Dedham Welcomes 2 New Employees To Town

Press release from the Town of Dedham:

April 1, 2021

DEDHAM, MASS. - Joining Dedham in 2021 is Bethany Yates, Dedham's Animal Control Officer, and Kylee Sullivan, Dedham's Health Director. A Q&A with each new employee is shown and linked below:

Welcome, Bethany Yates! (download Q&A PDF here)

Where did you work prior to coming to Dedham?

I worked for Zoo New England at the Franklin Park Zoo where I was a Zookeeper for about 6 years. My job was to care for all the animals in the Tropical Forest building. I worked with a large variety of animals from birds and snakes to primates and hoof stock.

How many years of experience do you have working with animals?

I have 6 years of professional experience, and a lifetime of personal experience. Before I worked with animals professionally, I grew up with many pets and always had a passion for animals.

What are your goals as the new Animal Control Officer here in Dedham?

My main goal is safety for both the human and animal residents of Dedham. Keeping the community free from diseases spread by animals, and safe from potentially aggressive animals is my main priority. I also want to be as accessible to the community as possible. I want everyone to feel that I am a valuable resource when they need one. If people have any questions of anything animal related, I am always happy to assist.

What aspect of this role are you most excited about?

I’m excited to be a part of this close-knit community! And wildlife. I love working with wildlife.

As we enter the warmer months and we spend more time outdoors, is there any advice or tips you would give the residents and visitors of Dedham when around animals and wildlife?

1. Do not feed wildlife. This makes them more comfortable around people which can lead to human/wildlife conflict such as bites.
2. If you see any “orphaned” animals, let them be. Their mother is likely close by. If you are unsure, call Animal Control.
3. Never leave dogs, or any animal, in a car. Leave them home. Even when it is a lovely 70-degree day, after only 20 minutes it will already be 100 degrees in a car.
4. Coyotes are common in Dedham. If they are close, make loud noises (clap, yell, bang pots and pans). This will tell them that humans are scary and to not get close, preventing any conflict with them.

Are there any programs or events you have organized in your past roles that you would like to start here in Dedham?

Once all the Covid madness ends, I would like to start some community outreach programs. Things like: Animal Training programs (come and get training tips from local animal trainers), Responsible Pet Owner programs, and other educational programs.

Where do you live/where are you from?

I currently live in Boston and I grew up around Lowell, MA.

What are your hobbies/interests when not at work?

I enjoy hiking, kayaking, relaxing at the beach, and hanging out with my pets!

Do you have a mantra you often refer to or live by that keeps you motivated/energized?

Ya gotta live, laugh, love.

Welcome, Kylee Sullivan! (download Q&A PDF here)

Where did you work prior to coming to Dedham?

Prior to coming to Dedham, I worked for the Town of Arlington as a Health Compliance Officer in the Health and Human Services Department for five years.

How many years of experience do you have in public health?

I have seven years of experience in public health.

What are your goals as the new Health Director here in Dedham?

My overall goal is to continue to ensure the Town of Dedham is a healthy and safe community for all. In the short-term, my goal is to provide residents and businesses with the tools to safely re-open the community and minimize COVID-19 risk. My long-term goal is to maximize the success of the Health Department through the implementation of best practices and leading public health initiatives.

What aspect of this role are you most excited about?

I am most excited to collaborate with other town departments, community stakeholders, and residents to bring public health to the forefront of Dedham.

Now that we are a year into the pandemic, what do you think we as a community can do moving forward to best take care of ourselves and our family, friends, and neighbors during times of uncertainty, such as this?

As the weather gets nicer and there are more opportunities to socialize with loved ones and friends, I think it is important for the community to remember the basic public health principals that have guided us through the pandemic thus far: wear a mask, stay 6 feet apart from others, wash your hands, and stay home if you are feeling sick!

Are there any programs or events you have organized in your past roles that you would like to start here in Dedham?

In the past I have helped organize “Civics Day”, an event for residents to meet with town officials to learn about municipal government and engage with town employees. Think of it as a college fair but for people to learn about their local government. This was a wonderful experience that initiated new conversations between residents and town employees leading to increased community involvement. It would be great to organize a similar event in Dedham once Town Hall is re-opened to the public.

Where do you live/where are you from?

I live in Roslindale, but I am originally from Arlington, MA.

What are your hobbies/interests when not at work?

I enjoy exploring the Arnold Arboretum, playing board games, and playing pond hockey with friends.

Do you have a mantra you often refer to or live by that keeps you motivated/energized?

“If opportunity doesn’t knock, build a door.” – Milton Berle

This press release was produced by the Town of Dedham. The views expressed here are the author’s own.