Melrose Woman Selected A 2021 Commonwealth Heroine

The following was submitted by Rep. Kate Lipper-Garabedian's office:

June 30, 2021—BOSTON—Nominated by State Representative Kate Lipper-Garabedian, Melrose resident Sheilah Gauch has been selected a 2021 Commonwealth Heroine by the Massachusetts Commission on Status of Women. In a letter, the Commissioners write, “Annual Commonwealth Heroine honors go to incredible women who have been recommended by legislators from their districts and selected for their contributions to their community and the Commonwealth. Commonwealth Heroines are women who don’t always make the news, but truly make the difference in their communities, businesses, or volunteer endeavors. You have been selected because you are a woman who, without fanfare or recognition, uses your time, talent, spirit, and enthusiasm to enrich the lives of others.”

“I was glad to nominate Sheilah as a most deserving recipient of a Commonwealth Heroine Award in light of her inspiring service to children and their families across Massachusetts,” said Representative Lipper-Garabedian. “Sheilah was an instrumental champion for the PANDAS/PANS law enacted last session. Ensuring health care coverage for the disease and establishing a state advisory council to examine and make recommendations regarding it will make a real difference for many across the Commonwealth. Sheilah's leadership is also evident at the local level as Chair of the Melrose Special Education Parent Advisory Council. I particularly appreciate that Sheilah shares and grounds her advocacy in her lived experience, demonstrating the strength in vulnerability and ensuring that state and local policies are informed by the people they impact.”

Sheilah Gauch is a licensed independent clinical social worker. She holds a master’s degree in educational organizational management and is licensed as a principal, special education administrator, and school adjustment counselor. Sheilah has been working with children with significant mental health needs for over 20 years. She is currently the Principal of Dearborn Academy, a Chapter 766 Private Therapeutic Day School, serving students with significant social/emotional and learning challenges. In her leadership role, Sheila has supported the creation of a robust academic and clinical milieu for students with the highest level of need.

Sheilah also is the Chair of the Melrose Special Education Advisory Council. Sheila’s two children have required special education services, and both ultimately were diagnosed with Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorder Associated with Strep (PANDAS). Sheilah is the co-founder of the Massachusetts Coalition for PANS/PANDAS legislation, the group that led the successful grassroots advocacy effort in Massachusetts supporting the passage of S2984, a health care bill that includes both the creation of a PANS/PANDAS Advisory Council and a mandate that insurance companies provide coverage for the disease.

Sheilah attended the University of Texas where she was an All-American swimmer as well as Olympic Trial participant. Her experience as a collegiate athlete reinforced for her the value and importance of teamwork, perseverance, and resiliency – all values she feels are essential to her work in supporting children (and their families and systems) with complex mental health needs.