Q: Please tell us a little bit about your family.
I reside in Mahwah with my husband Michael (a high school Physics teacher in Saddle Brook HS) and my son Evan who is going to by 3 in July.  Michael is also a physics tutor locally – he works with kids virtually and in person.  Helping kids “get” physics brings him the most joy!

Q: Please tell us about your current career. What do you love most about what you do?
Being a therapist gives me the privilege of supporting people through some of their toughest as well as most exciting moments. It is truly the greatest feeling to walk alongside people in a journey towards healing, wellness and relief. I also enjoy managing a practice and supporting a team of 13, I have some amazing therapists who help children, teens and women every day!

Q: What are a couple of your favorite restaurants in our community?
I LOVE Sangria – I am a tapas fan! As well as Simply Green in Ramsey for casual dinner with my husband and son.

Q: How long have you lived or worked in our community?
My husband and I moved to Mahwah at the very beginning of 2020, and the pandemic hit just a few weeks later! We feel like over the last year we’ve really been able to connect to the community more and participate in all of the amazing resources and events Mahwah has to offer.

Q: Who is the most interesting person you’ve met here in our community?
This is a tough one! I would say I’ve loved being able to work with so many folks from Mahwah including Denise Bozza whose Yoga Studio is a great resource to the families we serve. She is so full of energy and zest for what she does!

Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would it be and why?
As I sit here in the chill of December, anywhere warm! A Caribbean Island sounds lovely right about now!

Q: What is one of your favorite movies? TV shows?
Forrest Gump will probably live on as one of my favorite movies, and for TV Shows there are so many I have loved throughout the years, but This is Us is probably my all-time favorite.

Q: What advice would you give to people?
The more that we destigmatize seeking support, the better and more well our families will be. I am a huge advocate of folks going to therapy, especially for moms, and not just because I am a therapist. Life can be hard, and transitions challenging. The more folks felt it was acceptable to seek support, the better off we would be. So, if you are struggling, ask for help – from a doctor, therapist, friend, or family member. The more we normalize hard conversations, the easier they become.

Q: What is something on your bucket list?
I am currently working on a children’s book, and it’s been on my bucket list for quite some time!  This book is really written for moms who can read it to their kids.  The book focuses on the first experiences you have as a mom but from the child’s perspective!  Often as moms we are always hard on ourselves, and the goal of this book is to showcase the same experience from the child’s perspective and how positive it actually is!

Q: What is your go to band when you can’t decide what to listen to?
Depending on my mood, either Miranda Lambert, John Mayer, or NF. All VERY different, I realize, but like I said, mood dependent!

Q: What current or former local business makes you the most nostalgic about our community?
Simply Green in Ramsey – I have really great memories there. It is the one place my son consistently eats with us, and we always feel relaxed and welcomed there.

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?
Brene Brown – she is definitely somewhat I aspire to be like and I feel like we could have a great conversation. I think we would plan to meet at L’Arte – coffee and pastries would be an excellent setting for that.

Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about our community?
We love the parks and playgrounds, and the outdoor offerings. There are lots of things to do to be in nature, and I am a big fan of getting outside and feeling the sun on my face.  Two of our favorites are Winters Pond/Park in Mahwah and Finch Park in Ramsey.

Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
My hope is that my family will find their forever home in the Mahwah area, and I will be managing my practice and having some more time with my family. I am definitely in a “building” stage with my practice, and trying to make it the best it can be so we can provide the highest quality support to families in the community. I would like to get to a place where all of my systems feel more solid so I can have more down time. I am a bit of a workaholic!

Q: (Even for friends or family), what is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
I have a really creative side of me and if I could do an additional side hustle – it would be in wedding planning/design. I love event planning, and I really enjoy helping people celebrate big moments.

Q: What is the most beautiful place you have ever been?
Tie between Colorado and Grenada – I absolutely loved the Rocky Mountains, the mountains and ocean in Grenada were equally as mesmerizing.

Q: Favorite month? favorite holiday? and best single day on the calendar?
I am a big fan of May for the weather, but my favorite Holiday is Christmas. The best day on the calendar for me is always the last day of school every year! It means my husband is home more and we get more time together as a family.

Q: What would you rate a 10 out of 10?
A warm summer night at the beach with nowhere to be.

Q: Who inspires you to be better?
My son. I want to be the best version of myself for him because he deserves the best mother ever.

Q: What is one or two of your favorite smells?
I love sandalwood and lavender.

Q: Finally, what 3 words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
Family, safety, Jersey