Joining the Amherst Family

"Everyone here is extended family."

Donna Waterman is the newest face in the Amherst Town Hall after being hired as .

“So many people have been here a long time,” said Waterman. “I am the new kid on the block.”

Waterman will also be serving as the welfare officer for Amherst as soon as she finishes training.

She has valuable experience from her previous position, where she served as the facilitator of Manchester Works For Professionals.

In this position, she helped almost 150 professionals develop the skills they need in order to get back into the workforce.

“For me it was a gift. I was able to engage with a very interesting and engaging group of people,” said Waterman.

She said she understands how discouragement can run deep in a person, especially when they are in a low point in their lives. Many of the people she worked with were down on their luck and lacked confidence, something she wants to bring to those less fortunate in the community.

“I am going to listen with my heart and be a good source of support for the people who are suffering in our community,” said Waterman.”

As a facilitator, Waterman brought in keynote speakers that shared valuable information on employment and other economic issues. Now she wants to bring some of those speakers to Amherst to help build stronger economic development in town.

Waterman said that she has never worked for a municipality and has “a lot to learn,” but is looking forward to absorbing as much as possible from the people who know most about the town.

It will be a long period of learning to learn what is needed for both an executive assistant and a welfare officer, but she is up for the challenge.

“I can tackle pretty much anything, am ambitious and love to learn and do new things,” said Waterman.

She certainly had many challenging interests, including sailing and horse riding, but sports come out on top for this die-hard Bruins and Patriots fan.

Faith also plays a large role in her life and she loves using quotes from both religious figures, like Mother Teresa, and the Bible to get herself and others through tough times.

"It is a strong journey of faith during any dark day," said Waterman.

The Concord resident hopes to move to Amherst or Milford soon and become a closer part of the community she is working in.

Donna Waterman’s favorite Mother Teresa quotes:

People are often unreasonable, irrational, and self-centered.  Forgive them anyway.

If you are kind, people may accuse you of selfish, ulterior motives.  Be kind anyway.

If you are successful, you will win some unfaithful friends and some genuine enemies. Succeed anyway.

If you are honest and sincere people may deceive you.  Be honest and sincere anyway.

What you spend years creating, others could destroy overnight.  Create anyway.

If you find serenity and happiness, some may be jealous.  Be happy anyway.

The good you do today, will often be forgotten.  Do good anyway.

Give the best you have, and it will never be enough.  Give your best anyway.

In the final analysis, it is between you and God.  It was never between you and them anyway.