About Barbara
Four years ago I was elected to represent the people of the 18th Essex District in the Merrimack Valley. During my campaign, I pledged to be an independent voice on Beacon Hill. I promised to work for positive change and reform in all areas of state government.
As my second term draws to a close, I am pleased to report that I have been working hard to keep these promises and have enjoyed legislative successes in the areas of health care, education, civil rights, disabilities, elder issues and economic development.
As your legislator, I approach each issue well aware of the fact that my district wants me to be an independent thinker applying common sense, compassion, fairness and true democratic process. I consider myself a citizen legislator as opposed to a career politician—as a mother of four children who has immersed herself in her community and who has to balance work and family just like everyone else.
I look forward to continuing to work on your behalf in both the local community and at the State House.
Family
- Husband - Kevin Hall
- Children - Rudy, Allie, Samantha and Andrew
Education
- Andover Public Schools
- Merrimack College, North Andover, B.A. Political Science
Work Experience
- Elder Services of Merrimack Valley- Case Manager
- Greater Lawrence Psychological Center- Elder Abuse Hotline Intake and Referral
- West Suburban Elder Services- Supervisor of Case Management and Elder Abuse
Endorsements
- American Federation of Teachers of Massachusetts
- Clean Water Action
- Massachusetts AFL-CIO
- Mass Equality
- Massachusetts Division of the National Association of Social Workers
- Massachusetts League of Environmental Voters
- Massachusetts Nurses Association
- Massachusetts Teachers Association
- Massachusetts Womens Political Causcus
- Sierra Club
Awards
- Byron Rushing Freedom of Religion Award, The Religious Coalition for the Freedom to Marry (2006)
- Legislator of the Year Award, The Association of Retarded Citizens/ Disability Policy Consortium (2006)
- Legislator of the Year Award, Massachusetts Silver Legislature (2006)
- Advocacy Award, The Jewish Community Relations Committee (2005)
- Autism Advocacy Award, The Doug Flutie Jr., Foundation (2005)
- Center for Policy Alternatives Flemming Fellowship (2005)
- The MA Homecare Elder Advocacy Award (2004/2005)
- Frank Hynes Nursing Advocacy Award, MA Nurses Association (2004)
Community Involvement
- Andover Service Club
- Massachusetts Women’s Political Caucus
- Merrimack Valley Chamber of Commerce
- Andover School Town-wide PTO, Bancroft School Improvement Council
- Andover/North Andover League of Women Voters
- Andover ABC (A Better Chance) Board Member
- Merrimack Valley Economic Development Council
- Andover Youth Foundation, Board Member
- Haverhill Chamber of Commerce
- Asperger’s Association of New England, founding member (1995-2005)
- Andona Society member & former Vice-President (1998-present)
- Andover Town Democratic Committee
- Girl Scouts/Brownies
- St. Augustine Parish, Cherubim Choir Teacher & Cantor (2001-2004)
- Andover/North Andover YMCA Swim Team Board (2000-2005)