How old are your kids and how long have you lived in Westport?
Rikki (in gray): I have a 2-year old son and have been living in the Westport area since 2023, but I grew up here! It has been special to raise my own family here.
Emmy (in blue): I have a 23-month-old son and am pregnant with a baby girl in July. I have lived in Westport since August 2024.
How did you end up where you are now in terms of your job, or whatever passion project it is you might be doing?
Rikki: I am a former elementary educator with eight years of classroom experience, where I developed a strong foundation in supporting students both academically and through the executive functioning skills that underpin success. I hold a Master’s Degree in Education and am certified in Executive Function Coaching (EFC). In 2024, I transitioned out of the classroom and founded RD Education & Wellness, where I continue to work closely with families through one-on-one and small group academic and executive functioning coaching. Alongside my work in education, I’m also deeply involved in the wellness space, teaching yoga sculpt and sculpt & strength classes, and holding a pre- and postnatal certification. I love being able to integrate both sides of my work to support the whole person, emphasizing growth, balance, and confidence. Having grown up in Westport, it’s especially meaningful to now support local families and build community through both learning and wellness.
Emmy: My path to this work is rooted in over a decade of experience as a special education teacher in New York City independent schools, where I developed a deep understanding of how children learn and what they need to thrive. I hold a Master’s Degree in Childhood General and Special Education with a concentration in Learning Disabilities, and I am also certified in Executive Function Coaching (EFC). My work is grounded in evidence-based practices and a wide range of instructional approaches, including Orton–Gillingham, multisensory math, and social–emotional learning frameworks. After years of collaborating closely with families, teachers, and multidisciplinary teams, I founded Your Learning Toolbox in 2022 to provide individualized, one-on-one support in academic skills and executive functioning. Now working with students in grades K–8 across NYC and Fairfield County, CT, I continue to bridge the gap between home and school, helping students build confidence, independence, and strong learning foundations.
We joined forces to create Ready, Set, K!, a program designed to thoughtfully prepare young learners for the transition into kindergarten. The program focuses on building early academic skills alongside essential executive functioning and social–emotional foundations, using structured, engaging, and developmentally appropriate approaches. With an emphasis on individualized support and strong collaboration with families, we help children enter school with confidence, independence, and readiness to learn. Looking ahead, we envision the program expanding and growing to support different ages and key transition points, allowing us to meet students where they are and provide consistent, high-quality guidance throughout their educational journey.
What is the best show you have recently (binge) watched? AND/OR what is the last book you read?
Rikki – Lately I’ve been really into The Pitt, and I recently read Say You’ll Remember Me by Abby Jimenez – I’m a sucker for a beach read love story.
Emmy: I love reality TV and binge all of the shows on Bravo. I also recently read Before We Were Yours by Lisa Wingate.
What is one food you could not live without?
Rikki – Anything Mediterranean- always.
Emmy: Cheese or sushi.
What is one product you could not live without? We’re both obsessed with all things organization and planning – which is very on brand in our line of work.
What is your greatest indulgence?
Rikki – A really good workout class followed by a fun coffee
Emmy: A very deep tissue massage!
If you did not live where you do, where would you like to live? We would both love to live somewhere sunny and warm year-round.
What is your favorite hobby?
Rikki – Anything wellness-related- movement, classes, being outside.
Emmy: Being outside and going for a nice hike with my family and dog.
What is your go-to karaoke song?
Rikki – “Crazy in Love” – Beyonce
Emmy: “The One” by the Backstreet Boys
If you weren’t doing what you are today, what might your career path might have been?
Rikki: I always thought I’d be a pediatric nurse – I’ve always known I wanted to work with kids.
Emmy: A pediatric dentist- I loved my dentists growing up and thought going to the dentist was such a fun experience.
QUICK THIS OR THAT
Rikki
At a movie: Candy or Popcorn? Popcorn
Cook or order in? Order in Coffee or tea? Coffee
Be embarrassed or be afraid? Afraid
Camping or glamping? Glamping
Broadway Show or TV show? TV show
TikTok or Insta? Insta
Text or call? Text
Sneakers or dress shoes? Sneakers
Sauna? Or cold plunge? Sauna
Beach or Mountain? Beach
Comedy or Drama? Comedy
Emmy:
At a movie: Candy or Popcorn? Candy
Cook or order in? Order in
Coffee or tea? Coffee
Be embarrassed or be afraid? Afraid
Camping or glamping? glamping
Broadway Show or TV show? TV show
TikTok or Insta? Insta
Text or call? Text
Sneakers or dress shoes? Sneakers
Sauna? Or cold plunge? Sauna
Beach or Mountain? Beach
Comedy or Drama? Comedy