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.
Students at Bethel YMCA learn gardening skills while parents reap the rewards at 'Garden to Table' events.
Students at Brookfield-based Regional YMCA's programs learn gardening skills while parents reap the rewards at 'Garden to Table' events.
Hundreds came out to celebrate Independence Day on Monday, July 4, 2016 at Ridgefield High School. Check out the photos here on Patch.
Brookfield Families Needed to Become a Foster Familes; Brookfield CT Estate & Tag Sales and more.
2nd Trial to Begin for Ex-Bethel Restaurant Owner Accused of Raping 2 Employees and more. Catch up on the news you missed this week on Patch
Trial Delayed for Ex-Danbury High Teacher Accused of Relationship with Student; 3 Arrested for Running Alleged Fraudulent Paving Company.
Catch up on all the news stories you may have missed this past week on Monroe Patch.
Newtown Teacher Charged with Possessing a Gun on School Grounds Resigns; 'Day of Action' Rally Held at Victoria Soto's Stratford School.
Catch up on all the news you may have missed this week on Wilton Patch.
A hockey standout from Ridgefield is drafted to the NHL, Boehringer Ingelheim cuts hundreds of jobs, including 50 in Ridgefield and more.
Police said there have been multiple complaints that park goers are being solicited for sex acts by males parked in the parking lot.
Weston’s Family 4th Celebration is on Monday, July 4th. Find out your need-to-know info on Patch before you go.
Wilton Fireworks Celebration is on Monday, July 4th. Find out your need-to-know info on Patch before you go.
Ridgefield 4th of July Fireworks at Ridgefield High School are on Monday, July 4th. Find out your need-to-know info on Patch before you go.
Weston, Wilton and Ridgefield's fireworks displays are on Monday, July 4th. Find out your need-to-know info on Patch before you go.
Weston, Wilton and Ridgefield's fireworks displays are on Monday, July 4th. Find out your need-to-know info on Patch before you go.
Ridgefield, Weston and Wilton's fireworks displays are on Monday, July 4th. Find out your need-to-know info on Patch before you go.
For almost as long as fireworks have been around, photographers have been taking bad photos of them. Here are some tips to make them better.
Find out some interesting facts and figures about America's national holiday.
Take a look at some of the most unusual police reports from around New Milford and Fairfield County on Patch.