I am first and foremost a member of our Worcester community. I’m passionate about our Worcester Public Schools, mentoring at Worcester East Middle School, volunteering at LIFT to help women exit and recover from commercial sexual exploitation, and am a very active member of our Worcester recovery community.
Please tell us a little bit about your family.
My parents, myself, and my siblings were all born and raised in New Bedford, MA. We spent a lot of time camping and going to the beach as kids.
Please tell us about your current, past, or future career. What do you love most about what you do?
I have been a scientist at UMass and most recently a Laboratory Manager at AbbVie in Worcester for almost 20 years. Four months ago, I made a career change and am now a Certified Recovery Advisor with Aware Recovery Care. I have the opportunity to go into people’s home and use my own recovery from substance use disorder to support and assist people in our community on their journey of sobriety.
What are a couple of your favorite restaurants in our community?
El Patron! Number one always. Joey’s Bar and Grill and Kai are amazing too.
How long have you lived or worked in our community?
22 years
Who is the most interesting person you’ve met here in our community?
Nikki Bell, the CEO of LIFT- Her non profit has shown me the true meaning of community and the power of sisterhood.
If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would it be and why?
Africa for a Safari. I have been obsessed with animals since I was a little kid. I’d love to be able to bring my nieces and nephews there (also obsessed with animals) and give one of my nieces the chance to see where her ancestors are from.
What is one of your favorite movies? TV shows?
The Craft and Mindhunter. Scary movies and serial killers for life!
What advice would you give to people?
Life changes when you open up your heart and love strangers unconditionally. It’s not enough just to feed and clothe someone who is struggling. Love them, hug them, listen to them, and sit with them through their struggles. It’s not about you; it’s about all of US.
What is something on your bucket list?
Cage dive with Great White Sharks in Mexico. Sharks are my soul!
What is your go to band when you can’t decide what to listen to?
Killswitch Engage or DMX
What current or former local business makes you the most nostalgic about our community?
Kenmore Diner
If you could choose anyone that is alive today and not a relative; with whom would you love to have lunch? Why? And where locally would y’all meet for this lunch?
Brene Brown. El Patron. Get one of her Ted Talks, and you’ll understand the why. As a scientist and a human I am fascinated by her research and her take on living wholeheartedly, which might just be one of the keys to life in my opinion.
What is your favorite thing or something unique about our community?
Our youth and all our teachers teaching our youth! Mentoring at Worcester East opened my eyes to how brilliant, insightful, and amazing our Worcester Public School kids are. There was a rally a few years ago that our public high school kids organized protesting gun violence, and I was just floored by our kids. I might be biased, being a New Bedford Public School kid……
Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
Right where I’m at; being part of our Worcester community. A wise art teacher at Gates Lane Elementary once told me, “The more you love Worcester, the more it loves you back.” I 100% agree!
(Even for friends or family), what is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
I’m super afraid of heights, even though I go sky diving and go on roller coasters and stuff to prove I’m not!
What is the most beautiful place you have ever been?
The Philippines. I am beyond grateful to have a sister-in-law who brought us to her home and introduced us to all of our new family. Both the country and it’s people are beautiful.
Favorite month? favorite holiday? and best single day on the calendar?
July. Thanksgiving…..no presents, just food and family. March 13….Gimmee longer days!!!
What would you rate a 10 out of 10?
Donuts. All day, every day.
Who inspires you to be better?
All of the women who are part of my recovery community. Without them, life would be less than. They keep me grateful, loving, and alive.
What is one or two of your favorite smells?
Roses. I’ve got about 30 rose bushes in my yard that I picked because they’re so fragrant.
Finally, what 3 words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
Unconditional love, nieces and nephew, and unlimited FOOD (thanks to my Mom and sister-in-law)
