Originally from Delmar, NY, I now live in Saratoga Springs with my husband, Brian, and son, Ethan. We moved here from Boston in 2006 to be closer to my parents. and we now live within a block of each other – when they aren’t in Aruba! I love being a mom, working at Jake’s Help From Heaven, traveling, and spending time with friends. My biggest joy in life is being Ethan and Jake’s mom. I am excited about my next project: a podcast with Bright Sighted called A Place of Yes launching on 2.29.24.
Q: Please tell us a little bit about your family.
Brian and I are currently empty nesters. Ethan, our 19 year old, is a freshman at Syracuse University. Sarena, my stepdaughter, lives in DC where she is in her second year at Georgetown Law School. Our son, Jake passed away when he was 4 in 2010.
Q: Please tell us about your current, past, or future career. What do you love most about what you do?
Currently, I run Jake’s Help From Heaven – a nonprofit started by Brian and me in memory of our son, Jake. We create opportunities for those with disabilities and medical challenges to thrive. Prior to JHFH, I was a regular and special education teacher in Roxbury, MA at the Samuel Mason Elementary School. I taught 4th and 5th graders for close to 10 years. I miss it but love being connected to some of my former students on social media!
Q: What are a couple of your favorite restaurants in our community?
Hattie’s, Cantina, Taverna Novo and Henry Street Taproom
Q: How long have you lived or worked in our community?
We moved to Saratoga Springs from Boston in 2006.
Q: Who is the most interesting person you’ve met here in our community?
Beth Alexander
Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would it be and why?
Croatia – we spent a day in Dubrovnik in 2018 and I have been thinking about it ever since. It was stunningly beautiful and the cleanest city I have ever seen. I want to go back and spend time exploring the country.
Q: What is one of your favorite movies? TV shows?
Favorite Movie: St. Elmos’ Fire and TV Show: Law & Order: SVU
Q: What advice would you give to people?
Be kind. You never know what others are dealing with in their lives – be the reason they feel better, not the reason they feel worse.
Q: What is something on your bucket list?
Live in NYC
Q: What is your go to band when you can’t decide what to listen to?
Guns N’ Roses
Q: What current or former local business makes you the most nostalgic about our community?
Olde Bryan Inn
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?
Howard Stern – I have been listening to him since I was in elementary school when my dad would drive me to school. I think he is the best interviewer and I love the time and preparation he puts into everyone he interviews. I would take him to lunch at Trotter’s so we could sit in the corner undisturbed and I could pick his brain.
Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about our community?
I love our vibrant downtown – I love that we can walk and grab a drink, a meal, shop all within a couple blocks of my house
Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
To be honest, I would be happy doing much of what I am doing now in 5 years. I hope to still be surrounded by my family, good friends and enjoying empty nesting with Brian! 10 years is too far down the road for me think about!
Q: (Even for friends or family), what is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
I love an occasional McDonald’s Filet-O-Fish!
Q: What is the most beautiful place you have ever been?
On the Zambezi River in Zimbabwe during sunset
Q: Favorite month? favorite holiday? and best single day on the calendar?
Month – May, Holiday and Day – Thanksgiving. I love being with family and the laid back atmosphere of it. I also love that it is the kick off to the holidays which is my favorite time of year. I love to decorate and buy presents for everyone and all things holiday so I love that on Thanksgiving it is all ahead of me!
Q: What would you rate a 10 out of 10?
Town Spa Pizza
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
Jake – I have always said that I am a far better person because of him. He lived a short life with so many challenges yet persevered through it all. He taught me dignity, grace and how to focus on what is important.
Q: What is one or two of your favorite smells?
Coppertone Suntan Lotion
Q: Finally, what 3 words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
Brian, Ethan, Jake
