Meet the Family Advisory Committee

Julia is a person in long term recovery who works as a Maternal Recovery Specialist at Jewish Family & Children's Services.  She is passionate about her own recovery and supporting families on their journey with substance use disorders, parenting, and recovery. Julie is the very blessed mother of five and grandmother of three.

Oonagh grew up in Ireland, has 2 bio children, and is a guardian to an adult with developmental delays, who she fostered. She has parented children with significant mental health issues. She has extensive experience with DMH and helps families advocating for services for children & adults. She is a Special Education Surrogate Parent, and serves on the Plymouth Area Suicide Prevention Steering Committee, DMH Area Board, DCF Plymouth Area Board, and QPR Trainer, and extensive support background with transgender youth and family support.

Ashley Scott-Sandagato

Foster/Adoptive/ Kinship Parent & Community Resource Advisor

Joseph is a foster, kinship and adoptive parent, with seven children adopted from foster care. He has worked for over two decades, locally and nationally, to advocate for strengthening child welfare systems to better serve and support youth & families. His work also includes over three decades of direct community service in the areas of LGBTQ+ and racial & cultural diversity. He has worked with MARE, and currently serves as a Regional Director for MSPCC Kid’s Net. Joseph currently holds the position of Exec. Co-Chair for the FAC.

Alumnae & Youth Representative

Ashley is an alumnae of DCF as a former foster and adopted youth. She has shared her story across the Commonwealth at a number of events and venues to help contextualize the need for youth and family support. As a public advocate, she has worked tirelessly to promote youth support, family support and LGBTQIA+ support. Ashley leads the Youth Committee work under the supervision of the Executive Team. She is currently a student at Fitchburg State University.

Eileen is the coordinator for the Pathways for Parents program at the Federation for Children with Special Needs and brings her vast experience to the FAC.  She is active in her communities, serving on the Newton Commission on Disabilities, the Newton Schools Foundation, and the advisory board of the Eliot Clubhouse for mentally ill adults.  Eileen is the parent of five young adults.

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