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.
Police arrested a Newtown man after a 13-year-old reported him when he asked her to get in his car in downtown Bethel. BREAKING
Jason Adams was scheduled to appear in Danbury Superior Court on Thursday for a hearing on accelerated rehabilitation. BREAKING
The owner of the SPCA of Connecticut animal shelter based in Monroe was convicted of 11 counts of animal cruelty. BREAKING
Peter Brady, also known as 'The Handy Dandy Handyman,' has announced the date for the 17th annual Rake 'n Bake.
Positive Directions has received a state grant to help prevent underage drinking and prescription drug abuse in the Wilton area. BREAKING
Positive Directions has received a state grant to help prevent underage drinking and prescription drug abuse in the Weston area. BREAKING
Danbury fire crews assisted Ridgefield firefighters to fight a house fire Wednesday evening. BREAKING
The historic First Congregational Church of Bethel was gathered in 1759 and past members include famous circus showman P.T. Barnum.
A Ridgefield family needs help after a house fire at their home Wednesday evening. BREAKING
Lindsey and Kyle Seitz, parents of Benjamin, who died in 2014 after being left in a hot car, are helping to prevent more tragedies. BREAKING
A candidate for Newtown's 106th district was hospitalized after being rear-ended by a tractor-trailer on I-84. BREAKING
Patricia 'Patty' Ann Vontobel passed away at Bethel Health Care at the age of 86.
Patricia 'Patty' Ann Vontobel passed away at Bethel Health Care at the age of 86.
Patricia 'Patty' Ann Vontobel worked at at the West Lane Inn, formerly Tode’s Inn and the Inn of Ridgefield.
In an afternoon update the National Weather Service issued an advisory for possibly some stormy weather. BREAKING
In an afternoon update the National Weather Service issued an advisory for possibly some stormy weather. BREAKING
In an afternoon update the National Weather Service issued an advisory for possibly some stormy weather. BREAKING
In an afternoon update the National Weather Service issued an advisory for possibly some stormy weather. BREAKING
In an afternoon update the National Weather Service issued an advisory for possibly some stormy weather. BREAKING
In an afternoon update the National Weather Service issued an advisory for possibly some stormy weather. BREAKING
