The Town of Truro is pleased to announce the recent hire of Michelle Peterson as Council on Aging (COA) Deputy Director. She started on Monday, January 23, 2023.

As COA Deputy Director, Ms. Peterson will be responsible for the administrative and supervisory work related to the COA including but not limited to its programming, services, communications, and transportation. She will also be responsible for connecting our seniors with critical resources, as well as working closing with the COA Advisory Board and the Friends of the Truro COA to conduct outreach and enhance the health and well-being of our seniors.

With over twenty-two years of experience, Ms. Peterson comes to Truro with an extensive background. She has worked in both long-term and sub-acute medical care facilities throughout Central Massachusetts and Cape Cod; has over a decade of experience working as a social worker in both medical and community-based capacities; and has led business initiatives that focused on providing care management, education, and life care planning services for elders, caregivers, and their families.

Ms. Peterson is a licensed social worker specializing in gerontology. She received her Master of Arts in Mental Health Counseling from the University of Saint Joseph in West Hartford, Conn., and is currently working toward her License of Mental Health Counseling (LMHC) from the Department of Gerontology at UMass Boston.

Ms. Peterson is knowledgeable at navigating the health care system and has significant expertise in care management applications including Medicare/Medicaid, current state health regulations, and more.

“I have worked with seniors in healthcare and community settings as a social worker and mental health counselor and have a passion for empowering and advocating for the seniors, families, and their caregivers to allow our residents to age with dignity,” said Peterson. “Having reviewed the job description and learning more about the town’s needs and goals for its senior programs, I believe I can contribute positively and make a difference for the Truro community.”