Born in Hartford and a third generation Hartfordite. My father’s parents lived in North Hartford, owned a grocery store and some apartments. My mother’s parents owned a fur store in the city, where grandma, a poet/entertainer entertained her patrons. My father put himself through Yale and Columbia Business school. My mother graduated from Dean Junior College. Education, cultural arts and civic duty were values I learned from family.
I graduated from Conard High School, class of 1958, attended Wheaton College, Norton, MA. for two years. During the summer I attended Harvard Summer School, where I met a young man who convinced me to transfer to Knox College, Galesburg, Illinois, where I graduated in 1962. He was the man who later became my husband. We lived in Philadelphia where I taught junior high school. Teaching wasn’t for me. I then wrote a grant and received money to unite two neighborhoods, a Black community and an Italian community through an after-school tutorial program. The success of this program excited me. When we moved to New Haven, CT. I attended Southern Connecticut State University and received a Masters degree in Urban Studies. Next I worked at CHIF, Connecticut Housing Invest Fund, a nonprofit whose mission was to counsel first time home owners in the Asylum Hill neighborhood.
By this time, I had two children. My husband, a psychiatrist, saw that I enjoyed counseling people and convinced me to get my MSW. This was one of the best choices I have made. I graduated from UCONN School of Social Work in 1985, followed by 6 years at Wheeler Clinic counseling individuals and families as well as helping corporations with their EAP programs.
Presently I supervise third year psychiatric residents at the IOL, Hartford Hospital. My experiences have provided me with in-depth knowledge of people from many backgrounds as well as a solid knowledge of greater Hartford.
I am enthusiastic about serving on the board of the School of Social Work. It is my way to give back.