What are your kids ages?
Cecilia -3 years, Spencer- 2 years
What do you love about Stamford?
I love where we live because it has so much to offer! We are close to New York City if we want a “night out in the city.” In the summer, we love going to the beach and my kids love swimming in the Sound. In the winter, we love the proximity to ski slopes up in Vermont. What’s there not to love?!
What is your favorite restaurant and/or place to shop in Stamford?
Colony Pizza is a family favorite – the hot oil pizza always gets me. For lunch, I love the Turning Point Coffee Roasters. Everything there is so good and I love the vibe.
Tell us about your career.
After college at Emory University in Atlanta, I began my orthodontic journey at Columbia University College of Dental Medicine followed by my orthodontic residency at NYU. When I first graduated from my orthodontic residency, I secured an associate position at an orthodontic office with multiple locations in Fairfield County. That office was extremely busy and fast paced. In that office, I did not feel like I had enough time with each patient to form a meaningful relationship with my patients and their families. So, after working in that office for 4 years, when I was approached to take over a boutique office in downtown Westport, I jumped at the opportunity and named it: Embrace Orthodontics. Having grown up in Westport, I felt right at home and I could relate to the patients. Four years later, I opened up a second location in Stamford, near my current home.
Tell us about your practice.
The name, Embrace Orthodontics, was conceptualized because all of my patients have a personal relationship with me and call me “Dr. Emily” or “Dr. Em.” When you combine “Em” and “Brace” you get “Embrace.” Thus, Embrace Orthodontics. I pride myself on cultivating a comfortable atmosphere, while, at the same time, having a “concierge type practice” all while creating beautiful, healthy and functional smiles. I see a limited number of patients a day and treat patients of all ages, from kids to adults. My specialties include Damon braces, Invisalign and braces behind the teeth.
Why did you decide to open in Stamford?
One aspect about my job that I LOVE is making connections with my patients and their families. My practice operates at a slower pace, which affords me the opportunity to get to know each family that walks through the door. I decided to open in Stamford to keep that connection with my community.
How do you juggle work and mommyhood?
With a lot of help! I try not to be afraid to ask for help. I also remember to take “me time” to recharge. Whether it’s taking a couple hours to work out on my peloton, getting coffee with other moms, or going away for a couple of days with just my husband (we recently visited Sonoma, California, which was lovely), taking me time allows me to get it all done. Ironically, I find the busier I am, the more I get done.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve gotten from another mom?
Do the best you can, don’t try to do it all. Make sure to take time for yourself too.