Around Town
AI is Here to Stay. 4 Things Parents of Teens Should Know
In today’s digital age, teenagers are growing up in a world where artificial intelligence (AI) is part of everyday life. From virtual assistants like Siri and Alexa to “recommendations” on social media platforms and ChatGPT prompts, AI is shaping how teens think about technology and absorb information all around them. There are pros and cons to this—and some mental health considerations, too. Connecticut Children’s Pediatric Psychologist, Preeti Sandhu, PsyD, shares her expertise.
Why Sleepaway Camp is such a Valuable Investment in Your Child’s Future!
For those who grew up going to sleepaway camp, many will say it was one of their most formative life experiences! For those who didn’t grow up going to sleepaway camp, many wonder why it’s such a compelling summer choice, and often question parents sending their children away, when summer can be such a special time for families to be together. As kids become increasingly reliant on technology – and parents become increasingly focused on giving their children the chance to unplug, the desire to better understand all that sleepaway camp has to offer has risen. The Pierce Family runs Camp Birchmont in New Hampshire, a premier, coed sleepaway camp with 3, 4 and 7 week options, and we are so grateful for their perspective on why sleep away camp is one of the best decisions you can make for your child today!
7 Reasons why Moms love Sharkey’s Cuts for Kids!
Getting a haircut for your kids can be a chore that moms dread. But when Westport parents, Linda and Scott Sharkey, founded Sharkey’s Cuts for Kids over two decades ago, they were determined to make the experience fun for kids and easy for parents. Today, Sharkey’s offers great haircuts for kids ages 0 to 14 in over 200 franchise locations nationwide. Learn more about why!
Ask a Rowan Nurse – Questions & Answers from the team!
As so many of our little ones are interested in getting their ears pierced, we all have a lot of questions about the process, safety, when and how best to change earrings, if sports can be played with piercings, and more! We collected questions from all of you and thanks to The Rowan Nurse Leadership Team, we have many helpful answers for you here!
Meet Wynter!
Mom to four (combo of kids and step kids), and a former actress of 20 years, Wynter recently pivoted and trained to become a Marriage and Family Therapist, something she is incredibly passionate about. After her own bout with postpartum after her daughter was born, and struggling to find someone who really culd help, she knew there had to be a better option out there. In addition to her family counseling training, Wynter also became certified in Postpartum Perinatal Psychotherapy. She is a huge fan of the book The Anxious Generation, loves the egg bites from Starbucks, and was once an actual “tooth fairy” in LA, collecting old crowns and bridges from dental offices to capture the gold and silver! How life has changed! Wynter is thrilled to work with parents and families in this community and beyond, and has shown how pivoting as you enter a new lifestage can be both fulfilling and more rewarding than you thought!
Introducing the 2025 Pillar CT Summit!
Join us for an engaging day focused on professional development and personal growth. This is a great opportunity to connect with local moms, share resources, and build a supportive community. Let’s create an environment where you can explore tools and strategies to achieve your personal and professional goals. We’re here to help you shape a career that aligns with your life!
Meet a Mom: Pediatric Cardiologist Cheyenne Beach, MD, of Yale New Haven Children’s Hospital
Dr. Beach is a mother of three and a pediatric cardiologist with Yale New Haven Children’s Hospital.
Meet Nikki Taub
Mom (and stepmom) to three nearly grown kids, Nikki Taub is a Westport weekender who – after 25 years as a TV producer – shifted gears to follow her passion: helping teens, young adults, and parents thrive. Her career taught her one universal truth—everyone just wants to feel seen and heard. This truth drove her to become a certified life coach supporting parents and teens navigate challenges and achieve their goals. Outside of work, Nikki loves to travel (riding the Orient Express is on her bucket list), claims she can not live without French fries, and in another life may have been a surgeon, fascinated by anatomy and the human brain! Nikki has been surprised by her love of the suburbs and can’t wait to be here full time when her oldest graduates high school!
Westport 15 Year Old Races for Formula 4 (with dreams of Formula 1)!
