How old are your kids and how long have you lived in Westport? I have 11 year old boy / girl twins (Atticus and Keaton), and a 5 year old boy (Everett). We have been living in Westport for 13 years.
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 moved to New York City with a Musical Theater degree from the University of Miami, an Equity Card and a stint as a singer on a cruise ship under my belt. After juggling restaurant and office jobs while auditioning and performing, I was able to transition into a full-time career as an Executive Administrator/Operations Manager when it came time to settle down in the suburbs and start a family. Most recently, I spent 7 years with NBC Sports Group based in Stamford, CT and am now working in gaming/digital play for the LEGO group, which definitely carries the “cool mom job” factor. I’m also very passionate about Diversity, Equity & Inclusion. At NBC Sports Group, I helped launch their Employee Resource Groups, led Out@NBCUniversal and currently volunteer for Westport Pride and support
the Westport Public School Districts DE&I efforts. This Pride month I’ll be performing at the Westport Pride Rally on June 12th on Jesup Green and in the Pride Cabaret at the Westport Library (free to the public) on June 17th at 7 p.m.
What was your best memory from 2021, a strange year we know… I’m so glad you asked this question. I wasn’t sure if I wanted to talk about this, but since you asked, I think it’s important to share. I thought 2020 was the worst year of our lives, but 2021 brought new challenges that taught me I didn’t have to figure It all out by myself. So, I asked for help. And a year later, I am now a sober mom. And it’s not just about being alcohol free for me. I learned there have been so many other things I hadn’t been prioritizing. My focus has shifted in such a positive way, and I’m so much happier. My kids have seen a real change in me, and were so proud to celebrate my 1 year of sobriety. I even got my own celebration at Sakura!
What are you most looking forward to for the rest of 2022? My twins start middle school at Bedford, while my 5 year old starts kindergarten at Saugatuck. This will be a daunting experience for everyone, but, it feels like we’re all taking a big leap together at the same time and how exciting is that!
What is the best show you have recently (binge) watched? Best show I binge watched recently is “Life and Beth” with Amy Schumer Hulu. I love how open and raw she is in her writing and performance. I don’t want to give anything away about the plot, but I could really relate to what the character is going through and always love how she incorporates New York City, and the people from her own life like Murray Hill, who I have known and has been a popular drag king in the New York city cabaret/nightlife scene for years and is finally getting their due.
What is one thing people would be surprised to know about you? The assumption that I am straight, especially since I’m a mother. There is an actor, who is gay, named Dan Bucatinsky who wrote a book entitled “Does This Baby Make Me Look Straight?” which I think says it all. We have a long way to go before we will see kids with a parent and not assume the other parent is the opposite gender.
If you could travel to one place this next year, where would it be and why? Italy (Positano) and Paris….I promised my daughter I would take her one day…sadly I have Celiac though, so Italy better step it up with the gluten free pasta, and Paris, well, I might just have to suck it up and eat the bread.
What thing has surprised you most about being in the suburbs? It took me a long time to warm up to the suburbs. I thought no one would have an edge, you wouldn’t be able to speak your mind, and we’d be judged for not having the biggest house in town. And then just like anywhere I’ve ever lived (and I’ve lived a lot of places, I’m an Army brat!), you find your people, your kids find their people, and you settle in. And it really is true what they say, Westport is the best port 😉 There really is something for everyone, and it keeps getting better and better. I came here kicking and screaming, and now, I’d leave kicking and screaming.
QUICK THIS OR THAT:
At a movie: Candy or Popcorn? BOTH! Milk Duds, Twizzlers, Popcorn w/ butter (go big or go home)
Cook or order in? Order in (NYC habits die hard)
Cake or Ice Cream? Ice cream cake 😉
Iced Coffee or Hot Coffee? Hot!
Beach or Mountains? Both…Acacdia National Park beaches….best of both worlds
Puzzle or Board Game? Board game
Wine or a Cocktail (if cocktail, which one?) Mocktail!
Reading or writing? Writing
Before bed: Social media or book/TV? TV
Watch or play sports? Play
Stay in or go out? Go out
Comedy or Drama? Comedy…we need to laugh now more than ever!