How old are your kids and how long have you lived in Westport? I have lived in Westport for 53 years, and my daughter is now in her 20s!
How did you end up where you are now in terms of your job, or whatever passion project it is you might be doing? As mentioned, I have lived in Westport all my life. Our family moved here when I was a kid, mostly because the town had an amazing reputation for the schools, the artist community, the open-mindedness, the beaches, Longshore… etc.
I have stayed here for many of those same reasons. I began working at CLASP, (an organization that creates and supports family environments for people with autism and intellectual disabilities), in 1984 while I was getting my master’s degree in psychology. I figured the job sounded interesting, and thought I would stay on for a year or two. Fast forward 41 years later, and I am the President of CLASP!! I fell in love with the people, and was fortunate to find my passion in life. CLASP currently serves 85 men and women in 12 homes and 9 apartments throughout Fairfield County.
**I’ll include a quick plug- we have our annual Taste of Westport Fundraiser at Longshore on June 5th. It is the best night, eating great food and sipping cocktails, while knowing that every dollar raised goes directly to support our programs serving adults with autism and other developmental disabilities.
What is the best show you have recently (binge) watched? And what is the last book you read? It may sound a bit highbrow, but my husband and I have been watching all of the Ken Burns documentaries. History was lost on me at BMS and SHS. I was too busy smoking cigarettes on the blacktop, or planning our weekend keg parties at Compo to have room for history. Those classes always seemed so removed from my life. Now I am enthralled by the heroes and explorers who came before us. On the other hand my daughter and I love watching Crime Scene Kitchen and The Boat Shows.
I’m currently reading The Wedding People – and I’m loving it.
What is your favorite podcast? Anderson Cooper’s All There Is; it really hits home.
What is one food you could not live without? There are two – Lobster and chocolate
What is one product you could not live without? Dry shampoo!!! LOL
What is your greatest fear? I don’t like not knowing what the future holds. I’m really working on just having faith and trusting the process.
What is your greatest indulgence? Spending time at the beach!!!
Which talent would you most like to have? I wish I could sing well. I recently went to Choir, Choir, Choir at FTC- and it was an amazing experience. We sang many songs together with help from the fellows who directed us. Many songs were just fun or funny and uplifting. The finale was learning to harmonize and sing Leonard Cohen’s Hallelujah with about 250 people. It was an incredibly moving experience.
What is your greatest extravagance? Travel. Even though we are on a budget, my family and I always find ways to get out and explore the world. We are lucky to have family in Los Angelos and London – but my heart belongs to Rome!
What is one thing people would be surprised to know about you? I’m incredibly shy. People who know me well do a spit-take when I say I am shy. But if I go to an event where I don’t know anyone, I panic trying to make conversation with new people. I also hate public speaking, but as the leader of a local non-profit organization I’ve had to force myself to just “DO IT!”
If you weren’t doing what you are today, what might your career path have been? I had always planned on becoming a teacher. In many ways my current path has involved a lot of teaching, as well as learning. I think maybe when I retire, I will do some work with kids in schools. My daughter is a teacher, and I still feel that I could bring some good enrichment to the classroom.
QUICK THIS OR THAT:
At a movie: Candy or Popcorn? BOTH
Cook or order in? SADLY, ORDERING IN. I JUST GOT SICK OF COOKING AFTER 50 YEARS OF IT…
Game night/movie night? MOVIE
Ketchup or Mustard? MAYO
Stream a movie/Go to the theatre? THEATER
Beach or Mountain? SANTA MONICA HAS BOTH!!!
Comedy or Drama? DARK COMEDY
For more information about CLASP, and their mission, you can reach out to Tracy at [email protected] or learn more about CLASP here.