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.
Services for the Monroe firefighter who lost his life in an accident on Monday are being held in Trumbull on Thursday.
Services for the Monroe firefighter who lost his life in an accident on Monday are being held in Trumbull on Thursday.
Wilton detectives who are part of the Drug Enforcement Administration Task Force helped make the arrest after a joint investigation.
Milford detectives who are part of the Drug Enforcement Administration Task Force helped make the arrest after a joint investigation.
A Bridgeport man was arrested for possession and distribution of heroin in connection with the death of a 30-year-old Monroe woman.
A Bridgeport man was arrested for possession and distribution of heroin in connection with the death of a 30-year-old Monroe woman.
John Leopold's award winning book, Alfred Hugenberg: The Radical Nationalist Against the Weimar Republic was published by Yale University.
John Leopold's award winning book, Alfred Hugenberg: The Radical Nationalist Against the Weimar Republic was published by Yale University.
Niche ranks the top 100 school districts nationwide and in Connecticut for preparing students for college. How did Danbury do?
Niche ranks the top 100 school districts nationwide and in Connecticut for preparing students for college. How did Brookfield do?
Niche ranks the top 100 school districts nationwide and in Connecticut for preparing students for college. How did Bethel do?
Niche ranks the top 100 school districts nationwide and in Connecticut for preparing students for college. How did New Milford do?
Niche ranks the top 100 school districts nationwide and in Connecticut for preparing students for college. How did Newtown do?
Niche ranks the top 100 school districts nationwide and in Connecticut for preparing students for college. How did Newtown do?
Niche ranks the top 100 school districts nationwide and in Connecticut for preparing students for college. How did Wilton do?
Niche ranks the top 100 school districts nationwide and in Connecticut for preparing students for college. How did Weston do?
Niche ranks the top 100 school districts nationwide and in Connecticut for preparing students for college. How did Ridgefied do?
Forrest Ryan, 24, was a Monroe firefighter. He died on Monday after a motorcycle crash on Route 25.
A pedestrian was hit by a car in a Danbury parking lot.
The founder of Handy Dandy Handyman is pleading for assistance so he can continue to help New Milford, Brookfield and area residents in need