Where are you from originally and how long have you lived in town?
My life has come full circle, as I grew up in Rye Brook and returned seven years ago with my husband Jason to raise our family.
Child(ren) and Age(s)?
I have three children, Ethan (10 years old), Matthew (7 years old), and Zoe (4 years old).
One thing people would be surprised to know about you…
Several years ago I volunteered to teach students at an orphanage in a remote village in southern India. Most of the students had experienced family loss and many had suffered from famine and poverty for most of their young lives. The most memorable observation from this trip was the realization that the orphans are actually the privileged ones, and the real concern was for the children on the side of the road who watched our rickshaw clanking its way to school.
Anyone special you’d like to thank for helping you through parenthood?
There are many people I would like to thank as I navigate this journey, however, my parents are top of mind. My mother and father demonstrated firsthand the importance of honesty, commitment, loyalty and education. As parents, Jason and I recognize the importance of these values as we look to instill the same mindset in our children. As my parents always told me, “all you have to do is try”, these words have an even stronger meaning as we support our own children through their ups and downs in life.
Favorite things to do with your kids?
COVID-19 has taken so much from so many, but if there is a silver lining in all of this, it is that I have had the opportunity to spend days, weeks and months with my children. We have laughed, we have cried, we have yelled and we have loved. I have learned so much about my children and realized that they each offer so much in different ways. Bike riding, an evening walk, watching a movie or a game of Monopoly, we have bonded in ways which will be remembered for a lifetime. For our family, laughter has been the best form of distraction and reminder to cherish the moment.
Are you involved in a business venture, a local organization, a creative endeavor, or in the corporate world? Please share!
I have been involved as a Board member in an organization known as Heard in Rye that seeks to educate parents on relevant topics in the field of parenting and education in Rye and neighboring communities. Having served on this Board and becoming its co-chair for the 2020-2021 school year, affords Blind Brook an opportunity to join a larger group of school districts in sharing resources and support.
Additionally, my involvement in the Blind Brook PTA has been dedicated to our new committee, Supporting Every Individual Difference or S.E.I.D. As co-founder and co-chair, the committee works to bridge the relationship between parents and pupil services as well as organizing forums to help educate parents on the system and their rights.
How has this community been instrumental in getting you to where you are now?
I have a deep-rooted connection to Rye Brook, having spent most of my life living in the community. As a child and now as a parent, I have been fortunate to surround myself with those who exhibit similar feelings of inclusivity, honesty and friendship. Rye Brook is filled with good people who truly care about their neighbors, offering respect and support to all. The sense of belonging has played a large role in my decision to run for a seat on the Board of Education – I am passionate about education and I am passionate about giving back to our special community.