1. How many children do you have and what are their ages?
I have three totally different, amazing children. Andrew is 19, Lia is 17 and Mason 14.
2. What brought you and your family to town?
We moved to Darien from Rye because we were seeking an area with a little more space but maintained a tight knit community and close proximity to the water. The water is a big part of our lives so to have access to the beautiful beaches in town was a big draw. Mike and I had several childhood friends living up here, as well, which made our move like a family reunion of sorts. We love it here!
3. What’s your favorite aspect about being part of the community?
Darien is a truly remarkable community. I love the camaraderie, the support, the kindness and respect that people show one another. I appreciate the natural beauty, the community spirit and the easy access to the surrounding towns like New Canaan and Rowayton that are so terrific, too! I am a huge fan of Darien and am so grateful we live here.
4. What’s your favorite family activity to do in the area?
My favorite activity is taking long walks through Great Island and Pear Tree Point. I especially love going with my husband, Mike, or a friend for an extensive “walk and talk.” That route is particularly my favorite because it almost always includes bumping into an array of friends and families from all over town along the way. I often say that walking is my “happy hour” because it always includes socialization, conversations and a lot of laughs.
5. You are the author of Thank You, Nantucket, a new children’s picture book. Can you tell us more about your journey to writing?
Writing has always been a part of my life that I welcome and truly appreciate. The best way to describe it is that I feel truly “at home” in myself when I am writing. There is something about writing that makes me feel calm and deeply connected to whatever it is I am writing about. While my journey consisted mostly of typing out countless academic papers, newsletters, and “to do’ lists, it wasn’t until I began journaling daily gratitude that I noticed a profound impact on my personal spirit. What began as a small list of “5 things I am grateful for” each morning, progressed into expanded sentences, paragraphs and pages. Allowing inner thoughts to flow onto paper releases so many emotions and truly transforms the mindset. While, writing has always been a part of my life, I did not know that I would be on this journey writing a “Thank You” series. This book originated from an organic, inner whisper of an opening line that dropped right into my head, not long after my father passed away. When the words appeared, I literally jumped right up, said “Thank You, Dad” and scribbled them right onto the nearest piece of scrap paper I could find. My family will tell you, I am a bit of an “Author Groupie” so publishing my first book is an incredible dream come true.
6. You focus on gratitude and helping young children build this into their daily habits. Please share more!
During a personally trying time, I began to write in a gratitude journal each morning in the very early hours as part of my morning routine. I quickly realized how powerful this practice is and the positive impact it has on one’s mindset. At the time, I was teaching pre school in the midst of Covid protocols which were a source of frustration for many young children and grown ups, too. I thought often about instilling daily gratitude into young children as a means of coping with outside stressors would help navigate this trying time. As a mother of three teenagers, and a teacher, as well, I have seen how easy it is for young people to veer into frustration and self-deprecation. With mental health and depression at an all time high for teens, a daily dose of gratitude could go a long way in turning the tables. Establishing the habit of giving thanks at an early age equips young people with a rudimentary toolbox to manage their emotions and to embrace a “glass half full” outlook. Ultimately, I believe that this toolbox can pave the way for self-confident and resilient kids, teens, and eventually, adults. What better way to plant the seeds in our youngest of children than through books!
7. Where can we find your book?
You can find copies of my book at Barretts Bookstore in Darien, as well as Elm Street Books in New Canaan and Arcade Books in Rye. It is available at a number of stores on Nantucket and Amazon, too!
8. What is the most rewarding part about your job?
Teaching is honestly the most rewarding job and being with young fills me with absolute joy! While I have tried on several professional hats, teaching resonates with me in a way that is deeper than a job. It is a real part of who I am and I am grateful to have recognized that within myself. The minute I walk into FCCNS, I instantly feel happier because it is an incredibly warm and welcoming school. You can feel it! I love that I am able to work with pre-school children each morning who are so much fun, and then elementary school children later in the day to implement reading instruction. I love being able to individualize instruction and to apply various aspects of my teaching knowledge and experience. Children are full of curiosity and the growth throughout the year is tremendous. Helping children to feel confident, to feel capable and to foster a love of learning, are just a sample of what makes teaching such a rewarding practice.
