Sheila Rafferty Lyons was born and raised in South Boston. At the Marion Manor Nursing Home in South Boston she found her love of geriatrics/gerontology, working as a nursing assistant while attending school at U/Mass Boston. This led her to pursue a career in social work. Sheila has worked in various positions in the non-profit and private sectors beginning as a senior citizen outreach worker for the South Boston Neighborhood House. Her experience, ranging from community organizing to staff development, taught Sheila that anything can be accomplished with collaboration, education, enthusiasm and determination.

Some 14 years ago this career was put on hold to become a full-time Mom, lending free time to community service, volunteerism and earning a master’s degree in social work.

Like many living on the Cape today, Sheila spent her summers on Cape Cod, starting in childhood. In 1971, her parents were able save enough to buy a “little piece of paradise” in West Yarmouth. Her widowed mother eventually retired there. It was during these summer vacations that Sheila formed an appreciation for the beauty and spirituality inherent in this land of “sea and sand.” About 9 years ago, Sheila and her husband Bill Lyons bought a home in Wellfleet. Sheila lives there today with her daughter, Sarah, currently a 10th grade student at Cape Cod Academy, and their beagle, Rex. In 2006 Sheila ran and won a seat on the Barnstable County Assembly of Delegates. In 2009 she was elected as a Barnstable County Commissioner.

Sheila has a bachelor’s degree in business from the University of Maryland College Park and a master’s degree in social work from University of Maryland Baltimore.