How old are your kids and long have you lived in Westport? I just love Westport. We currently reside full time in Manhattan and spend weekends in this amazing town and plan to move out full time as soon as our youngest leaves the nest. I have a 19 year old daughter (sophomore at Lehigh) and two amazing step children (sophomore at RIT and high school junior). We’ve had the privilege, and at times the headaches, of raising three emotionally stable, confident and resilient humans. Did we succeed? Depends on the kid and the day, but since they pick up our calls most days and occasionally reach out on their own, we probably deserve a medal.
How did you end up where you are now in terms of your job, or whatever passion project it is you might be doing? After a whirlwind 25 year career as a TV producer, I shifted gears to follow my passion: helping teens, young adults, and parents thrive. My career taught me one universal truth—everyone just wants to feel seen and heard. But in today’s tech-crazed, social media obsessed world, building meaningful connections between parents and teens can feel impossible. How can we compete?
During the pandemic, I saw this firsthand as my 14-year-old daughter struggled with isolation and anxiety. Supporting her and her friends with Zoom hangouts and game nights gave me the push I needed to pivot. I am now a certified life coach supporting parents and teens navigate challenges and achieve their goals. Watching teens transform from self-doubt to self-confidence is why I love what I do – it’s practical, goal-driven, and forward-focused.
Now, my daughter is a sophomore at Lehigh, my stepson is at RIT, and my stepdaughter is owning her junior year of high school. There were lots of bumps along the way, giving me first hand experience and insight. I’ve failed at times – but as I tell my clients, failure is feedback. Success is built on “failure”. It’s how we learn and grow and I want to share all of that feedback and experience with parents who are about to or are currently raising tweens and teens. With just a little support and a few actionable tips, I’ve seen parents create calmer homes and stronger relationships. No more walking on eggshells.
Parenting may be the hardest job, but it’s also the most rewarding. I’m here to help you navigate this wild, messy stage of life with more confidence, connection, and maybe even a laugh or two along the way
What is the best show you have recently (binge) watched? AND/OR what is the last book you read?
Show- The Surgeons Cut on Netflix – just remarkable!
Book – “The Let Them Theory” by Mel Robbins – obsessed.
What are two things still on your bucket list?
Professional bucket – lead a TED talk
Personal bucket – Ride the Orient Express from Venice to Paris in the winter overlooking the snow covered Alps.
What is your favorite podcast? Mel Robbins. Hands down
What is one food you could not live without? French fries
What is one product you could not live without? Sara happ Lip balm, and the best Korean Eye balm called KAHI
What is your greatest fear? My kids being in ‘the wrong place at the wrong time ‘ (basically covers a lot)
What is your greatest indulgence? Getting massages… often
Which talent would you most like to have? All that are required to perform on Broadway. (Sing, dance, act)
Given the choice of anyone in the world, whom would you want as a dinner guest? My grandfather who escaped Nazi Germany so that I can hear his story of fortitude and survival
What’s a cause or purpose you deeply believe in? Big Brother/Big sister Every child deserves a mentor, a confidant, someone who they can count on and who believes in them. One person’s belief in you can make all the difference.
What is your favorite family tradition? Annual Mother Daughter trips -We’ve been to Mexico, Iceland, Miami and the Caribbean. I’m super lucky to have this special time to bond; however, I could do without the daily photoshoots to get the perfect Instagram shot!
What is your greatest extravagance? Traveling to Europe every summer
Which words or phrases do you most overuse? Literally. Apparently. Apparently, I literally overuse those two words.
What is one thing people would be surprised to know about you? I have social anxiety and am a homebody
If you weren’t doing what you are today, what might your career path might have been? A surgeon. I’m obsessed with anatomy, the miracle of the human body but particularly the power of the brain and how our attitude/mindset determines the life we create for ourselves.
If you could travel to one place this next year, where would it be and why? Paris. Well um, because it’s PARIS.
Are you a morning person, or a night owl? I prefer mornings. I hit a wall around 4 pm.
How does sleep fit into your life? Sleep is EVERYTHING. Without sleep nothing functions effectively.
What thing has surprised you most about being in the suburbs? How much I LOVE it. After being a city gal for 30 years I was afraid I’d miss the energy, but Westport and the people have a special energy of their own.
What is the first thing you do when you walk in the door after a long day? Pick up my cat and smother him with kisses. Then my fiancé gets the same.
QUICK THIS OR THAT:
At a movie: Candy or Popcorn? Popcorn
Cook or order in? Cook – More often if someone else will do the dishes.
Iced Coffee or Hot Coffee? Iced in summer. Hot in winter
Beach or Mountains? Beach
Glass Half Full or Half Empty? Half and half . Like what I put in my coffee.
Sauce on the Side or Sauce on Top? On the side. Always!
Crunchy or Smooth Peanut Butter? Smoooooth
Guacamole or Salsa? Guac with lots of Cilantro and lime
Attend a Party or Host a Party? Host – I love entertaining, setting a pretty table and arranging flowers. I also make a mean charcuterie board and taste as I go=)
Call a friend or text a friend? Text
Vacation or staycation? Vacay
Before bed: Social media or book/TV? TV
Watch or play sports? Watch
Stay in or go out? IMB. In. My. Bed.
Comedy or Drama? Drama
