Teresa J. Bryant

BACKGROUND

• Bryant, 61, of Central Islip, is not enrolled in a party in the general election. She is a registered nurse and has a doctoral degree in psychology from St. Thomas University in Florida.
• Bryant has worked for the Suffolk County Department of Social Services and the Central Islip School District.
• She is active with the Islip chapter of the NAACP and the Central Islip Civic Council.

ISSUES

• Bryant said that if elected she will focus on making New York State more affordable by finding ways to reduce the cost of houses and apartments. 
• She said she would seek more funding for mental health services, including preventive care.
• Bryant said she would work to reduce the stigma that keeps people from seeking mental health care and would address crime, illegal drug use and improve education.