Hi, I’m MacKenzie Nicholson. I’m a New Hampshire native who grew up in Northwood and has been raising my two kids in Nottingham since 2019. Both of my kids attend Nottingham School, so this work is personal to me in a very everyday way. Nottingham feels like the kind of place where people still take care of one another, and I’m proud to call it home.
​
My education and career have always centered on kids and families. I earned a B.S. in Family Studies with a focus on child advocacy and family policy and a Master’s degree in public policy from the University of New Hampshire. For the past 15 years, I’ve worked on state and federal policy that affects families and local communities, and I've been bringing the kids with me, in carriers and strollers while I do it. What I’ve learned over and over is that decisions made in meeting rooms and hearing rooms have real consequences at kitchen tables, in classrooms, and in small towns like ours.
​
A big part of my work has been focused on strengthening the systems families rely on, including child care and maternal health. I’ve helped advance major initiatives like New Hampshire’s MOMnibus efforts and child care policy wins that were built through collaboration, persistence, and a lot of listening to parents, providers, and lawmakers. I’m proud I’ve dedicated my career to making life a little more workable for families in the Granite State. I want my kids to grow up knowing their mom did what she could to help, not just for our family, but for others too.
​
Outside of work, I’m someone who’s always been shaped by school. I still remember teachers who made learning feel like a place you belonged, even during times of change. Those experiences stay with you, and they’re part of why I care so much about the everyday details that make schools strong: strong leadership, good planning, and the kind of supportive environment where kids can find their thing and feel encouraged.
 
I’m a person who prepares. I’m a listener. I’m not afraid to dive in. I care about bringing people together, asking good questions, and doing the work with respect for different perspectives.
​
Thanks for being here and for taking the time to learn more about me.