April Fournier (2018) has recently accepted a new position working as the Early Childhood Support Specialist for the Outpatient Pediatric Clinic at Maine Medical Center. This grant-funded position targets the early childhood impacts of trauma, social determinants of health, and parental resilience to improve future outcomes for these children. In this role, April will be providing “no barrier” support to families, eliminating complicated qualification restrictions.
April describes her life after LEND as incredibly busy and rewarding. Prior to her new position, she spent two years working with Promise Early Education in Lewiston, Maine, a Head Start agency for Androscoggin County. During that time she was elected as the first Native American woman to sit as Councilor At-large for the City of Portland, Maine. Prior to running for office, April completed training with Emerge Maine, an organization that provides female leaders with essential tools needed to run for elected office.
April attributes her success to her LEND experience, her role as a parent, advocate, and a special educator. “I am able to consider multiple points of view … and understand the systemic impacts of the decisions we make.”