9. What’s the best advice you’ve gotten from another mom?
The best advice I have gotten from another mom is that children will “land where they land” and to embrace the time they are still on the ground with me. Having gone through one college admissions process, I recognize how easy it is to get caught up in the stress, demands and uncertainty that can dampen this precious time with your child. I am lucky to work alongside a number of incredible women and this was said to me in the midst of my worry. I realized that instead of focusing on what may or may not happen in the future, to embrace today, trust the universe and really cherish the moments your children are with you. After dropping off my son at college, cue the waterworks here, I am so thankful for that reminder. My daughter is a Senior now and I try not to find myself thinking about what’s next, and to simply soak in what is now. Well, here goes the ugly cry.
10. Any words of wisdom?
My words of wisdom is to listen to your inner whispers. Take the time to be silent, to let your mind receive its thoughts. Stay true to yourself and find time to be free of distraction. so that your personal ideas and thoughts can shine through. Whether it’s on a walk, sipping coffee at the crack of dawn, or staring out the window, give yourself pause to honor your inner voice. Let your mind go, and your thoughts will flow. You never know what you are going to say.
We love supporting local businesses. Favorite places in town (or near town) to…
Have dinner with/without kids: Honestly, the bar at Pappa Joes. Its a gem in our neighborhood and the small bar is so warm and welcoming . It is the perfect spot to walk up and have a delicious dinner and definitely a lot of laughs. Grab a drink with friends: 1020 is solid on the meeting up with friends front. Always a great time! Have a date night: Mike and I love L”Ostale. The food is unique and La Cave wine bar for a night cap is a delight. Spend time together as a family indoors/outdoors: Our favorite family activity is going on the boat to Ziglers Cove and spending the day in the sun. We are hands down warm weather, water family so anytime we can swim, fish or buzz around the boat is a happy time!
Shop for yourself/shop for your kids: This is a little deviation from what one usually thinks about when referring to “shop” but since the large extent of my shopping consists around feeding my family, I am going to say Palmers! Before we moved to Darien, I would drive my two little toddler age kids up to Palmers so they could navigate the mini shopping carts, while I sipped a little cup of complimentary coffee (so happy that it is back at Palmers!) It was a fun outing for us, and it still is, for me! The staff is so friendly and the store itself is a feast for the senses. I am not one for buying clothes that often, but when I do, Sail to Sable is my favorite.
Spa/salon (or anywhere you go to treat yourself): Williams Day Spa is dreamy!
Grab coffee: Aux Delice for the Ginger Tea is a treat!
Any hidden treasures or other favorites you want to share? I absolutely love the Darien Community Association! I am lucky to spend two school days each year at the DCA and marvel at the beauty of the building and spacious grounds. We lead the children through the trails with an incredible Naturalist, Chris Filmer, who shares a wealth of knowledge with us. It is home to so much beauty, so many interesting people and events, I cannot say enough about it! **Feel free to add anything you’d like to include…**
Please follow my daily journal of gratitude posts on Instagram @Thankyoudailies (I am just beginning this) or @Katemast_ for updates and information!
I will be signing books at Elm Street Books in New Canaan on Saturday, November 8th 10am – 12pm I will be signing and selling books at the Rowayton Holiday Market on December 6th, 12pm-8pm
For anyone on Nantucket in November, I will be signing books at Peachtree Kids on Saturday, November 22nd!
Please join me in fostering the attitude of gratitude through reading “Thank You, Nantucket” and the books to follow! It is my mission to create books that help young children, and readers of all ages, to build a daily habit of gratitude. As a summer resident and aspiring year-rounder, I consider Nantucket to be my family’s forever home. The debut book in the “Thank You” series pays homage to the island we love along with countless others who share the Island magic. I hope that through the gentle and melodic tone of the book, readers are encouraged to see everyday life through a lens of gratefulness and appreciation.