I'm a married mother of three awesome kids and a rescue dog named Sadie, a black lab mix. I grew up in Sandy Hook and currently live in Ridgefield.
I studied English Literature at Ellis College and Child Development at Post University and received my Head Teacher Certification in Early Childhood Education through the State of Connecticut in 2008.
From 2010-2012 I enjoyed working for Patch in various roles as a reporter, columnist, food critic and guest editor. I also helped launch 12 Patch sites in Fairfield County in early 2010.
During 2012-2013, I stopped working in order to serve as a volunteer to help my hometown of Sandy Hook heal after the tragic Sandy Hook School shootings on Dec. 14, 2012. I founded the Sandy Hook Arts Center for Kids (The SHACK) in Sandy Hook Center as a creative way for kids and families to heal through the power of the arts through free music and art programs. We were happy to have the Newtown Strong Therapy Dogs as regular visitors as well.
In January of 2014, Hearst Media Services honored me with the "Top 10 Most Fascinating People of 2013" award in the Greater Danbury Area for volunteer work I performed with Sandy Hook Arts Center for Kids. In June 2014, I went back to work and became a Regional Editor for eleven towns in Southwest Connecticut.
On February 4, 2015, World Cancer Day, life threw a huge curveball and I was diagnosed with "The Evil 'C' Word." During 2015 and most of 2016, I battled a "very rare, very aggressive" type of breast cancer with wit, sass, faith and lots of support from family and friends. After 4 surgeries, 16 weeks of dose dense "red devil" chemo, 30 rounds of radiation and tons of complications, I'm proud to say I'm now a survivor of Triple Negative Metaplastic Carcinoma and an advocate of self breast exams for early detection. Being diagnosed with breast cancer at the young age of 45 with no cancer in my family prompted me to start a #MyLeftBoob selfie campaign to raise awareness for early detection.
Read my story here:
http://patch.com/connecticut/bethel/breast-cancer-awareness-behind-pink-ribbons-personal-survival-story-0
In my free time I enjoy hiking, reading biographies, David Sedaris or Kurt Vonnegut books, singing and playing bass guitar in a cover band with my rockin' hubby of 22 years, who is the drummer.
The Town of New Milford's Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony is on Saturday, November 26 at 5:30 p.m. on the Village Green.
Downtown Bethel's annual tree lighting and Winter Fest ushers in the holiday season.
Danbury's Main Street is one of the 12 communities that have Main Streets you'll want to visit, says OnlyInYourState.com.
New Milford's Main Street is one of the 12 communities that have Main Streets you'll want to visit, says OnlyInYourState.com.
Ridgefield's Main Street is one of the 12 communities that have Main Streets you'll want to visit, says OnlyInYourState.com.
The Town of Ridgefield and local residents are planning a peace gathering at Ballard Park after a red swastika was found spray painted there
Funeral services for the Danbury man will be private and there will be no calling hours.
She was a Ridgefield area real estate agent and also worked for Custom Vault, of Ridgefield. Marjorie was a past parishioner of St. Mary's.
Mr. Wahlstrom was a parishioner of St. Joseph Church, Brookfield and Veteran of the Korean War, proudly serving with the United States Navy.
The Bethel resident was a reference librarian at Bridgeport Public Library, an avid cook, traveler, artist, and animal advocate.
Shop local New Milford stores on Black Friday for personalized service and unique items that can't be found in the mall or big box stores.
Shop local Ridgefield stores on Black Friday for personalized service and unique items that can't be found in the mall or big box stores.
Shop local Wilton stores on Black Friday for personalized service and unique items that can't be found in the mall or big box stores.
Shop local stores on Black Friday for personalized service and unique items that can't be found in the mall or big box stores.
Shop local Monroe stores on Black Friday for personalized service and unique items that can't be found in the mall or big box stores.
Shop local Newtown stores on Black Friday for personalized service and unique items that can't be found in the mall or big box stores.
Shop local Danbury stores on Black Friday for personalized service and unique items that can't be found in the mall or big box stores.
Shop local Brookfield stores on Black Friday for personalized service and unique items that can't be found in the mall or big box stores.
Shop local Bethel stores on Black Friday for personalized service and unique items that can't be found in the mall or big box stores.
Dr. Erardi awarded for his exceptional work in the aftermath of the devastating tragedy of the Sandy Hook Elementary School massacre.