Where are you originally from and how long have you been in Fairfield?
I grew up in Manchester, CT. I’ve lived in Fairfield County since I graduated college. We currently live in Stratford but I’m extremely passionate about starting Read Play Love in Fairfield because of the robust community of moms. I haven’t been able to find that anywhere else around here!
Tell us about your Family!
My husband and I have been married for almost 6 years. We have two boys – 2.5 and 5 months old. We are loving the chaos era we are living in! As exhausted as we are, we navigated a long journey to have kids and we are currently living our dream. We are surrounded by so many diapers, little hands, and chaos at all times and loving every second.
One thing people would be surprised to know about you?
I couldn’t afford a car in high school so I came up with the brilliant idea to buy a moped. I drove a bright red moped back and forth to high school every day during my senior year!
One thing you wish someone would have told you about motherhood?
How it’s CONSTANTLY changing. Schedules, children’s interests, food preferences, and everything in between! While it can be overwhelming when things change, I’ve found it so comforting to know that we’ll eventually outgrow a tough period of life. Watching my oldest develop into his little personality has been so fun, so exhausting, and so amazing.
What’s your favorite thing about raising a family in Fairfield?
There’s always something to do! It seems like there’s endless weekend events, new restaurants, and fun places to check out. I also LOVE being close to the beach. I grew up in a landlocked part of the state so the beach and the shoreline never get old. I love bringing my family to the beach for a picnic. The water is my happy place.
Best mom hack that makes your life easier?
As a teacher, I have picked up lots of tricks for kids. My favorite is when I think a kid is lying, I ask them “But did you do it a little bit?” For some reason when you take the full responsibility of their actions off of them, they end up telling you the truth!
Tell us about your business and when & why you decided to start up this business?
Read Play Love is a brand new venture for me. I’ve been a special education teacher in a variety of public school settings for the past 12 years and I’ve always thought of myself as a teacher. I took an extended leave after having my second child and decided to make a change. Since being home, I’ve been trying so many different classes for my toddler. I’ve realized there was a lack of programming that combines pre-literacy/pre-academic skills with play skills. This sparked my idea for Read Play Love. I realized there’s such a need to teach our young learners how to read, how to play, and how to love doing both of those things! I decided to start Read Play Love to create an environment for toddlers, preschoolers, and elementary school students where we can foster a love for play-based literacy.
Why is it important to start Read, Play, Love
I have been passionate about teaching reading for many years now and I’ve developed my own core philosophies about it. Teachers and students are trying SO hard to master reading skills in school to make up for lost time during the pandemic. However, we’ve lost some of the joy, the fun, and the magic in reading. In order to learn about the world, you have to love reading. In order to learn to love reading, you have to spark a child’s imagination. This happens most authentically when we allow children to explore learning materials through sensory and dramatic play. I want Read Play Love to be an inclusive environment that offers classes and individual services to children of ALL abilities. Whether you have a busy toddler who loves to play, a book-loving second grader who can’t read enough, or a student with atypical sensory needs, there will be something for all kids.
Tell us about the different services that you offer
We are starting to offer toddler classes this summer. Classes this summer will be held at First Congregational Church in Fairfield. Our youngest learners will engage in summer-themed read alouds, sensory play activities, and dramatic play opportunities. In the fall, we are planning to scale upwards to offer additional classes for school-aged students and adaptive story hours for students with different sensory needs. More details to come!
Best advice for moms who experience the inevitable MOM GUILT handling a career and raising a family?
This is such a hard one for me. I’ve struggled with so much guilt since becoming a mom WHILE being a teacher. I’ve always felt conflicted leaving my kids in order to go help other kids. However, it truly makes me a better mom when I fulfill my aspirations. I am excited to start Read Play Love in order to create an environment where I can help other moms learn about their child’s literacy journey!
Who has most influenced you to be the mom that you are today?
Most definitely my own mom. She was a lifelong special education teacher so I feel like I have truly grown up to be her! My mom is the first one I call when I need help or advice. Close behind her are my two best friends, Caitlin and Alyssa, who I taught with when we were all just out of college. We’ve all watched each other become moms and it’s so special to be part of.
What advice would you share with a new mom or other moms?
Ask for help from another mom! We’ve all been there at 3 am when we’re not sure what to do. It can be so isolating but when you start asking for help, you realize so many of us have experienced the same things. The advice is always helpful but the feeling of being supported is even better.
We love supporting local businesses – favorite places in Fairfield to…
Have Dinner with Family: Colony Grill ALWAYS
Grab a Drink with Friends: The Chelsea
Have a Date Night: Brick Walk Tavern
Spend time together as a Family: The Gaelic American Club
Outside Activities: The beach
Grab coffee: Harborview Market
