Can you please tell us a bit about yourself personally? Names/ages of kids, etc.?
I am a wife and mom of two. My husband and I are preparing to celebrate our 10 year wedding anniversary this year. We have a beautiful girl, Riley, who is 7 and our baby boy, Carter, who is 5. We also have two awesome dogs- Luna and Khaleesi. And yes, I am a Game of Thrones fan! My father also lives with us so we live in an intergenerational home that is filled with laughter, barking and love.
Where do you live?
I currently live in New Rochelle and have been working in Greenwich for the past 3 months. I absolutely love the small town yet big city feel.
Please tell us about River House.
River House Adult Day Center is the only accredited medical model adult day center in Greenwich. All of participants come for a reason and those reasons vary depending on their individual needs. We are a Medical Model facility which means we have a full time nurse and 3 full time health aides. River House can also administer medication with an order from the primary care physicians. Personal care such as showers, incontinence care, assistance with meals, and memory support is provided to participants as needed. We are located in the Old Pump House and moved here from the basement of Nathaniel Witherall 18 years ago. We provide transportation to those in need to and from our facility. Our trained staff are knowledgeable, loving and extremely professional.
How did you get involved with River House? What is your professional background?
I have a Bachelor’s Degree in Forensic Psychology, and a Master’s in Public Administration with a concentration in Human Resources, both from John Jay College of Criminal Justice in NYC. I am a native New Yorker and have been in the social services field for over 25 years, working with both the City of New York, and major nonprofit service providers throughout the tri-state area.
In my most recent role I served as Director for the Center for Adults Living Well @ the YM YWHA of Washington Heights and Inwood, an older adult center for community members 60 and over. While there I coordinated a robust array of classes and services for those in need with a focus on social services, health and wellness, and nutrition management. In this role I was able to work directly with partner agencies, and center members to establish a healthy and inclusive community in the heart of upper Manhattan.
When I saw the posting for the Executive Director position at River House I knew that I had to apply and be a part of the amazing work that is done here.
Why do you personally feel volunteering is so important?
Volunteering gives us all an opportunity to give back to not only those individuals in need but also to the community as a whole. I have been very blessed and fortunate in my life and I really believe in paying it forward.
How can people get involved in River House if they’d like to volunteer?
They can reach out directly to me and we can get them started.
How do you balance work and being a Mom?
WOW, this is a good one. I try to always leave work at work and home at home. I cannot give 100% to either when I am burnt out. I love to work and I want my children to see that Mommy is doing it and so can they.
What is the best piece of advice you’ve gotten from another mom?
Always pursue your passions whether those are professional or personal. A happy mom is the best mom.
What do you like to do to relax/have fun for yourself and as a family?
We love to travel, go on adventures and have fun together. We are always on the go. Playdates, lunches with friends, the movies, visiting family etc. There is never a dull moment. I try to relax by planning date nights with my husband and moms nights out with my bestie squad. I am a Pelotoner so between the tread and the bike I enjoy taking classes to keep my peace.
We love to support local businesses. What are your fave places when you are in Greenwich to:
Grab coffee- yikes- not a coffee drinker
Workout- running down by the river
Go on a date night- Meditteraneo
Go out for a girls night- EL Chilito Mexican Restaurant
Go out to dinner as a family- Little Pub
