My educational background is in environmental science; however, my career path took a different turn. I worked several years in the family law field as a legal assistant and now work as an executive assistant for The Family Tree, an affiliate of LifeBridge Health. I met my husband, Adam, through a dating app. He is Jewish and grew up Reform. He went to Hebrew school and traditionally celebrated the major Jewish holidays, but never attended synagogue regularly.  

Living in Parkville, what aspects of the community do you appreciate the most – what is the Jewish community like? 

Before becoming a Connector with the Jewish Connection Network, it was difficult to find other Jewish Families in this area. However, after creating our Parkville Jewish Families Facebook group, I’ve gotten to meet and know a lot of people. It’s been very exciting! I look forward to helping grow the Jewish community here in Parkville and meeting even more new people.  

As the Parkville Family Connector, what inspired you to take on this role, and what kind of activities or initiatives do you organize for families in the community? 

I was inspired to take on the role as the Connector for Parkville Jewish Families because I wanted to connect with other families like ours. Although my husband and I have been together for eight years, as the non-Jewish member of the family, I am still learning Jewish culture and customs. I would love to learn more from other moms.  

I also want my son to get to know and relate to other multi-faith families like ours. I have organized family events like Shabbat at the Library and Casserole Challenge Baking Parties, as well as smaller, more intimate mom craft nights and kid play dates.  

Being part of a multi-faith family, how do you navigate and celebrate the diversity within your own household? 

We truly enjoy being a multifaith family. I think that is what makes our family so special. We love and respect each other’s differences. I share with my husband the Christian holiday traditions that I grew up celebrating and he gets to share with me the Jewish holidays and traditions he grew up celebrating. Every year we still learn something new about each other and our family traditions.  

Can you share with us how your multi-faith family will celebrate the upcoming holidays and traditions,  blending both Jewish and Christian traditions? 

For all eight nights of Chanukah, we light the menorah, sing the prayers and eat traditional Chanukah foods. We also go to my in-laws for gift giving and dinner. On Christmas Eve, we eat Chinese food and watch an old Christmas movie. On Christmas morning, I make cinnamon rolls for breakfast, and we open up all of our holiday gifts. Then we go to my parents’ house and have a traditional Christmas dinner.  

In our house, we celebrate all of the traditional Jewish holidays. We don’t attend synagogue in person, however, occasionally we turn on virtual services. We celebrate Shabbat when we can on Friday evenings. We light Shabbat candles, and each family member must say one thing they are grateful for before we eat dinner. 

As someone deeply involved in the community, what do you believe are the key factors for creating a strong, supportive neighborhood for families? 

Kindness and consideration for others! These are two of the many pillars my husband and I often talk about when communicating about our marriage. We may not always agree or see eye to eye, but above all, we must always remain kind and considerate of each other’s views. I believe the same is true for building a strong, supportive community. Be kind and thoughtful, consider what someone might be going through and how you can support them. One day, when you really need it, someone will return your offers of kindness. Pass it on again!  

You have many wonderful hobbies and interests (reading, gardening, crocheting and crafting) How do you maintain a work-life balance?  

I’m still figuring that out! I try to not look at work related emails in the evenings or weekends. I have to remind myself that I dedicate myself to my work during the weekdays and that it’s important I dedicate my non-working hours to myself and my family.  

Traveling and exploring new places seem to be among your interests. What’s a memorable adventure or travel experience you had? 

Yes, we love to travel! Unfortunately, my husband and I both developed some anxiety over flying after our honeymoon in Mexico. The turbulence got intense on our way home, so for the foreseeable future it’s land travel for us. My husband loves the mountains and I love the beach, so vacations are often a compromise. But we love to explore new places, even on smaller day trips.