I am a Worcester born-and-raised educator, coach, and mother of two wonderful young children. I am a lifelong learner, with degrees in Psychology, Communication, and Education, as well as certificates in Coaching, Entrepreneurship, and Mindfulness. As a tried-and-true people person, I am a passionate advocate for human development, education, and connection. I live for the summer time, and find myself happiest when I’m on the beach. I love food and am a big fan of Worcester’s consistently growing restaurant scene. Though I rarely have enough time for hobbies, I love writing and making art, spending time with family and friends, and pretending I’m a dog trainer with my sweet and powerful German Shepherd pup, Piper.
Q: Please tell us about your current career and what you love most about what you do?
I am an instructional coach for the Worcester Public Schools, currently working with schools in the North Quadrant. I also offer coaching, consulting, and facilitation work through contract and private practice. What I love most about my work is connecting authentically with people. There is a great sense of fulfillment that comes with supporting people as they identify and work towards their top goals, and find ways to merge their personal and professional interests. Within my role, I also have the privilege of recognizing and uplifting talented and creative individuals, giving them access to bigger and broader opportunities. I get to help awesome people grow in their careers and form connections with other like-minded professionals. I feel very fortunate that this is my job.
Q: What is your favorite restaurant in Worcester, and what is your favorite dish?
There are so many great ones but my top faves have to be Baba Sushi, Bocado, and the Boynton. At Baba, the Oyster Shooters and Cucumber Sashimi are non-negotiables, and the Diablo’s Brew for a cocktail adds just the right amount of heat! Bocado’s staples are Fried Goat Cheese, Shrimp Burgers, and Sparkling Sangria. The Boynton is a Worcester classic— you can’t go wrong with their Buffalo Chicken Pizza (always with a side of their house-made dill dressing!). For take-out especially, I love Da Lat (#3 and #37!) and Sol of Mexico (fish tacos!)
Q: Who is the most interesting person you’ve ever met?
Probably Dr. Dacey, a longtime math educator in the Worcester Public Schools. Though I never had class with him, I got to hear some of his stories through interactions in the Doherty hallways and secondhand from my friends who had him as a teacher. He passed away back in 2020 and I remember being awe-struck when I read his obituary. I knew him as the approachable genius who made math accessible and fun for my friends which is an impressive feat in and of itself, but he accomplished so much more than that in his lifetime. He was a real gem for the Worcester community.
Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would it be and why?
I would be ecstatic to be anywhere warm with great beaches! I’m not designed for cold weather…
Q: What is your go to band when you can’t decide what to listen to?
My taste in music hasn’t changed much since the early 2000’s. My go-to’s are usually The Get Up Kids or Alkaline Trio.
Q: What is your best advice?
First, keep learning and growing. The world is constantly changing so you need to be ready to change with it. Second, get yourself in spaces with people who inspire you to be better. Third and most importantly, be kind. Kindness is what sustains humanity and it seems we need it now more than ever.
Q: What are the top three on your Bucket List?
Owning a beach house is bucket list item 1, 2, and 3!
Q: What current/former local business makes you the most nostalgic about Worcester, and why?
I really miss Tortilla Sam’s, Block 5 (specifically their brunch), and the Citizen. Each of these restaurants were key settings in different eras of my life. I also miss shopping for unique gifts at Bhadon in Tatnuck Square.
Q: Choosing anyone alive and a non-relative with whom would you love to have lunch, and why?
I would love to have lunch with Oprah Winfrey. I believe her work set the stage for critical awareness of human interaction, empathy, physical and mental health, and self improvement. She is a boss.
Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
Hopefully in a beach house! But really, I see myself continuing to work in the field of human development and learning. I am a true people person and find great fulfillment in helping people actualize their goals.
Q: What is something interesting that most people don’t know about you, even your friends or family.
I think people would be surprised to know that I am a certified mindfulness and yoga practitioner. I offer individual, group, and corporate mindfulness training.
Q: What 3 words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
Warmth, comfort, family.
Q: If a motion picture was made of your life, what actor/actress would you choose to play you?
I’d probably try to cast Jennifer Lawrence. She is authentic, multi-faceted, and a bit clumsy. I can relate…
Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about Worcester?
My absolute favorite thing about Worcester is that it has a small-town feel with the diversity and culture of a big city. 99% of the time I go anywhere in the city, I see someone I know. That doesn’t seem to happen to people from other metropolitan areas… it is a very Worcester experience.
Q: What is your favorite smell?
I love the smell of the beach— that distinct briny, salty, coconutty scent instantly calms my mind and brings me joy.
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
There are a lot of people I could name here, but my two kids, Lily and John, are my #1 inspiration. Their creativity, curiosity, and insights really encourage me to re-engage with parts of my imagination that have been unintentionally cast aside throughout adulthood. They remind me of the importance of fun.
