ROCHESTER — While Michaela Shoemaker has had careers in Hanover, Falmouth and Kingston — she’s finally returning to her roots as Rochester’s new Town Planner.

Shoemaker is a Marion native and moved back home five years ago. She said her onboarding to the Rochester planning team has been smooth since she was appointed Tuesday, Feb. 18. Her entry into Rochester comes after the previous planner Nancy Durfee left to work in Lakeville.

Wednesday, April 1 marked Shoemaker’s first day in the office helping Rochester with special permits and site plans. In her new position, she will be involved in short and long-term planning for the future of the town.

For Shoemaker — her passion might be genetic. Her mother holds a master’s degree in town planning and she has been surrounded by the career her whole life. Although she graduated with a marketing degree, after working with the town planner for Kingston frequently she became inspired. 

“I got more drawn into the world and so I decided to pursue my master’s degree,” she said. 

In 2020 as the world halted for the pandemic — Shoemaker still held her job, got married, had her first child and was pursuing a master’s degree in public administration from Rutgers. 

“I actually had my oldest child while I was doing my Capstone,” she said. “I was nursing him and researching.”

So far, Shoemaker said the town of Rochester has welcomed her with open arms. She said she hopes to be able to help with the town's needs and what residents ask for. 

“For Rochester — preserving the land and preserving that farm-feel and true character of Rochester is so important and I think that sets it apart from any other community because there is no other community that has this feel to it,” she said.