MICHAEL'S STORY
My family's American roots began right here in Watertown on Elton Avenue in 1947, where my grandmother - a newly married 17 year-old from Aleppo, Syria arrived with her husband. They found a bedroom to rent inside the home of an established Armenian family; both looking for work and struggling to learn the language and culture.
Over time, my grandmother was able to afford her own home on Laurel Street. Widowed before twenty, she raised her daughter there with the core values and beliefs that hard work and determination will reap immeasurable rewards. Mary later remarried and established a new family outside of Watertown – raising two more daughters, the eldest of whom is my mother. Throughout her time in Watertown, Mary was able to slowly reunite with her family as they immigrated here individually from Aleppo. Decades saw sisters and brothers arrive, then later her mother and father. Finally in 1983, my great, great grandmother arrived and came to live with her daughter on Dexter Avenue, completing a quest that brought five generations to Watertown. |
My wife, Megan, and I are proud to be raising our two children, Alistair and Hazel, here in Watertown. At ages 5 and 7, both are currently enrolled in Watertown Public Schools. Professionally, I have experience in both the public and private sector. Working for City of Boston Mayor Thomas Menino's Public Health Commission, I gained valuable budgeting experience administering an annual federal health grant. Through collaboration and innovation, we maximized our decreasing award amount to consistently fund over 60 non-profit health agencies throughout Massachusetts and southern New Hampshire.
My business experience includes directing sales, training, and leadership initiatives for 400+ employees throughout the US and abroad. I have worked with teams across the globe to improve efficiency with limited resources, and provided business development consulting to small business owners in different markets. My wife and I are both small business owners, and I hold a Master's Degree in Education. I currently work as an elementary educator, including three years with Watertown Public Schools.
My community involvement includes;
Watertown Youth Coalition Steering Committee Chair
Board of Directors for Watertown Community Gardens
Steering Committee for Progressive Watertown
Youth Football and Baseball Coach
My community involvement includes;
Watertown Youth Coalition Steering Committee Chair
Board of Directors for Watertown Community Gardens
Steering Committee for Progressive Watertown
Youth Football and Baseball Coach