I'm a married mother of three awesome kids and a rescue dog named Sadie, a black lab mix. I grew up in Sandy Hook and currently live in Ridgefield.
I studied English Literature at Ellis College and Child Development at Post University and received my Head Teacher Certification in Early Childhood Education through the State of Connecticut in 2008.
From 2010-2012 I enjoyed working for Patch in various roles as a reporter, columnist, food critic and guest editor. I also helped launch 12 Patch sites in Fairfield County in early 2010.
During 2012-2013, I stopped working in order to serve as a volunteer to help my hometown of Sandy Hook heal after the tragic Sandy Hook School shootings on Dec. 14, 2012. I founded the Sandy Hook Arts Center for Kids (The SHACK) in Sandy Hook Center as a creative way for kids and families to heal through the power of the arts through free music and art programs. We were happy to have the Newtown Strong Therapy Dogs as regular visitors as well.
In January of 2014, Hearst Media Services honored me with the "Top 10 Most Fascinating People of 2013" award in the Greater Danbury Area for volunteer work I performed with Sandy Hook Arts Center for Kids. In June 2014, I went back to work and became a Regional Editor for eleven towns in Southwest Connecticut.
On February 4, 2015, World Cancer Day, life threw a huge curveball and I was diagnosed with "The Evil 'C' Word." During 2015 and most of 2016, I battled a "very rare, very aggressive" type of breast cancer with wit, sass, faith and lots of support from family and friends. After 4 surgeries, 16 weeks of dose dense "red devil" chemo, 30 rounds of radiation and tons of complications, I'm proud to say I'm now a survivor of Triple Negative Metaplastic Carcinoma and an advocate of self breast exams for early detection. Being diagnosed with breast cancer at the young age of 45 with no cancer in my family prompted me to start a #MyLeftBoob selfie campaign to raise awareness for early detection.
Read my story here:
http://patch.com/connecticut/bethel/breast-cancer-awareness-behind-pink-ribbons-personal-survival-story-0
In my free time I enjoy hiking, reading biographies, David Sedaris or Kurt Vonnegut books, singing and playing bass guitar in a cover band with my rockin' hubby of 22 years, who is the drummer.
Danbury Merchants Group plans to fill South Street School with mountains of notebooks, pencils, rulers, scissors and other school supplies.
A New Haven man who claimed the Sandy Hook shooting was a federal drill had his request to be part of 2 family's cases thrown out in court.
A New London man who claimed the Sandy Hook shooting was a federal drill had his request to be part of 2 family's cases thrown out in court.
Ridgefield ROAR is presenting Paws for the Cause with Blue Buffalo, who recently announced a new pet food to help pets with kidney disease.
Wilton-based Blue Buffalo is a leading sponsor of pet cancer awareness and critical studies of pet cancer, health, treatment and nutrition.
Newtown Prevention Council and Parks & Recreation are planning a night of movies, dancing and fun for the first ever free movie night.
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Tour a sheepdog trial on the Ring of Kerry, take a ferry ride across the River Shannon, go through Dublin in an open-top bus and more.
Monroe First Selectman Asks Pokémon GO Players to Respect Property; Monroe Man Steals $3,000 Worth of Fishing Rods from Neighbor.
Newtown Voters to Choose Probate Judge Candidate in Primary Set for August 9; Back to School Reopens Deep Wounds with Sandy Hook Parents.
How Did Bethel Students Do on the 2016 SAT? Bethel Voters to Choose Probate Judge Candidate in Primary Set for August 9.
Brookfield Among Top 50 Best Places to Retire in CT; 21-Year-Old 'Erratic Driver' Caught With Syringes, Drug Paraphernalia.
