I am a mother and wife, a teacher, and a student. Currently, I am a biology/pre-med student at Ramapo College to go to chiropractic school in two years. When I’m not studying, I am a yoga and meditation teacher for both children and adults. I am currently putting together a YouTube channel where people can find classes of movements and breathwork to calm and relax during these unprecedented times. This upcoming winter I will be offering a Children’s Yoga Teacher Training program with Ramapo College’s Center for Mindfulness. I am also the president of our little neighborhood called Deerhaven nestled in the Ramapo Mountains. And my daughters and I have started a baking non-profit called Deerhaven Baking Co. We sell our treats with 100% of the profits going to our charity of the month. Last month, we were able to raise over $1000 for the Center for Food Action. This month we are giving to The Children’s Alopecia Project in honor of our guest baker and my youngest daughter’s best friend, Meg, who has Alopecia Totalus. As a family, we love giving back to our community. We were doing so much baking during the quarantine. And we were so frustrated we couldn’t leave the house to support people who needed our help. Together as a family, we brainstormed that we could use our talents to serve without leaving home. We hope to continue our little venture into the fall to continue to spread awareness about different causes in our community.
Q: Please tell us a little bit about your family.
My husband TJ, and I are the parents of four daughters Courtney 26, Elizabeth 18, Kate 14, and Lauren 12. We are high school sweethearts and celebrated our 20th wedding anniversary last year. We have a large age gap between all our girls which is amazing. We also didn’t get married until our oldest daughter was 5. Even though I didn’t see my life like this when I was younger, now I wouldn’t have wanted it to turn out any other way. In different aspects, each of my girls are such a gift to me every day and I am so grateful for them. I call it a sorority house because of how just they take over our home and fill all the space. Thank goodness my husband has his man cave!
Q: Please tell us about your current career. What do you love most about what you do?
I teach both meditation and yoga to children and adults. My favorite part of my work is I can teach a 3 year old child and a adult in their 70’s in the same day, with the same techniques delivered in different ways, and have them get the same relaxation response. I’m looking forward to adding chiropractic care to my work. It give me more techniques to help people feel healthy and strong in the bodies and minds..
Q: What are a couple of your favorite restaurants in our community?
I LOVE L’Arte. It’s my place to grab a grilled cheese and pancetta with my husband, TJ for lunch, sit and study over cookie ice cream sandwiches with Elizabeth or eat mini cheesecakes with Kate and Lauren. I also really enjoy pizza and beer at Kinchley’s. That place hasn’t changed in all the years I’ve been going there!
Q: How long have you lived or worked in our community?
I am proud to say my girls 5th generation in my family to grow up in Mahwah. I spent my childhood growing up in Wyckoff, New City, NY and Provincetown, MA. I ended back in New Jersey at 16 and met my husband at Mahwah High School. It’s not surprising I’ve now gone back to college in Mahwah.
Q: Who is the most interesting person you’ve met here in our community?
I just recently had the honor of meeting Dick and Carol Greene. They own a 300 acre farm next to our neighborhood, called Sun Valley Farm. What interesting stories they shared with me about their lives in Mahwah! Carol is a historian, she has written two books about Mahwah. She grew up on the farm and eventually inherited it.
Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would it be and why?
I would go study yoga, visit temples and swim in the ocean in Bali.
Q: What is one of your favorite movies? TV shows?
Gilmore Girls because it reminds me of my relationship with my oldest daughter, Courtney . I also like Yellowstone and The Politician (we are huge Ben Platt fans!)
Q: What advice would you give to people?
Follow what your passions and do what heart is telling you. Back that passion up with your wisdom and knowledge. And you’re never too old to learn and try something completely new.
Q: What is something on your bucket list?
To visit all the countries my ancestors are from. I did “23 and Me” a year ago and I was so surprised of where they are from! (23andMe is a company that helps people access, understand and benefit from the human genome).
Q: What is your go to band when you cant decide what to listen to?
I have a couple- Train, Andy Grammer and when I’m feeling nostalgic, Grateful Dead and Led Zeppelin. I like happy music!
Q: What current or former local business makes you the most nostalgic about our community?
Mahwah Bar and Grill, Kinchley’s and Stateline Diner. I have had many memorable meals in those restaurants!
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’d take Anne Hathaway to L’Arte– every one says I remind them of her. She does so many great things and seems like she’d have really exciting stories.
Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about our community?
My favorite thing about Mahwah is the Ramapo mountains and trails behind our house.
Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
Owning my own chiropractic practice. And possibly running around and playing with my grandchildren!
Q: (Even for friends or family), what is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
I’m secretly addicted to L.A. Burdick chocolates. I hide in my closet to eat them! My husband and I are one of the three couples who graduated from Mahwah High School that are still together!
Q: What is the most beautiful place you have ever been?
It’s tied between seeing Paris from the top of the Eiffel Tower and climbing Moro Rock in Sequoia National Park.
Q: Favorite month? favorite holiday? and best single day on the calendar?
Favorite month October, favorite holiday Halloween, best days are my daughters’ birthdays!
Q: What would you rate a 10 out of 10?
The salmon bowl and a chai latte at Dottie Audrey’s Bakery Kitchen in Tuxedo.
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
My daughters, I try each day to show up as the best version of myself for them.
Q: What is one or two of your favorite smells?
My favorite smell is the waffle cones baking at Ben and Jerry’s. I always tell my girls I hope heaven smells like those cones!
Q: Finally, what 3 words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
Family, comfort, LOVE
