How old are your kids and how long have you lived in the area? My children are 22 and 20 … We moved to the area (Darien) from Manhattan 22 years ago!
How did you end up where you are now in terms of your job, or whatever passion project it is you might be doing? I was originally a prosecutor in Manhattan out of law school but stopped working after moving to Connecticut when my children were born. Several years later, a close family member went through a divorce which led me to learn about Connecticut Family Law. I had no idea about the range and complexity of issues in divorce and found it interesting so I took the Connecticut Bar Exam and have been practicing Family Law in Fairfield County for about ten years now.
How did you get into the law originally? what was your inspiration? I initially pursued criminal prosecution in New York in large part because I grew up hearing stories about my father’s early (and short) career as a New York City police officer. His colorful depictions of everyday street justice stayed with me, and as an adult, I appreciate and admire his sense of compassion and fairness towards others even more.
Family and Divorce Law can get really “ugly.” What do you think makes you especially well suited for helping families navigate their challenging issues? I think I have a deep sense of compassion and empathy for people experiencing extreme disruption. I believe it is important to exercise a higher standard and ethic of care when it comes to any case involving children. Just because a marriage ends does not mean the family ends—it survives and moves forward in a new way. Keeping the focus on the future functioning of a new family system can be a critical perspective in helping people navigate the challenging issues they face.
Is there any advice you’d want to impart to us moms out there from all you’ve learned over time doing what you do? It is never too late to start anything. Be it a career path that you had never considered or a new and different role in your life. Women wear so many hats these days and there is no limit to what you can do when curiosity and learning are involved.
What was your best memory from 2021, a strange year we know…My daughter’s college graduation– we were overjoyed at the announcement that it was actually taking place and could attend in person! We felt so grateful for celebrations that we had taken for granted.
What has been most exciting about 2022? Opportunities to freely travel. We recently returned from our first post-covid family vacation in Sedona and it was wonderful!
What is the best show you have recently (binge) watched? AND/OR what is the last book you read? Ozark season 4 (on Netflix) was a wild ride, and the last book I read was Useful Delusions, The Power & Paradox of the Self-Deceiving Brain by Shankar Vedantam, which is really interesting and lighter than its title.
What is one food you could not live without? Wild blueberries! I add them to my daily morning breakfast shake.
Which talent would you most like to have? Traditional Korean dance and drumming—strange, I know! I became acquainted with traditional aspects of Korean culture much later in life and have found myself wishing I had taken lessons as a child.
Which words or phrases do you most overuse? I find myself repeating many of the phrases I used when my kids were very young : “Be careful, have fun!” “Does anyone need to use the bathroom?” etc. Habitual and definitely embarrassing at times.
What is one thing people would be surprised to know about you? I have road rage.
If you weren’t doing what you are today, what might your career path might have been? Dermatology. Not even close to what I chose to do, but it was definitely something I could see myself practicing!
If you could travel to one place this next year, where would it be and why? Sydney Australia—my son plans be there for a study abroad so I am hoping to visit.
If you could live somewhere other than where you do, where would it be? Somewhere (anywhere) warm during winter!
If you had 24 hours to do whatever you wanted to do, what would it be? Play tennis or hike or just gather with my family.
Are you a morning person, or a night owl? How does sleep fit into your life? I am a morning person! Sleep is so important.
What thing has surprised you most about being in the suburbs? I found that I prefer it to City living. I consider myself incredibly fortunate to live in such beautiful surroundings.
What is the first thing you do when you walk in the door after a long day? Say hello to my Siberian cat Rudy who greets me at the door!
Who is your favorite hero of fiction? Who are your heroes in real life? The fictional character Elastigirl (The Incredibles) … in real life, my dad.
QUICK THIS OR THAT:
At a movie: Candy or Popcorn? A little of both
Cook or order in? Order in
Cake or Ice Cream? Cake
Iced Coffee or Hot Coffee? Hot Coffee
Beach or Mountains? Beach
Puzzle or Board Game? Board Game
Wine or a Cocktail (if cocktail, which one?) Cocktail –Moscow Mule
Reading or writing? Writing
Before bed: Social media or book/TV? TV
Watch or play sports? Play
Stay in or go out? Depends on the weather
Comedy or Drama? Drama