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.
Bethel, Brookfield, Danbury and Redding's Relay for Life will take place on Saturday, June 11 and will benefit the American Cancer Society.
Ridgefield's Relay for Life will take place on Saturday, June 11 and will benefit the American Cancer Society.
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.
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.
The 'Lights, Camera, Research' fundraiser will be held on Saturday, June 18 in Ridgefield to benefit the SMS Research Foundation.
The 'Lights, Camera, Research' fundraiser will be held on Saturday, June 18 in Ridgefield to benefit the SMS Research Foundation.
The 'Lights, Camera, Research' fundraiser will be held on Saturday, June 18 in Ridgefield to benefit the SMS Research Foundation.
Mr. Reynolds was a longtime Monroe resident and owner at Champion Maintenance Services. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus.
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Shirley Ann Arnold of New Milford, CT, passed away unexpectedly at home on Saturday May 21, 2016 at the age of 64.
Calling hours will be held on Tuesday, June 7, 2016 in the Abriola Parkview Funeral Home.
Mrs. Pearl, of Redding, taught 2nd and 3rd grade at Berry Elementary School in Bethel for over 25 years.
Mrs. Arleen M. Schultz passed away peacefully on Sunday, May 29th, 2016 surrounded by her family.
Mr. Howells was a WestConn Physics and Computer Science Professor, MENSA member and dictaphone designer.
Mr. Howells was a WestConn Physics and Computer Science Professor, MENSA member and dictaphone designer.
Mr. Sullivan passed away on Monday, May 23, 2016 at Danbury Hospital. He was a member of Temple Shir Shalom of Ridgefield.
Mr. Sullivan passed away on Monday, May 23, 2016 at Danbury Hospital. He was a member of Temple Shir Shalom of Ridgefield.
Wilton resident George Browne Cowper passed away on May 25, 2016.
Mrs. Halasi-Kun was a volunteer for New Milford's Inland Wetlands Commission, Weatinogue Heritage Trust and Affordable Housing Committee.