How old are your kids and how long have you lived in the area? I have a one year old, three year old, and five year old. I live in the Fairfield County area, and I am excitingly establishing my counseling work in the town of Westport! I had the opportunity to work for Westport Public Schools at the beginning of my career before landing my full-time school counseling position in Easton, and I thoroughly enjoyed working with the Westport community. It’s exciting for me to go full circle and join the Westport community once again!How did you end up where you are now in terms of your job, or whatever passion project it is you might be doing? My career started as a Behavioral Therapist where I worked with neurodivergent students for four years. I quickly learned that I wanted to support the whole child and pursued my training in Counseling. I double majored to receive both my certificate in school counseling and my clinical license (LPC). I am also a Nationally Certified Counselor and obtaining my doctorate degree (all but dissertation!). I went into counseling to help others through their life struggles (as we all have life struggles) and I have a sincere passion in doing so, which shows in my work.
What is the last book you read? I am currently reading Never Enough by Jennifer Wallace. We often talk about supporting students in schools and the culture of our kids, yet we never talk about how we can help the parents in a never-ending cycle of “never being enough” especially achievement wise. The book gives us grace on how we can better help ourselves and in turn, help our children.
What are two things still on your bucket list? Travel is on my bucket list! I would love to go to St. Lucia for a relaxing trip and Colorado/Utah to hike some mountains.
What is one food you could not live without? Our household cannot live without freshly baked bread. We have decided as a family to make fresh loaves and wow, do they go fast!
What’s a cause or purpose you deeply believe in? I have a deep passion for supporting families and children who are going through cancer treatment, or know of someone going through cancer treatment. Our very own daughter is a warrior, and going through her treatment has taught me how to be a better counselor (and person) and to support those who are going through similar circumstances. We developed a non-profit to continue supporting pediatric oncology families called Gigi’s Bouncy Ball Foundation, where we ship out books that I write and self- publish for free to hospitals, clinics, and other nonprofit establishments. I believe in social stories and helping others connect with hard life struggles at an early age. You’re probably wondering what it means by “bouncy ball,” which was our way of telling Gigi she had a tumor.
What is your favorite family tradition? We are an Italian household so Christmas Eve holds our biggest traditions! We love making Zepole – fried dough with honey and small circle rainbow sprinkles.
What is one thing people would be surprised to know about you? I am a self-publishing children’s book author! I never thought I would be, but here I am! Life brings you down paths you never thought you would endure…for the better. I write social stories for littles. Most of my books are centered around pediatric cancer, however, new books are about common life challenges such as divorce, anxiety, ADHD, etc.
If you weren’t doing what you are today, what might your career path might have been? I would definitely be an event planner. I am super organized and love to use my organization skills. I had too much fun planning my wedding.
Are you a morning person, or a night owl? How does sleep fit into your life? I am shockingly a morning person (I used to be a night owl). I have natural energy to start my day without coffee and to bring on all that comes to me!
What is the first thing you do when you walk in the door after a long day? The first thing I do when I walk in the door after a long day is hug my kids. My children are my everything, and their tiny hugs and laughter helps cure all of my problems.
Who is your favorite hero of fiction? Who are your heroes in real life? My real-life hero is my daughter, Gigi. She inspires me every day to be the best human I can be and reminds me that life is short- do what you love. I genuinely love counseling and helping people. Counseling can be hard; we might not always agree, but it’s worth it when you have the right counselor in your corner and working through life with you.
QUICK THIS OR THAT:
Beach or Mountains? Beach
Glass Half Full or Half Empty? Glass half full, although sometimes, it feels half empty.
Sauce on the Side or Sauce on Top? Sauce on the side
Crunchy or Smooth Peanut Butter? Smooth
Guacamole or Salsa? Guacamole all the way! Especially from Geronimos!
Attend a Party or Host a Party? Host a party
Call a friend or text a friend? Call a friend
Vacation or staycation? Vacation
Before bed: Social media or book/TV? TV
Watch or play sports? I’m a watcher!
Stay in or go out? Depends on the night
Comedy or Drama? Comedy
Limited Saturday availability
