How old are your kids and how long have you lived in Westport? We moved here about 5 years ago. It feels like yesterday and forever at the same time, if that make sense. We have 2 daughters, 8 and 4 years-old.
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’m a practicing pediatric nephrologist (kidney doctor) with a focus on high blood pressure and kidney transplant. I joined Connecticut Children’s last year and recently, I became their Medical Director of Physician Liaisons for Fairfield County. With this new role, I get to work with local pediatricians, hospitals and practices to make sure they know all the amazing services that Connecticut Children’s is bringing to our backyard. They recognize we have an unmet need in our community and are dedicated to fixing it. They have massively expanded coverage in our area meaning there is wide availability and short wait times. You can get an appointment with a Pediatric Gastroenterologist (GI) or Endocrinologist in Fairfield (across from Saugatuck Sweets) within 1-2 weeks. That’s basically unheard of elsewhere. They have a child sleep expert (who takes insurance!), sports medicine, pediatric orthopedics, urology, cardiology, neurology, surgery, cardiology, hematology/oncology, autism, ADD/ADHD services and more. There will even be a dedicated pediatric weight management program coming this summer….all without having to travel to the city, New Haven, or Hartford. They are also opening a beautiful new center in Danbury with state of the art and on-site imaging, x-ray, lab services and casting. I am so excited to be a part of this because it means so much for our community. Every day, I listen to what the community needs are and bring it back Connecticut Children’s to help make it happen. It’s pretty incredible.
What is your favorite family activity to do in Westport or the surrounding towns? Compo. We love the beach. Our kids are so lucky to grow up here.
What’s your favorite app right now- for you- and for your kids? I’m a Pinterest addict. Does YouTube count as an app? My girls are into watching “Nailed It” on YouTube lately.
What’s your can’t live without beauty product? Okay, don’t judge. The tropical hair oil from Sharkey’s is AMAZING. I stole it from my kids.
If you could pick one restaurant or store to come to Westport that isn’t here now, what would it be, and why? Nordstrom. I have small feet and it’s hard to find shoes locally. Nordstrom has a great shoe department.
What are you most excited about in life right now? That I got my kids to bed on time and actually have some time alone to answer these questions. No–I commuted for 5 years before starting this job. I love that I am able to work locally and get to see my kids so much more. I feel like I am at a good place now in terms of work-life balance.
What is one thing people would be surprised to know about you? I’ve been skydiving. That was before I had kids. Now I get anxiety if I’m too slow and hold up the school pick up line.
If you weren’t doing what you are today, what do you think your career path might have been? Disney travel agent 100%. We just came back with 2 of our closest family friends. I may have scared them with my level of planning and secret Disney knowledge—but it was an awesome trip. I think we are still friends.
If you had 24 hours to do whatever you wanted – what would you do? Sleep late, go to the beach with the kids, come back and swim. Get a sitter and go out to dinner with my husband and friends. We love OKO. I could eat just a bowl of the white sauce that comes with their tempura for dinner and be happy.
What is your most marked characteristic? I really care a lot about my family and friends. I would bend over backwards and do anything for them.
What is the best white lie you have told your kids? A few years ago, when my older daughter was in kindergarten, I told her that the sign at Sweet Frog’s (the old ice cream store) said “closed.” I forgot she could read.
What is your proudest mommy moment? Whenever I hear my girls spontaneously tell each other they love each other.
What do you value most in your friends? We’ve been so lucky to meet such incredible people here. Our friends have really become our family. We may refer to ourselves as “framily.” We travel together, do holidays together and our kids are constantly playing together or in activities together. I value most that I know that I can count on them for anything.
What is your greatest regret? That I didn’t get to grow up here!
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