Mayor Sarno congratulates Shenell Ford on being named HHS’s new Racial & Health Equity Coordinator and welcomes new Mayoral Aide Shroyria Kraus to his office

Mayor Domenic J. Sarno and Health and Human Services Commissioner Helen Caulton Harris announced today that Shenell R. Ford has been named the new Racial & Health Equity Coordinator in the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). Mayor Sarno announced that Shroyria “Shay” Kraus will be joining the Mayor’s Office as a Mayoral Aide. Mayor Sarno also announced today that Mayoral Aide Rose McCaffrey has been named Deputy Communications Director in his office.

Ms. Ford, a proud Springfield resident, served as Mayoral Aide since October 2022 and will continue to serve the city in her new role as Racial & Health Equity Coordinator within the Department of Health and Human Services. She also maintains her role as the Co-Chair of the Springfield Maternal Child Health Commission.

Ford previously worked as a Research Associate Lactation Consultant at the University of Massachusetts Amherst. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Public Health from Temple University, is a Certified Lactation Counselor and International Board-Certified Lactation Consultant, and founder of Heart2Heartbeat Lactation & Wellness, a community-based lactation practice. Shenell was also selected by the Vital Village Networks at Boston Medical Center to be part of the inaugural cohort of the National Birth Justice Fellowship due to active engagement in being a changemaker. Shenell continues to lead lactation advocacy efforts in Springfield including annual National Breastfeeding Month, Black Breastfeeding Week, Semana de la Lactancia Latina, and Black Maternal Health Week celebrations. She is an inspired and fiercely passionate advocate for prenatal and lactating families. Shenell is committed to increasing the diversity of and equitable access to perinatal education and support in her community and beyond.

The Office of Racial Equity is within the Department of Health and Human Services.  The Office is charged with working directly within the community with stakeholders and community groups, including our Faith community organizations and businesses, to advance social and culture changes needed, cultural sensitivity and mental health training, and to establish an enhanced multiple measured approach for street outreach options and activities. The office was created by Commissioner Caulton-Harris and Mayor Sarno at the time that Racism was declared a Public Health issue in 2020, this national declaration was vital to prioritize in a majority minority city like Springfield. We want to address not only issues of racism but of other discriminatory practices that our residents can face. We stand firm on our belief that an equitable Springfield, is a healthier Springfield. 

Mayor Sarno states, “Shenell is a very smart, passionate and talented young woman who cares deeply for our Springfield community.  I have known Shenell and her two boys, who are the loves of her life, mom Vanessa – the songstress and golden voice of Springfield, and their family for a long time, and I am proud of the work they wholeheartedly do to support and advocate for our Springfield.  Shenell was a tremendous addition to my staff and continues to demonstrate her commitment to serving our Springfield community. She is well equipped for her new role as Racial & Health Equity Coordinator and I am very proud to congratulate her and continue working together to better the quality of life of those underserved and in need, with mutual respect for all.”

HHS Commissioner Helen Caulton-Harris states, “Shenell Ford is a strong public health professional who has built strong community relationships in the City of Springfield. She is very familiar with the work of the Department of Health and Human Services, as she previously volunteered to be a member of SDHHS’s Medical Reserve Corp, working directly with Springfield residents under the leadership of the late Deputy Commissioner Bettye Anderson Frederic. I have had the pleasure of working with Shenell and supporting her efforts to advance the health & wellness of women of all cultures. Her passion, professionalism, and public health expertise are impressive and will certainly be a benefit to our Department and those we serve. Welcome to the team, Shenell!”

Racial & Health Equity Coordinator Shenell R. Ford states, “I am humbled and honored to serve my Springfield community in this capacity. With a heart full of gratitude, I want to thank Mayor Sarno, his incredible staff, and HHS Commissioner Caulton Harris for their continued support and confidence in my abilities.  I am blessed to begin this next chapter of my journey and look forward to continuing to support all our residents through this important work.”

New Mayoral Aide, Shroyria “Shay” Kraus graduated summa cum laude from Bay Path University. Shay previously served in the Hampden County Probate & Family Court as a Child Support Processing Clerk. There she led administrative operations within a high-volume family court division, managing sensitive casework and legal documentation across child support, divorce, paternity, and parentage matters.

Mayor Sarno states, “I want to welcome Shroyria “Shay” Kraus to her new role as Mayoral Aide. Ms. Kraus, ‘Shay’ is no stranger to public and community service. She comes with previous experience in our family and probate court and holds her bachelors from Bay Path University. Shay is a driven and talented professional who loves our city and we are thrilled to have her on board.”

Shroyria “Shay” Kraus states, “First, I want to thank Mayor Sarno for his vote of confidence in my abilities.  I am a proud Springfield native and resident and I am truly excited for this opportunity to serve our city and the Springfield community in the Mayor’s Office. Thank you, again, to Mayor Sarno and team for welcoming me aboard, I am excited to get to work.”