I am originally from Long Island, but have lived in many places including Atlanta, Rochester, Gainesville – go Gators -, and Providence. I met my husband working as a counselor at the Double H Ranch during the summer of 1999. My husband, John, is local to this area so after all of the moving around we chose to make Saratoga our home. I was reluctant, thinking this was a small horse town, but have grown to love it and realize that its so much more than that.
Q: Please tell us a little bit about your family.
John and I have two amazing teenage girls – Sasha and Olivia. We also have a fur baby, Queenie – our very protective but sweet rescue pup.
Q: Please tell us about your current, past, or future career. What do you love most about what you do?
I am a physician, currently the Chair of Pediatrics and Chief of Newborn Medicine at Saratoga Hospital where I have practiced since 2016. Prior to joining the Saratoga Hospital Medical Group, I was a neonatologist at St. Peter’s Hospital. I absolutely love practicing medicine in my own community, caring for my friends and neighbors, seeing them at Target or Price Chopper or on Broadway. Its a true feeling of connection and service to those around me. More recently I dabbled in becoming an entrepreneur and small business owner of Seedlings Baby Food, LLC. While the business is not currently operating, I made incredible connections with other brilliant local small business owners, farmers, and families.
Q: What are a couple of your favorite restaurants in our community?
The Wishing Well, Seneca, and the Country Corner Cafe.
Q: How long have you lived or worked in our community?
I have lived here for 16 years, and worked here for 7.
Q: Who is the most interesting person you’ve met here in our community?
Catherine Hover – hands down!
Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would it be and why?
My dream is to travel the coast of Croatia, on a boat, eating incredibly fresh seafood and sipping on crisp wine and soaking in the Mediterranean sunshine.
Q: What is one of your favorite movies? TV shows?
So many to choose from – The Princess Bride and Dirty Dancing are probably my top 2 movies …can you tell I’m a child of the 80’s? I don’t watch much TV these days…but I loved “The Morning Show”
Q: What advice would you give to people?
Give yourself patience and grace.
Q: What is something on your bucket list?
Skydiving
Q: What is your go to band when you can’t decide what to listen to?
The Beastie Boys
Q: What current or former local business makes you the most nostalgic about our community?
Seedlings Baby Food, LLC – haha, wink. But seriously, there are so many incredible local businesses to support and think of…I’m not sure if this counts but the Saratoga Farmers Market has always been one of my favorite “businesses” to frequent.
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?
Dr. Sunny Smith. She is a deeply inspiring physician coach, mom, and human. She has empowered thousands of female physicians to speak and live their truth. I’d want to meet at Boca Bistro, in a quiet corner, and enjoy one of the delicious salads – they bring me joy.
Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about our community?
I have never experienced a true sense of community like I have here. Everyone supports something, or more than one something. Being a part of a group or a board or a foundation or cause – this sense of service to others is in the DNA of what holds Saratoga together and keeps all of us connected so deeply.
Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
Still living and working in Saratoga – hopefully travelling a bit more, but always calling this place home.
Q: (Even for friends or family), what is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
I was a varsity diver throughout high school and college, I even had the opportunity to train with the US Olympic Diving team that went to Barcelona in 1992. Oh, and I won’t jump in the lake until August.
Q: What is the most beautiful place you have ever been?
Lake George at sunset
Q: Favorite month? favorite holiday? and best single day on the calendar?
September – gorgeous weather, lake water warm enough to enjoy, but the summer crowds are gone. Favorite holiday – Thanksgiving. Best day on the calendar – the first day of school!
Q: What would you rate a 10 out of 10?
A cozy fire and snuggling on the couch with my family, with delicious dark chocolate covered salted caramel, and glass of cab.
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
My husband.
Q: What is one or two of your favorite smells?
The smell of my girls when they were babies. And calla lilies.
Q: Finally, what 3 words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
Family, comfort, trust.
