Q: What first sparked your interest in early childhood education, and how has that passion evolved over time?
I’m the daughter of two educators — my mom, a retired high school teacher here in New Haven, and my dad, a law professor at Quinnipiac University. From them, I inherited not just a love of learning, but a sense that education should lift everyone, not just a few.
For a while, I thought law might be my path. I even worked on Capitol Hill in DC. But then I went to teach English in Madrid, and something clicked. I fell in love with the curiosity, energy and pure wonder of children learning. Early in my career, I explored the broader pre-K–12 system, but over time—especially after becoming a mom and joining All Our Kin—I’ve found myself increasingly drawn to early childhood, particularly family child care.
I genuinely believe early educators are brain builders. The foundation they help lay doesn’t just shape a child’s future — it shapes all of ours.
Q: What drew you to SIP, and why does this feel like the right moment?
It’s such an exciting time in Connecticut right now, especially with the Early Childhood Endowment at the state level. There’s real possibility to create a high-quality system that’s accessible to all children and families.
What drew me to SIP is its extraordinary position — bridging the state and the community in a way few organizations can. That dual focus feels like a superpower: the ability to influence policy while staying grounded in real, on-the-ground impact. Being part of SIP is a chance to help shape something truly meaningful at a pivotal moment, where the choices we make today can ripple out for years to come.
Q: When you think about the future of early childhood education in Connecticut, what gives you the most hope?
What gives me hope is the growing momentum behind this work. Educators, families, and advocates have always known how critical early childhood is, and many legislators and state leaders have long been supportive partners — with even more now stepping forward and strengthening that commitment.
Q: Can you share a moment that reminded you why this work matters so much?
As a mom of three, I feel this every single day. My youngest daughter went to an amazing family child care program right in our New Haven neighborhood. Watching her eyes light up each morning, seeing the warmth and expertise of her provider, Miss Josie, and feeling genuinely supported as a parent reminded me why this work matters so deeply.
Even as a third-time parent, I found myself learning from Miss. Josie’s patience, her kindness and her unwavering care. Every drop-off, whether at school or child care, is a little reminder: these early environments shape lives, and the educators who pour themselves into this work deserve our full support.
Q: How has being both a parent and an educator shaped how you think about systems-level work?
For me, this understanding has evolved over time. I often think about “layers of holding.” We want children to feel nurtured and supported so they can thrive — but who is holding the teachers? Who is supporting families? And how do our systems hold it all together?
Looking through multiple lenses — teacher, parent, systems leader — has taught me to see the bigger picture. We all need support to truly thrive. A strong system doesn’t just care for one layer; it recognizes and strengthens the connections between them all.
Q: What is something you wish more people understood about early childhood education?
I wish more people recognized just how smart, deliberate and cognitively demanding the work of early childhood educators really is. It’s not just caring for kids — it’s a full-time, high-stakes job that requires emotional intelligence, deep expertise in child development and the ability to meet each child exactly where they are while guiding them forward.
This is essential, transformative work — and it deserves to be honored, supported and valued at the level it truly merits.