Q: Please tell us a little bit about your family.
I have a 16 year old daughter and a 17 year old son. I live next to the house I grew up in where my parents still live. My younger brother and I are close, even though he lives in Denver.

Q: Please tell us about your current career. What do you love most about what you do?
I am a First Grade Teacher and consider myself the luckiest person alive because I am able to work closely with so many loving children. I have taught for over 20 years and absolutely LOVE what I do. It never gets old. Being able to watch children grow and learn socially, emotionally, and academically is one of the best gifts I could have ever received.

Q: What are a couple of your favorite restaurants in our community?
Although I love so many restaurants in our community, I enjoy Roxannes, the Stateline Diner, Sangria, and the MB&G.

Q: How long have you lived or worked in our community?
I lived in Mahwah for 46 years and worked as a teacher in Mahwah for over 20 years. I have taught 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th grades. (and LOVED each grade level)

Q: Who is the most interesting person you’ve met here in our community?
Craig Kunisch is probably one of the most interesting people I have met. As one of the owners of the MB&G, he does so much to help and support our community. He is such a selfless and giving person. No matter how hard things may get, he is always there to help this community in any and every way.

Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would it be and why?
This is a tough question… I love to experience travel and new places. However, If I had to pick one place, I think it would be a small town in Italy called Trieste. That is where my grandfather grew up. I was very close to him and, although I heard so much about his hometown, I never had the opportunity to visit. It sounds like a beautiful place. I would love to experience all the places he would tell me about .

Q: What is one of your favorite movies? TV shows?
One of my favorite movies is The Wizard of Oz. And, although I do not watch much TV, I so enjoy watching the show A Million Little Things.

Q: What advice would you give to people?
I would tell people to try to live in the moment and not get caught up in the past or the future. Life is too short, and often times we miss the “good stuff” because we are too worried about the past or the future. Keep your head up and just know life is a journey, enjoy the ride!! We are always right where we are supposed to be…there will be ups and downs, but stay positive and keep a positive mindset!

Q: What is something on your bucket list?
One thing on my bucket list is to learn how to scuba dive.

Q: What is your go to band when you cant decide what to listen to?
I LOVE music and I enjoy all kinds, but if I had to pick one band, it would be The Eagles.

Q: What current or former local business makes you the most nostalgic about our community?
Since I have lived here since I was 2, there are quite a few VERY memorable businesses that make me nostalgic.  As a child, I used to walk with my dad to the Mahwah Bakery which was located in the A&P (currently Acme) “strip mall”.  We would buy apple pie and crumb cake.  We also used to feed the ducks at Winter’s Pond.  As I grew up, I then played with my friends at Winter’s Park and Commodore Perry School and Field (now the Montessori school). My grandma and grandpa lived around the corner from the Commodore Perry school too, so I have very fond memories of walking past that school. I would also walk to the candy store (now Rita’s).  And, of course, I can’t forget… my first job was at the A&P (now ACME!).  I live right next door to the house I grew up in,  so I STILL,  walk that same route almost every day.  I am blessed to have so many fond memories and nostalgic places in this amazing town!!!!!  Although these places have  gone through so many changes, my amazing memories will last forever!

Q: If you could choose anyone that is alive today and not a relative; with whom would you love to have lunch? Why? And where locally would y’all meet for this lunch?
I would choose my good friend Brielle. She is a friend since high school. She is a teacher in Closter and we are so busy we rarely have time together. I would take her to the MB&G.

Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about our community?
I love that there are such beautiful mountains where I can hike. I also love how supportive and diverse our community is.

Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
I imagine I will be retired in 10 years and hope to travel and spend lots of time hiking and being near water. I love water!!!

Q: (Even for friends or family), what is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
I enjoy listening to my music REAL loud!! Oh, and I am a “beekeeper”!

Q: What is the most beautiful place you have ever been?
The Grand Tetons!

Q: Favorite month? favorite holiday? and best single day on the calendar?
My favorite month is November because it is my birthday month and it has my favorite holiday…THANKSGIVING!! The best single day on the calendar is EVERY day!! I like to think of every day as an adventure and a blessing!

Q: What would you rate a 10 out of 10?
Life! It is what you make of it, so I like to think it is a perfect 10! (even though there are super tough days too)

Q: Who inspires you to be better?
My daughter !! She is amazing!

Q: What is one or two of your favorite smells?
Coffee and pine!

Q: Finally, what 3 words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
love, kindness, support