Get to Know the
2009 MAIN Leadership Team
Tammy Anderson, Brunswick
443-9316 / tammyalee AT aol DOT com
I’m a single mom working two jobs. As a Head Start Family Services case manager for 18 years, I enjoy working with people to
help them get the skills, resources and advocacy they need. I believe that no matter what a person’s
socio-economic background, we all deserve to be treated with respect, kindness and most of all deserve to be heard.
(Since the printing of this newsletter, Tammy has had to leave the Team because of increased work responsibilities.)
Heather Curtis, Portland
899-9671 / heather AT can-so DOT org
Second term MAIN Leader. As a long-time community activist, I understand the value of working with allies who acknowledge
the value our experiences bring to the issues. Favorite quotes by Eduardo Galeano, “I don’t believe in charity; I believe
in solidarity. Charity is vertical, so it’s humiliating. It goes from top to
bottom. Solidarity is horizontal. It respects the other and learns from the other. I have a lot to learn from other people.”
Thea Day, Eddington
843-5818 / theaday AT yahoo DOT com
I am a proud, single parent to a six-year old son who breathes strength, life and motivation into all that I do.
I am a 2008 Parents as Scholars graduate in Social Work from the University of Maine at Presque Isle. I have a passion
for social justice, equity and equality, an end to discrimination and the empowerment of people who live on the edge.
Tracey Hair, Dedham
843-7847 / Tracey.hair AT gmail DOT com
I was born and raised in Australia by a single parent with schizophrenia. I moved to the U.S. in 1995, where I live with my
long-time partner. I work within the H.O.M.E. community in Orland as the Development Coordinator.
After my mother’s suicide in December, I renewed my focus to help those without a voice make change for the better.
I’ve worked with the homeless, and have been homeless myself as a child. This is what motivates me to work for change.
Rene Heath, Hallowell
441-1135
I grew up on a farm in Maine with five siblings. Like most farm families, we struggled to get by. I’ve been an active
volunteer to prevent family violence and sexual assault, and support for women in education and business. Since retiring,
my income is a third of what it was. I see people all the time in need of food, medicine and transportation, and more seniors
looking for jobs.
Steve Hoad, Windsor
445-2141 / mainefun40 AT hotmail DOT com
Second term MAIN Leader. I am a person who is blind, and a family man with three children, and a wonderful wife. I live on the
farm where my daughter is working hard to create her farming business. I was mainstreamed in school
in the 1950s in New Jersey and graduated from Bates College in 1972. At various times during my life, I lived on limited
income and “get” the struggles of those who are low income. My passions include quality food, housing, disability issues and
equal rights for all.
Vickie McCarty, Milbridge
546-7569 / vmccarty1 AT peoplepc DOT com
I was born and raised in Maine and have lived in Washington County since the late 70’s. I’ve spent most of my life as a
community organizer and advocate for economic equality, affordable housing, food security, transportation and mental
health. Currently, I am an outreach coordinator for the Consumer Council System of Maine. Our members work on public policy
issues affecting folks who receive mental health services. I am a also a wife, proud mother and grandmother,
amateur photographer, voracious reader and reluctant writer.
Nikki McLean, Portland
772-0074
As a single parent struggling with many things like finding affordable and decent housing, I am determined to help others
reach their goals. People with little money, put up with a lot that no human being should have to go through. We need quality
affordable housing, good health care, education and healthy food so people can live with dignity. If you’re poor, you have no
rights unless you fight for them. I’m also a member of Portland Organizing to Win Economic Rights
and on the boards of the Maine People’s Alliance and Maine State Housing.
Laurel Merchant, Portland
541-9297 / spotter001 AT maine DOT rr DOT com
I live in Portland after spending 20 years in Livermore Falls. I was homeless but now have lived in the same place for two
years. I’ve been disabled since birth. I especially want to work to help people disabled from birth and disabled veterans.
Income supports are so low that many of us can barely get the things we really need. One person standing alone is
nothing but many standing together can get things done.
Barbara Rankins, Lewiston
513-6292 / barbk1ns AT aol DOT com
I’ve been low-income for the majority of my life. At times I felt it more than others, like when I had nothing to feed my
family except oatmeal for 2 weeks. I’ve been homeless, lived in a campground, and worked for pay far less than the minimum
wage just to have money. Those days are behind me, but I continue to struggle.
My desire is to help those who share my struggle to be heard. In Lewiston, I am involved in many groups including
Visible Community and Lewiston/Auburn Alliance for Services to the Homeless.
Tammy Trask, South China
968-2009 / cupcakett AT yahoo DOT com
Second term MAIN Leader. I’m a Mainer, a mother and a recent graduate of the University of Maine in Augusta. I’ve been active
in domestic violence prevention and on other issues in my community. Recently, I joined the board of Maine
Equal Justice Partners. By collaborating with MEJP, the concerns of people living in poverty will be heard by
public policy makers. Many of our challenges need political solutions; and our voices will be heard if we speak up.
Dot Treadwell, Lewiston
782-4624 / dottie7275 AT yahoo DOT com
I’m a Mainer, a mother, grandmother and greatgrandmother. I work with lots of groups to end homelessness and fight for the
rights of people with disabilities and the poor. Having been homeless for nine months, I know what it’s like.
Some of the groups are: 100 Pine Street Wellness and Recovery Center, Maine People’s Alliance, Visible Community,
Consumer Council System of Maine, Lewiston/Auburn Alliance for Services to the Homeless, and Empower Lewiston. I love going
to Augusta to lobby and demonstrate. I’m also an artist, and teacher of arts and crafts.
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