Former Holyoke Firefighter Named New CRESS Director
Camille Theriaque Photo: amherstma.gov
Source: amherstma.gov
Town Manager Paul Bockelman announced on Tuesday (3/12) the appointment of Camille Theriaque as the town’s new Director of Community Responders for Equity, Safety, and Service (CRESS). The appointment is subject to review by the Town Council.
Theriaque brings a unique combination of public safety and social work experience to the position of CRESS Director. This skill set will support the CRESS Department in its work as a public safety agency that includes addressing social service needs as a core component of its work.
As a firefighter at the Holyoke Fire Department, Theriaque rose to the rank of Lieutenant, serving as the first female Lieutenant in the history of the City of Holyoke. At the conclusion of her time as a firefighter, Theriaque obtained a Masters Degree in Clinical Social Work and was qualified as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. She most recently worked as a Licensed Clinician at the Behavioral Health Network’s Program for Assertive Community Treatment (PACT) program. Theriaque earned a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Mount Holyoke College and a Masters in Clinical Social Work from the Smith College School for Social Work.
Town Manager Paul Bockelman stated, “Ms. Theriaque’s experience as a ground-breaking leader in the Holyoke Fire Department combined with her professional training and licensure as a clinical social worker brings a level of expertise that will lead the CRESS Department as it continues to develop as a key option for our public safety response.”
The Search Committee was chaired by Human Resources Director Melissa Loiodice-Walker and included Allegra Clark, co-chair of the Community Safety and Social Justice Committee; Rani Parker, co-chair of the Human Rights Commission; Tim McCarthy, executive Director of Craigs Doors Shelter; Dwayne Chamble, Out-of-School Times Program Coordinator at the Amherst-Pelham Regional School District; Hayley Bolton, Director of Senior Services; Tim Nelson, Fire Chief; and Jennifer Moyston, Assistant Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. Community Member and special assistant to the vice chancellor for Student Affairs and Campus Life Sidonio Ferreira and Public Health Director Kiko Malin were also involved in the interview process.
Theriaque’s first day will be April 8th.