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.
The founder of Handy Dandy Handyman, is pleading for assistance so he can continue to help Monroe, Newtown and area residents in need.
The founder of Handy Dandy Handyman, is pleading for assistance so he can continue to help Newtown, Brookfield and area residents in need.
The founder of Handy Dandy Handyman, is pleading for assistance so he and Wilton contractors can continue to help those in need.
The founder of Handy Dandy Handyman, is pleading for assistance so he and Redding contractors can continue to help those in need.
The founder of Handy Dandy Handyman, is pleading for assistance so he and Ridgefield contractors can continue to help those in need.
The founder of Handy Dandy Handyman, is pleading for assistance so he can continue to help Danbury area residents in need.
The founder of Handy Dandy Handyman, is pleading for assistance so he can continue to help Bethel, Brookfield and Danbury residents in need.
Brookfield resident Peter Brady, founder of Handy Dandy Handyman, is pleading for assistance so he can continue to help those in need.
Police said the pair were drunk and arguing before one man slashed the other's with a broken bottle.
A New Milford woman was found dead in Danbury last Thursday and a homeless man was found dead in Danbury on Monday.
A homeless man was found dead in Danbury on Monday and a New Milford woman was found dead in Danbury last Thursday.
The Newtown man was deceased when officers arrived on scene.
Oxford, Monroe, Shelton area drivers are asked to follow detours, as well as the direction of uniformed police officers in the area
Shelton, Monroe, Oxford area drivers are asked to follow detours, as well as the direction of uniformed police officers in the area
Monroe, Newtown, Oxford, Shelton area drivers are asked to follow detours, as well as the direction of uniformed police officers in the area
Monroe, Newtown, Oxford, Shelton area drivers are asked to follow detours, as well as the direction of uniformed police officers in the area
The former Bethel resident introduces the cast of 'She Loves Me' at Sunday night's Tony Awards.
Newtown residents who are reliving the horror of December 14, 2012, are welcome to go to the Center for Support and Wellness for help.
A patriotic flag day service will be held in front of Ridgefield Town Hall Tuesday evening.
Police said a motorcyclist was not wearing a helmet when he crossed into oncoming traffic on Route 25 in Monroe, near Easton, on Monday.