Lifestyle
Meet Kim Hausman Athan of Mother’s Day Movement
Almost $36 billion is spent on Mother’s Day each year. Kim Athan is one of the moms behind @mothersdaymovementmdm, a non-profit organization trying to “shift the gift” to help moms worldwide. Since their launch in 2010, Mothers’ Day Movement has given $1 million to charities supporting women and families; this year’s beneficiary is @family.promise, a nationwide organization fighting family homelessness. Learn more!
Introducing Alphabet Academy- the newest preschool coming to the area!
The Alphabet Academy and Nest Early Learning Community have been crafting authentic learning experiences based on the Reggio Emilia Philosophy since 2004. With current locations in Hamden, New Haven and Branford, they are excited to offer Fairfield County families the high level of care and progressive education as well as real, whole food made by our in-house chef that has defined us for the past 20 years. The Nest at Greenfield Hill, located at 161 Hillside Road, will open this September, and serve families with children ages 1-6 (toddlers through Kindergarten). Learn more!
The Granola Girlies take on Grand Central Station!
Just a few years before we launched Westportmoms (well four years to be exact=)) two local moms- Dana Noorily and Julie Mountain- created and launched The Granola Bar, now a regional phenomenon with it’s newest location opening right outside Grand Central Station in New York City! As we like to do every few years, we connected with them about their journey, how they are feeling today, and they shared some advice for other “mompreneurs” out there! We love you J&D; thanks for the special gem you created first in this community of ours! We are forever grateful!
Meet Dr. Michelle Foley – Pediatric Cancer Specialist at Yale New Haven Children’s Hospital
Meet Michelle Foley, DO, a Greenwich mom and Yale Medicine pediatric hematologist/oncologist at Yale New Haven Children’s Hospital.
Meet Joan, Co-President of Staples Tuition Grants
Mom of two here in Westport, Joan Gillman is currently a corporate board director, serving as a steward for shareholders and a mentor to CEOs but she is also the co-president of Staples Tuitions Grants (STG), an amazing donor-funded organization helping over 25% of Staples graduates meet the burdens college can require. After 35 years working in the US Senate and then running 3 tech-startups, Joan followed her passion to help others excel in leadership, philanthropy and education. While hard to believe living in Westport, college tuition continues to rise, and STG helps so many students pursue higher education, a cause Joan feels passionately about. In her spare time, Joan loves hosting parties to support causes (and candidates) she believes in, enjoys travel, and loves to read! For those interested in supporting STG, Millie Rae’s is donating 10% of profits on 5/1 so head in for some spring or Mother’s Day shopping! Thank you Joan for all you do for our students and the community!
Meet Gwen Snider, Cofounder of Luxury Family Travel Resorts, Little Gem
Twenty-five years ago, Gwenn & Mark Snider were avid travelers who quickly realized that family travel was often more fun for the kids than adults, and decided to change that by elevating the experience. Today, they’ve built three luxury, family-focused resorts, The Winnetu, The Nantucket and Lovango Resort, all under the umbrella of Little Gem Resorts. Read our interview with Gwenn at the link in bio. When booking at the Winnetu, use code MOMS for 10% off between May 19th – 23rd and September 4th– 22nd. (Must book before June 1, 2025.)
Meet Tracy Flood, President of CLASP and a mom with a mission
As April is Autism Awareness month, we are thrilled to feature Tracy Flood, local mom and president of CLASP, an incredible non-profit organization creating and supporting family environments for people with autism and intellectual disabilities. Today CLASP serves 85 men and women in 12 homes and 9 apartments throughout Fairfield County. Tracy took a job at CLASP 41 years ago thinking It sounded interesting, but never knew It would become her life mission! In her spare time, Tracy loves time at the beach, watching Ken Burn’s documentaries, and traveling. She loves lobster, chocolate, and dry shampoo, and would be able to sing in another life! CLASP and Westport are so lucky to have Tracy, and for those who want to support CLASP further, check out their Taste of Western event at Longshore on June 5th!
Spring Ahead for Savings on Window Treatments for Bumble Bee Blinds
As the vibrant hues of spring start to bloom, there’s no better time to breathe new life into your home with stunning custom window treatments from Bumble Bee Blinds. Their expert design consultants will guide you through the process, ensuring that you find the ideal combination of fabrics, colors, and styles to complement your décor. Schedule a FREE consultation today to explore our exquisite collection and discover the incredible savings waiting for you. Your dream home makeover is just a window treatment away!
Meet Bobby Wilson – MD, Medical Director for One Medical
For those who haven’t heard, One Medical is the newest Primary Care Medicine practice here in Westport. We were lucky enough to talk to Bobby Wilson, the Connecticut Medical Director (and a local dad) about how he ended up where he is, and what makes One Medical unique and an option you may be interested in! We are thrilled to have you- and One Medical – here in Westport!
Spring has sprung and it’s time to protect your lawn!
Learn why moms are loving Mosquito Squad for spring pest protection, from ticks to mosquitoes, ants, flies and beyond! Book and start treatment now for the best protection.
5 Reasons Local Moms Love Lakeside Watersports!
Lakeside Watersports creates lasting summer memories by providing private watersports lessons & boat charters on picturesque Candlewood Lake.
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!