was happening and getting their perspectives. Since that time, I have become increasingly involved with issues in town pertaining to overdevelopment and its far- reaching effects on our town.
Overall and consistently, my career has focused on meeting people where they are at, listening, problem solving, advocating, and leading.
How am I different from the other candidates?
I have outlined a consistent set of core positions:
Responsible Development, Community First/Community Centeredness, Fiscal Responsibility, and Affordable Housing Solutions.I will always maintain that everything is interrelated- what you do in one area affects all other areas (for better or worse or somewhere in between) and I believe we must do a better job of looking at our town’s challenges, opportunities and potential rewards in a truly holistic manner.
As a private citizen, for several years now, I have been talking about and advocating for change. I am not new to the issues. Over the past 5 years, I have had Letters to the Editor and Guest Shots published in the Jackson Hole News & Guide. I have reviewed or edited several others. I regularly attend and provide public comment at Town Council and County Commissioner Meetings. I am truly a grassroots advocate for our town’s residents. I believe that grassroots activism sets me apart and would serve me well as a Town Council person.
I am a self-starter. I have successfully mobilized community members around important neighborhood, Town and County issues. I regularly provide public comment at Council and Commissioner meetings, submit Letters to the Editor and Guest Shots on important community issues.
My career has been spent in education, health and human services. Occupational therapist, ESL and Literacy tutor, Regional and community food bank volunteer and consultant, home care services director, COVID Case Investigator. Health and human services has been my life work.