How many kids do you have and what are their ages?
I have two handsome boys; my son Anthony and my step-son Ethan. They are both 10 years old.
How long have you lived in Stamford and what brought you here?
I’ve lived in Stamford for almost 2 years. I moved here after my husband and I got married in June of 2017.
What do you like about Stamford?
It feels like we live in a big city but at the same time it feels like a suburb. I was born and raised in a big city so I’m considered a city girl.
What’s your favorite family activity in Stamford?
My family and I love to go to Harbor Point to walk by the water and we also love to go to the beautiful parks found throughout the city.
Where’s your favorite place to shop or eat in Stamford?
I absolutely love Target since there isn’t a Walmart in our city. I like eating at Casa Villa because my family and I love Spanish food.
What’s been your favorite “mommy moment” so far?
My favorite moment as a mom has been being their number one cheerleader when they play basketball on the Stamford Peace League. I love inspiring them to be all they can be in and out of school.
What’s your favorite thing to do when you need some “me time”?
I absolutely enjoy and love to restore furniture and paint them with chalk paint. I love seeing an old/abandoned piece of furniture become something beautiful and useful again. I’m always looking for cheap pieces of furniture to restore them.
How did your career change after becoming a mom?
After I became a mom I noticed that my priorities changed quickly. I went from doing what I wanted to pinpointing the things my child needed. My kids are on my priority list!
Tell us about your role with the Salvation Army in Stamford?
My husband and I are the Administrators and Pastors of The Salvation Army here in Stamford. We oversee the daily operations of the programs and services offered at our location. We also have the responsibility of ministering to our congregation and giving spiritual guidance upon request. We supervise a staff of three paid employees and one other staff member.
How does your job allow you to connect to other moms in the community?
My job has given me the opportunity to connect with other moms within the community who walk in to become a client of the Diaper Bank Program. We help those moms who are struggling to purchase diapers for their babies. Through our Diaper Bank we are able to meet the need and help them offset the high cost of diapers once a month.
How can others get involved with helping families in need?
We have a few opportunities for individuals to help the families walking through our doors: by donating diapers to our Diaper Bank, donating food to our Food Pantry, volunteering to bag groceries or diapers, and they can also lead a diaper/food drive.
How do you balance career & mommyhood?
It gets pretty hectic when trying to juggle both, but we try to dedicate time to our boys and make sure they not only know we love them but also that we want to spend time with them. I believe that when a parent doesn’t to give their child quality time, families start breaking apart. We have to be there for our children!
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve gotten from another mom?
I think the best piece of advice I have received is from my own mom. She always told me to be there for them and to tell them, “I love you” every chance I get. They will always remember those words and actions.
(Third photo by Michael Baldelli)