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.
Mrs. Ottomano served as an original member of the Ladies Guild of St. Francis of Assisi Parish in Weston.
A 21-year-old Bethel woman was riding her bicycle when she was struck and killed by a car.
A Danbury man was charged with disorderly conduct after going to house he was ordered not to visit; Two Danbury schools named best in CT.
Wilton residents buying or selling items online may now do so in the parking lot of police headquarters.
The Wilton woman studied classical piano and composition at the Julliard School of Music in Manhattan.
Terry, aka "Splash," was an avid ice skater who enjoyed outings at Candlewood Lake in New Milford and the canals of Ottawa Canada
Allen was a ROAR volunteer and gave generously to the Ridgefield Library, Founders Hall, Ridgefield Firefighters and more.
James DeVivo, 89, of Monroe, passed away on Saturday, November 12, 2016, in St. Vincent Medical Center.
Mr. Raymond was a co-owner of Pootatuck Properties Shopping Area in Sandy Hook.
Private services are being arranged through the Bouton Funeral Home, 31 West Church Street, Wilton, at the direction of the family.
Mr. Huinker was a member of Immanuel Lutheran Church in Danbury.
Mr. Huinker was a former Ridgefielder, a recent resident of Redding and was a member of Immanuel Lutheran Church in Danbury.
Mr. Huinker was a recent resident of Redding and was a member of Immanuel Lutheran Church in Danbury.
She attended St. Joseph Catholic School, was a graduate of Danbury High School and was a member of St. Peter parish.
Mrs. Ingardia was a member of St. Joseph's Church, a regular volunteer at the Senior Center and Joe lived at The Village in Brookfield.
A Danbury group is planning a trip to Ireland. Find out the details here.
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Looking for a career in the education field in the Monroe area? Look no further than our Patch Jobs Board.
Looking for a career in the education field in the Newtown area? Look no further than our Patch Jobs Board.
Looking for a career in the education field in the Easton-Redding or Weston area? Look no further than our Patch Jobs Board.