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 case of whether the Town of Brookfield should pay for former GOP registrar Tom Dunkerton's legal fees could head to trial next summer.
A Weston teen turned himself in to Wilton police after learning there was a warrant out for his arrest.
A candlelight vigil to honor the lives of those lost to addiction will be held in New Milford on International Overdose Awareness Day.
Tim Currie's Motown Band will be playing a number of iconic songs at the Aldrich in Ridgefield.
Employees say they the popular chain has engaged in wage theft but Chipotle officials say the lawsuit has no merit.
Flu vaccines are free for children 4 and under and the shots are also free for children 18 and under who have Medicaid or Husky A/B.
The Monroe Women's Club is holding a fundraiser to fight breast cancer by sending a flock of pink flamingos to your friends' lawns
This year's Newtown Labor Day parade honors Dr. Bob Grossman, chief of surgery at Danbury Hospital, who hasn't missed a parade in 55 years.
Newtown will hold its 55th annual Labor Day Parade. Find all your need-to-know info on parade routes, road closures and more on Patch.
BREAKING: Police are asking for the public's help for information leading to the arrest of the person who attempted to rob a restaurant.
BREAKING: A Weston teen turned himself in to Wilton police after learning there was a warrant out for his arrest.
Brookfield, New Milford, Danbury, Newtown, Ridgefield, Weston and surrounding town officials will join forces to address the opioid crisis.
Bethel, Brookfield, Danbury, Newtown, Ridgefield, Weston and surrounding town officials will join forces to address the opioid crisis.
Bethel, Brookfield, Danbury, Newtown, Ridgefield, Weston and surrounding town officials will join forces to address the opioid crisis.
Bethel, Brookfield, Danbury, Newtown, Ridgefield, Wilton and surrounding town officials will join forces to address the opioid crisis.
Frank Chiafari, a retired Stamford police officer, called Gene Wilder his friend and mentor as 'a pure gentle soul, with a loving spirit.'
Frank Chiafari, a retired Stamford police officer from Brookfield, called Gene Wilder his friend and mentor "a pure gentle soul."
The case of whether the Town of Brookfield should pay for former GOP registrar Tom Dunkerton's legal fees could head to trial next summer.
Police responded to a Danbury bar after a woman was bleeding from her head after being pushed by a man who tried to kiss a her.
Mr. Silva immigrated with his family to the United States in 1986 was employed with Technipower, LLC of Danbury.