For any car racing fans – or moms who love a fun sports story- we had the pleasure of connecting with Lee-Ann Kanthan, Westport mom of three, whose 15 year old son, Vivek, was signed to Campos Racing Spanish Formula 4 in October, 2024, and who will debut in single seater Formula Car racing in 2025. He watched motorsports racing with his family as a kid, and then discovered that he actually had a talent for It! His dream is to be a Formula 1 racer! Learn more about his story, and their journey which has led them to Spain for now, and who knows where in the months and years ahead! Go Vivek!
Meet a Mom: Dr. Karli Provost Goldstein of Esse Care!
Dr. Karli Provost Goldstein, is a Mom of 2 beautiful girls and the Founder of Esse Care, a boutique practice dedicated to restorative gynecologic surgery and wellness, offering a personalized approach to care that’s grounded in both expertise and empathy.
I Want to Get a Divorce. Now What?
When you’re considering filing for divorce in Connecticut it’s crucial to have a clear understanding of the process. Consulting with a seasoned divorce lawyer can initially be daunting, especially if you’re uncertain about how to begin filing for a divorce or legal separation. Emotions often run high, as the outcome can significantly impact your life. Therefore, being well-prepared with targeted questions for your first meeting with a divorce lawyer is beneficial.
Norovirus 101- Symptoms, Prevention and more!
Norovirus. Moms everywhere are hearing a lot about it, and many, unfortunately, are experiencing the full force of it in their own household. Here are 6 things to know about norovirus, from the symptoms to how to prevent it (hint: hand sanitizer just isn’t enough).
Meet Sara Terry
Born with a passion for helping others through life’s struggles (kids and adults), mom of three, Sara Terry, is an amazing addition to the Westport community! After working in the Westport public schools for some time (she is now in the Easton schools), Sara has launched her own practice in Westport and Fairfield, excited to focus on the whole child, focusing on kids 2-17 years old. In addition to her counseling work, Sara is a self-published children’s book author, with a focus on supporting families with children who have cancer as her own daughter, Gigi, is a warrior herself, and Sara’s greatest real-life hero! Their family loves freshly baked bread (often homemade), travel (St. Lucia is on her bucket list), and in another life, Sara might have been an event planner. An amazing asset to our community – and our children, Sara is here to help.
WHY Rowan?
Ear piercing is a milestone that transcends age, gender, culture. And yet, the piercing experience had not been improved upon in decades, even though this common practice isn’t as simple as it may seem. Ear piercing necessitates expertise, skill, and a keen understanding of hygiene to prevent adverse outcomes like infection and tissue damage. That’s why it is important that you choose to get pierced by a medical professional. Coupled with the stringent guidelines and training of the Rowan Clinical Piercing Standard, Rowan nurses like us ensure that ear piercing is safe, hygienic, and worry-free.
Perimenopause: Understanding the Transition
What you need to know about perimenopause, from an expert OB-Gyn at Nuvance Health.
9 New Years Cocktails (and Cocktails)
Cheers to the new year, from our families to yours! And a special toast to you, Moms, for shepherding your herd through it all. Here’s a shortlist of New Year’s Eve cocktails and mocktails—perfect for the 31st or any time you have something to celebrate.
Meet an Entrepreneur: Elizabeth Banks of Archer Roose Wines
The acclaimed actress is also Chief Creative Officer at our favorite canned wine brand, Archer Roose.
25 Reasons the Elf Didn’t Move
Ah, the Elf. A mercurial fellow, he (or she) is apt to get himself into some questionable situations this season. Hanging from the mantle like a tiny daredevil? Taking a bath in rainbow sprinkles? Fishing in a questionably clean potty? There’s nothing this little guy (or gal) won’t do. Sent by Santa to check out kids’ pre-holiday behavior, he is a frequent flyer, making at least 25 round trip voyages between the North Pole and your family’s residence in just as many days. But sometimes, he appears in the same place…which can be confusing. To clear up any questions you may get from curious kids, we’ve shared 25 reasons your elf didn’t move.
Meet Scott & Linda Sharkey, Founders of Sharkey’s Cuts for Kids
Did your child get one of their first haircuts at Sharkey’s like ours did? Fun Fact- the founders of Sharkey’s are from Westport! Get to know the story behind the Sharkey’s brand, and the founders who are Westport parents and have had a huge impact on our community- and many communities nationwide!
How to Build the Perfect Bracelet Stack!
Put the perfect bracelet stack on your wishlist (or your shopping list) this season, with the help from the experts at Angara.