How old are your kids and how long have you lived in Westport? We moved to Westport in 2009, right after I finished my dermatology residency at Mount Sinai. I have four kids. Clara turns 21 in November, and she is a 3rd year at UVA. Sophie, my 17 year old, is a senior at Staples. Penny just turned 14, and she is in eighth at Bedford. Jack is 11, and he is in 5th grade at Windward.
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 decided to become a doctor my first year in college, and most of my twenties were dedicated to that pursuit. I feel so privileged to be a dermatologist. I get to help people solve problems they care about, to help them feel more comfortable in their own skin (pun intended), and I get to work with my hands. It really is so much fun to go to work. Outside of my profession, I also have the good fortune to be involved in Peter’s Heart, a non-profit that was started by my father in Uganda. This organization focuses on identifying vulnerable children in the slums and providing them with education, health care and mentorship. It has been such a gift to be a small part of the transformation of lives, and it brings me so much joy. Peter’s Heart is having their inaugural fundraising event THIS Thursday, 10/30 at Aspetuck Country Club. You can purchase tickets HERE or make a donation to the cause anytime here.
What is the best show you have recently (binge) watched? AND/OR what is the last book you read? I grew up in a house without a TV, and I love to read to unwind. My favorite book of late was “The Correspondent” by Virginia Evans.
What is your favorite podcast? I don’t really listen to podcasts. I love listening to books on Audible and sermons in my spare time.
What is one food you could not live without? Salad and comfort food… I literally can’t choose between them!
What is one product you could not live without? Alastin Restorative Skin Complex
What is your greatest fear? Being dependent on others.
What is your greatest indulgence? Travel and experiences with my family.
Which talent would you most like to have? To be a talented gracious host who could welcome anyone into her home at a moment’s notice and cook delicious food for them. Very much aspirational at this point, not reality.
If you did not live where you do, where would you like to live? I would either go back to Richmond, VA to be close to my extended family or venture to Bar Harbor, Maine. Bar Harbor is one of the most spectacular places on earth, and I would love to live there and be amazed by nature all the time, but it is hard to beat being close to family.
What is your go-to karaoke song? I am terrible at karaoke… I avoid it at all costs 😉
What is your greatest extravagance? I love spending money on my kids, and I get great joy out of providing them with nice things and experiences.
What is one thing people would be surprised to know about you? I find big groups intimidating. I am much better one on one.
If you weren’t doing what you are today, what might your career path might have been? Before college, I dreamed of being an investigative journalist who did deep dives into fascinating stories. Now I live out that dream vicariously through my daughter
Sophie who is very involved in Inklings at Staples.
Who is your favorite hero of fiction? Who are your heroes in real life? I love epic battles between good and evil, and my favorite fictional hero is probably Legolas in The Lord of the Rings. In real life, my father is my hero. He is the type of person who sees problems and immediately wonders how he can help rather than leaving it for someone else to deal with. He is a man of integrity and faith, and his courage and convictions led him to join the US army as a doctor after 9/11 and to start Peter’s Heart, which has impacted so many lives for the better, including mine.
QUICK THIS OR THAT:
At a movie: Candy or Popcorn? Popcorn
Cook or order in?- Cook- as long as my husband Justin is doing the cooking!
Game night/movie night? Game night! I love to win.
Ketchup or Mustard? Ketchup
TikTok or Insta? Neither- I have been off social media for almost 5 years. No regrets there!
Stream a movie/Go to the theatre? Stream in my PJs.
Text or call? Call- nothing like a real conversation.
Sauna? Or cold plunge? Sauna- I hate being cold.
Sauce on top or on the side? On top! I love my condiments.
Beach or Mountain? Mountains- dermatology ruined the beach for me 😉
Comedy or Drama? Drama. I love a good story
