Tracey O'Neill, Neighbor

A native of Canandaigua, New York, I grew up in Valley Falls in Cumberland, Rhode Island. I recently received my A.S. in Paralegal Studies, Magna Cum Laude from Kaplan University, where I am continuing in the legal studies program.

I bring to Patch many years writing experience having spent several plying the craft in the legal, financial and government sectors. My very first job, a summer internship obtained through BVCAP, landing me in the office of the Rhode Island Attorney General, helped to shape my beliefs in individual rights and advocacy.   In recent years, I worked with the Rhode Island Department of Health, Office of Minority Health as an Emergency Preparedness Consultant, identifying and reporting issues presented by vulnerable and at-risk populations, as well as working on the local H1N1 training initiatives developed for the State's emergency responders.

My passion for writing began in elementary school when two of my  teachers, determined to keep me challenged, began providing me with  story starters, encouraging me to use my imagination and love for  writing to entertain others. I was also one of those students who was happy to find out the test was going to be all essays.

In later years, I continued to apply my passion for writing as a litigation paralegal working for a local municipality and private firms.

I am thrilled to have been given the opportunity to write for Patch, and report on issues that have resonance close to home.