Where are you originally from and how long have you been in Fairfield?
I was born and raised in Fairfield! In my early 20s I lived in Colorado, South Carolina and Florida but I always knew I wanted to raise my children in Fairfield!
Tell us about your Family!
I’m a solo parent raising an amazing seven year old son Hudson! Hudson was diagnosed with Autism at the age of three years old! Hudson also has two furry rescue dogs Finn and Liam!
One thing people would be surprised to know about you?
I’m a thrill seeker who has gone bungee jumping in New Zealand.
One thing you wish someone would have told you about motherhood?
Motherhood can be a mix of emotions, it can be scary, chaotic, lonely, rewarding and amazing all at the same time!
What’s your favorite thing about raising a family in Fairfield?
Fairfield is an amazing town that has so much to offer! We are a beach and lake mohegan family so any opportunity we have my son and I are at the beach or at the lake ! Fairfield has an amazing school system along side an abundance of extracurricular activities for children of all ages and abilities! Having a son who is constantly on the go, we can always find something fun to do in town!
Best mom hack that makes your life easier?
Besides checking Fairfield Moms for weekend events and activities ! My best mom hack is target pick up! it avoids tantrums in the toy isle and unnecessary spending!
Tell us about ECC and what you do there?
The Early Childhood Center is a special education preschool program for children aged 3-5 years old. Our program has an aligned, standards based curriculum addressing cognitive, social and emotional development, physical development, language development, literacy, and creative arts. Our school includes a team of educators, school psychologists, speech pathologists, occupational therapists and physical therapists who collaborate with families to facilitate a child’s growth at school and home. We educate a diverse population of learners who are diagnosed with a variety of disabilities including developmental delay, autism, or apraxia.
I can’t say enough about the ECC! My son attended the ECC and without amazing support of his teachers and service providers he wouldn’t be where he is today, thriving in 1st grade!
I’ve been working in the complex learning cohort at the ECC for the last 5 years!
What did you do before working at ECC?
Before working at the ECC I was working at a private preschool! I also was a cosmologist before!
Tell us about the different services that ECC offers?
The ECC provides speech and language services, occupational therapy, social skills, and physical therapy.
Best advice for moms who experience the inevitable MOM GUILT handling a career and raising a family!
Mom Guilt is real! Working full time and being in school full time I have extreme mom guilt! But I dedicate my weekends to my son Hudson. I try to plan at least one “adventure” a weekend where we can learn and make memories together!
Who has most influenced you to be the mom that you are today?
My son Hudson. Being a young mom and finding out my son had autism was scary. Since his diagnosis I have gone back to school to pursue my career and applied behavior analysis so I can help my son and other children like him who have Autism spectrum disorder. I have learned so much from my son Hudson, he’s creative, smart, caring and unique and has taught me to be strong, flexible, patient, understanding, and fierce. Being a parent to a child with autism can feel isolating and scary. But working at the ECC I have established relationships with parents who understand the struggles and the blessings of being a parent to a special needs child!
What advice would you share with a new mom or other moms? Join Moms of Fairfield!! and to always keep extra snacks!!
We love supporting local businesses – favorite places in Fairfield to…
Have Dinner with Family: My son only will eat pizza at Colony grill!
Grab a Drink with Friends: espresso martini at Sophie’s wine bar!
Have a Date Night: Malibu Taco
Spend time together as a Family: The beach!
Outside Activities: Beach! Lake Mohegan! or Owen fish park for lunch!
Grab coffee: Starbucks!!!
