My career has been devoted to helping others. After graduating from Becker College & Worcester State University I went on to be a special education teacher in MA & NC for many years. I’ve always been fiercely independent, full of passion, and determined to succeed. I took the leap to become a woman owned business in Worcester. I opened my art studio Just Paint Studio doors in 2012. I offered art classes from preschool to senior citizens. Creating art took me all over New England from Live Event Paintings I created at the Boston Public Library to the mansions in Newport, RI.
I am a mother of two amazing teenagers. As I watched my daughter play volleyball at South High and on a traveling volleyball club, I started wondering what her life would be like if she couldn’t play sports, how her life trajectory might be different if she didn’t have the opportunity. And, knowing that expenses of sports can be difficult for families, particularity single Moms like myself, I wondered “what do other kids do when their families can’t afford sports?” That is when I decided to start the Worcester Volleyball Club Blazers. I wanted it to be inclusive and affordable to all youths in Worcester County. I collaborated with Michele Benjamin, Director of Community Membership at Open Sky Community Services. This collaboration provided WVC Blazers with a home base at the Open Sky Gym in Worcester. I am excited to announce that we will have Worcester’s first girls traveling team starting in January 2024.
Q: Please tell us about your current career and what you love most about what you do?
Founder & Coach, Worcester Volleyball Club Blazers. I get to watch youths learn a new skills, develop self-confidence, build character, and make new friends. I am most proud of our mentorship in the club. Our high school players mentor our younger players by tapping into their knowledge and experience to foster meaningful relationships and develop talent within our club.
Q: What is your favorite restaurant in Worcester, and what is your favorite dish?
Baba Restaurant & Sushi Bar. The dining room is small cozy. You can’t go wrong no matter what you pick from the menu, but the creative maki rolls are the best! Dessert has to be Wholly Cannoli!!
Q: Who is the most interesting person you’ve ever met?
I’ve met many interesting people in my travels through the years. Hope to meet many more.
Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would it be and why?
Thailand. Visit the temples, try new cuisine and relax on the beaches.
Q: What is your go to band when you can’t decide what to listen to?
Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers
Q: What is your best advice?
The greatest advice is to forgive.
Q: What is one of the top three items on your Bucket List?
See the northern lights, a safari in Africa, and convert a school bus into a home and travel the country.
Q: What current/former local business makes you the most nostalgic about Worcester?
Nothing causes an instant nostalgia rush than The Galleria. Two floors of stores and a movie theater attached. I remember going to see Dirty Dancing at the movie theater with a group of my girlfriends. After the movie we all ran up to the record store to buy the movie poster from the film. We all had a crush on Patrick Swayze!!
Q: Choosing anyone alive and a non-relative with whom would you love to have lunch? Why?
Michele Obama I think she is authentic, brilliant and has a sense of humor. I think we would get along great!
Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
Creating a nonprofit for Worcester Volleyball Club Blazers to provide inclusiveness, adaptability, and affordability to youths in volleyball and other sports in Worcester County.
Q: What is something interesting that most people don’t know about you, even your friends or family.
I have most of my new ideas or being creative in the middle of night, laying in bed.
Q: What 3 words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
Home. A simple word that means something different to everyone. Warmth, family, and memories. I believe having a home is something every single person deserves.
Q: If a motion picture was made of your life, what actor/actress would you choose to play you?
Jennifer Aniston
Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about Worcester?
The feel of a busy city with so many beautiful parks and hidden gems.
Q: What is your favorite smell?
Grass right after it is mowed.
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
My children, Eve and Jacob
