SAUGUS — Teresa R. Riley-Singh has been appointed Saugus’ second public health nurse to assist the town’s efforts in mitigating the spread of COVID-19, Town Manager Scott Crabtree announced this week.
Riley-Singh, a registered nurse with 15 years of experience in public and private healthcare, joins Public Health Nurse Mary McKenzie in assisting the town’s health director and Board of Health in their continued battle against the virus, which has landed Saugus in the state’s high-risk transmission category for months.
“We are happy to welcome Teresa as an additional public health nurse for the town of Saugus,” Crabtree said. “Teresa holds extensive experience in, and advanced knowledge of, public health and nursing, which will make her an asset to our community, residents, and employees, especially during these unprecedented times.”
Riley-Singh previously worked as a registered nurse for Andover’s Phillips Academy, Melrose Public Schools, and East Boston Health Clinic. She served as an intensive care unit (ICU) nurse in the pediatric burn unit at Shriners Hospital for Children and as an assistant nurse manager at Monte Nido Center for Eating Disorders, according to the town announcement.
She is currently working toward obtaining a Bachelor of Science degree in nursing from Bay Path University, and holds an Associate of Nursing degree from North Shore Community College and a Bachelor of Arts degree from Saint Michael’s College. She is certified in the ICU and as a provider of basic life support.
Riley-Singh also studied African literature at the University of Natal in Pietermaritzburg, South Africa.
As of Jan. 12, the state Department of Public Health (DPH) has notified the town of 2,781 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the community, including 53 deaths.
Elyse Carmosino can be reached at [email protected].