1.How many kids do you have and what are their ages?
3 kids -11, 9, 6
- How long have you lived in Short Hills/Millburn/Livingston and what made you decide to live here?
We have lived here 8 years. We came for more space, the ability to walk to the train, stores, restaurants, great schools, nice community, and diversity.
3.Tell us about your business and what other local things you are involved in! And how did you get started?
I’m an attorney for Rachel Coalition (part of JFS Metrowest), which is a domestic violence service provider. I represent victims in family law matters and restraining order hearings. I help people of all genders and religious/ethnic backgrounds. I get to work with the most interesting and brave clients and the most dedicated and committed legal team, social workers, and advocates. Plus Rachel is a part of Jewish Family Service of Metrowest. I am really proud to be a part of this Agency. JFS provides social services and support to individuals with all kinds of needs – there literally is a service for anyone with a need, regardless of religious or economic background.
The Livingston/Short Hills/ Millburn mom community should know that we are here to support and help and we also have many volunteer opportunities for lawyers and non-lawyers.
I’m also involved in my kids’ schools and am a district leader representing my small part of Short Hills in the Millburn-Short Hills Democratic Committee.
4.Favorite thing to do when you need “me time”?
Take walks around the neighborhood and look at the beautiful homes, trees, and gardens. I also love laying down on my couch and reading.
5.Favorite place for dinner with kids?
It used to be Melting Pot but it just closed. We are looking for a new favorite place.
6.Most enjoyable place to hang out?
A friend’s living room, drinking tea.
7.How do you balance your career and being a mom?
Its hard. I work part time which helps a lot. I have an amazing supervisor who supports my parenting responsibilities. Still, my house is never neat and there is always laundry to fold. We order in and eat out a fair share. I just have to let those things go in favor of sanity!
8.Proudest mommy moment(s)?
3 kids – 3 moments
My daughter just went to a laser tag party and she only knew a couple of kids who weren’t there when we arrived. She went right in with confidence and by pick-up had a bunch of new friends. I really admire her independence and self confidence.
My oldest son showed deepest kindness and compassion for my parents when we suffered an unexpected tragic death in my family. He just knew how to be loving and supportive. He showed his true self and I was so proud.
We went to Barcelona over winter break. My 6 year old had just studied Picasso in art. He took us around the Picasso museum and taught us so much about the artist and his work.
9.Can’t believe that happened mommy moment!
Many years ago, my oldest vomited at the airport and we ran out of clothes to change him. He flew from Florida to NJ in nothing but a diaper. Many grandmas had a thing or two to say to us about our parenting.
10.Best advice you have gotten from a mom?
Don’t be afraid or ashamed to ask for help. It really does take a village!
11.Best piece of advice you can give other moms!
I’ve made plenty of mistakes but one thing I feel I have done right is taking the kids to see the world. I recommend that parents should start traveling with their kids outside of the US and Caribbean by the time they are 3. The more they travel, the more comfortable they will be with travel – making family vacations more adventurous and fun.
12.One thing people would be surprised to know about you…
I make good matzah ball soup and hamantaschen. I love cooking and baking, especially with my kids. (Beats playing knee hockey any day!)