Martha P. Grace, M.A., M.S., J.D.
Education
M.S. in Animals and Public Policy, Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University, 2011
J.D. New England School of Law, 1981
M.A. Clark University, History, 1971
B.A. in Zoology, Smith College, 1961
Biography
Current Position:
HAVEN volunteer, teaching Animal Law elective at MAPP. Retired Massachusetts Juvenile Court Judge
What were you doing before entering the Masters in Animals and Public Policy program?
Working as a Juvenile Court Judge, recently retired
What aspects of MAPP led to your decision to join the program?
I had watched the program with interest since its inception.
Lifelong interest in animals and extensive legislative experience in my work as a judge.
In what ways do you use your Masters in Animals and Public Policy degree in your current position?
After receiving the M.S. in Animals and Public Policy, I taught online for several years for the Humane Society University.
I give presentations for judges and social workers on the links between animal abuse and human violence.
Since Fall 2014, I’ve taught Animal Law at the MAPP program.
Tell us about your MAPP project or preceptorship. In what ways did it help you form your career goals?
For my MAPP project, I developed a curriculum to teach to the Massachusetts Juvenile Judges about the links between animal abuse and interpersonal violence, i.e. child abuse and domestic violence. I had been doing child abuse cases for nearly 20 years and did not know anything about the links to animal cruelty before the MAPP program.
What did you like most about the MAPP program?
The opportunity to learn about animals from all perspectives in ways of which I had been previously unaware. The MAPP program allowed and encouraged a different look at our attitudes and previously-held conceptions.
I liked the small class and personal relationships with the professors.
What are your outside interests?
Hiking, horseback riding, music
Number of pets? What?
One long-haired dachshund, one thoroughbred horse
Is there anything else you would like to share with prospective MAPP students?
Come to the program with an open mind and be prepared to change your views. Be receptive to new ideas and fresh ways of looking at things you thought you already knew a lot about.