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.
We’ll let you know when the severe weather is most likely to occur in Brookfield in case you have outdoor plans this weekend.
We’ll let you know when the severe weather is most likely to occur in Bethel in case you have outdoor plans this weekend.
State Senator Kevin Kelly represents the 21st Senatorial District which includes the towns of Monroe, Seymour, Shelton and Stratford.
An informal discussion about the 2016 session of the Connecticut General Assembly will be held at the Bethel Chamber.
Once again, Big Poppa, A.K.A. Mayor Mark, is on bear patrol, using the hash tag #Danbeary, as the CT DEEP is working to tranquilize the bear
New Milford's Relay for Life takes place on Saturday, June 11 and honor's last year's Chair who passed away of sarcoma at the age of 43.
Ridgefield's Relay for Life will take place on Saturday, June 11 and will benefit the American Cancer Society.
Bethel, Brookfield, Danbury and Redding's Relay for Life will take place on Saturday, June 11 and will benefit the American Cancer Society.
Bethel, Brookfield, Danbury and Redding's Relay for Life will take place on Saturday, June 11 and will benefit the American Cancer Society.
Bethel, Brookfield, Danbury and Redding's Relay for Life will take place on Saturday, June 11 and will benefit the American Cancer Society.
Bethel, Brookfield, Danbury and Redding's Relay for Life will take place on Saturday, June 11 and will benefit the American Cancer Society.
Eight-year-old Brookfielder Margaret O’Connor died in 2011 when the Chevy Suburban she was in rolled down her driveway, crashing into trees.
The 7,300 square foot property on Castle Hill Road in Newtown was destroyed last month in the blaze.
The New Milford pair were licensed to hunt and carry shotguns, but were too close to Danbury Walmart police said.
Monroe police said a Meineke Car Care Center employee stole a business check that was fraudulently made out for over $4,000 for her rent.
Danbury police discovered a woman's body behind an Elm Street home after a nearby resident called police.
According to police, officials are investigating a possible electrocution incident after a worker fell to the ground in Wilton.
He worked as a caregiver for Companions and Homemakers.
In this series, Patch features New Milford community members who make a difference in the lives of residents.
In this series, Patch features Monroe community members who make a difference in the lives of residents.