How old are your kids and how long have you lived in Westport/the area? My kids are 12, 19, 20, and 22. We have been in Westport fro 17 years.
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 ended up as Director of Green’s Farms Nursery School (GFNS) after getting my Master’s in Music Education from Northeastern University, teaching preschool, elementary, middle and high school, working as a music therapist for autistic children, and staying home to raise my oldest daughter, Daisy. Most recently, I was excited to publish a book with my cousin, Writing The Barely There Bear was a natural extension of my work at GFNS and a fun way to share the true story of an adventurous evening on a family trip in the Adirondacks. The Barely There Bear can be purchased at dichristinapublishing.com
What is the best show you have recently (binge) watched? AND/OR what is the last book you read?
Show: Gilmore Girls with my 12 year old daughter
Beach/Summer Vacation Read: The Coral Island Series by Lilly Mirran
What are two things still on your bucket list? Publish The Barely The Bear sequel and open the new playground at GFNS (checking that one off soon! )
What is your favorite podcast? Schools of Excellence with Chanie Wilschanski
What is one food you could not live without? Coffee. 🙂
What is one product you could not live without? Dawn PowerWash! 🙂
What is your greatest fear? Losing a loved one.
What is your greatest indulgence? Sleeping In.
Which talent would you most like to have? I’d love to be a better artist/painter.
Given the choice of anyone in the world, whom would you want as a dinner guest? Joni Mitchell
What’s a cause or purpose you deeply believe in?
Helping families attain Early Intervention support for children experiencing speech, sensory, or other developmental challenges/
delays.
What is your favorite family tradition?
Annual summer vacation in the Adirondacks with the whole family and extended family – grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins.
What is your greatest extravagance? Fresh Flowers for the house.
Which words or phrases do you most overuse? No Worries!
What is one thing people would be surprised to know about you?
I am a singer/songwriter, and spent many years performing solo and in a band with my brother in Chicago.
If you weren’t doing what you are today, what might your career path might have been?
Singer/Songwriter. Or Neuropsychologist (I started a doctorate program for this, but motherhood was more important! 🙂
If you could travel to one place this next year, where would it be and why?
St. John. My husband and I got married there, and have some really amazing family memories of Caneel Bay, prior to hurricanes Irma and Maria.
Are you a morning person, or a night owl? How does sleep fit into your life?
Night Owl! I sleep when I can. Some of my best work occurs while the rest of the house is sleeping.
What thing has surprised you most about being in the suburbs?
How little I miss the city.
What is the first thing you do when you walk in the door after a long day?
Hug my dog, Bella.
Who is your favorite hero of fiction? Who are your heroes in real life?
Mary Lennox in The Secret Garden.
My Dad is my hero. He is kind, generous, wise, and a wonderful role model for my kids and me.
QUICK THIS OR THAT:
At a movie: Candy or Popcorn? Candy
Cook or order in? Order In
Iced Coffee or Hot Coffee? Hot
Beach or Mountains? Beach
Glass Half Full or Half Empty? Full
Sauce on the Side or Sauce on Top? On Top
Crunchy or Smooth Peanut Butter? Smooth
Guacamole or Salsa? Guac
Attend a Party or Host a Party? Host
Call a friend or text a friend? Text
Vacation or staycation? Vacation!
Before bed: Social media or book/TV? TikTok
Watch or play sports? Watch
Stay in or go out? Go Out
Comedy or Drama? Drama