How old are your kids and how long have you lived in Westport? I was actually born and raised in Fairfield County. Our three daughters are Olivia, 9, Ella, 8, and Alissa, 7 – Irish triplets! (Yes, I had three under three by age 30!). Benjamin and I made the move to Westport in 2017 and have since lived happily ever after. We are proudly part of the Greens Farms School family.
How did you end up where you are now in terms of your job, or whatever passion project it is you might be doing? I was a tenured educator of The Greenwich Public Schools, and taught English Language Arts for grades 7-12. Once I knew I was pregnant with my third child (within two years!). I chose to resign to be home with my girls, but my passion for education was too big not to stay involved in some capacity. I became an educational consultant for a number of years, and during the recent COVID years, I helped support the K-5 homebound.quarantined students receive academic support. Most recently, I heavily advocated the essential need for the “wheresmy bus”app for the Westport Community, and am the Program Coordinator for UConn Stamford’s NEAG School of Education. I am busily developing, growing and managing this one year intensive Master’s degree program. Along the way I decided to begin my doctoral journey. I am currently a student at Northeastern University, College of Professional Studies, earning my doctorate in Organizational Leadership. Believe it or not, one of my professors is a Staples graduate! Talk about full circle! I plan to bring all I’ve gained back to support our community.
What was your best memory from 2021-2022, a strange few years we know… My trip to Amsterdam with my husband. It was the first time we traveled internationally (without children) since we became parents! I fit right in with the Dutch loving their koffie (coffee)! Benjamin and I decided to surprise our three girls with a trip to Disney world. This past June, we told the girls on their last day of school! They got off the GFS school bus, I insisted they clean their playroom (it looked like a tornado hit it) and then asked if they could close their eyes and wait for a reward for their hard work and efforts from the past school year. When they opened their eyes, they were met with their first individual pieces of Disney Luggage and we told them we were flying to Orlando that night! I don’t think we’ll ever be able to top that moment. Their genuine tears of happiness, shock, surprise and love was worth all the stress that goes into planning a secret Disney trip.
What are you most looking forward to in 2022-2023? Schools returning to their “24 hour fever free” medical policy for children.
What is the best show you have recently (binge) watched? AND/OR what is the last book you read? 1) Schitt’s Creek, Abbott Elementary, and Better Call Saul
2) Crying in H Mart, by Michelle Zauner
3) Comedy, Comedy, COmedy, Drama, A memoir by Bob Odenkirk
4) I am Human, by Susan Verde
What is one food you could not live without? My homemade peanut butter
What is your greatest indulgence? Nordstroms
What is one thing people would be surprised to know about you? I used to dance and perform professionally until 2007. I hold a minor in Dance and World Theater. I’m also a PADI certified nitrox and advanced open water scuba diver. I’ve had the honor of diving in some of the most gorgeous waters, from the Red Sea to the Caribbean islands.
If you weren’t doing what you are today, what might your career path might have been? Cara’s Tiny Dancers, music and movement! At one point this actually existed when my children were in their toddler years. It never evolved to a brick and mortar school — but I do dream of having my own school one day! It would be a learning institute that involves a fusion of ballet, martial arts and
technology. Curricula that is currently missing within the public sector of schooling. And often knowledge not all parents can afford to offer their children after school. An institute that facilitates and measures 21st century skills. One can dream!
If you could travel to one place this next year, where would it be and why? Take me back to the Netherlands! Norway is also on my list!
If you could live somewhere other than where you do, where would it be? Grand Cayman – scuba master!
Are you a morning person, or a night owl? How does sleep fit into your life? I am a morning person while my husband is the night owl. Once one becomes a mama, you know how important sleep is! It is a great effort to get the entire house to sleep 7+ consecutive, uninterrupted, hours.
What thing has surprised you most about being in the suburbs? How quickly I would be immersed within the community and connected to everyone. From our amazing working Westport Library to Park and Recreations, we find new treasures within this town every year. It is a beautiful blessing.
What is the first thing you do when you walk in the door after a long day? Wash my hands! Then smother everyone with hugs and kisses.
Who is your favorite hero of fiction? It’s a tie between Xena: Warrior Princess and She-Ra: Princess of Power
Who are your heroes in real life? Educators (think about it, our kids spend more hours per week inside school walls than they do at home – not including sleep of course) and working moms everywhere!
QUICK THIS OR THAT:
At a movie: Candy or Popcorn? Popcorn
Cook or order in? Cook
Cake or Ice Cream? Gelato!
Iced Coffee or Hot Coffee? BOTH
Beach or Mountains? Beach
Puzzle or Board Game? Board Game
Wine or a Cocktail? Again, coffee
Reading or writing? BOTH, can’t have one without the other! Have to write about my reading
Before bed: Social media or book/TV? something recorded from the DVR
Watch or play sports? A bit of both
Stay in or go out? Compo Beach, that counts as both, right?
Comedy or Drama? Dramatic Comedy