How many kids do you each have and what are their ages?
Our son Grady is 12 years old and attends Scofield and Gianna 10 years old and is going into her last year at Stillmeadow.
What are your favorite family activities in Stamford?
During Kona Ice season it can get hectic, going for a family hike in Mianus River Park or Bartlett Arboretum is a great way to escape the hustle and bustle. Mill River Park Collaborative continues to be a family favorite as they continue to grow and develop alongside our family. We are looking forward to visiting the new Witthingham Discovery Center at the park.
What do you like about living in Stamford?
While Stamford has morphed into a much larger city it still has strong community networks. The best thing about Stamford is it offers a diverse community where you have everything you could possibly want at your fingertips.
Tell us about your career.
This fall I will embark on my 20th year as a Stamford Public School teacher. I currently teach Reading in grades 6 – 8. Originally, I taught 6th grade social studies for 14 years before obtaining a Literacy Degree. When I made the transition to Reading it was also when Greg and I decided we would embark on bringing Kona Ice to Stamford.
What inspired you and your husband to bring the Kona Ice truck to Stamford?
Greg and I are both Stamford natives and learned a lot growing up in family owned businesses. Kona Ice was a great fit for us for multiple reasons. Kona Ice is more than just ice! Kona Ice is about giving back to the communities we serve. We offer nonprofit fundraising and have given back over $20K since we have started Kona Ice in Stamford. Additionally, being that Kona Ice is seasonal it’s a perfect way to help foster interpersonal skills and a hearty work ethic in our own children that Greg and I learned from our families growing up.
How are you getting your kids involved?
Grady and Gianna’s roles have changed since our first few seasons of Kona. When we first started they were our ‘spoon assistants’ and would help put a spoon in every Kona Ice or work on their math skills making change! This season we can actually let them work the window independently. They still can’t drive and let’s not rush things!
What is your personal favorite Kona flavor?
Mom- Lavender Lemonade
Dad- Root Beer Float
Grady- Lemonade
Gianna- Undecided… if it’s flavorwave only the winner would be Blue Raspberry with Cotton Candy.
What’s the most fun thing about your job?
In both my teaching career and Kona Ice everyday is different and it most definitely keeps you on your toes. But, I must admit the best part of Kona Ice is witnessing adults embrace their childhood all over again when they approach the Kona Entertainment Vehicle uncertain about how to get a refreshing cup of shave ice.
How do you juggle work and mommyhood?
Juggling work and motherhood is never easy but carving out dedicated time for family is key and asking for help. Greg and I are incredibly fortunate to have an amazing network of family and friends. This incredible network of support has made parenthood and entrepreneurship manageable and we are forever grateful for their support.
What is the best piece of advice you’ve gotten from another mom?
To remember that time is fleeting. As a mom it is so easy to get overwhelmed looking at the activity calendar wall hanging up in the kitchen and realizing how utterly impossible the week ahead might be. Remember to enjoy the shuttling from school, to activities, to whatever the next event may be and be present and appreciate the moment we are in even if it is so hectic. Once those days of running all over the place are gone so too will those little tykes.