Jean MacDougall-Tattan
Jean MacDougall-Tattan is an accomplished author, journalist, and wellness practitioner with a diverse career spanning over four decades. She began her professional journey in the mid-1980s as a freelance newspaper columnist, eventually rising through the ranks to become Editor-in-Chief of The Haverhill Gazette, where she made history as the publication’s first female editor since its founding in 1821. During her tenure, she earned first- and second-place awards for editorial writing from the New England Newspaper & Press Association, demonstrating her excellence in journalism and commitment to ethical, impactful storytelling.
After transitioning from journalism, Jean built a successful career in healthcare public relations, physician relations, and marketing, serving in leadership roles at regional hospitals. Alongside her corporate work, she pursued her passion for holistic healing by becoming a nationally board-certified and licensed massage therapist, certified medical massage practitioner, Reiki Master, and equine and canine massage therapist. As the owner of the Replenish Center for Wellness, she has dedicated herself to helping clients achieve physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being through a wide range of therapeutic practices, with a particular focus on neuromuscular techniques and energy healing.
In recent years, Jean has turned her attention to creative writing, achieving success as a novelist. Her debut book, Biz’s Journey Home (2023), and its sequel, Because of Biz (2024), explore themes of healing, grief, and human-animal connection, reflecting the core philosophy that unites all of her work. With a third novel underway and plans for a fourth, Jean continues to expand her impact through storytelling, blending her lifelong dedication to healing with a passion for inspiring readers across generations.
• Licensed Massage Therapist
• Certified Medical Massage Practitioner
• Certified Reiki Master
• Certified Equine and Canine Massage Therapist
• University of Massachusetts Lowell - BLA
• First Place Editorial Writer - New England Newspaper and Press Association
• Second Place Editorial Writer - New England Newspaper and Press Association
• Internship Program Mentor at Northern Essex Community College
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to embracing the potential others saw in me and taking calculated risks, even when opportunities felt beyond my comfort zone. Trusting my instincts, maintaining a strong work ethic, and building positive relationships have been key, while ensuring each decision aligns with my values and goals.
Some of my most meaningful opportunities came from following my intuition despite others’ doubts, such as writing a monthly column and serving on a regional school board. These experiences ultimately led to my first role as a government reporter.
I remain committed to strong ethics, continuous learning, and knowing when to evolve, which has allowed me to grow while staying true to my purpose.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve received is to trust my intuition and value the role of collaboration in my growth. My journey has been shaped by personal experiences and the willingness to listen to my instincts, even when the path wasn’t clear. At the same time, I’ve learned the importance of seeking guidance and support—working with a writing coach, for example, was instrumental in helping me bring my book to publication.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I advise young women entering this industry to believe in themselves and their potential, even when others may doubt them. Take risks and pursue opportunities that challenge you, as growth often comes from stepping outside your comfort zone. Most importantly, trust your intuition and follow your passion—success is often the result of listening to your inner voice rather than being guided solely by external opinions.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges I see is the growing sensationalism in journalism, which has moved away from unbiased reporting, as well as limited creative control in traditional publishing. I’ve faced pressure to change my work in ways that didn’t align with my values, and there are also barriers like needing an agent to access major publishers.
At the same time, there are strong opportunities in exploring alternative publishing paths that allow for greater creative freedom. I’m also pursuing representation to reach larger publishers and exploring adapting my work into film to expand into multimedia storytelling.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The most important value in my life is healing through connection, which guides both my writing and wellness work. I also believe deeply in living with purpose and continuing to contribute in meaningful ways.
Integrity is essential to me—I’ve always stayed true to my values, even when it meant walking away from opportunities. I’m also passionate about uplifting others, especially women, by supporting their growth and success.